Shoreline Sightseeing

Shoreline Sightseeing has been a Chicago tourism staple since 1939, running boat tours on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan as well as a water taxi between several downtown docks. Its range of short and longer tours makes it a flexible choice for visitors who want to see the city from the water.

The Architecture River Tour is the main offering, lasting 60 or 75 minutes depending on the departure, with commentary on the buildings along the river. A Spanish-language version, the Tour Arquitectonico del Rio en Espanol, runs for 75 minutes, which is useful for Spanish-speaking visitors. For a broader view, the 45-minute Skyline Lake Tour heads out onto Lake Michigan for views back to the downtown towers. In season, there is a 60-minute Lake Fireworks Tour, an 80-minute Architecture Fireworks Tour on Wednesday evenings and 90-minute summer special events departing from Navy Pier.

Shoreline also runs a water taxi linking Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, the Museum Campus near Buckingham Fountain, and Union Station and Willis Tower. It is a practical way to move between sights, for example from Navy Pier to the Museum Campus for the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Tickets are also available through Chicago CityPASS and the Chicago from Every Angle bundle, which combines a river tour with 360 Chicago and a bus tour.

Some tours, including the fireworks trips, are seasonal, so check the website for what is running during your visit. Book online in advance for summer weekends, sunset departures and fireworks nights, which are the busiest.

Shoreline suits families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants a short, easy introduction to Chicago's skyline. The 45-minute lake tour is a good option with young children, while the architecture tours suit adults and older children who will enjoy the commentary. Bring a layer, as it can be windy on the water. If you are deciding between tours, think about what you most want to see: the architecture tour explains the buildings along the river, while the lake tour is mainly about the skyline view from the water.

For enquiries, call +1 312-222-9328 or email [email protected]. Combining a cruise with an afternoon at the pier, or with a visit to the Museum Campus by water taxi, makes an easy day out.