Chicago · CHICAGO FIREWORKS CRUISES
The Navy Pier fireworks run on set summer nights and the water is the best seat in the house. The 11 below differ on lake or river viewing, boarding time and whether drinks are included.
Sail from downtown Chicago up the river to Wolf Point, then choose a short fireworks cruise from the river mouth or a longer Lake Michigan trip through the Chicago Locks. Expect architecture commentary, indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar, and Navy Pier fireworks.
“Amazing!! Made a hometown visit and never experienced downtown Chicago like this!!”
Sail from Navy Pier through the Chicago Lock and onto Lake Michigan for wide skyline views and an unobstructed look at Navy Pier’s fireworks. The 2.5-hour cruise has a cash bar, snacks, restrooms, music, and city commentary. Some sailings feature Joel, an energetic guide.
“From beginning to end the ride the fireworks and music 🎶 was very entertaining our Women’s Conference enjoyed it. Sincerely, yours UAW Women’s Conference 2024”
Cruise Lake Michigan aboard City Cruises Chicago for a buffet dinner, skyline views, DJ music, dancing, and Navy Pier fireworks when weather allows. You receive a table for your party, climate-controlled indoor space, and access to outdoor decks. Smart casual dress is required.
“The cruise was great! The bartender is an idiot...$30 for 2 poorly made drinks, don't bother getting drinks”
Cruise from the Michigan Avenue bridge to the Chicago Harbor Lock, then watch Navy Pier fireworks from Lake Michigan with music and complimentary 3D glasses. You get open and covered seating, live English commentary, and an optional priority boarding upgrade.
Board at Navy Pier for a 2.5 to 3-hour Lake Michigan cruise with a plated dinner, DJ, climate-controlled seating, and outdoor decks facing the fireworks. You’ll see Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Chicago skyline, with coffee, tea, and water included.
“There were 8 of us and I tested positive for COVID and I called and was told that I had tested positive for Covid and that they would only be six of us since two of us tested positive for Covid. They said they would contact me via email and here I’m still waiting on that email. When I call them directly at the Shipp, they said that they would refund me, but [Viator] hasn’t even had the courtesy to return my messages”
Spend about three hours aboard the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier for a chef-prepared buffet, Chicago skyline views, live DJ music, games, and Navy Pier fireworks when weather allows. You’ll dine indoors, step onto open-air decks, and buy drinks from the cash bar.
“Worst experience ever!!! My flight got delayed due to bad weather and I emailed the activity director to reschedule my cruise and never got a response. I noticed that my tickets were cancelled and never offered to reschedule. I sent another email asked for a refund, reschedule or credit for another time and was denied all avenues. This company kept my $688.00 and no way to get a credit or nothing. They refused to work with me period. I will not be booking anymore trips with this company. The are bad news!”
You’ll train one-on-one before covering about seven miles through Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, and the lakefront. Guides such as Kevin, Ian, Cari, and Fred have been praised for clear instruction and Chicago stories. The tour ends with a strong skyline view of Navy Pier fireworks.
“My 15 yr old son & I tried this for the first time & it was so much fun! Our guide Kevin, was good at instruction of the Segways to make sure we felt comfortable riding them, & explaining all the attractions downtown. We got to see so many things we never even knew existed in Chicago. I highly recommend doing the evening tour with the fireworks over Navy Pier- our view of the skyline was absolutely amazing! We would definitely do this again!”
Board City Cruises’ Seadog at 600 E Grand Ave for an English-language ride past Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Willis Tower, and Chicago’s skyline. The cruise lasts about an hour, though some trips run closer to 45 minutes. Guide Andy has earned praise for his Chicago facts and humor.
“Unfortunately our taxi driver didn't show up we found an Uber driver who tried to get us there but traffic was horrible & we couldn't even make it to Navy Pier. I tried calling the tour operator number but only a recording. I paid alot of money & missed it. I hope to talk to someone about a refund. Very disappointed!”
Board Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier for a 90-minute public sailing during Chicago’s fireworks show. You’ll watch the city lights and fireworks from Lake Michigan, with a full bar onboard. Expect steep ladders to the upper deck and a group of up to 150 people.
“This was the best excursion I’ve had in quite awhile. The stay were fun and engaging. The captain maneuvered us up close and we had the best seat in the house for the fireworks. I highly recommend this cruise. Firework cruises are available Wednesday and Saturday.”
Ride a Segway through Chicago’s evening parks with a small group of up to seven. After a 15-minute lesson, your English-speaking guide leads you past Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, rose gardens, and Crown Fountain to a fireworks view near Navy Pier. Guides Ian and Sean have earned especially strong praise.
“Excellent - went all over the city park areas!”
Board near the NBC Tower for a two-hour Chicago River dinner cruise with a plated multi-course meal, climate-controlled seating, DJ music, and skyline views. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from May 29 through August 31, the cruise includes Navy Pier fireworks, weather permitting. Cocktail attire is expected.
“I had an absolutely amazing experience! At first, things started off a bit chaotic! I accidentally purchased my tickets for the wrong date. I panicked, but thankfully I was able to reach out to the vendor and was connected with a wonderful woman named Samantha. She was truly invested in helping me make my birthday wish come true, and she did just that. The boat ride and dinner were nothing short of a dream. The food was exceptional, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. My husband and I had the joy of standing on the back deck, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city while watching the fireworks…”
Pick a river, a sidewalk or a plate.
