Take in iconic views of the beautiful Chicago lakefront and its many landmarks during this Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Climb aboard your vessel for a laid-back ride, enjoying panoramic views of the Windy City's skyline from a unique perspective. Along the way, you'll listen to informative commentary and take in views of the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower, along with many other landmarks. Plus feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar, during your ride.

Narrated sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan
Enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Chicago's skyline
See Chicago's major skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center, Aon, Trump Tower and Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
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

Food and drinks (available for purchase)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

600 E Grand Ave
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 Chicago'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 downtown neighborhoods like Streeterville and the Gold Coast, plus attractions like Navy Pier, Grant Park and the famous Buckingham Fountain.

If you're feeling thirsty, feel free to grab a refreshment at the on-board bar (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.

Please note: This cruise is seasonal and does not operate in the winter due to weather conditions.

Lake Michigan

Take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan and marvel at all of Chicago's fabulous lakefront sights. Duration of the cruise depends on on weather. The cruise will be 40 minutes during the warmer months and 30 during the colder months.

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Skyline

On this boat tour, pre-recorded audio will tell you about Chicago's colorful history and famous landmarks as you enjoy the panorama of Chicago's famous skyline! See Chicago's major skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center, Aon, Trump Tower, Willis Tower (Sears Tower) and more. Spot downtown areas like the Gold Coast, Streeterville, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, and pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier.Feel free to purchase beverages at the onboard bar (cash only). You can also bring aboard your own lunch to enjoy as you relax and admire Chicago from the cruise. This is a perfect way for the entire family to experience Chicago's beautiful lakefront!

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers

Operated by Shoreline Sightseeing

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.

about cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Traveler Tips

It was a hot day and advise to wear a hat as there is no shade on top of the boat but still enjoyed the ride!

Let's chilly out on the lake due to the wind even on a hot day so bring a sweatshirt 😀

My advice would be to bring your own as they do allow you to bring items onboard.

Reviews

4.5

530 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 530 reviews

Fun

Emily_H, Jan 2023

Loved the cruise. Can go on top or stay inside. It was very difficult to find the location. There were even signs saying that they were closed that day and a worker on the pier gave us the wrong directions to the west end. I called viator to get a refund and after 30 min they didn't even answer. Luckily after walking to the other end of the pier after 45 min we found the location and they were able to give us a different tour time without penalty. The need clearer directions with landmarks

Such a disappointment

Diyas_A, Jan 2023

We couldn’t make it! Given Instruction was awful. Nobody picked up phone call. We were looping around 30 minutes and couldn’t find which one was ours. At the end when we finally found our boat it had already sailing from the shore.

Educational

Jubaira_M, Dec 2022

Very informative and interesting as well as educational trip. Good to know the history behind it. Thanks

Good city views

Victoria_M, Nov 2022

Great to see the city from the water. It’s advertised as a 40 minute trip but it was closer to 30 minutes

Much too expensive for the value of the tour

Alain_C, Nov 2022

Nothing to say , not great , not smart, sad . Low level of everything Too expensive for the value of the trip

There is no better place...

Colin_M, Oct 2022

There is no better place to see the Chicago City Tall Skyscrapers than the Lake Michigan Boat Cruise. Stunning view of the city.

Fun time

chris_s, Oct 2022

Perfect amount of time with the 40 minute cruise. The information about the city was fantastic and the crew did a wonderful job of welcoming you on board and off board. Nice job. Highly Recommend.

Chitown views

Metoyer_C, Oct 2022

Very Cool and relaxing with great views. The boat ride could be a little longer! Good historical lessons.

Great Trip!

Katelin_P, Oct 2022

This cruise was beautiful and informative! We had so much fun and got some beautiful photos. 😍 Would recommend for everyone to take some time out and go on this cruise!

Great perspective of the skyline from the Lake.

Michael_K, Oct 2022

Nice, short tour that gives a great perspective on the buildings along the lakeshore. The recorded narrative is very informative.

First time to Chicago,...

Noreena_M, Oct 2022

First time to Chicago, loved the tour. Definitely a tour I'd do over. Love the history, the narrator was definitely easy to comprehend.

In the fall Bring a blanket

Heather_K, Oct 2022

Bring a blanket if you’re going in the fall but it was so beautiful! We really enjoyed it. I liked the light house a lot.

A CHARMING Way to EXPERIENCE Chicago's beautiful skyline & her history!!

Susan_Y, Oct 2022

A CHARMING Way to EXPERIENCE Chicago's beautiful skyline & her history!! Amazing tour! 👏 we had the best time. Got Amazing photos during our stellar experience ✨️ HIGHLY RECOMMEND for friends, family, groups or couples. Food and drink fairly priced available on board. So much fun!!!

Being on the lake. I am...

Cyril_M, Oct 2022

Being on the lake. I am only typing more because you are making me. This requirement to type more is very annoying.

Chicago from Lake Michigan

Lisa_H, Oct 2022

Beautiful views of Chicago. Interesting facts I hadn’t heard before about Lake Michigan. Nice cruise and not too long.

Nice trip

Andrea_S, Oct 2022

Even though it was chilly, it was a nice ride. Enjoyed the sights and the information. Look forward to my next trip to Chicago.

Saturday cruise

Joseph_W, Oct 2022

Boat your was very informative. The staff was very friendly and accommodating Definitely recommend to my colleagues

Girls trip to Chicago

Karen_E, Oct 2022

This was my first visit to the Navy Pier. I came for an early birthday celebration with a sister and a cousin. We loved our time there and we will be back

Great experience

Tempestt_W, Oct 2022

The staff was very nice. The boat was clean, and it was a relaxing and informative experience. I learned some things.

Fun

Brea_V, Oct 2022

It Was A fun trip to go on and I’ll do it again & again the view was so good couldn’t ask for a better one

...

Questions?

Product code: 5580SKY

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Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise

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