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

“We took the 5:30 tour and seeing Chicago from the water at night was beautiful. It was very cold obviously but they have a bar with spiked hot chocolate for sale as well as blankets and hats for sale if you get too cold.”

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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

“Dress warm due to shade when weather is colder. The distance isn’t as far as I hoped. Plenty of seats were available”

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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

“Very nice experience. The lady was very nice and explained the history of Chicago very well. I will recommend to all my friends.”

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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

“Fun boat ride and great opportunity for pictures of skyline. Boat was a little crowded. While I was prepared to potentially be cold/chilly, I was not prepared to get wet! We Enjoyed the music and availability of the bar. Also liked the narration at the…”

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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

“It’s a beautiful scenic option to see the skyline (I recommend the night time view) you’re able to see the beautiful lighting of the buildings.”

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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

“Absolutely fantastic. And the lecturer, Tyler, was so knowledgeable and yet very funny and engaging.”

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11.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

Discover Chicago’s stunning night skyline, historic landmarks, and Lake Michigan on this 1.5-hour river and lake cruise with lively guides and breathtaking views.

★ 4.6

“Great experience. Wonderful to see Chicago all lit up! Gorgeous skyline which looked amazing at night. Staff were great and our guide was very knowledgeable. Thoroughly recommend this trip.”

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14.Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

Discover Chicago's highlights with a small-group city tour, featuring iconic landmarks and an optional architecture river cruise for a comprehensive experience.

★ 5.0

“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as some of the large city tours that I have been on have been lackluster at best. However, I am pleased to say that our experience with both the mini bus tour and the boat tour was very…”

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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

“This was my second time on a Seadog. If you like to go fast like Ricky Bobby, then this boat cruise is for you. The views are incredible. & the crew is fun & friendly.”

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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