Chicago · LAKE MICHIGAN BOAT CRUISES

The 15 Best Lake Michigan Cruises from Chicago

22 tours  ·  from $32

A mile offshore the skyline finally reads as one thing. The 15 below sort the skyline sailings, the sunset runs and the fireworks nights by price, length and whether there is a bar on board.

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago - A quick Chicago River opening
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

1.Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,520 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45Our pick

Board at the Wrigley Building for a 90-minute evening cruise along the Chicago River and through the lock to Lake Michigan. Enjoy skyline views as daylight fades, with narration, music, a climate-controlled lounge, restrooms, and a bar serving drinks and snacks for purchase. Arrive early for the best seats.

“I booked this experience for my husband's first weekend after retiring after 40 plus years. This first step in " the best is yet to be" did not disappoint. Despite the large crowd of participants everything flowed smoothly in getting on the boat. The guide was engaging and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot of interesting facts about Chicago history and architecture. The Skyline view at sunset was awesome. The hour and a half flew by.”

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Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago - Leaving Navy Pier for open water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

2.Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 897 reviews · 30 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $32Best value

Board Shoreline Sightseeing at Navy Pier for a short Lake Michigan cruise past Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, Aon Center, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and more. You get recorded commentary, open views, an onboard restroom, and a dog-friendly boat. Bring lunch or buy drinks with cash.

“Not very entertaining and you could not really hear what the narrator was saying. It would be nice to have heat”

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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise - Finding First Lady at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

3.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 791 reviews · from $45

Board First Lady near Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive for a 90-minute evening cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. A live English-speaking guide points out Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, and more, while the boat passes through Chicago Harbor Lock.

“We had 1 night in Chicago and thia trip was the the best was to get the most out of the city by night... this was an amazing experience, it's just a shame we were only there for 1 night... we will definitely be back again and this will definitely be on the list again”

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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise - What the 30-minute route actually shows you
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

4.Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 758 reviews · 30 min · from $32

From Navy Pier, you’ll cruise north and south along Lake Michigan for broad views of Chicago’s skyline, Willis Tower, the Field Museum, and 360 Chicago. A recorded English or Spanish commentary adds city history and architecture. Arrive early for better seats and bring a jacket.

“such a great informative tour that showed us the wonderful buildings and lake view!”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise - Cruising the Chicago River before the lake
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

5.1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 739 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Cruise from Michigan Avenue through the Chicago Lock and onto Lake Michigan as the sun drops behind Chicago’s skyline. You’ll see Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Grant Park, Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium, with brief live commentary and an onboard bar.

“Fantastic boat ride with very good staff. The sunset view was amazing. Thank you.”

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City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride - Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain from the water
Chicago Speedboat Rides, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

6.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 642 reviews · 30 - 75 minutes · from $42

You’ll leave Navy Pier on a 2,000-horsepower Seadog with an English-speaking guide, racing past Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and Chicago’s lakefront landmarks. The standard ride lasts 30 minutes. Upgrade for faster runs, 360-degree spins, and splashes.

“It was super fun for our family, definitely recommend!”

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Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise - The Chicago River section puts the buildings within reach
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

7.Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 509 reviews · from $45

See Chicago from two angles on a 90-minute cruise along the main river branch and Lake Michigan. A live guide such as Jacob or Mike shares architecture and city stories while you pass the Wrigley Building, Navy Pier, Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and more.

“We waited until the 6:15pm tour. It was absolutely the best time to go. Everything was lit up after the sunset, and the weather was perfect. Our host was so knowledgeable and also made it entertaining.”

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Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan - Dinner from the all-you-can-eat buffet
Chicago Dinner Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

8.Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 348 reviews · from $89

Depart Navy Pier for a 2 to 3 hour evening cruise on Lake Michigan. You’ll see the Willis Tower, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and more, then enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, drinks at extra cost, and a live DJ. Smart casual dress is required.

“A very pleasant experience, excellent service and the view is impressive. I definitely recommend it.”

