Chicago Boat Tours
-
Architecture River Tour
There’s nothing quite like experiencing a Chicago architecture tour from the water. Shoreline Sightseeing’s architecture river tour travels along all... Read More
Wheelchair accessible from Navy Pier dock only
-
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... Read More
-
Chicago CityPASS
Chicago CityPASS® is a bundled Chicago attractions pass that saves up to 50% on prepaid admission to five of the... Read More
-
Bears Game Water Taxi
Take the Water Taxi to Bears Games Skip the traffic and arrive at the game in true Chicago style. On... Read More
-
Tour Arquitectónico del Río en Español
No hay nada mejor que hacer, que ver la arquitectura más mundialmente famosa de Chicago desde las tres ramas del... Read More
Este muelle es más accesible para sillas de ruedas.
-
Chicago from Every Angle
Explore Chicago from every angle – boat, bus, and observatory – with this all-in-one sightseeing ticket. Relax on a Shoreline... Read More
-
Lake Fireworks Tour
**Not Currently in Season*** The Chicago skyline at night is an incredible sight, and it’s even better with an up-close... Read More
-
Architecture Fireworks Tour
**Not Currently in Season*** On Wednesday evenings, enjoy an 80 minute cruise that includes an Architecture Tour followed by a... Read More
This departure point is not accessible for wheelchairs.
Explore the Best Chicago Boat Tours With Shoreline Sightseeing
Shoreline Sightseeing offers some of the best Chicago boat tours and boat rides for visitors and locals who want to experience the city from the water. Our narrated cruises travel the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, with options built around how you want to see the city: an architecture river tour for downtown's famous buildings, a skyline lake tour for wide views of the city from the water, and a history tour that traces Chicago's story along the river. Friendly, knowledgeable guides bring each route to life, whichever way you choose to see Chicago. If you're still deciding, it's worth learning why boat tours are a must-do in Chicago.
Scenic Skyline and Riverboat Tour Experiences
In addition to our river tours, our fleet offers skyline-focused cruises designed for relaxed sightseeing, photography, and memorable views of the city from Lake Michigan. Whether you are visiting Chicago for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, our tours are consistently rated among the best Chicago tours for guests looking for an immersive riverboat or lake tour experience. Flexible schedules and multiple tour options, including seasonal and special event cruises, make it easy to plan a boat tour that fits your day. Not sure which to pick? See how a Chicago river tour compares to a Lake Michigan boat tour.
Chicago Boat Tour Pricing, Schedules, and Planning Information
Boat tour pricing varies by tour type, season, and time of day, with options available for a range of budgets. Guests can explore current rates, schedules, and availability, or read more about our story and what makes each cruise unique. Booking in advance is recommended during peak travel months, while early season planning helps secure preferred dates as the season approaches. Tickets, schedules, and policy details are covered in our frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Boat Tours
Yes. Chicago boat tours are a highly-rated way to see the city, offering views of the skyline and architecture that aren’t visible from land. Narrated tours add historical and architectural context you won’t get on your own, making them a worthwhile experience for first-time visitors and locals alike.
Shoreline Sightseeing offers several ways to see Chicago from the water, including an architecture river tour, a skyline lake tour, and a history tour. Each one highlights a different side of the city, from downtown buildings to the open lake skyline.
Shoreline Sightseeing operates from docks at Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, and Union Station near Willis Tower, offering scenic tours of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan skyline from multiple downtown locations.
Since 1939, Shoreline Sightseeing has been known for narrated riverboat tours that highlight Chicago’s architecture, skyline, and history in a way that is both informative and enjoyable.
The best Chicago boat tour for first-timers depends on what you want to see. Architecture-focused river tours are a popular starting point, while skyline lake tours and history tours offer different perspectives on the city.
Yes. Shoreline Sightseeing offers narrated river tours led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who provide commentary throughout the cruise and help guests better understand what they are seeing.
Pricing depends on the type of tour, the time of year, and the departure time. Guests can view current ticket prices, schedules, and availability on the Shoreline Sightseeing tour calendar.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during spring and summer when tours are most popular. Planning ahead makes it easier to secure your preferred dates and times.