CHICAGO · ILLINOIS
The best of Chicago.
The 15 best lake michigan cruises in Chicago, with honest prices, run times and who you book through. Which ones are worth your time downtown, and what each one actually gets you.
One-and-a-half-hour Chicago architecture boat tour with live narration, River and Lake Michigan views, skyline photos, and climate-controlled seating.
Most Popular“Very informative. Bring a small blanket- it was chilly. But if you’re hot, you could sit on the blanket. The chairs were pretty uncomfortable.”
Chicago’s River and Lake Michigan architecture cruise. 90 minutes, expert narration, Chicago Lock, skyline photos, and indoor or deck seating.
“We LOVED our guide Lucas, he was hilarious and very informative. 10/10 recommend!!”
A 90-minute sunset cruise from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. See skyline lights turn on, with a warm lounge and onboard bar.
“We missed the sunset cruise because we could not find parking. When we finally did find parking, it was too late. We went to the ticket office and they gave us the architecture tour instead. It was great. A beautiful clear night and a wonderful tour guide. The buildings were lit up and we learned…”
A short, dog-friendly Lake Michigan cruise from Navy Pier with skyline views, English audio commentary, and a restroom onboard. Great value.
“Great view of the skyline buildings of the city. The old light house would be great to see inside. The tour was nice and smooth with the announcer informing us of what we were seeing. Great quick tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago sunset cruise from the river to Lake Michigan via the Chicago Locks, with skyline views and an onboard cash bar.
“I’m very happy and satisfied. Guide was speaking bit too fast which was hard too follow the whole speech.”
Cruise Lake Michigan from Navy Pier for big skyline photos, quick boarding, and clear recorded narration of Chicago’s skyline landmarks in 45 minutes.
“Perfect time of the night to get the most amazing skyline pictures. We had a couple of beers and enjoyed it very much”
A 1.5-hour night cruise that shows the Chicago skyline from the river and Lake Michigan, including a pass through the Harbor Lock.
“Hailey was an amazing guide and was very knowledgeable about the architecture and city, with a good amount of humor mixed in. The views were amazing and an experience I haven’t had all of the times I’ve been to Chicago.”
Cruise Chicago’s Chicago River and Lake Michigan in about 90 minutes, with live narration and great skyline photos for one fair price.
“It was amazing to hear about Chicago. It was my visit and can't wait to return. We stay downtown Chicago and it was beautiful.”
Sunset Lake Michigan dinner cruise from Navy Pier with skyline views, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and DJ dancing for about $89.
“The cruise was canceled before Viator sold me the trip. I called city cruises and I need to start a process for getting a refund. Again the cruise was canceled by the company”
A 2-hour small-group lunch cruise on Lake Michigan from Navy Pier with buffet lunch, DJ entertainment, and skyline views.
“The experience was wonderful could not have been a perfect day.It was my friend first time on this boat it was her birthday she abd I had a ball. The food was delicious and DJ the rock. I will definitely recommend this Cruise.”
Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a 3-course dinner, skyline views, and DJ music for about 2.5 hours from Navy Pier.
“The skyline view. The menus should have more options. Menu can be updated seating on cruise ship should adjusted back to the dance floor not good a couple of couples moved as we did. Thank you.”
Feel the Lake Michigan rush from Navy Pier on a 30-minute speedboat with skyline views, quick landmark stories, and classic Chicago sights.
“It was great experience and all the staffs were very good. The commentary was great. This is a must do activity”
Enjoy a plated 3-course lunch or dinner aboard the Odyssey on Lake Michigan, with 360 views, a DJ, and skyline passes.
“Very organized and staff were especially helpful. The 2 hours was a perfect amount of time to eat, visit, listen to the DJ and relax. The food was also delicious!”
Cruise Chicago from a historic fireboat, mixing lake views, river architecture, and fire-service stories for about 2 hours.
“Be prepared for a very entertaining 1 hour tour on the river and 1 hour on the lake. Tour boat cozy and historic with a very knowledgeable guide.”
A 1.5-hour Chicago River and Lake Michigan night cruise with live narration, skyline views, and Buckingham Fountain lights.
“This river and lake architecture to by night was so extraordinary. The crew was great especially Sheamus, Anton and Ronan. The knowledge of the area the enthusiasm in which the tool was conducted and the condition of the vessel were all top-notch. If you take the night cruise it is noted to b”
From the river and the skyline to the gangster trails, the lakefront and the deep-dish counters, every way to spend a day in the city.
