Cruising Tips
- Taxis are open to the elements—bring a jacket to enjoy the cool lake breezes.
- Our taxis run approximately every 20 minutes.
- We add extra taxis in peak travel times.
- Our new Water Taxis will carry up to 80 passengers.
- Leashed pets are always welcomed on our taxis and our tour boats.
- Restrooms on our tour boats are on the lower deck and are not handicapped accessible.
No Convenience Fees
or hidden charges
when you buy your tickets on our website!
Check Back Often
Subscribe
We're constantly adding new special event cruises, so check back often or subscribe to get email notification of new events.
Calendar of Events
Visit our Event Calendar for an easy view of special events.
Want some privacy?
Learn More
Host your own private event for 50 to 250 guests aboard one of our Charter vessels. Make your special event extra special, whether you are planning a casual get-together or an elegant dinner with music and dancing!
Answers to Your Questions
QUESTIONS
ARE WATER TAXI RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE?
ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON THE BOATS?
ARE YOUR BOATS HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE?
ANSWERS
WHERE DO THE WATER TAXIS GO?
The Lake Taxi goes between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum) and the River Taxi goes from Navy Pier to Michigan Ave Bridge and the Willis (Sears) Tower/ Union Station. Shoreline’s River Taxi also operates a flag stop at Wells & Wacker.
Shoreline also operates morning and afternoon commuter water taxis, serving Willis Tower/Union Station, the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Erie Street. Complete commuter information can be found at www.shorelinewatertaxi.com
Top of page
HOW OFTEN DO THE TAXIS RUN?
Taxis run at least every twenty minutes from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the main season of Memorial Day Through Labor Day with the exception of the Wells & Wacker flag stop dock which operates approximately once every hour in each direction if passengers raise the flag. Water Taxis may also run outside the main season on the spring and fall, weather permitting.
Commuter taxis run in the mornings from 7:00 to 9:30 am and in the evenings from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Please see www.shorelinewatertaxi.com for complete schedule information.
Top of page
ARE WATER TAXI RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE?
The Water Taxis operate as public transportation similar to busses. All tickets are sold in person at our Shoreline kiosks.
Top of page
DO YOUR TOURS and Taxis RUN IF IT RAINS?
We will usually run in the summer if it rains; not in the spring or fall. The decision to cancel is left solely to the captain who decides whether it’s safe to sail. Top of page
ARE THE TAXIS COVERED?
Our new, larger water taxis (up to 80 passengers) have both covered and open areas. Our smaller taxis (up to 40 passengers) are somewhat covered but open to the elements. It's best to be prepared for an outside ride. Top of page
ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON THE BOATS?
While our tour boats have restrooms, the water taxis do not.
Top of page
ARE YOUR BOATS HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE?
Our Water Taxis are not handicap accessible. The upper decks of our Chicago River Architecture Cruise boats are handicap accessible. However, our vessels are not equipped with elevators. Therefore, restrooms, which are located on the lower deck, are not handicap accessible. Additionally, the upper decks of our Architecture Cruise vessels are open and provide no protection from the elements, although we do have a light-weight awning-type covering in the event of rain. Our Skyline Lake Michigan tour boats are accessible only to wheelchairs with a narrow base and not at all to motorized vehicles. If you have additional questions please call.
Top of page
HOW LONG HAS SHORELINE BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Shoreline was founded in 1939
with one touring vessel giving Lake Michigan boat tours. We are
now in our third generation of family ownership, with the largest touring fleet in Chicago offering Chicago River Architecture Cruises, Lake Michigan Skyline Boat Tours, Water Taxis and private Charters.
Top
of page
WHAT ABOUT GROUP SALES?
Because the Water Taxis operate as “transportation”, we regret that we cannot offer Water Taxi group reservations or rates. Top of page
DO YOU OFFER CHARTERS?
Yes, Shoreline offers private charters
for 50 to 250 guests aboard a choice of premier vessels. We can
handle all arrangements including bar packages, catering, music
and many charter add-ons to make your event complete. Contact our Charter Sales Director at 312.222.9328 and press 4 to reach charter sales, or visit Charters & Events at www.shorelinesightseeing.com or visit our charters website: www.shorelinechartersandevents.com. Top of page