Tours/Chicago/Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

4.4(947)Chicago1 hour
VIATOR4.5(793)TRIPADVISOR4.2(154)
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

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
947 reviews
5
648
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163
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71
2
33
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32

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(947)

L
Lucas_K
September 9, 2026
Very recommended

Very nice. Met expectations. Friendly staff! Interesting information given. Thank you! The only thing I’d have liked is that the cruise departed on time.

S
serrab80
September 8, 2026
Great views, racist employee

We took advantage of the discount from also booking an architecture tour. We took the free water taxi from the city out to Navy Pier. It wasn’t very clear where to go once we got off, and even after asking an employee where to go for the tour departures, it wasn’t clear. We did ask a second employee and got much better instructions. We likely would have missed the tour if we listened to the first person. The tour of the lake was relaxing and beautiful, and it was nice to see the city from the lake. On the boat, one of the employees was talking to another employee about a group of people that had recently asked them to take them back to another dock after a tour was done at the end of the night. That employee repeatedly referred to that groups ethnicity, repeated staying “It’s always the Indians”. These conversations, and blatant racism, should not be held in front of paying customers. Especially as at least one of the patrons overhearing it (my partner) happens to be Indian! And he was not the only Indian on the boat. I would have rated considerably higher if not for this incident.

G
Grace_M
August 31, 2026
Alone, but still OK

Turns out I was the only passenger on this nice big ferry boat. However, the four crew members were very nice and friendly, so I enjoyed the trip anyway.

R
RLBAllen
August 25, 2026
great way (and time!) to see the city

Fantastic to see the city change from day to night and the lights come on coupled with the sunset, really enjoyed the 45 minutes

J
Jacqueline_J
August 19, 2026
Solo Birthday Triip

It was nice. Not as many people on the boat during my tour. The staff was pleasant and knowledgeable

J
Jacqueline_L
August 18, 2026
Amazing skyline view

I will highly recommend seeing the skyline view at night. It was so beautiful to see it light up and being on the water was so relaxing at night and calm

D
Diane_S
August 13, 2026
On a clear day, you can see forever

Fortunately, for us, it had to be a beautiful weekend in Chicago has been blasted with multiple storms lately. The lake was calm, and of course the scenery was outstanding.

B
Barbara_W
July 27, 2026
A great way to view the...

A great way to view the city ski line from Lake Michigan, and learn about the iconic sites along the way.

S
Stanley_A
July 26, 2026
We had a great experience...

We had a great experience on the Skyline Cruise in Chicago. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming from start to finish. The boat ride was smooth, and the views of the city were absolutely beautiful. We also enjoyed learning about Chicago’s landmarks and history throughout the tour. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Chicago—it’s a relaxing, scenic, and educational experience!

S
sherryk948
July 26, 2026
Relaxing tour

It’s a relaxing tour with a pre-recorded message along the way with some facts about Chicago. It’s definitely not an architecture tour, but still good.

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