Lake Michigan Boat Tour at a glance
- Our pick: Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: 30–45 minute Lake Michigan cruise, US$ 30 per person (30m–45m, 4.44★ · 958).
- Top rated: Private Sailing on Lake Michigan: Navy Pier, Chicago, US$ 508 per group (2h, 5.00★ · 73).
- Also recommended: Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: River & Lake Michigan views, US$ 48 per person (1h 30m, 4.69★ · 2,493).
Price per person across the 7 options priced per person: US$ 30–US$ 199 (median US$ 48). With 100+ reviews: 4 of 8.
Of the 8 options: 5 with live guides in English, 8 with free cancellation, 4 with instant confirmation, 6 kid-friendly, 1 private and 4 bookable last-minute.
How we rank: quality, number of reviews, availability, booking conditions and relevance to the topic. In the comparison table, our top 3 comes first. Prices are per person, except options priced per group: that price is for the whole group, and the per-person figure assumes the group is full. “Top rated” = the highest score among options with at least 50 reviews.
Lake Michigan Boat Tour
Based on each operator's calendar. Confirmed when you book.
8 options
Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: 30–45 minute Lake Michigan cruise Lake Michigan skyline cruise from downtown Chicago with narration, onboard bar, and views of Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Navy Pier. Every day · Every 1 h, 12:00 to 18:00 · All ages ★ 4.44 (958 reviews) Duration: 30m–45m ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 30 per person
Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: River & Lake Michigan views Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour with professional guide, climate-controlled seating and taxes included. Covers 200+ years of architecture. Next departure: 16 Apr 2027 · All ages ★ 4.69 (2,493 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 48 per person
Chicago: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise from Downtown Depart near Michigan Avenue Bridge on Wendella's boat, cruise the Chicago River and Lake Michigan at sunset. Climate-controlled lounge, expert guide, restroom. 1.5–2 hours. Next departure: 16 Apr 2027 · All ages ★ 4.52 (1,736 reviews) Duration: 1h 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 48 per person
Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride Chicago: 30-Minute Skyline Tour High-speed boat tour departing Navy Pier with unobstructed views of Chicago's skyline and live guide commentary. 30 minutes on the water. Next departure: 1 May 2027 · All ages ★ 4.11 (360 reviews) Duration: 30m Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 45 per person
Lake Michigan Kayak & SUP Rental: Downtown Chicago at Ohio Street Beach Kayak and paddleboard rentals at Ohio Street Beach near Navy Pier. Calm Lake Michigan waters, downtown skyline views, life jackets included. 1–2 hours, beginner-friendly. Next departure: 1 May 2027 · All ages ★ 4.81 (26 reviews) Duration: 1h–2h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 40 per person
Private Sailing on Lake Michigan: Navy Pier, Chicago Sail Lake Michigan from Navy Pier with a US Coast Guard licensed captain for up to six people. Choose your route, your music, your pace. Next departure: 29 May 2027 ★ 5.00 (73 reviews) Duration: 2h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 508 per group
Snorkeling Lake Michigan: Novadoc Shipwreck 150 Yards Offshore Snorkel the Novadoc shipwreck 150 yards offshore Lake Michigan from Silver Lake. Paddle out with all gear provided and explore the wreck for 45 minutes. Next departure: 9 Jul 2027 · Ages 18–80 ★ 5.00 (9 reviews) Duration: 4h Live guide: EN ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 199 per person
Chicago: Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise Lake Michigan & DJ Three-hour Christmas Eve dinner cruise on Lake Michigan with chef-prepared plated menu, DJ entertainment, and skyline views. Full bar included. Thu · 18:00 · All ages Duration: 3h ✓ Free cancellation. from US$ 198 per person
All 8 options, side by side
✓ 2026-11-14| Option | Price | Duration | Rating | Days and times | Guide languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: 30–45 minute Lake Michigan cruiseOur pick | US$ 30 per person | 30m–45m | 4.44★ · 958 | Every day · Every 1 h, 12:00 to 18:00 | — |
| Private Sailing on Lake Michigan: Navy Pier, ChicagoTop ratedPrivate | US$ 508 per group up to 6 people · ≈ US$ 85 per person if 6 go | 2h | 5.00★ · 73 | Next departure: 29 May 2027 | English |
| Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: River & Lake Michigan viewsAlso recommended | US$ 48 per person | 1h 30m | 4.69★ · 2,493 | Next departure: 16 Apr 2027 | English |
| Chicago: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise from Downtown | US$ 48 per person | 1h 30m | 4.52★ · 1,736 | Next departure: 16 Apr 2027 | English |
| Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride Chicago: 30-Minute Skyline Tour | US$ 45 per person | 30m | 4.11★ · 360 | Next departure: 1 May 2027 | English |
| Lake Michigan Kayak & SUP Rental: Downtown Chicago at Ohio Street Beach | US$ 40 per person | 1h–2h | 4.81★ · 26 | Next departure: 1 May 2027 | — |
| Snorkeling Lake Michigan: Novadoc Shipwreck 150 Yards OffshoreGroup of up to 5 | US$ 199 per person | 4h | 5.00★ only 9 reviews | Next departure: 9 Jul 2027 | English |
| Chicago: Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise Lake Michigan & DJ | US$ 198 per person | 3h | — | Thu · 18:00 | — |
By what you need
- Private (1): Private Sailing on Lake Michigan: Navy Pier, Chicago (US$ 508 per group)
- Small groups (up to 15) (1): Snorkeling Lake Michigan: Novadoc Shipwreck 150 Yards Offshore (US$ 199 per person)
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