Sightseeing Cruises

Lake Michigan Cruise

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse with city skyline during architecture tour.

Group enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan with Chicago lighthouse in view.

Chicago skyline at sunset with Ferris wheel on a cruise.

Tour guide speaking on Chicago Lake & River Architecture Tour with skyline in background.

Duration

45 mins - 1 hr 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.8/5(177)

Mauricio G

Family

Verified booking

Last week

I really enjoyed the guide's knowledge of the city. Over all was a great experience. Couldn't put a price on my children's faces from the sights and views. Would definitely do it again. Thanks Wendella.

Brenda H

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

The weather was perfect! The sights were beautiful. The cruise narrator was entertaining, knowledgeable and knew when to just let the passengers enjoy the ride without narration! A++

George J

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

Could not say enough good about the boat tour. Very informative, comfortable boat, and the guide was incredibly funny. I would absolutely suggest this to friends and family !

Lucrettia T

Group

Verified booking

Last week

The tour was amazing! Tour guide was great and she kept the crowd engaged. Being able to see the sunset out on the lake was stunning!! 10/10 would highly recommend!!

Evelyn T

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The weather was far from ideal — rainy, windy, and honestly too cold for a tour like this — and yet we absolutely loved it. Our tour guide was outstanding. From start to finish, she shared fascinating insights in such an engaging and knowledgeable way. Listening to her was a real pleasure, and her passion for the city was obvious throughout. Architecturally, this is one of the most impressive cities we have seen so far, and she brought its history and character beautifully to life. The food was definitely overpriced, but that is somewhat expected at events like this. What truly stood out, however, was how exceptionally friendly and welcoming the staff were. Overall, this tour is an absolute must-do and worth every penny — even when the weather is not what you had hoped for.

Aaron H

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The tour on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan was absolutely fantastic and the highlight of my trip! The contrast between the narrow canyons of skyscrapers in the Financial District and the endless expanse of the lake is impressive. The trip through the lock was particularly fascinating—a technical experience you don’t get every day. From the lake, you also get the perfect postcard-worthy panorama of the entire skyline and Navy Pier. The guides share details about the architecture and history with plenty of humor and expertise—information you won’t find in any guidebook. Bottom line: An absolute must for every visitor to Chicago! The 90 minutes fly by, and you gain a completely new perspective on the “Windy City.”

Experience Chicago’s iconic skyline from the water on a Lake Michigan cruise, offering a unique vantage point and engaging narration that brings the city’s history and architecture to life.

Enjoy skip-the-line entry, onboard commentary (live or pre-recorded in English), and seasonal perks like complimentary hot chocolate on select December evening departures.

Enjoy well-rounded inclusions such as expert-guided or narrated tours, scenic cruising durations of 45 to 90 minutes, and access to onboard amenities like a full-service bar (on select cruises).

Sail past landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, and the Chicago Riverwalk while gaining insight into the city’s architectural legacy.

Choose between a quick 45-minute cruise from Navy Pier, a 90-minute architecture-focused river and lake tour with a live guide, or a 90-minute sunset cruise offering scenic evening views with light narration and a more relaxed ambiance.

45-minute Lake Michigan boat tour with audio guide (as per option selected)

90-minute Chicago River and Lake Michigan guided architecture cruise (as per option selected)

90-minute sunset sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan (as per option selected)

Full-service bar onboard (available for purchase with a valid ID) (as per option selected)

Complimentary hot chocolate on select December evening cruises

Admission to other Chicago attractions

Food and beverages (except complimentary hot chocolate on select December evening cruises)

Transportation to/from departure locations

Additional personal expenses onboard

Gratuities

TOTAL DURATION45 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
Navy Pier
Get direction
Sights covered
Hancock Building (875 North Michigan Avenue)
Chicago Lighthouse
Willis Tower
The Museum Campus
Shedd Aquarium
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum of Natural History
Centennial Wheel
Aon Center
Aqua Tower
Field Museum of Natural History
Adler Planetarium
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
Lake Point Tower
Grant Park
TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
FREQUENCYOnce per day
1 Boarding point
Wendella's Michigan Avenue Docks
Get direction
Sights covered
Chicago Harbor Lock
Navy Pier
Oak Street Beach
Chicago Lighthouse
Museum Campus
Buckingham Fountain

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

177 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United Kingdom, France, Germany and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mauricio G
Family
Verified booking
Last week
I really enjoyed the guide's knowledge of the city. Over all was a great experience. Couldn't put a price on my children's faces from the sights and views. Would definitely do it again. Thanks Wendella.
Brenda H
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
The weather was perfect! The sights were beautiful. The cruise narrator was entertaining, knowledgeable and knew when to just let the passengers enjoy the ride without narration! A++
George J
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
Could not say enough good about the boat tour. Very informative, comfortable boat, and the guide was incredibly funny. I would absolutely suggest this to friends and family !
Lucrettia T
Group
Verified booking
Last week
The tour was amazing! Tour guide was great and she kept the crowd engaged. Being able to see the sunset out on the lake was stunning!! 10/10 would highly recommend!!
Brandon H
Family
Verified booking
Yesterday
It was a nice and a great way to see the city I would warm that the locks can be slow and if there is chop on the water you won't go as far

What to bring

Bring a credit card if you wish to buy refreshments, as the snack bar operates on a cashless (card-only) system.

What's not allowed

Bringing alcohol, weapons, flammable items, or explosives onboard is strictly prohibited.

Smoking is not allowed onboard, including the use of e-cigarettes.

Additional information

Boarding typically starts 15 to 30 minutes prior to departure.

Bags may be inspected before boarding.

For safety and comfort, the Captain may alter the route during the tour.

Entry may be refused to guests who are intoxicated, impaired, or considered a safety concern.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.