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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise ?

A:The policy on sanitization is:

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Q:What is the social distancing policy during Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise ?

A:The policy on social distancing is:

Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

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

456 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 456 reviews

highly recommend

Lydia_H, Aug 2022

Great family experience! They were also very accommodating with changing the time of our tour. It was a group of 8 of us.

Beautiful Sightseeing Cruise

Karen_P, Aug 2022

Weather was nice. The lights up on the boat created a nice mellow spark. The other guests were pleasant. Overall it was a calming and majestic experience.

Give it a try🖤

Asa_A, Aug 2022

This cruise by far was the best moment in Chicago for my son and myself. The weather was amazing and scenery just beautiful. Bring a jacket because it does get chilly but nothing I couldn't handle and I had an off the shoulder top on. My teenager had a hoodie on and he said he was cold 🤷🏾‍♀️ If I do decide to come back to Chicago. I may do the night cruise. We enjoyed navy pier as well. I totally recommend this cruise. Beware, parking is expensive ❗️❗️❗️

GG Sister Trip

Stacey_A, Aug 2022

Being on the sight cruise together as a sisterhood Beautiful weather Beautiful site Beautiful experience

Amazing Experience. Worth every dime

Benny_D, Aug 2022

The tour guide (narrator) onboard was just absolutely amazing!! His narration brought the entire experience (everything to do with history, architecture of Chicago) to life Well done!

Excellent

Olan_B, Aug 2022

The boat was very clean and staffs are very professional . I enjoyed very much . I will come back to boat with my family again soon

Good customer service!

Yukie_N, Aug 2022

Viator Customer service changed the time when I needed to adjust my plans for a trip to Chicago. By changing the time, I was able to join the cruise with my children without feeling rushed. Thank you so much!

My kind of town

Adrian_V, Aug 2022

Although I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life it’s always interesting to learn about the history of my city. This tour will give you a lot of history and stories about our amazing skyscrapers

Family Time

Gail_G, Aug 2022

What a wonderful day on Lake Michigan Sight tour spending it with family. We had a wonderful time. We will be back!

Great short trip! It was...

elizabeth_F, Aug 2022

Great short trip! It was very informative. The only “complaint” that I wish it was longer .. learned a lot in the short time

Terrible experience on board

NULA_D, Aug 2022

I was traveling with my family the greeters were nice and hospitable but my experience onboard was not nice since we all paid for our tickets and had people standing at the helm right in front of our view. I even told the crew but they did not do anything, we were looking forward to an enjoyable cruise which turned out to be sour.

Beautiful Views!!

Brandy_P, Aug 2022

Seeing the Chicago skyline with all of the beautiful buildings from the boat was an excellent experience!

Nice inexpensive daytime activity

Martel_G, Aug 2022

A nice daytime activity that me and my girlfriend both enjoyed while waiting for our dinner reservation.

Great experience

Kenneth_F, Aug 2022

Very amazing views, happy with the experience overalls. Hit all the landmarks and gave good information about the building in chicago.

Fun times

Dele_O, Jul 2022

Sharing a wonderful evening with Family and Friends! The staff was so friendly and the cruise was relaxing and memorable!

Lovely Saturday cruise!

Terri_K, Jul 2022

Perfect weather. Beautiful views. Word of warning- be advised that the location is in the beginning end of the dock. We missed it and rushed all the way down to the end before we had to race the whole way back to catch it in time. (And we planned on being early!) Not extremely well marked.

Absolutely loved it!!

Jennifer_K, Jul 2022

Worth every penny and more! Wonderful way to see the skyline and learn about Chicago! Both teenagers had a great time and it was just so relaxing and fun. Would do again!!

We had a blast!!

Patrice_C, Jul 2022

The boat ride was very nice and relaxing. Also, the staff, the crew, and everyone involved was very nice and helpful, they made it even more enjoyable!! We plan on doing this again!

Great tour. Beautiful views

Lisa_M, Jul 2022

Learned a lot about Chicago I didn't know. Views were breathtaking. Would definitely do it again. Kids and adults both enjoyed the tour.

Excellent!

Zahra_S, Jul 2022

It was perfect experience. I am happy that I could join this tour with my husband. Thanks for the pilot!

...

Questions?

Product code: 5580SKY

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