Shoreline Sightseeing is a family-owned company that offers boat tours and cruises in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1939, Shoreline Sightseeing is one of the oldest and most respected tour operators in Chicago, and has been providing scenic and informative tours of the city’s architecture and skyline for over 80 years.
Shoreline Sightseeing offers a variety of tour options, including the Architecture River Tour, which takes guests on a journey through Chicago’s iconic skyline and famous buildings along the Chicago River. They also offer a Classic Lake Tour, which takes guests on a relaxing cruise along Lake Michigan to enjoy the city’s stunning views from the water.
In addition to these popular tours, Shoreline Sightseeing also offers specialty tours, such as the Fireworks Cruise and the Brew Cruise, which are perfect for families and groups of friends looking for a unique and memorable experience.
Shoreline Sightseeing takes pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the safety and comfort of their guests. Their knowledgeable and friendly guides make every tour informative and entertaining, and their state-of-the-art vessels are equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Maps
Contact
Opening Hours
Video
FAQ's
How much do tickets for your tours cost?
Prices vary based on tour and date. See the Architecture River Tour, Skyline Lake Tour and Fireworks Tour pages for more information.
What form of payments do you accept?
At this time, we only accept credit cards at our ticket booths and onboard bars.
How do I redeem my C3 by CityPASS tickets?
Advance reservations are required for C3 by CityPASS ticket holders. First, purchase C3 Tickets online. Next, follow the link on your receipt or click here to reserve your cruise date/time. Present your reservation barcodes at either the Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue boarding queue (bypass the ticket booth). Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time.
How do I redeem my Go City Explorer pass?
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, capacity is limited. The Go City Explorer Pass can only be redeemed at our ticket booths on the day you plan to use the tickets. No advance redemptions.
Do I need Skyline Lake Tour reservations?
Our Skyline Lake Tours run frequently, but reservations are still a good idea, especially in the busy summer months. Please note that while reserving a ticket secures your place, 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.
Do I need Architecture River Tour reservations?
Architecture River Tours often sell out quickly, especially in the height of the summer season, so reservations are strongly advised. Please note that while reserving a ticket secures your place on a specific cruise, actual seating is on a first-come basis.




