Since 1939, Shoreline Sightseeing has been guiding guests through Chicago's waterways, offering a unique perspective of the city's iconic skyline and architectural marvels. With a fleet of 11 touring vessels and 7 water taxis, they provide unparalleled views and stories of the Windy City. Embark on a journey that combines history, architecture, and scenic beauty with Shoreline Sightseeing.

What We Offer

• 45 Minute Skyline Lake Cruise for Children (ages 3-12) and Adults (ages 13+)
• 75-Minute Architecture River Tour for Children (ages 3-12) and Adults (ages 13+)

Architecture River Tour:

World-famous landmarks

There’s nothing quite like seeing Chicago’s world-famous architecture from all three branches of the Chicago River. From hidden treasures to the city’s most well-known sights, you’ll view over 40 Chicago landmarks on our 60-minute Architecture River Boat Tours.

Enjoy the spectacular views as you listen to our tour guides tell you how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering made the city famous.

Their Architecture River Tours depart from two docks, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier. No matter which dock you depart from, you’ll see all of the spectacular sights as you tour the Chicago River.

Route

Their Architecture River Tour takes you up and down the three branches of the Chicago River, providing breathtaking views of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers and landmarks at every turn.

Tour highlights:

• Unique views from the water create an entirely new perspective of the city
• 40+ landmarks including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City
• Hear the stories of Chicago’s architects and engineers while viewing their magnificent buildings

Skyline Lake Cruise:

Cruise along Lake Michigan. Take in the stunning sights of Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan—it’s a view of the city like you’ve never seen it before! Our Skyline Lake Tour departs daily from Navy Pier spring through autumn, weather permitting.

Enjoy 30 minutes of Skyline views from Lake Michigan. It is a perfect trip for Chicago locals and visitors alike.

Their Skyline Lake Tour departs from their Navy Pier dock at 600 E. Grand Ave. Once onboard, you’ll head out on a majestic boat tour of Lake Michigan where you’ll be able to see Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers and landmarks.

Route

Their Skyline Cruise takes you out onto Lake Michigan, heading both north and south on the lake, you’ll see many of Chicago’s famous landmarks and the classic skyline vista.

Tour highlights:

• View iconic landmarks including the Willis Tower, 875 N. Michigan (the former John Hancock Building), Aqua Tower, and The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower)
• Unique views from Lake Michigan create an entirely new perspective of the city
• Hear the history of Chicago’s buildings and how the city came to have such a famous skyline

Shoreline Sightseeing

Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

From shoreline to skyline, there’s no better way to see Chicago’s world-famous architecture than from a Shoreline Sightseeing boat. Their fleet of 11 touring vessels and 7 water taxis is the largest in the city, and many of their tours offer amazing views of the city’s famous landmarks with incredible stories told by our guides to match. Choose the tour that suits your schedule, then sit back, relax, and enjoy Chicago!

Their expert tour guides are fun, friendly people who truly love showing off the city of Chicago. Each Shoreline guide goes through an extensive training process to learn all about Chicago’s famous landmarks, but even before they join us, many know the architecture and history of the city inside and out. They make every Shoreline tour fun, exciting, and informative, the ideal guides for your tour around the city!

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