Lake Michigan Cruise: Chicago Skyline Sightseeing

725 Ratings

Chicago

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Experience the beauty of Chicago’s skyline on a Lake Michigan cruise. Marvel at the city’s iconic skyscrapers while enjoying a leisurely sightseeing tour with onboard dining and drinks.

Duration: 40 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Lake Michigan - Embark on a sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan and take in Chicago’s stunning lakefront views. Cruise duration varies with the weather: 40 minutes in warmer months and 30 minutes in colder months.
Chicago Skyline - Enjoy a boat tour with pre-recorded audio narrating Chicago’s rich history and iconic landmarks as you gaze at the city’s renowned skyline. View major skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center, Aon, Trump Tower, Willis Tower (Sears Tower), and more. Discover downtown areas such as the Gold Coast, Streeterville, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain, and pass by notable landmarks like Navy Pier. Beverages are available for purchase at the onboard bar (cash only), and you can bring your own lunch to enjoy while relaxing and taking in the sights. This tour is an excellent way for the whole family to appreciate Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower - The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Navy Pier - Spanning 50 acres, Navy Pier features parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries, attractions, and the Centennial Ferris Wheel.
Buckingham Fountain - This iconic Chicago landmark is celebrated as one of America’s finest fountains, known for its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, intricate bronze sculpture, and innovative technology.
Millennium Park - Situated within Grant Park, Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate, also known as “the bean.”
Chicago Cultural Center - As the nation’s first free municipal cultural center, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Opened in 1897 as Chicago’s first public library, this stunning landmark building houses two magnificent stained-glass domes.
Chicago Architecture Center - The Chicago Architecture Center boasts a scale model of Chicago featuring 4,000 buildings.
Historic Water Tower - This 19th-century Gothic limestone landmark hosts a gallery focused on Chicago, specializing in photography.

What's Included

Pet-friendly
On-board restrooms
Pre-recorded commentary on board
Scenic skyline cruise on Lake Michigan

What's Not Included

Food and drinks (available for purchase and you can also bring your own)

Additional Information

Appreciate the stunning lakeside sights and popular attractions of Chicago on this boat tour across Lake Michigan. Sail on Lake Michigan and savor the captivating sights of the city’s renowned skyscrapers from a fantastic viewpoint. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch and indulge in beverages from the bar onboard during your tranquil sightseeing journey.

Cruises are dog friendly
Beginning November 6th, 2023 through April 2024, cruises will be 30 minutes in length

Location

Shoreline Boats Tours

East Grand Avenue

Shoreline Sightseeing Lake Tour is on Navy Pier’s Dock Street. Your tour will depart from Shoreline’s dock on the west end of Navy Pier. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.4

(725 Ratings)

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Bella_b

Sep 6, 2024

You must try it! - It was a very nice trip! My girlfriend and I were a little late, but my ticket was rescheduled. Thank you very much. 💕

Review provided by Viator

Nina_h

Sep 5, 2024

Great view - The view was stunning would like to do the river tour next time I’m in Chicago. Highly recommend for tourists as they also have great facts about the city and other places to visit

Review provided by Viator

Dan_s

Sep 2, 2024

Amazing skyline view - Easy boarding, nice ride along lake front, and the beautiful view of the skyline. The kids had a good time. They were able to enjoy the view from top of the boat as well go into the bottom of the boat when they felt chilly from the wind. Crew was courteous and the ride was just long enough where you were able to enjoy the skyline and then move with the rest of your day.

Review provided by Viator

Kema_g

Sep 1, 2024

The views were... - The views were breathtaking. The ride was nice and smooth. I like that there was ample seating. I would entertain guest on the cruise!!

Review provided by Viator

Alan_z

Aug 29, 2024

Great little cruise - The cruise was fantastic and a great way to see the lights of Chicago. Learn about the history of the lake and the city. Was just enough time on the boat.

Review provided by Viator

Chaya_b

Aug 26, 2024

Wonderful trip, just the right amount of time - Beautiful trip, kind people and helpful booking service. Boat ride was gorgeous and smooth. The vibe on the boat was great and there was lots of room to be comfortable.

Review provided by Viator

Angel_g

Aug 26, 2024

Seeing the skyline - Clean boat and restrooms, nice and helpful crew on board. Beautiful site seeing boat. Highly recommend.

Review provided by Viator

Joumana_z

Sep 1, 2024

Fun on the water - Me, my Mom and sisters had a wonderful time. I love being on the water and I always enjoy this ride. I just wish that the ride is a full hour.

Review provided by Viator

Susan_e

Aug 25, 2024

You need to have a deeper... - You need to have a deeper voice giving the information about what we are looking at. I couldn't hear what she was saying most of the time. there were only 9 people downstairs so there wasn't much noise.

Review provided by Viator

Amer_a