Chicago Sunset Cruise
Resumes April 19, 2024
Awe-inspiring with a casual vibe, watch the sun slowly set behind Chicago’s architectural backdrop. This lake cruise is light on narration and heavy on incredible and spectacular!
Schedule & Tickets
- Adult: $44.00
- Child (4-12): $20.00
- Under 4: Free (ticket required)
TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE BUT ARE TRANSFERABLE.
- Parking & Directions
- More Information
- Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
- All bags are subject to inspection.
- Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.
Your boat includes:
Drinks & Snacks
Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!
Climate-Controlled Lounge
Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool (or freezing).
No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.
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Unforgettable views. Unparalleled experiences.
Cruises & Tours
Explore chicago by land, water or air.
Whether you’re in town for just one day or are a life-long resident, cruises and tours of Chicago are a great way to see the sights, discover something new, or treat yourself to an unforgettable experience.
From laid-back sightseeing cruises and elegant dining cruises to heart-pumping thrill rides to upscale private charters, Lake Michigan and Chicago River cruises departing from Navy Pier offer a memorable experience for all.
Our Cruises & Tours
Architecture & Sightseeing Cruises
Take in Chicago’s iconic skyline and the scenic Chicago River with sightseeing cruises at Navy Pier! These fun experiences offer guests panoramic city views along with entertaining and enlightening commentary about Chicago’s architecture and history.
Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Cruises
When you dine on Like Michigan, every table is the best in the house. Navy Pier’s brunch, lunch and dinner cruises pair world-class cuisine with panoramic views of the city and lakefront.
Speedboat Tours and Thrill Rides
This isn’t your parents’ leisure cruise! On these 30-minute speed boat rides, you’ll tear across Lake Michigan at up to 45 miles per hour while getting entertaining and informative commentary on Chicago.
Specialty and Holiday Cruises
There’s always something worth celebrating with cruises on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Our partners offer themed cruises for major holidays, as well as a wide variety of special events that are sure to get you in the party mood.
Groups And Private Charters
Perfect for corporate outings and special occasions, group cruises and private charters offer unforgettable experiences for up to 800 guests.
Bicycle Tours
Bike & Roll Chicago allows guests to rent bicycles for a fun experience on the lakefront.
Our Cruise Partners
Discover our partners: Spirit Of Chicago, Shoreline Sightseeing, Seadog Cruises, Odyssey Lake Michigan, Mystic Blue, Chicago Elite Private Yacht, & Tall Ship Windy
Cruise & Tour Types
Shoreline Architecture River Tours
Take Shoreline’s award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides. You’ll learn how Chicago rose...
City Cruises – Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan dinner cruises are the perfect setting for celebrating with friends, connecting with colleagues, or a romantic evening. Odyssey Lake Michigan dinner cruises are...
City Cruises – Premier Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
A two-hour Lake Michigan lunch cruise is the perfect way to enjoy time with family or the company of great friends. Retreat from a busy...
City Cruises – Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
Celebrate a special occasion, host a group event or share a romantic evening aboard Spirit of Chicago. Great for parties of all sizes, a Spirit...
City Cruises – Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise
Catch the Chicago skyline at sunset during the most beautiful time of the year, and join us for a fun, laid-back, 2-hour cruise. Spirit's Lakefront...
City Cruises – Odyssey Lake Michigan Dinner Cruises
Odyssey Lake Michigan presents special prix fixe dinner cruises, offering guests the opportunity to try one of Chicago’s most unique dining experiences at an incredible...
City Cruises – Spirit of Chicago Brunch Cruises
Whether you’re a native Chicagoan, newcomer, or just visiting, a Spirit of Chicago brunch cruise is the perfect weekend outing. See well-known Chicago attractions from...
City Cruises – Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
With the sunshine reflecting off the lakefront, there’s no better place to enjoy an afternoon in Chicago than aboard a lunch cruise. Departing from Navy...
City Cruises – Seadog River and Lake Architecture Tour
Enjoy Chicago’s iconic skyline with an exciting architecture cruise on the Chicago River. Departing from Navy Pier, this 75-minute narrated cruise is the best way...
City Cruises – Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour
Our Lakefront Speedboat Tour is the best way to view Chicago from the lake, combining an exciting speedboat ride along the shoreline with informative and...
City Cruises – Seadog Extreme Thrill Rides
With exhilarating high speeds and full 360° spins, this jet-propelled ride blasts off to start and splashes down to stop. Experience full throttle slalom runs,...
