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The Water

Architecture Tours, Skyline Lake Tours,
Fireworks, & Water Taxi

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  • Architecture River Tour

    Architecture River Tour

    There’s nothing quite like experiencing a Chicago architecture tour from the water. Shoreline Sightseeing’s architecture river tour travels along all... Read More

    60, 75, or 90 min

  • Skyline Lake Tour

    Skyline Lake Tour

    Take in the stunning sights of Chicago’s skyline during a scenic boat tour on Lake Michigan. It’s a view of the city... Read More

    45 min

  • Lake Fireworks Tour

    Lake Fireworks Tour

    The Chicago skyline at night is an incredible sight, and it’s even better with an up-close view of the Navy... Read More

    60 min

  • Architecture Fireworks Tour

    Architecture Fireworks Tour

    On Wednesday evenings, enjoy an 80 minute cruise that includes an Architecture Tour followed by a front-row view of the... Read More

    80 min

  • Chicago CityPASS

    Chicago CityPASS

    Chicago CityPASS® is a bundled Chicago attractions pass that saves up to 50% on prepaid admission to five of the... Read More

  • Tour Arquitectónico del Río en Español

    Tour Arquitectónico del Río en Español

    No hay nada mejor que hacer, que ver la arquitectura más mundialmente famosa de Chicago desde las tres ramas del... Read More

    75 minutos

  • Chicago History Tour

    Chicago History Tour

    Experience Chicago from the water on one of the most unique history tours in Chicago, traveling along the iconic Chicago... Read More

    75 min

Shoreline Sightseeing crew, 1939 — founding captains in uniform in front of an early Shoreline Sightseeing boat
Chicago’s largest fleet since 1939
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Russell Kela profile picture
Russell Kela
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Took the architectural tour via CityPass at the N. Michigan location and we absolutely loved it. Our tour guide, Jeremy, was excellent and entertaining. If you’re looking to see the city from a unique point of view and learn about Chicago’s storied past, highly recommend this!
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Donald Gilbert profile picture
Donald Gilbert
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jim was an incredible tour guide. Entertaining and extremely knowledgeable.
 
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Dulguun Battuya profile picture
Dulguun Battuya
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Their 75min architectural tour led by guide Jill, made me fell in LOVE with Chicago city how I see the city now.
She made that happen with her incredible knowledge, presentation, puns and she carried us through history smoothly. Her pace, stories, voice and everything just suited what we’re experiencing. 100% recommend this tour to everyone who is visiting.
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Erik Painter profile picture
Erik Painter
10 months ago
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Took this tour Saturday night Aug 2nd and it was one of the best times! Eric the cruise guide/host was perfect! Engaging, knowledge, personable and simply fun! Tour was a mix of education, humor and great views, a definite must for all!
 
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Jack W Perry profile picture
Jack W Perry
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you only have 1/2 a day in Chicago (as we did), this is an excellent 75 minute tour of the architecture. Chi has some amazing buildings and this allows you to see most of them.

Our guide (Jim Collins) was excellent. He told stories and genuinely cared. He knew a lot and could answer questions. If you get him - tip him well!

The cruise is a bit pricey (5 of us) but it’s unique and worth the time.

We booked the night before and although you can walk up - I think to get the earlier times, it’s best to reserve (especially on weekends).

A bit hard to find - but entrance near the v. cool Apple Store.
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Péter Szőke profile picture
Péter Szőke
10 months ago
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Jim has done a great job, thank you!!
 
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Zach Brittle profile picture
Zach Brittle
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This tour was a delight and Jim was fantastic. A natural teacher and storyteller who clearly lives his city. Chicago is a marvel and the architecture really speaks to intention toward and reverence for beauty. 10/10 would 100% would recommend…especially if Jim is your guide.
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Carrie Hefton profile picture
Carrie Hefton
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic intro to the Windy City! Jim was fantastic and kept us entertained with his stories and knowledgeable about all the buildings that have made Chi Town famous. I was also happily surprised with our discounts now for the water taxi and the lake cruise, what a deal!
Read more
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Brian Nowak profile picture
Brian Nowak
10 months ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We loved this tour and as a tourist feel like it was a great way to start our vacation in Chicago. We got a great lay of the land. The host Jim was great and make sure everybody had a great time.
 
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Today On The Water

May 18, 2026
10:30 AMWater Taxi Day Pass
Available
3:15 PMArchitecture Tour from Navy Pier
Available
3:15 PMArchitecture Tour from Michigan Ave
Available
3:15 PMSkyline Lake Cruise
Available
4:00 PMArchitecture Tour from Navy Pier
Available
4:00 PMArchitecture Tour from Michigan Ave
Available
4:00 PMSkyline Lake Cruise
Available
4:30 PMSkyline Lake Cruise
Available

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