We cover the entire downtown city skyline from north to south. The six-mile trip on Lake Michigan proceeds north past Navy Pier to the Hancock Building, east out to the lighthouse, and south towards the Sears Tower and Museum Campus, which includes the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History.

We have a professional narration that highlights special events in our city’s history and points out landmarks on our famous skyline.

Our Skyline Tours run frequently, but reservations are still a good idea, especially in the busy summer months. Purchasing a ticket online reserves your place and secures the price at a 5% discount. Prices may vary if you wait to purchase tickets on site. Please note that actual seating is on a first-come basis. During special festivals such as Taste of Chicago, we will run extra tours, but we cannot take reservations due to the size of crowds.

The Architecture Cruise goes down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north branch to the East Bank Club, and then south past the Sears Tower to the old Post Office Building. Each cruise is led by a professional and entertaining guide who provides detailed descriptions of more than 40 landmark buildings seen on the river cruise.

Architecture Cruises often sell out quickly, especially in the height of the summer season, so advance reservations are strongly advised. Purchasing a ticket online reserves your place at a 5% discount of our normal pricing. Ticket prices may vary if you wait to purchase on site. Again, actual seating is on a first-come basis.

In the spring and fall our schedule is largely dependent on weather, except for our group commitments which will operate as scheduled. However, our tours will usually sail during the summer, though weather may require a reduced schedule. It is up to the Captain to decide whether conditions are unsafe and to delay or cancel the cruise accordingly.

If cruises are canceled due to stormy weather, or any other reason, refunds will be issued for pre-purchased tickets.

The lower decks of the sightseeing boats are partially covered overhead. The water taxis are somewhat covered but open to the elements.

Approximate times are:

March – 7:00 P.M.
April – 7:30 P.M.
May – 8:00 P.M.
June – 8:30 P.M.
July – 8:30 P.M.
August – 7:45 P.M.
September – 7:00 P.M.
October – 6:15 P.M.

The architectural details of our famous buildings are more clearly visible during the day. However, when the city lights tun on, you get an entirely new view of Chicago's architecture. Many guests have ended up taking both day and evening tours because they are so different.

Most Shoreline tours and cruises do not go through the locks. Doing so would add approximately 30 minutes per round trip, most of which time is spent sitting and waiting.

Alcohol is available on most of our boat tours.

Drinks and small snack items are available on most Shoreline tours.

Yes, the tour boats have restrooms; only the three newer water taxis have restrooms; most taxis do not, so please plan ahead.

The upper decks of our Chicago River Architecture Cruise boats are accessible to people with disabilities. However, our vessels are not equipped with elevators. Therefore, restrooms, which are located on the lower deck, are not accessible. Additionally, the upper decks of our Architecture Cruise vessels are open and provide no protection from the elements, although we do have a light-weight awning-type covering in the event of rain. Our Skyline Lake Tour boats have limited access to people with disabilities. Our ramps are accessible only to wheelchairs with a narrow base and not at all to motorized vehicles. Our Water Taxis are not accessible to people with disabilities. If you have additional questions please call.

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on any of our tours.

Shoreline was founded in 1939 with one touring vessel giving Lake Michigan boat tours. We are now in our third generation of family ownership, with the largest touring fleet in Chicago.

Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more with advance reservations. Contact our Sales Office at 312-222-9328 and press 3 to reach group sales or access complete information through Shoreline’s Group Sales on our website.

Yes, Shoreline offers private charters for 50 to 250 guests aboard both the sophisticated, climate controlled Celebration and the charming, open air Evening Star. We can handle all arrangements including bar packages, catering, music and many charter add-ons to make your event complete. Contact our Charter Sales Director at 312.222.9328 and press 4 to reach charter sales, or visit our charters website.