City Cruises – Odyssey Lake Michigan Brunch Cruise
This two-hour brunch cruise on Odyssey Lake Michigan, departing from Navy Pier, is ideal for capping off an incredible weekend. Enjoy a delicious menu stocked...
City Cruises – Odyssey Lake Michigan Groups
Host a truly unforgettable event on Lake Michigan. Book your group aboard one of Odyssey's regularly scheduled lunch or dinner cruises, or have an event...
Shoreline Sightseeing Group Tours
Adventures are meant to be shared. Turn your next family gathering or corporate outing into an awesome adventure by booking with Shoreline. We offer special...
City Cruises – Chicago Elite Private Events
It's your yacht. Let our professional event planners create a custom event just for your group aboard the Chicago Elite. With two fully enClosed ,...
City Cruises – Seadog Groups
Planning a special outing for your group? Charter Seadog for an event everyone will enjoy! With the ability to travel both the lake and river,...
Shoreline Sightseeing Water Taxis
Shoreline Sightseeing’s water taxis are a great way to get around town. Starting in May and running through September, our water taxi service offers fast...
City Cruises – Spirit of Chicago Group Cruises
Host an event unlike any other in the city! Book your group aboard one of Spirit’s regularly scheduled lunch, brunch, cocktail or dinner cruises, or...
City Cruises – Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
Experience the city’s most unique floating event venue! City Cruises offers all-inclusive packages, chef-prepared menus, full bar options, and entertainment customized to fit your needs—all...
City Cruises – Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
Shoreline Skyline Lake Tours
Shoreline’s 40-minute Skyline Lake Tour offers a relaxing way to experience the panoramic of the city’s famed skyline as seen from majestic Lake Michigan. The...
Tall Ship Windy Chicago Skyline Sail
Tall Ship Windy is closed for the season and will reopen in May 2024. Visit the Tall Ship Windy website to stay up to date...
Tall Ship Windy Private Charters & Weddings in Chicago
A Beautiful Stage for Your Event Set sail on Windy for weddings, parties, corporate functions, reunions, church outings, tour groups, team building and more! Windy...
Vote Tall Ship Windy for USA Today's 10 Best - Best Boat Tour. Click to vote!
- Frequently Sells Out
Chicago Skyline Sunset Sail
Quick Details
- Hour Glass Duration: 75 Minutes
- User Ages: All Ages
- Calendar Availability: Daily
- Sailboat Sail: Chicago at Sunset Cruise
- Map Marker Departure: Chicago's Navy Pier
The famous Tall Ship Windy Sunset Sail is truly famous. Used in many world-renown photos, backdrops for special events, weddings and evenings out, the sunset sail aboard one of the only four-mast Schooners still in operation will not disappoint. You will enjoy a sail on Lake Michigan and at just the right moment, S/V Windy will gently turn toward the Chicago skyline for a view of our spectacular sunset. Sit back and relax, enjoy some soothing music and gently complete your day with this dramatic sunset.
Chicago’s Tall Ship Windy Sunset Cruise departs Navy Pier promptly at 7pm. The sunset cruise tends to sell out so we highly recommend the purchase of VIP tickets to ensure your choice of seating.
- Chevron down Beginning September 3: Enjoy a Sunset Skyline Sail at 5pm and a Late Summer Twilight Sail at 7pm
Our sailing schedule changes with the season. Beginning September 3, enjoy a Sunset Skyline sail at 5pm and a Late Summer Twilight Sail at 7pm.
On our Twilight Sail, enjoy the beautiful colors splashed across the post-sunset sky. You’ll enjoy an evening sail on Lake Michigan aboard Tall Ship Windy and take in the world-famous Chicago skyline as day transitions to night.
- Chevron down Board First with VIP Captains Boarding - Limited Tickets Available!
All seating on board Tall Ship Windy is first come, first served. Guests with VIP Captains Boarding tickets board first before General Admission ticket holders. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and are likely to sell out. Board first to choose your seat on one of Windy’s three decks: the forward, middle or aft.
All VIP Captains Boarding tickets also include trip insurance. Trip insurance allows you to change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund up to 8 hours before your scheduled sail time. General Admission tickets without trip insurance may only change or cancel a reservation and receive a refund up to 48 hours before their scheduled sail time.
- Chevron down Add-on Trip Insurance
$8.00 Per Guest | Add to your ticket at checkout
Trip insurance allows you to change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund up to 8 hours before your scheduled sail time. Refunds for cancelled charters are less the $8.00 cost of insurance and 3% booking fees.
