Chicago

15 Best Lake Michigan & River Cruises

The lake cruises: skyline sails off Navy Pier, Seadog speedboat runs and fireworks sailings on summer nights. The lake side of the skyline is the view locals send their relatives.

1.Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning skyline and iconic architecture on this 1 hour 15-minute river cruise, led by knowledgeable guides. Perfect for first-timers and architecture lovers.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“The tour guide was great! Loved his insight, knowledge, and personality. It wasn’t always easy to hear him as other passengers We’re on their phones or talking to each other loudly.”

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2.Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Discover Chicago's iconic architecture from the river on a 1.5-hour guided cruise. Enjoy expert guides, stunning views, and local food options.

★ 4.8

“John was an absolutely fantastic guide. Incredibly informative and so much fun. We traveled from Ireland and he was one of the highlights of á fantastic weekend in á city thst he is clearly and rightly proud of. Well done done John”

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3.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

Experience Chicago’s stunning architecture from the river with a 1.5-hour guided cruise aboard First Lady, offering expert insights and iconic city views.

★ 5.0

“Evening was the perfect time to view the architecture along the river and Amy was a great tour guide.”

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7.Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Explore Chicago’s iconic skyline on a 90-minute architecture river cruise. Enjoy expert guides, stunning views, and insider stories for an authentic experience.

★ 5.0

“I've lived in Chicago my whole life and I finally got to see my gorgeous city from the river! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience so much fun! Make sure to bring a jacket just in case it's windy or cold…”

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8.Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

Experience Chicago’s stunning skyline at sunset on a 90-minute boat cruise, with scenic views, expert guides, and onboard snacks. Perfect for a memorable evening.

★ 4.5

“A little confusing finding the location but overall it was an extremely fun excursion. And the view of Chicago at night was mesmerizing. We had a wonderful time”

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9.Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

Discover Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan with a 45-minute sightseeing cruise, offering stunning views, informative commentary, and flexible options.

★ 4.5

“Tour was beautiful & staff were friendly. It was relaxing and informative. I will definitely do this again.”

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10.Chicago Architectural River Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning architecture on a 1.5-hour river cruise with expert guides, scenic views, and fascinating stories that bring the city’s skyline to life.

★ 4.5

“Our tour guide, Jim, was amazing & so knowledgeable about the history & architecture throughout Chicago.”

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15.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

Experience Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan on a 30-minute speedboat ride. Enjoy expert guides, stunning views, and optional thrills for an exciting, authentic adventure.

★ 4.4

“Captain Scrappy ran a tight ship. My daughter is in a wheelchair. They took special care getting her on and off the boat. Jake the guide was informative and funny. The Lake Michigan ride was so much fun.”

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More Lake Michigan & River Cruises

4.3Chicago: Fireworks Cruise with Lake or River Viewing Options45 minutes - 2 hours$32 4.5Chicago Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise$45.00 4.7Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks1.5 hours$42 4.7Chicago: Architecture Center Cruise on Chicago’s First Lady1.5 hours$57 4.0Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan2 hours (approx.)$66.97 4.3City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise2 - 3 hours$88 4.0Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride30 minutes (approx.)$42.78 4.7Chicago: Narrated Sightseeing River and Lake Cruise$45 4.5City Cruises Chicago: 75-min Speedboat Architecture Cruise1.3 hours$61 4.5Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)$61.82 5.0Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River/Lake Cruise2 hours (approx.)$47.00 4.5Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise$45.00 4.0City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise2 hours$66 4.5Best of Chicago Small-Group Tour with Architecture River Cruise4 hours (approx.)$254.00 4.8Chicago: City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture Cruise2 - 4 hours$48 4.7City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise2 hours - 150 minutes$84 5.0Small-Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Chicago1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$89.00 4.7Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Riverboat Tour1.5 hours$57 4.0City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise2 to 3 hours (approx.)$116.17 4.0Chicago Creepy Cruise$45.00 3.0City Cruises: Chicago Fireworks Premier Dinner Cruise2 to 3 hours (approx.)$142.14 4.1Chicago: Historic Gangsters & Twilight Tales Night Cruise$45 4.1City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Fireworks Dinner Cruise3 hours$116 4.5Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River2 hours (approx.)$84.74