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

Alcoholic Beverages

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

400 N Michigan Ave
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

Chicago Skyline (Pass By)

John Hancock Center (Pass By)

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower (Pass By)

Aqua Tower (Pass By)

Lake

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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

Erin_R

We had a wonderful time enjoying the Chicago river and Lake Michigan with different views as the sun set. Staff was helpful and ensured all guests had a safe and fun time. Full bar with friendly bartender as well.

Reviews

4.5

810 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 810 reviews

Magnificent view of Chicago at sunset

Carol_S, Sep 2023

Perfect timing when the boat went out on the lake for the sunset view of the magnificent Chicago skyline! Definitely a must when visiting Chicago.

Even in the rain the...

lorraine_s, Sep 2023

Even in the rain the views were Beautiful !! I cant imagine how awesome it would be on a clear night.

Be a tourist in your own city!

Nancy_P, Sep 2023

This sunset cruise was so fun and the views were absolutely incredible! It was great to get out and be a tourist in my own city and it's perfect for a casual adventure. Don't forget to bring a jacket and don't fret if you get a little wet on the first level, it's part of the experience and you can say you've touched Lake Michigan!

A birthday in Chicago!

LaDavia_H, Sep 2023

The views and being in the middle of the lake was the best part! It was a little chilly but we brought a blanket. I took some amazing pictures! Would love to do it again but without the tour guide just music and the beautiful views!

Amazing and beautiful ....

Angie_R, Sep 2023

Amazing and beautiful . Woman at the ticket stand was so helpful . Staff was nice , scenery was beautiful .. so romantic

Great time heading down...

Pai_C, Sep 2023

Great time heading down the river and then out onto the lake. The narration was wonderful and we enjoyed being able to see the city skyline. Would definitely recommend this for anyone wanting to see the Chicago skyline with family or friends. We might even give it another spin next time we are in town

Watching the sun set on a...

Rashaad_A, Sep 2023

Watching the sun set on a cruise for our 28th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time, memorable time,Special time.

Excelent

Sandra_B, Sep 2023

Great experience and tour guide!!! They give you city highlights and history and the views were amazing

Great Chicago Experience

Heather_H, Sep 2023

It was pretty chilly out on the lake so we went inside but overall this was a great tour! Learned a bunch of Chicago history and interesting info on the beautiful buildings we past by. I would definitely recommend this your for anyone visiting Chicago. Going during sunset really made it special but it was chilly.

Great educational/fun trip for friends and family

Melita_F, Sep 2023

Such a great informative sunset cruise! Spearo was a great host and made the cruise fun. So many Instagram worthy pictures on this cruise. Highly recommend!

Great sunset

Mario_F, Sep 2023

Going thru the locks to get to Lake Michigan and the amazing sunset overlooking the Chicago skyline.

Best

Paris_C, Sep 2023

Had a amazing time enjoy the ride and the staff it was a beautiful ride. Sunset was amazing. Enjoyed watching the bridge open will go again.

Great!

Akaila_M, Sep 2023

We arrived late and were still able to ride. Staff was understanding and nice to deal with. Speaker was informative and taught me a lot about the Chicago architecture. The night was beautiful.

Fun

MiaCaryn_W, Sep 2023

The weather was nice, the speaker was knowledgeable and the drinks were excellent! I would definitely book again!

Beautiful

Shara_P, Sep 2023

The view from the lake was breathtaking I love it FYI bring a blanket , the boat was nice and clean just chilly

Beautiful

Sabrina_L, Sep 2023

The tour guide lady! She was very informational about Chicago and the architecture of the buildings. She was also very informational about the history of Chicago, and some of the events that occur in the past.

Breathtaking

Dina_O, Sep 2023

The sunset was beautiful. The tour guide was excellent and the atmosphere was outstanding. The entire experience was breathtaking and a perfect night to be on the boat.

Amazing experience, just smell down by the bathroom was off putting

ManLing_S, Sep 2023

They were very friendly and service was awesome! Had an emergency and asked to reschedule for the next day instead and they allowed me to do it. Thank you for making my Chicago experience amazing! One down side I would say is the smell of the bathroom. Once we walked in to the bottom where the bar is, the rancid smell from the bathroom right across just hit you lol

Beautiful evening

Erin_R, Sep 2023

Pearl Jam, Chicago, and a Sunset.....

Kyle_N, Sep 2023

They tour realized that the boat was full of pearl jam fan and they played pearl jam radio the entire time. it was awesome

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