General Admission tickets without trip insurance may only change or cancel a reservation and receive a refund up to 48 hours before their scheduled sail time.
- Chevron down Cancellation Policy
- RAIN OR SHINE EVENT: In the unlikely event that your tour is cancelled, you may exchange your ticket for another day or receive a refund.
- No-shows will not be eligible for rescheduling or refund. Guests must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time or risk forfeiture.
- The Captain reserves the right to postpone a sail for up to 15 minutes in the case of passing inclement weather.
- Add-on Trip Insurance: Allows you to change or cancel your reservation and receive a refund up to 8 hours before your scheduled sail time.
Related Sails
- Calendar Wednesdays & Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
- User All Ages
- Hour Glass 90 Minutes
Fireworks Cruise From Navy Pier Aboard Tall Ship Windy!
Watching fireworks from Navy Pier has become a Chicago tradition and there is no better seat in the house to watch the show than sailing aboard 148′ Tall Ship Windy – the Official Flagship of the City of Chicago! Order a cold drink from our bar and enjoy a thrilling fireworks performance as you sail along the stunning and iconic Chicago skyline during this special event sail.
- Great for Children!
- Calendar Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays
Educational Sail: Tall Ship Discovery Sail
History comes alive on this exciting Windy City boat tour. Enjoy an educational adventure for curious minds of all ages with the backdrop of the iconic Chicago skyline always in view. Led by our crew-educators, experience a hands-on sailing excursion in Chicago aboard Windy.
- Private Events
- Accessibility
- Terms Of Use
- Privacy Policy
Help us win Best Boat Tour in USA Today's Best of 2024 poll! Vote every day here !
Evening River Cruise
Join us when we open for St. Patrick's Day weekend! Tickets on sale now!
Experience our renowned Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Serene and bathed in a softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life as it begins its transition from day to night. Savor the views with friends and family as you enjoy a relaxing evening on the water with cocktail in-hand.
View Route Buy Tickets
General Boarding Tickets Start At
Ticket details.
- Priority Boarding tickets start at $74 and include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission
- General Boarding tickets start at $59. Include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 more!
- Tickets can be purchased online , in-person at our dock during regular season hours or at the Chicago Architecture Center. Avoid the box office by choosing "eTickets" or "Print at Home" as your delivery method.
- Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number.
- Each person must have a ticket including infants and children.
- Prices are subject to change.
Full Schedule
Early Spring March 17 - April 25
Late Spring April 26 - May 23
- Mon 7:00 pm
- Thu 7:00 pm
- Fri 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
- Sun 6:00 pm
Summer May 24 - October 14
- Mon 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
- Tues 7:00 pm
- Wed 6:00 pm
- Thu 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
- Fri 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
- Sun 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
Early Fall October 15 - November 3
- Sun 5:30 pm 6:00 pm
Late Fall November 4 - November 24
2024 Evening River Cruise season begins April 26th and extends through November 24th. Tickets on sale now!
We are located at Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive, Chicago IL
Tour Details & Tips
- Tour Duration 90 minutes
- Arrival Time Make sure your entire party arrives 30 minutes prior to departure.
- Priority Boarding Tickets include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
- General Boarding Tickets begin boarding approximately 15 minutes before departure.
- Seating Open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
- Tour Route The tour travels all three branches of the Chicago River. View tour route map. Tour route subject to change without notice.
- Cruises depart rain or shine. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time!
- What to Bring Your sunglasses, cap or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings.
- Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our Location page for more.
- Did you know? A portion of your ticket fee supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center!
Amenities & Accessibility
- Full-service Bar/Snack Bar A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel.
- Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck to enjoy Chicago's architecture safely outdoors.
- Well-Appointed Restrooms Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel.
- Free Stroller Storage Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
- Limited Mobility Services Available See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.
Photo Gallery
- Is there a bar and food onboard?
- Yes. All boats have a full bar available onboard with cocktails, wine, craft beer, water, cold brew and more, as well as locally sourced snacks available for purchase.
- What sets your tours apart from the others?
We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour.
- How long is the tour?
- Each tour is 90 minutes.
- Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out.
- Is there assigned seating?
All seating is general admission, though proper distancing measures are put in place to ensure the safety of each party outside of their own groups, per city ordinances. There is enough seating for all guests to have a seat outside. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.
- Are tours offered in any languages other than English?
We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. Scan the QR code onboard for instructions. Mobile data for app download required.
