Skyline Lake Tour
Take in the stunning sights of Chicago’s skyline during a scenic boat tour on Lake Michigan. It’s a view of the city like you’ve never seen it before! Our Skyline Lake Tour is a popular Chicago skyline boat tour that departs daily from Navy Pier spring through autumn, weather permitting.
Enjoy 45 minutes of skyline views from the open water. This relaxed Lake Michigan boat tour is a great option for Chicago locals and visitors looking for an easy, memorable way to experience the city and one of the most accessible things to do in Chicago.
Tour highlights
TICKETS & PRICING
Skyline Lake Tour
Starting at:
$34
Children (3-12): $13
Children 2 and under: Free
Casting off
Once onboard, you’ll head out onto Lake Michigan for a smooth, scenic cruise with wide open views of Chicago’s skyline, famous skyscrapers, and waterfront landmarks. This Chicago skyline boat tour offers a relaxing way to see the city from the water.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Depart from Navy Pier and cruise onto Lake Michigan, where open-water views showcase Chicago’s skyline, iconic skyscrapers, and scenic waterfront.
Route
Our Skyline Lake Cruise travels both north and south along Lake Michigan, offering classic skyline views from multiple angles. From the water, you’ll see many of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy a memorable Lake Michigan boat tour experience.
FAQ
A Chicago skyline boat tour is a sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan that offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline from the water. Our Skyline Lake Cruise provides a relaxed way to enjoy Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Skyline Lake Cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it an easy Lake Michigan boat tour option for visitors who want to fit a scenic cruise into their day.
Yes. Cruises feature a pre-recorded narration.
The Chicago skyline boat tour departs from Navy Pier at 600 E. Grand Ave, a central and convenient location for both visitors and locals.
The Skyline Lake Tour departs daily from Navy Pier spring through autumn, weather permitting.
Adult tickets are $34, children ages 3-12 are $13, and children 2 and under ride free. Pricing reflects a 45-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Michigan with skyline views.
Yes. A Chicago skyline boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Chicago, especially for first-time visitors looking for iconic views and a relaxing experience on the water.
The Skyline Lake Tour heads out onto Lake Michigan for wide, open views of the entire Chicago skyline, while the Architecture River Tour travels the Chicago River for a closer look at individual landmark buildings. Both are narrated and depart from Navy Pier. For more info, see Shoreline Sightseeing's guide to the differences between a Chicago river tour and a lake tour.
Yes. The Skyline Lake Tour is a relaxed, 45-minute cruise well suited to families. Children ages 3-12 are $13, and children 2 and under ride free.
Shoreline Sightseeing has operated on Chicago's waterways since 1939, more than 86 years, and runs the city's largest fleet of tour vessels, with 11 tour boats and the most departure times. We have a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google across more than 4,100 reviews, reflecting a long track record of well-run, narrated Chicago boat tours.