Tours/Chicago/Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Viator · group up to 200 pax

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

4.4(927)Chicago1 hour
VIATOR4.5(776)TRIPADVISOR4.3(151)

Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey along Lake Michigan and marvel at Chicago's iconic lakefront sights and attractions. Cruise along Lake Michigan and enjoy stunning views of Chicago's renowned skyscrapers from a unique vantage point. This tour offers an amazing opportunity to admire the city's breathtaking skyline and architectural wonders. Sunday – Friday Cruises departing prior to 8:00pm feature recorded narration of the city’s skyline, cruises departing after 8:00pm enjoy some music and the sounds of Lake Michigan aboard our Groove Cruise. November - April 9 tours are 30 minutes. Highlights: Spectacular views of Chicago's famous skyscrapers Onboard bar serving refreshing drinks Relaxing and enjoyable sightseeing cruise Experience Chicago like never before on this serene and scenic Lake Michigan boat tour. Remember to bring your camera to capture those social media worthy photos!

Tour Options

Sightseeing Tour
  • Pre-recorded English narration

Itinerary

30 min

Take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan and marvel at all of Chicago's fabulous lakefront sights. Duration of the cruise depends on weather. The cruise will be 45 minutes during the warmer months and 30 during the colder months.

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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!

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The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

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Home to 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, eateries and attractions, and the Centennial Ferris Wheel.

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Chicago's landmark is considered one of America's finest fountains due to its Beaux-Arts-style landscape design, finely wrought bronze sculpture and innovative use of technology.

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Located within Grant Park, Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate, or "the bean."

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The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation's first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building, opened in 1897 as the city's first public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes.

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The Chicago Architecture Center is home to a 4,000-building scale model of Chicago.

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Chicago-focused gallery, specializing in photos, inside a 19th-century Gothic limestone landmark.

Highlights

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

What's included

Included
Pet-friendly
Restroom on board
Pre-recorded commentary on board
Scenic skyline cruise on Lake Michigan
Not included
Food and drinks (available for purchase and you can also bring your own)

Traveller Ratings

4.4
927 reviews
5
638
4
158
3
68
2
32
1
31

Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Cruises are dog friendly
  • Beginning November 11th, 2024 through April 2025, cruises will be 30 minutes in length

Reviews(927)

G
Gary_M
June 29, 2026
Poor check in experience

No, being new to Chicago and the navy pier, I was frustrated when we arrived at the address in front of a boat and it was out of service. There was no sign indicating a second place to go to board the boat. E we almost missed the boat due to no signage and incorrect info on the viator site. We walked up and down the pier finally seeing the correct place. The ride was nice but I was so hot and frustrated that it was difficult to enjoy it. A simple sign with instructions could have made the experience enjoyable.

H
Hazel_E
June 29, 2026
Sunset cruise

We took the 815pm trip snd the sunset was beautiful behind the skyline. Staff were friendly. Commentary was interesting. Learnt some new things

J
Jennifer_S
June 28, 2026
I love

I had a really good time. I doubted the app a little because of the low prices but this is definitely a trusted app. This is better than get your guide because I had bought tickets and they didn’t accept them.

A
Amy_C
June 28, 2026
It was a perfect day....

It was a perfect day. Everybody was nice. The staff was great very informative. We were running late. I was able to text them and we were able to get on the next boat, which was amazing. I would definitely book with them again.

S
Sonya_M
June 28, 2026
Laid back wonderful

Accommodating professional, and about your safety. Though I didn't move about the views were so amazing. The history was good too.

E
Ernest_K
June 26, 2026
Great go again

Great views of Chicago if you go at night take a jacket the navy pier was a great spot The captain of the ship was entertaining

P
Passenger29425857701
June 25, 2026
Trip

It was great! We had fun. We would do it again.

A
Anisha_S
June 21, 2026
Relaxing Ride

The skyline tour was exactly what I needed after a day of eating and walking about. I was able to book the tour an hour before, which worked for my itinerary and it was affordable. I liked that it is a double decker boat and got to experience the tour from top deck. The day was beautiful and perfect for a tour. The boat was clean, looked presentable, offered cocktails and small snacks(for purchase) and staff were friendly. The tour offered ok views. I was able to capture pictures of the Chicago skyline. My fav part of the ride was how relaxing it was. I would do it again and be sure to nap the next time lol.

L
Lyniesha_C
June 21, 2026
The ride was nice, and...

The ride was nice, and the views at night were beautiful. The fire works show was unexpected but a very nice addition.

A
Angela_R
June 15, 2026
The biggest issue was the...

The biggest issue was the address listed on the tickets was wrong. They left from a different location and we had to hurry. We almost missed the tour. Not ideal with a a year old.

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