FAQs

All the info you need

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Check out the FAQs below, chances are if you’ve got a question, someone else does too! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please send us a note.

Tickets and reservations

How much do tickets for your tours cost?

Prices vary based on tour and date. See the Architecture River Tour, Skyline Lake Tour and Fireworks Tour pages for more information.

What form of payments do you accept?

At this time, we only accept credit or debit cards at our ticket booths and onboard bars.

How do I redeem my Chicago CityPASS^® tickets?

Advance reservations are required for Chicago CityPASS^® ticket holders. First, purchase CityPASS^® Tickets online. Next, follow the link on your receipt or click here to reserve your cruise date/time. Present your reservation barcodes at either the Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue boarding queue (bypass the ticket booth) at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. Learn More about saving up to 49% with Chicago CityPASS® tickets.

How do I redeem my Go City Explorer pass?

The Go City Explorer Pass can only be redeemed at our ticket booths on the day you plan to use the tickets. No advance redemptions.

Do I need Skyline Lake Tour reservations?

Our Skyline Lake Tours run frequently, but reservations are still a good idea, especially in the busy summer months. Please note that while reserving a ticket secures your place, actual seating is on a first-come basis.

Do I need Architecture River Tour reservations?

Architecture River Tours often sell out quickly, especially in the height of the summer season, so reservations are strongly advised. Please note that while reserving a ticket secures your place on a specific cruise, actual seating is on a first-come basis.

Can I change my tour date or time?

Yes, a $10.00 per ticket change fee will be applied to any ticket date or time change requested on the day of the originally booked tour. Please call 312-222-9328 ext. 1 or email info@shorelinesightseeing.com, with your full confirmation number for assistance.

What are Shoreline’s approved third-party vendors?

Shoreline’s approved third-party vendors are CityPASS, Viator/TripAdvisor, Go City, Tiqets, Big Bus (Chicago Gray Line), Virgin Experience, Civitatis, Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG), Expedia (Travelscape), Get Your Guide (GYG) (Hyperwallet), Groupon, Headout, Musement, Tripster (Reserve Direct), Klook. Third-party vendors do not sell tickets at discounted prices. The only discounted tickets are those included with CityPass and Go City packages.

What are Shoreline’s approved third-party vendors?

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More about our tours

Where does the Skyline Lake Tour go?

We cover the entire downtown city skyline from north to south. The six-mile trip on Lake Michigan proceeds north past Navy Pier to the Hancock Building, east out to the lighthouse, and south towards the Willis (Sears) Tower and Museum Campus, which includes the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum of Natural History.

What type of information do you have on the Skyline Lake Tour?

We have a professional pre-recorded narration that highlights special events in our city’s history and points out landmarks on our famous skyline.

What do you cover on your Architecture River Tour?

The Architecture River Tour goes down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past the Willis (Sears) Tower to the old Post Office Building. Each cruise is led by a professional and entertaining guide who provides detailed descriptions of more than 40 landmark buildings.

Do your tours run if it rains?

In the spring and fall, our schedule is largely dependent on weather, except for our group commitments which will operate as scheduled. Our tours will usually sail during the summer, though weather may require a reduced schedule. It is up to the captain to decide whether conditions are unsafe, and they have discretion to delay or cancel the cruise accordingly. If cruises are canceled due to stormy weather, or any other reason, refunds will be issued for pre-purchased tickets.

What time is sunset?

Approximate sunset times are:

March – 7pm
April – 7:30pm
May – 8pm
June – 8:30 pm
July – 8:30pm
August – 7:45pm
September – 7pm
October – 6:15pm

What time are the Navy Pier fireworks?

Navy Pier fireworks displays take place at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the summer. For detailed information, visit https://navypier.org/explore/fireworks/.

Is it better to cruise in the daytime or evening?

The architectural details of our famous buildings are more clearly visible during the day. However, when the city lights turn on, you get an entirely new view of Chicago’s architecture. Many guests have ended up taking both day and evening tours because they are so different.

Do your boats go through the locks?

Most Shoreline tours and cruises do not go through the locks. Doing so would add approximately 30 minutes per round trip, most of which time is spent sitting and waiting.

Boats, safety & general info

Do you have life jackets on board?

The US Coast Guard requires there be life jackets for every passenger. However, they are only passed out in an emergency.

Can I bring my bike or scooter on board?

No. Bikes, scooters, or any form of personal transportation may not be brought onboard or stored on any Shoreline Vessel.

Do your boats have covered seating?

Most of our tour boats are double-deckers with a partially covered overhead, but four of our Architecture River Tour boats have a single deck with no cover.

Do you serve alcohol?

Full beverage service will be available for purchase on most of our boat tours. Purchases are available by credit or debit card only.

Is there anything to eat or drink on the boats?

Drinks and small snacks items are available for purchase on most Shoreline tours. Purchases are available by credit or debit card only.

Are there restrooms on the boats?

Yes, the tour boats have restrooms.

Are your boats accessible to people with disabilities?

Our Architecture River Tour docks at Navy Pier are accessible to people with disabilities. Some of these tour boats are double-decker vessels with restrooms located on the lower deck, our vessels are not equipped with elevators. Therefore these restrooms, which are located on the lower deck, are not accessible. Additionally, the upper decks of our Architecture River Tour vessels are open and provide no protection from the elements, although we do have a light-weight awning-type coverings in the event of rain. Our Skyline Lake Tour boats have limited access to people with disabilities. Our ramps are accessible only to wheelchairs with a narrow base and not at all to motorized vehicles. Our Architecture River Tour dock at Michigan Avenue is not accessible to people with disabilities. If you have additional questions, please call 312-222-9328 ext. 1. Find out more details on dock accessibility here.

How many people fit on the boat?

Depending on the vessel, anywhere from 150 to 260 people will fit on the boat.

Do you allow dogs on board?

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on any of our tours.

How long has Shoreline been in business?

Shoreline was founded in 1939 with one touring vessel giving Lake Michigan boat tours. We are now in our third generation of family ownership, with the largest touring fleet in Chicago.