Take in views of the Chicago skyline and its many landmarks during this Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Climb aboard your vessel for a laidback ride, enjoying panoramic views from a unique perspective. Along the way, you'll listen to informative audio commentary and take in views of the Navy Pier and the Willis Tower, along with many other landmarks. Plus, feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar (own expense, cash only).

Narrated sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan
Enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Chicago's skyline
See Chicago's major skyscrapers and architectural highlights
Bring a lunch to enjoy on board during your boat tour

What's Included

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

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

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Shoreline Boats Tours
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Get a unique perspective on Chicago's world-famous skyline during this sightseeing boat cruise on Lake Michigan. Whether you're looking for some unexpected views of the city's striking architecture, or simply want a chance to relax on the city's famous waterfront, this tour is a great option.

Start your cruise from Navy Pier's Dock Street and head out for a ride on the water. Along the way, you'll listen to interesting commentary surrounding Chicago history, and hear colorful details about its most famous landmarks.

During your ride, you'll have a chance to view some of the Windy City's most famous (and tallest) buildings, including the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, and the Aon Center. You'll also be able to spot neighborhoods like the Gold Coast, plus attractions like Navy Pier, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain.

If you're feeling thirsty, grab a refreshment at the on-board bar (own expense, cash only). Or pack a lunch, as you enjoy your meal while you cruise. No matter how you choose to spend your relaxing boat ride, it's sure to offer a great time for the entire family.

Lake Michigan

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Skyline (Pass By)

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (Pass By)

Navy Pier (Pass By)

Buckingham Fountain (Pass By)

Millennium Park (Pass By)

Chicago Cultural Center (Pass By)

Chicago Architecture Center (Pass By)

Historic Water Tower (Pass By)

Additional Info

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

Cruises are dog friendly
Beginning November 6th, 2023 through April 2024, cruises will be 30 minutes in length
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Natalia_R

It was the wonderful cruise with beautiful views and the professional captain Bob. I recommend this trip to my friends 👌

Reviews

4.5

669 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 669 reviews

Mosquito Nest.

Cajethan_N, Apr 2024

Great weather for a tour with calm waters, but the boat was a mosquito nest. It all started well and we were in the middle of the tour, we got attacked by a swam of Mosquitoes, which I believe to be residing inside the vessel. When we got back on shore, nothing was done to address the issue.

Nice lake tour

Jacqueline_W, Apr 2024

Easy ticketing, lots of seating, considerate crew. Pre-recorded tour. Navy Pier was easy to access. Short but captured the scenery

Nice quick trip

Angel_C, Apr 2024

Very relaxing quick trip with beautiful scenery. We’ve done it several times when we’ve come into town.

Vacation

Terrance_J, Apr 2024

The skyline view and the facts about the history behind Chicago. Very interesting to hear the back story of its origin.

Nice family ride

Carrie_G, Mar 2024

Nice boat ride, but hard to hear the pre-recorded messages. We went on a very windy day and it was great to be under cover. However, I think our trip was cut a little short due to waves.

Waste of money

Austin_J, Mar 2024

Captain never showed up . Would not recommend, so unprofessional. We waited for 30 minutes for someone to show up

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for taking time to share your experience with us. Please email us at info@shorelinesightseeing.com your booking details so that we can investigate and resolve the challenges.

Adorable Chicago

Natalia_R, Mar 2024

It was the wonderful cruise with beautiful views and the professional captain Bob. I recommend this trip to my friends 👌

Chicago A go go!!

Duncan_H, Mar 2024

Fabulous and informative. Short and sweet but enjoyable. Definitely recommend. 👍 I would say perfect for info and some history but panoramas are stunning. Possibly the best skyline I’ve ever seen.

Worth it!

Juliann_E, Mar 2024

We really enjoyed the views from our rooftop seats. Timed it so we could watch the sunset over the Chicago skyline - so worth it!! The crew was great too!

AmAzInG!

Kathleen_O, Jan 2024

AmAzinG skyline site!!! I highly recommend taking this tour in the evening!!! Well worth the money!!

Nice

JuanitaRomero_R, Dec 2023

It was an excellent experience but very short. I was expecting a longer trip, but overall it was nice.

Great day!

Ashley_R, Nov 2023

loved the cruise, announcer was pleasant, i’m so glad you didn’t leave exactly at 2:30 because I couldn’t find the leaving point because my emails didn’t show what the name of the boat/company was, but I made it.

Just amazing!

Adrian_G, Nov 2023

Came with me wife and had an awesome time! Especially seeing the sunset, the buildings were lit up at night, amazing! Overall I would want to do it again

A bunch of crap

Lusa_O, Oct 2023

I’m very upset with this company. I had to move my time 2x due to the address that was provided to me. I called to see if I could voucher for another day and the rep said no that I had to prove that I wasn’t going to make before boat left. I spoke to the actual rep at the cruise and she provided me the correct address but I was out 1.5 hours away.

Great tour

Kass_D, Oct 2023

The tour was on the shoreline of the city and explained unique historical key points about the city. Only drawback was the chilly weather on the 2nd level of the boat, recommend wearing comfortable layers when exploring

Lovely intro to City, Lake & Skyline

Andrew_B, Oct 2023

Go at sunset to get the fading colored light and the skyline turning on with electricity. It can serve as a good intro to Chicago. Not too time consuming. Priced fairly and taped narration is actually pretty good.

river cruise along chicago lakefront w/skyline cruise

Lydia_V, Sep 2023

It was a very nice weather for boating, the skyline of chicago is always fascinating and beautiful. The cruise would have been better if we had time to do when it was dark

Beautiful day in Chicago....

Tam_N, Sep 2023

Beautiful day in Chicago. It was truly a perfect way to see the skyline. My family really enjoyed the short ride.

Enjoyable Experience

Beatriz_G, Sep 2023

Easy to book tour with punctual departure and educational information by a guide. The price was very reasonable.

Great experience

macjing1, Sep 2023

Wonderful tour and chicago skyline is beautiful with a great weather. The service is perfect and tour on time

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