Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

Enjoy a 30-minute skyline cruise on Lake Michigan along the Chicago shoreline. The cruise is rated 4.6 by 804 reviewers, and tickets start from $34.

Overview

This cruise pushes off from Navy Pier and heads out onto Lake Michigan, running both north and south along the lake. A barcoded ticket means you can walk past the ticket office and join the boarding line directly. Once the boat is underway, pre-recorded commentary plays over the speakers, covering the city's history and its architecture in English or Spanish depending on the option chosen at booking.

The route passes buildings that have turned up in movies and television, with photo stops built into the run. Willis Tower, the Field Museum and 360 Chicago all appear along the way, and the classic skyline vista is the main draw. Reviewers keep coming back to the view itself, from sunset departures to plain midday rides, and several describe taking the trip with family.

At 30 minutes, this is a short outing rather than a half-day commitment. The listing advises bringing a camera and weather-appropriate clothing, since the whole ride takes place on open water.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Navy PierNo pickup is included, so make your own way to Navy Pier, where the boat boards and returns.
2. Cruise Lake MichiganThe boat runs north and south on the lake for scenic sightseeing and skyline views (45 minutes).
3. Pass Willis TowerPhoto stop and sightseeing as the boat passes by (5 minutes).
4. Field MuseumPhoto stop and sightseeing on the route (5 minutes).
5. 360 ChicagoPhoto stop and sightseeing as the cruise loops back toward the pier.
6. Return to Navy PierThe cruise ends where it started, back at Navy Pier.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how the ride goes, and most of them come down to timing and what you carry on board.

• Dress for the weather. The listing tells travelers to bring weather-appropriate clothing, and the whole ride takes place on open water. A layer is the safe call on cooler days.
• Pick your language. Commentary is pre-recorded and available in English or Spanish depending on the option chosen. Pick the language you want when you reserve.
• Go at sunset. Several travelers wrote about evening departures, one describing a 7:45pm ride with an amazing sunset and city views, another calling the night view stunning.
• Bring the family. Two reviewers specifically describe taking this cruise as a family, and both enjoyed it. One called it a nice activity to do together on the lake.
• Arrive before boarding. The barcoded ticket skips the ticket office, not the boarding line. Travelers still queue to get on the boat, so showing up with time to spare is the practical move.
• Bring a camera. A camera is on the listing's what-to-bring list, and panoramic views are one of the stated highlights. Several reviewers praised the skyline views, so plan on shooting photos throughout the ride.

Common issues. The ticket covers the cruise and the recorded commentary, nothing more. A boarding photo is sold separately, and outside food and drinks are not allowed on board, though one reviewer mentioned snacks and drinks being available to purchase. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted. Any change to the date or time made on the original day of the tour carries a $10 per ticket fee charged by the local partner. One reviewer also noted that boarding began 15 minutes before the scheduled departure, so arriving right at the ticket time can cost you a good seat.

Common Questions