Drink in a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Windy City when you go for an evening cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset. Hop aboard your open-top vessel in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and cruise along the Chicago River, where your guide will point out architectural highlights. Then, see the skyline from a distance, and watch the skyscrapers light up, when you continue to Lake Michigan for a sunset viewing.

Admire a perspective of Chicago that most visitors miss on this boat tour
Explore after dark to see the city's glittering lights come on
Spy the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Hancock Building, and more
Learn all about Chicago architecture from the live narration

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Restroom on board
Enclosed climate-controlled lounge
Local Expert Guide

Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Arrive at 400 N Michigan Avenue 30 minutes before your departure and you will be directed to your boarding dock. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive if driving. We do not have parking. It is recommend that you book parking in advance.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your way to the meeting point in downtown Chicago to board the sightseeing cruise, and set sail along the Chicago River. As you cruise through the heart of the Windy City, you’ll pass landmarks, including the Magnificent Mile, the John Hancock Building, the Wrigley Building, the Aqua Tower, and the Willis Tower.

Listen to the on-board commentary to learn more about Chicago’s historic sites and striking architecture as you admire the city skyline from the water. Cruise all the way to Lake Michigan, where you’ll watch the sunset from the open-air top deck or climate-controlled lower deck. While on board, you can also pick up some drinks and snacks from the full-service bar (own expense).

After about 1.5 hours on the water, return to the starting point where your tour ends.

Chicago Skyline (Pass By)

John Hancock Center (Pass By)

Aqua Tower (Pass By)

Lake Michigan (Pass By)

Chicago River

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time
Contact tour operator for wheelchair & ADA access
Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis
Special requests entered at checkout cannot be guaranteed
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where do we meet for the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:We are located at 400 N Michigan Avenue at the historic Wrigley Building. Wendella has four dock locations that extend west from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge to Wabash Avenue.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking available for the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:There are two parking garages near the departure point: AMA Plaza parking at 401 N. State Street and InterPark Public Parking at 430 N. Rush St. (Parking fees apply at both locations.)

Apr 2021

Q:Is the Chicago Sunset Cruise handicap accessible?

A:We operate 3 boats with wheelchair lifts between decks. All our boats can accommodate wheelchairs & have toilets that are ADA compliant. For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, a written script of the narration is available at the ticket office.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I bring my service animal with me on the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:A service animal is a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Pets and dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there restrooms available on board the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:Yes. Restrooms are located on the lower deck of each vessel; changing tables are also available in each restroom.

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Apr 2021

Q:Does the Chicago Sunset Cruise operate in bad weather?

A:Our cruises depart rain or shine. Our vessels include sheltered areas and climate-controlled lounges. Ponchos are available for purchase onboard. However, in cases of severe weather where the cruise must be canceled, all guests will be refunded.

Apr 2021

Q:Is the boat climate controlled during the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:Most of our vessels feature an enclosed climate-controlled lounge on the lower deck with speakers to hear the tour guide’s narration. If you have a concern about whether your vessel has an interior lounge, please call the phone number on your ticket.

Apr 2021

Q:Is food/drink available during the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:A full-service bar is available onboard. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an assortment of snacks, are available for purchase. Bar sales are credit cards only. No cash purchases.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I store my luggage during the Chicago Sunset Cruise?

A:There is no storage area on our dock, but guests may bring their luggage aboard keeping in mind it is subject to inspection.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Aditi_K

Breathtaking views of the city and sunset. The cruise goes in circles in the lake to offer gorgeous views to everyone on board from the time the sun begins to set until it's completely dark. The guide gave lots of information about the city and was fun to listen to.

Reviews

4.5

863 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 863 reviews

Remarkable

Brandon_J, Apr 2024

Great host , very nice environment, I will definitely go again! The drinks was delicious and view very amazing

Nice cruise but depends on weather

Katherine_M, Apr 2024

The views were beautiful, and the commentary was fun and interesting. However, the weather wasn’t good—chilly and very windy—so be sure to check the forecast when booking. The best weather for this tour is when it's warm with clear skies.

A wonderful, beautiful evening with a wonderful, beautiful friend

Zoe_B, Apr 2024

It was a perfect time. The sunset, the city lights, and holding the person that I love made an evening, I won’t forget.

Must do!

Crystal_B, Apr 2024

It was so beautiful! We took the sunset cruise and being able to see the city lights from the boat was incredible

Beautiful scenery!

Valeria_H, Apr 2024

It was a beautiful ride and view of the city, this is my first time in Chicago and this definitely enhanced my experience

A beautiful Chicago evening sunset from offshore

Julian_Y, Apr 2024

The Chicago skyline at sunset is gorgeous. We had a clear day, which turned into spectacular evening, to watch the sunset from offshore. The city lights, with natures colorful sky show in the background, will be a lifetime memory.

Must do when in Chicago

Susan_B, Apr 2024

Beautiful, worth it 100%! Layer up, we went in April. The views are amazing! It's a must do and if I'm ever back in Chicago I'll be doing it again.

Memorable experience

Aditi_K, Apr 2024

One not to miss

Maryanne_R, Jan 2024

Even if you have been to Chicago several times. This cruise will give you a new perspective of the city. Also it is safe!

Sunset

Cody_A, Oct 2023

Great experience it was cold but grab some hot coco a from the bar and enjoy the amazing tour guide.

Very nice

Claudette_B, Oct 2023

My favorite part was coming back into the city in the evening ehen the city was lit up nice experience

Perfect Memory on Lake Michigan

Alvis_L, Oct 2023

Romantic, with the best view of the Chicago Skyline! We didn’t get a sunset because of the weather, but the trip was well worth it anyway. This is a must do while in Chicago!

Great time!

Robin_B, Oct 2023

This was a fantastic way to see the beautiful city of Chicago. Our guide was great too. Highly recommend this tour!

Great Sunset Tour of Chicago

sherrie_l, Oct 2023

We enjoyed our experience very much. We had guests from Sweden, and we brought them to Chicago. This sightseeing tour was the only one I booked, but it was so good that we came back the next day for the architectural river cruise. The man that met us at the top of the stairs (told us where to go when it was time to get on), was very knowledgeable and helpful. He was worth the effort! The man that gave the tour was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed him. So both of the people that we interacted with made the trip what it was. I would highly recommend.

Sunset cruise

Tanina_W, Oct 2023

Besides the rain the tour was great. The crew was great. I did the sunset cryise and still learned some interesting things from the guide.

Great even in cloudy cold weather

Sheri_M, Oct 2023

Beautiful view. Bonus river trip! In spite of robot forcing more words on this page, I’m done. Said what I wanted to. No more words. Done. Done. Done.

Absolutely beautiful

Kara_K, Oct 2023

How beautiful the sunset was with the city view. The other people on the boat with us were very nice. The drinks were good. Also, big shout out to Dave our tour guide he was nice and so funny and had us all laughing. He gave us great information about Chicago as well.

It was beautiful.

Mike_R, Oct 2023

The views of the city and the facts about Chicago were wonderful. I will definitely be back soon. Hopefully the weather will still be nice!

Great experience

Franziska_E, Oct 2023

What a tour out on the lake. Loved the short and quirky history sections between the dock and lock. And the music out in the lake was perfect, just giving you time to focus on the experience. Of course the best part was the view from the lake with the sunset behind the city… just amazing. Big recommendation!

Beautiful scenery

Becky_M, Oct 2023

The colors of the sunset sky was breath-taking. If you come in October, bring a coat and gloves (maybe a hat).

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