- Do I have to print my tickets?
- You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
- Does the boat go on the lake?
No, the tour is only on the Chicago River. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline .
- Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.
- Can I bring luggage onboard?
- Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
- Can I bring a stroller onboard?
- Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
- Are there changing tables onboard?
The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.
- Are dogs allowed onboard?
Only service dogs are allowed onboard. Our sister company, Mercury , offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends.
- How can I get to your dock without using stairs?
There are two ways to reach our dock along Chicago’s Riverwalk without using stairs: 1. On foot via the ramp located on Wacker Drive at State Street. 2. Vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive. Visit our location page for more information.
- Can I trade my tickets for a different date/time?
- No, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
- Do you cruise rain or shine?
- Yes, we cruise rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views. Tour commentary is broadcast over speakers on both levels.
- Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer to board before general boarding starts. Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability. Visit our accessibility page for more information.
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
- Dinner Cruises
Spirit of Chicago Sunset Dinner Cruise with Buffet
- Lavish, all-you-can-eat buffet, including carving station
- Chicago sunset cruise on Lake Michigan
- Breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline, including Soldier Field and Buckingham Fountain
- On-board entertainment with DJ music, access to shared spaces, and interactive games
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Dinner cruise
- Buffet dinner
- Live entertainment
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities (optional)
Departure & Return
Please note: All cruises begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the departure time. Tickets may be picked up at the dockside kiosk up to one hour prior to the cruise. In the rate even of a schedule change, you will be contacted with updated information.Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port
Returns to original departure point
What To Expect
Dance, dine, and celebrate during this beautiful 3-hour sunset cruise with an all-you-can-eat buffet along the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. It's the perfect way to get your fill of amazing Windy City skyline views, along with a delicious selection of salads, entrees and desserts and live entertainment.Set sail in the evening from your departure point at the city's Navy Pier, climbing aboard the deck of your sleek, luxuriously-appointed cruiser. Enjoy a few drinks (own expense) as you soak up beautiful sunset views, watching as the lights of the city begin to glow at dusk. Then have a seat for dinner, featuring a mouth-watering all-you-can-eat buffet and carving station. Whatever you're in the mood for, there's sure to be a dish to suit your appetite (see the itinerary below for menu). Then get the party started after dinner with the help of a top Chicago DJ as you bust a few moves on the dance floor.As you dance, dine, and drink the evening away, make sure to take a peek at the magnificent views of the illuminated Chicago skyline visible in the distance. It's the perfect way to kick off a fun night on the town.Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise In the summer months, upgrade your Chicago Dinner Cruise experience to include a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You will observe the show from the decks of the ship and see the magnificent sky lit up at night.ItinerarySample Menu (subject to change) The SaladsOrganic Mixed Field Greens - Grape Tomatoes | English Cucumbers | Carrots | Corn | Kidney Beans | American Cheddar Cheese Herb Croutons | House-Made Ranch Dressing | Balsamic Vinaigrette | Low-Fat Italian DressingOrganic Spinach & Kale Salad - Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Red Bell Peppers | Red Onions | Lemon & Oregano DressingRoasted Red Beet Salad - Pickled Shallots | Fresh Mint | Italian ParsleyMediterranean Couscous & Chickpea Salad - Scallions | Plum Tomatoes | Cumin & Paprika VinaigretteOrzo & Bay Shrimp Salad - Scallions | English Cucumbers | Cherry TomatoesThe EntreesOven Baked North Atlantic Sole Filet - Tomato, Shallot & Caper SauceHoney & Sesame Chicken - Scallions | Fresno ChiliesWhole-Roasted Pork Loin - Dijon Mustard Cream SauceBraised Beef Short Ribs - Baby Carrots | Cabernet Sauvignon SauceRoasted Broccoli Florets - Toasted Garlic | Chili FlakesCreamed Corn & Cheddar Cheese Casserole - Green Chilies | Scallions | CilantroBaked Ziti Pasta - Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese -| Mozzarella Cheese | Spinach & Garlic SauceMashed Potatoes - Idaho Potatoes | Roasted GarlicThe DessertsSeasonal Cut FruitCannolisChocolate Drizzle Rice KrispyCheesecakeChocolate CakeStrawberries & Vanilla CustardApple Cobbler*Menu subject to change. Please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Dress code is smart casual. No jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, gym shoes or flip flops are worn on the cruise
- All interior areas of the ship are non-smoking. Guests who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks only
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Your Contact Details
Questions or requests.
Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?
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