Chicago · LAKE MICHIGAN CRUISES

The 15 Best Lake Michigan Cruises from Chicago

37 tours  ·  from $32 a head

Out past the breakwater the whole skyline lines up at once. These 15 cruises range from a speedboat blast to a sunset sail, each priced and honest about how far out it really goes.

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago - The skyline opens up on Lake Michigan
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Sunset Tours, Chicago Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

1.Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,520 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45Our pick

Board at the historic Wrigley Building for a 90-minute cruise that follows the Chicago River toward Lake Michigan. Hear commentary on landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and John Hancock Building, then take in the skyline at sunset from the open deck or climate-controlled lounge. Snacks and drinks are available to buy.

“Very organized, be sure to get there 30mins before departure to get best seats. Friendly staff, nice little bar with drinks and hot chocolate and snacks. Relaxing non guided night time fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago - The route is scenic, not a set of landings
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

2.Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 897 reviews · 30 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $32Best value

Board Shoreline Sightseeing at Navy Pier for a 30- to 45-minute cruise on Lake Michigan. You’ll see the skyline, including Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center, with recorded commentary on Chicago history and landmarks. Bring your dog, use the onboard restroom, and buy a drink at the cash-only bar or bring your own food.

“The staff were great and helped me with my needs. The trip was very fun-filled. The team responds very well and in a timely manner, and is very accommodating.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise - Passing through the Chicago Harbor Lock
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

3.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 791 reviews · from $45

Cruise the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for 1.5 hours, with live English commentary, views of landmarks such as Willis Tower and Buckingham Fountain, and a passage through the Chicago Harbor Lock. Guides have included Olivia, Gabby, and Jacob. Open and covered seating are available, and you can bring snacks.

“The guide was great. It was fun to hear all the fact about Chicago.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise - What you see along the lakefront
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

4.Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 758 reviews · 30 min · from $32

Board Shoreline Sightseeing’s Lake Michigan cruise at Navy Pier for broad views of Chicago’s skyline and landmarks including Willis Tower, the Field Museum and 360 Chicago. The ride includes recorded commentary in English or Spanish, depending on your selection. It is listed as 30 minutes, with seasonal timing details worth checking before you book.

“I learned so much more about Chicago history! Perfect weather, crew were kind and helpful and the cruise was very enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise - Out on Lake Michigan, with the skyline ahead
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Sunset Tours, Chicago Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

5.1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 739 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Cruise from the Chicago River through the Chicago Lock and onto Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind the skyline. A local guide offers brief commentary on the river and at the lock, then the ride is mostly quiet. Choose an open deck or climate-controlled cabin; drinks and Garrett’s Popcorn are sold onboard.

“Great views from Lake Michigan. Professional crew and staff. Overalla GREAT experience.!”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride - The guide makes the ride more than a thrill
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

6.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 642 reviews · 30 - 75 minutes · from $42

Leave Navy Pier aboard a powerful open-air speedboat for a fast ride along Chicago’s lakefront. Your English-speaking guide points out landmarks such as Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus, with stories about the city’s architecture and history. Choose the Extreme Thrill Ride for sharp turns and 360-degree spins, and bring a non-glass drink if you like.

“Great fun! The tour guide Cool J was fun and informative. The whole experience was great for our family. The 30 minutes went extremely quickly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise - A changing route, not a hop-on tour
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago City Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

7.Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 509 reviews · from $45

Spend about 90 minutes with First Lady on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. A local guide connects skyline views with stories about the city’s architecture and landmarks, from the Wrigley Building to Soldier Field. The $45 trip begins and ends at 112 E. Wacker Drive, with live commentary and a maximum of 115 people aboard.

“This was the best tour that I’ve ever been on. The weather was fabulous and everyone on the boat was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan - After Dinner, the DJ Takes Over
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Dinner Cruises, Chicago Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

8.Chicago Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 348 reviews · from $89

Leave Navy Pier for a 2 to 3 hour evening on Lake Michigan, with a buffet, assigned table, skyline views, and a DJ. Look toward Willis Tower, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and other Chicago landmarks. Drinks cost extra, and bad weather can keep the boat dockside.

“Good food and music , nice and friendly attention , dancing was so fun, have a very nice tour in this boat”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan - What the two hours feel like
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

9.City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 348 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Cruise Lake Michigan from Navy Pier for about two hours, with views of the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium. You’ll have a buffet lunch, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, a guaranteed table for your party and music from a live DJ. Arrive early and confirm which vessel to board.

“Our server Trisha was wonderful. Her attitude was great. The DJ was good. The food was delicious. Good time!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour - Buckingham Fountain brings the route into focus
2-Hour Experiences, Chicago Museum Tickets, Chicago Segway Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour

10.2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 345 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64Top rated

This two-hour Chicago Segway tour covers about seven to eight miles, from Buckingham Fountain and Soldier Field to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the lakefront. You get a helmet, practice time and a guide who shares local stories. Groups are capped at eight, and riders must be at least 12 and meet the weight limits.

