If you only walk the streets when traveling to Chicago, it would be a pity! We can change the way - take a speedboat to enjoy the city's most magnificent skyline from Lake Michigan.
Chicago Speedboat Tours, especially the routes departing from Navy Pier, are not only exciting and interesting, but also allow us to see the city's landmarks in a short time. It is a cost-effective project suitable for families, couples and friends to experience together.
Where is the departure point? Is the transportation convenient?
Almost all mainstream speedboat tours depart from Chicago's landmark attraction - "Navy Pier". We can get there like this:
- Subway (CTA): Take the Red Line to Grand Station, and then walk about 15 minutes to Navy Pier.
- Bus: Take bus #29, #65 or #66 directly to Navy Pier Bus Terminal.
- Taxi/shared bike: If you live in the city center, it is very convenient to take Uber or Divvy shared bikes.
Navy Pier also has a parking lot, the parking fee is about $20 per hour, and the maximum for the day is $60. It is recommended to give priority to public transportation.
What routes are there? How much is the fare?
Chicago’s speedboat tours are mainly provided by Seadog Cruises and Lakefront Speedboat Tour. Here are the main routes and prices:
1. Lakefront Speedboat Tour
- Duration: about 30 minutes
- Content: high-speed cruise along the shore of Lake Michigan, explaining the main landmarks of Chicago
- Price: $30 for adults, $20 for children (3-12 years old), free for children under 3 years old
2. Extreme Thrill Ride
- Duration: about 30 minutes
- Content: acceleration, sharp turns, 360° rotation, suitable for people who seek excitement
- Price: uniform ticket price $35–$40/person
- Age requirement: recommended for those over 6 years old
3. Architectural Cruise + Speedboat Combo
- Duration: about 75 minutes
- Content: first explain the architecture on the Chicago River, then sprint on the lake
- Price: $55–$60 for adults, $60 for children $30–$40
We can buy tickets in advance through the official website (such as SeadogCruises.com), especially in summer and holidays, it is best to book in advance to avoid temporary sell-outs.
When is the opening time?
Speedboat tours usually operate from mid-April to mid-October each year. The specific time is as follows:
- Daily opening hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (the last speedboat is about 7:30)
- Recommended arrival time: at least 20–30 minutes in advance to check in, exchange tickets and queue
If there is a thunderstorm, strong wind or big waves on the lake, some flights may be temporarily cancelled for safety reasons. It is recommended to check the official website notice or weather forecast before departure.
When is the best time to visit?
- Best season: mid-May to early September, with suitable temperatures and pleasant scenery
- Best time: 4pm to 7pm, with soft sunshine and comfortable lake breeze
- Photography advice: If you want to take pictures of the Chicago skyline at sunset, it is recommended to choose a flight after 6pm
Who is the speedboat tour suitable for? What do you need to prepare?
Speedboat tours are suitable for people of all ages, but if you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness, you can choose a more stable architectural cruise route. We recommend:
- Wear a windproof jacket or light clothing (it may be windy in the summer evening)
- Don’t wear long skirts or hats that are easily blown away by the wind
- Please put your phone and camera in a waterproof bag
- Prepare some sunscreen, as the sun is strong on the lake
- It is not recommended to bring food on board, and some routes do not allow eating and drinking
Practical Tips
1. There are toilets and water dispensers on Navy Pier, which can be prepared in advance
2. No food is provided on the boat, but you can eat something at the pier restaurant before the tour
3. For taking photos, it is recommended to sit in the back seat, which has a good view and is relatively dry
4. If you want to experience the "water splashing fun", you can sit in the front few rows, where there are often "splashing areas"
Is this speedboat trip worth it?
This speedboat tour offers a thrilling and refreshing way to experience Chicago from a whole new angle. The combination of high-speed excitement and stunning skyline views makes it far more than just a sightseeing ride. It’s perfect for those who want to break away from the usual walking tours and see the city in a bold, unforgettable way. Even if we’ve been to Chicago before, this ride lets us rediscover its beauty—with more wind, more waves, and a whole lot more fun.
Seadog Chicago Extreme Thrill Ride at Navy Pier
Video by Hornblower Cruises and Events
