Chicago Lake & River Cruises — Skyline, Sunset & Dinner Options Compared
Chicago's lakefront and river both make for great cruising — the choice is a daytime Lake Michigan skyline cruise, a sunset sail, a dinner cruise, or a fast speedboat ride.
Available
6 options
Avg. rating
4.7 - 2,497 reviews
From
$29 USD
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Lake & River Cruises: what to know before booking
Chicago's lakefront and river both make for great cruising — the choice is a daytime Lake Michigan skyline cruise, a sunset sail, a dinner cruise, or a fast speedboat ride.
- Availability
- 6 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $29 USD before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.7 stars across 2,497 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Most cruises depart from Navy Pier or the Chicago Riverwalk near the DuSable Bridge
- Best time
- Daytime for skyline photos, or a sunset sailing for the city lighting up
- Ticket note
- Date- and time-stamped; boats depart on schedule, so arrive 30 minutes early
Lake & River Cruises in Chicago
Sorted by review signal, price, and availability. Tap any card to book through the provider checkout.
Everything you should know before you book
Chicago is one of the few major cities where you can cruise both a great lake and a working river. Lake Michigan cruises pull far enough offshore to take in the full skyline, while sunset and dinner cruises turn the trip into an evening. The speedboat ride is the adrenaline pick, bouncing along the lakefront in 30 minutes.
Sunset cruises are the most popular, so book ahead in summer. Daytime sailings give the clearest skyline photos; dinner cruises pair the view with a meal and usually run two to three hours. The river sunset cruise stays inland for a closer look at the buildings as the lights come on.
Frequently asked questions
Lake or river cruise in Chicago?
Lake Michigan cruises give the wide skyline view from offshore; river cruises get you close to the buildings. The architecture river cruise is the pick for design; a lake sunset cruise is best for the skyline.
Are dinner cruises worth it?
If you want the view and a meal in one evening, yes. They run longer and cost more; a plain sunset cruise gives the same scenery for less if you'll eat elsewhere.
What should I bring on a Chicago cruise?
A jacket — the lake breeze makes it noticeably cooler on the water, even on warm days. A camera or phone for the skyline, and sun protection for daytime sailings.