“Kevin our tour guide was AMAZING!!! I highly recomend this tour, this is a must to do when visiting Chicago..”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan - The DJ Changes the Mood
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Dinner Cruises, Chicago Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

11.Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 344 reviews · from $49

Board at Navy Pier for an approximately 2.5-hour Lake Michigan cruise with a chef-prepared three-course dinner, table service, nonalcoholic drinks and a DJ. Step onto the outdoor decks for views of the Chicago skyline, including landmarks such as Willis Tower and Navy Pier. Summer fireworks are available on select dates as an upgrade.

“We celebrated our 25th anniversary! Staffbwas attentive, acknowledged our special day & the DJ was on point! Will definitely go again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride - Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the skyline
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

12.Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 333 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Leave Navy Pier aboard a 2,000-horsepower speedboat for a 30-minute ride past Chicago’s lakefront, Museum Campus, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Magnificent Mile. Expect a mix of fast runs, brief pauses for commentary, music, and skyline views. The crew keeps things light; Andy, Randy, and Jamie have all been praised by name, though your crew may differ.

“Amazing! We went at 8pm the lights of the city were breathtaking. Super fun to do with kids highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago: Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise - Watch the river become an architectural canyon
Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago City Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chicago: Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

13.Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 268 reviews · from $45

Cruise Chicago’s river and Lake Michigan with a live English-speaking guide, passing landmarks such as Marina City, Willis Tower and Navy Pier. The route includes the Chicago Harbor Lock, where you can feel the boat rise toward the lake and lower again on the return. Bring a camera and a light layer, and allow extra time if the lock is slow.

“Boat was equipped with both outside and air-conditioned inside seating, including a small bar. It was a 90 minute ride with about 20 minutes spent waiting in a lock. Guide was knowledgeable and provided photo tips and interesting information of the river and city. Overall it was a decent way to get on the lake for awhile on a very hot day. Was a bit more $ than I would have liked.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise - Starting on the lake and passing through the locks
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago Boat Tours, Chicago Tours, Historical Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

14.Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 246 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Spend about two hours aboard a historic Chicago fireboat, cruising the river and Lake Michigan with expert commentary on architecture, city history, and firefighting. You’ll pass through the locks between the lake and river, with open and enclosed seating, onboard restrooms, and snacks and drinks for sale. Guides such as Cliff have led entertaining tours.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods - Lake Michigan and North Avenue Beach
Chicago Bike Tours, Chicago Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bike Tour of Chicago’s Lakefront Neighborhoods

15.Bike Tour of Chicago’s Lakefront Neighborhoods

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59

Cycle about nine mostly flat miles from Lake Shore Drive through Lincoln Park, along Lake Michigan, and into Gold Coast and Old Town. Your guide handles the route and shares local stories, from the Great Chicago Fire to the Playboy Mansion. Bikes and helmets are included; allow three hours and be ready to ride in changeable weather.

“Actually cycling in a city with a confident guide making it all seem easy , Gold Coast was beautiful as was st micheals church .”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Lake Michigan Cruises

★ 5.02 Hour Chicago Landmarks & Lakefront E-Bike TourFrom $724 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Lake Michigan TourFrom $6013 reviews
★ 3.5Mother’s Day Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake MichiganFrom $493 reviews
★ 4.0Chicago Skyline Tiki Chic Party Cruise on Lake MichiganFrom $3527 reviews
★ 4.5City Cruises Chicago: Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake MichiganFrom $1013 reviews
★ 4.0Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake MichiganFrom $27311 reviews
★ 3.5Chicago Amazing Lakefront Bike TourFrom $448 reviews
★ 4.5Chicago Lakefront Electric Bike TourFrom $6916 reviews
★ 4.0City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lake Michigan Brunch CruiseFrom $10526 reviews
★ 4.8Christmas Eve Lake Michigan Gourmet Dinner CruiseFrom $19312 reviews
★ 5.0Serene Private Sunset Sail on Lake Michigan – Navy Pier, Chicago27 reviews
★ 5.0Chicago’s Lake Michigan Downtown Kayak Rental at Ohio Street BeachFrom $3922 reviews
★ 3.8Tiki Bar Cruise on Chicago River or Lake MichiganFrom $4116 reviews
★ 5.0Private Sailing on Beautiful Lake Michigan – Navy Pier, Chicago70 reviews
★ 4.1City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Fireworks Dinner CruiseFrom $11657 reviews

Keep browsing

Chicago Boat ToursChicago River CruisesChicago Dinner CruisesChicago Fireworks CruisesChicago Sunset ToursChicago Kayak Tours
Scroll to Top

Chicago, by the kind of day

Pick a deck, a dock or a table.

On the water

Chicago River CruisesLake MichiganDinner on the LakeFireworks CruisesKayaks

Up high and indoors

Sky DecksMuseum TicketsiFLY SkydivingBall Games & Escape Rooms

On foot

ArchitectureGangstersGhostsFrank Lloyd WrightHeritage Walks

Food and drink

Food ToursCocktail CruisesBreweriesCooking ClassesHoliday Walks