Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Name: Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Brand: Shoreline Sightseeing
SKU: 5580SKY
Price: 34.93 USD
Rating: 4.5 (640 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceChicago, United States

From $34.93

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

Chicago Tours

Seasonal & Special Occasions

Tickets & Passes

Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Travel & Transportation Services

Unique Experiences

Attractions

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower) Tours & Tickets Chicago River Tours & Tickets Lincoln Park & Zoo Tours & Tickets Millennium Park Tours & Tickets Field Museum Tours & Tickets Shedd Aquarium Tours & Tickets Lake Michigan Tours & Tickets

Nearby

Illinois Nashville Duluth Pittsburgh Toronto Niagara Falls & Around Niagara Falls Buffalo Branson Greenville Atlanta Washington DC Minnesota Ontario Missouri

40 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take in iconic views of the beautiful Chicago skyline 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 and you can also bring your own)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

800 E Grand Ave
800 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. 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

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Skyline

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

John Hancock Center (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
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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Saralyn

We’ve lived in Chicago for many years but haven’t been on a lake cruise for some years. We were fortunate to have a perfect weather day and the lake was quiet and it was a wonderful tour. We got a great view of the skyline from north to south and they gave us information that we had never heard before. Even though we’ve been here a long time, we learned new things and it was very enjoyable. the crew could not have been nicer and I highly recommend this experience.

Reviews

4.5

640 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 640 reviews

Great Day on the Chicago River

Danny_B, Sep 2023

The guide was very knowledgeable and humorous at the same time. Not only was it a pleasant cruise but it was educational as well.

The tour of Lake Michigan...

toan_T, Sep 2023

The tour of Lake Michigan Skyline is pleasant. The view of the city high rise building is spectacular. would recommend family and friends to take this tour.

Great cruise

Brian_W, Sep 2023

It was a great experience. The skyline view was breathtaking. The crew on ship were awesome. Overall, I am happy I experienced the cruise.

Nice views but boring announcer

Ashley_B, Sep 2023

Cant hear the recording on the lower deck . Too many loud kids & not enough seating up top. Not enough alcohol options

Great way to spend 40 minutes

Sabrina_A, Sep 2023

The whole crew is 5 stars. They made sure we got our selves situated. I highly recommend you sit at the top, the sun does hit you but the view is spectacular. The history talk track was the best part for me. I’m from California and I left learning so much.

I did like it ;)...

Iuliia_C, Sep 2023

I did like it ;) Nice weather. Great view, fresh air;) . Staff were very kind. Worth it to go once .

Great experience

Abby_B, Aug 2023

I bought tickets for myself, my husband, and our daughter. After I got on the boat, I realized quickly that my dizziness would prevent me from riding. I was able to get off before the boat launched and spoke to a Shoreline employee. She made a note in my Viator booking that I didn't use my ticket (even though it had been scanned) and said to contact Viator. I requested a refund for my ticket and Viator granted it quickly. Thank you! My daughter and husband really enjoyed the boat ride and my daughter wants to do it again when we return to Chicago next summer.

Great day for a boat tour

Sandra_G, Aug 2023

Whether was perfect, view was beautiful . great time with the family. I will be booking another boat tour !

Amazing

Dana_M, Aug 2023

It was an amazing experience! The staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the Skyline Cruise.

Simply beautiful

Barbara_C, Aug 2023

The cruise was nice. I loved hearing about the architecture and seeing the buildings at night. The crew was friendly and accommodating. We would take this cruise again.

Anniversary

Stephen_D, Aug 2023

The serenest of the waters & picturesque view of the night Chicago buildings. The historical information of the city was very interesting.

The views at sunset...

Rachelle_N, Aug 2023

The views at sunset looking at the city were incredible! Also, the tour was packed full of information on Chicago.

The views were great!...

Rocio_C, Aug 2023

The views were great! Weather was perfect staff very friendly boat was clean we enjoyed every minute of the tour

Awesome view

Mahmood_Z, Aug 2023

That skyline view is only possible with this cruise (or similar rides), and what a view it was! Definitely suggest a time slot close to the sunset so that the buildings can be seen both in the daylight and when it's getting darker and the lights on them start to turn on.

It was great.

Rehobot_W, Aug 2023

I loved it. I enjoyed my trip with my husband and baby. We went with other couples and they enjoyed as well.

Beautiful day on the water

Joumana_Z, Aug 2023

A very informative tour which was also very relaxing. Spacious with great views of the Chicago skyline.

Beautiful summer day....

Chris_C, Aug 2023

Beautiful summer day. Only wish the price was a little lower then it could be an excursion enjoyed more often.

Great cruise

Debra_A, Aug 2023

Boat was clean and staff was friendly. Pre-recorded scrip was a bit out of date but the important stuff was right. 8pm was perfect timing to see daylight views followed by dusk and relative dark. I the time we docked. Not crowded.

Must do, shoreline tour of Chicago

Lovely_E, Aug 2023

Though it was really difficult to get support regarding the 8:30PM tour (a point for that), all was resolved when we arrived at the checkout counter. There were actually several more tours which we were easily moved to. Great tour. Must do!

Chicago skyline tour

Dawn_C, Aug 2023

Enjoying a beautiful evening on the lake with loved ones. Enjoying the skyline and hearing some Chicago history. Creating beautiful memories.

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