Chicago Skyline Tour: Scenic Sail on Official City Tall Ship
4.5
434 Ratings
Chicago
Experience the beauty of Chicago's skyline on a scenic sail around Lake Michigan. Discover the city's architectural wonders and enjoy breathtaking views from the Official Ship of Chicago.
Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Navy Pier - Departs from the historic Navy Pier, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
  • Lake Michigan - Sail on the third-largest of the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan is itself a natural wonder.
What's Included
  • Local taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Snacks (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Escape the vigorous city life! Journey around Lake Michigan and experience the exquisite shoreline of Chicago at your own pace. Marvel at the globally renowned skyline, witness breathtaking views, and uncover the aquatic side of the Windy City. The Official Ship of the city, Windy, measuring at 148 feet in length, prides itself as one of a handful quartet-masted Schooners constructed within the United States. Recline and relish a soothing cruise aboard an authentically historical watercraft. Choose from our Pirate and Maritime Stories Sail at 1pm, Skyline/Architectural Theme Sails at 3pm and 5pm, or the Skyline Sunset Sail at 7pm.

Our sail lasts for nearly 75 minutes. The ship embarks punctually at the slated time, so we advise you to account for possible parking time, off the pier if need be.

  • All Passengers must be present 30 minutes prior to advertised sail time. The Ship leaves on time. Please allow ample time for Chicago traffic, getting lost, and not being able to park close.
  • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
  • Dress code:should be sensible for the weather
  • Children under 16 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult
  • Windy is NOT HANDICAP accessible.
  • Guests must be able to ambulate up and down 6 steps on each side of the boarding ladder.
  • Assistive devices must be left on the dockside storage area and may not be used on the ship while underway.
  • Windy is NOT HANDICAP accessible
Location
600 E Grand Ave
East Grand Avenue
We are located on the South dock, on the south side of Navy Pier, immediately in front of the Billy Goat Tavern. If walking on the south dock from the entrance, walk where you see restaurants and boats, walk pass the Ferris wheel, walk past the sign for the Shakespeare theater, then on right!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(434 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Coloneledmunds
Sep 29, 2023
The Wonderful Windy! - Wow...great trip with fantastic narration. Calming, relaxing, and an excellent bar too! Book a trip on the Windy you will love it@
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_f
Sep 26, 2023
Wonderful evening. - The views were spectacular!! The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly. We are already talking about doing it again next year.
Review provided by Viator
Nevillethehero
Sep 24, 2023
Most fun tour in Chicago - The most fun tour we’ve had of Chicago. The crew is fantastic, and the tour guide is hilarious. His sense of humor really sets this tour apart from the rest, while still offering interesting insights on the city’s unique skyline. Loved it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzy_s
Sep 15, 2023
Amazing - The view was amazing. Such a beautiful night for sailing. Getting a beer was nice too. Liked the music on board
Review provided by Viator
Kathiej
Sep 13, 2023
Great evening sailing on a Pirate Ship. - This was a great experience. The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. We sat at the front of the ship, and the guys helped “hoist” the sail. The views were incredible. I appreciated the music, too. It was nice, mellow and appropriate. Sailing on Windy is a must do, and a “must-do again”.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_b
Sep 11, 2023
Good times, enjoying the Skyline! - Views of Chicago skyline were spectacular. My teenage son enjoyed hoisting the sails! We definitely could have stayed on the ship longer!
Review provided by Viator
Julia_v
Sep 10, 2023
A fun activity for our a anniversary - Our favorite part of the sunset cruise was the gorgeous lights of the skyline after dark & snuggling with my husband because it was a bit chilly. Quite romantic.
Review provided by Viator
Page_s
Sep 10, 2023
Do it! - Scenery and beautiful weather. Crew was fun. Glad we did this. Well worth it. Wasn’t crowded as apprised to the smaller boats.
Review provided by Viator
J4827mfvanessaf
Oct 2, 2023
Ahoy matey - Family friendly and super fun to do. Staff are very good entertainers and fun to participate on their acts. Knowledgeable about the city so you get to learn a little history about Chicago SkiyLine and the City. I thought the tour was going through the canal but it actually goes alongside the lake which was fun to fell the breeze like if you would be at open sea. Is a fun adventure to do while in the city. If you are lucky you get to take pictures with the captain too :D
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_g
Sep 12, 2023
This is just advice for... - This is just advice for the tour company. I’d save the pirate talk, pirate music, and anything else obnoxious for the pirate cruise that takes palace for the kids during the day. For the sunset cruise, you guys should try your best to keep it classy and romantic for the couples. That cruise at that hour is not for kids. It’s for couples looking for romantic vibes.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today