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City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan - Boarding, assigned tables, and the first views
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

9.City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 348 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Board at Navy Pier for a roughly two-hour lunch cruise with a buffet, assigned table, skyline views, live DJ, games, and dancing. You’ll pass sights such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium while enjoying unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and water. Bring business-casual clothes and arrive 30 minutes early.

“Food was awesome , desserts need some improving but overall was good . Servers were great and the DJ was very good as well .”

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2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour - Starting at 300 East Monroe Street
2-Hour Experiences, Chicago Segway Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Museums, Tour Reviews, Tours

2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour

10.2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 345 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64Top rated

Ride a Segway from Grant Park to Buckingham Fountain, Soldier Field, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the lakefront. English-speaking guides such as Kevin, Michael, Colton, Shannon, and Marshall lead small groups of up to eight, with training, helmets, photo stops, and Chicago stories along the way.

“Great staff that made it fun and easy to learn to ride a segway and explore the lakefront and museum campus. Our guide, Marshall, was great! He provided fun facts and history along the tour, offered to take photos, and was always alert to ensure everyone's safety. Highly recommend!”

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Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan - What dinner is like during the 2.5-hour cruise
Chicago Dinner Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

11.Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 344 reviews · from $49

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard a City Cruises yacht from Navy Pier, with a three-course dinner, tableside service, Lake Michigan views, coffee, tea, and DJ music. I like this for skyline photos and celebrations, but food and service can vary, and drinks cost extra.

“Every other table had fresh tulips and a candle on it, but since I was by myself I didn't get those things. They said they didn't have a table set up for me-party of 1. They only have 1 vegetarian option so if you don't like that one option they they can't make anything else. I got a Read more”

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Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride - The first run past Navy Pier
Chicago Speedboat Rides, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

12.Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 333 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Board a Coast Guard-certified Seadog speedboat at Navy Pier for a 30-minute Lake Michigan run. You’ll pass Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and the Magnificent Mile with lively commentary, music, and quick bursts of speed. Arrive 30 minutes early with photo ID.

“Could of been faster but overall very fun. The music was great and the narration was informative. The guide was knowledgeable.”

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Chicago: Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise - The Chicago Harbor Lock and the Move to Lake Michigan
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

13.Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 268 reviews · from $45

Spend 90 minutes with First Lady on a narrated cruise from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. Hear guides such as Lake, Nick, and Layke explain the skyline, pass through the Chicago Harbor Lock, and view Navy Pier, Museum Campus, the lighthouse, and downtown from the water.

“Super fun way to see Chicago from the river and Lake Michigan!”

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Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise - One hour on the Chicago River among the architecture
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago History Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

14.Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 246 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Spend about two hours aboard a historic Chicago fireboat, traveling from Lake Michigan through the locks to the Chicago River and back. Guides such as Cliff explain architecture, firefighting, and city history with humor. Expect open and enclosed seating, onboard restrooms, snacks, and drinks for purchase.

“Very good experience. The boat is historic, showed many old fire fighting equipment. Interested! The tour is amazing! The Narrator is knowledgeable. He told us interested stories about achitectures that along the riverbank. The lake is beautiful. There also is a sluice that spray out large water mist, and form a rainbow when the boat driving away from the river to the lake. I am so happy to join this tour!”

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Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods - Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Trail, and North Avenue Beach
Chicago Bike Tours, Cycling Tours, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bike Tour of Chicago’s Lakefront Neighborhoods

15.Bike Tour of Chicago’s Lakefront Neighborhoods

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59

Ride about 9 mostly flat miles from Lake Shore Drive through Lincoln Park, Old Town, and the Gold Coast, with stops at the zoo, North Avenue Beach, St. Michael’s Church, and the Lakefront Trail. Bikes, helmets, and a local guide are included.

“Great way to see places that otherwise you would not visit. Outstanding guide (Lou), so much fun and knowledgeable. Do it!”

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