The Tall Ship Windy Architecture & Skyline Sailing Tour offers visitors a captivating way to experience the architectural wonders of Chicago from the water. Aboard this 75-minute journey, guests can admire the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and Trump Tower, while learning about their rich history through engaging live narration. Whether one opts for the informative architecture tour or the romantic sunset sail, this excursion promises stunning views and an unforgettable experience. With flexible booking options and consistently high customer ratings, the Tall Ship Windy tour provides a unique perspective on the Windy City that may just leave you wanting more.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Chicago.
Key Points
- The Tall Ship Windy offers a 75-minute sailing tour in Chicago, providing panoramic views of the city’s iconic architecture and skyline.
- The tour features live onboard narration in English, educating guests about the history and design of the city’s prominent buildings.
- Guests can choose between an architecture and history-focused tour or a sunset sail, both offering a unique perspective from the water.
- The tour departs from Navy Pier and includes an onboard bar, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
- The tour is highly rated by previous guests, with praise for its educational value, breathtaking views, and overall experience.
Tour Overview
The Chicago Tall Ship Windy Architecture & Skyline Sailing Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic skyline from the water.
This 75-minute tour aboard the 148-foot Tall Ship Windy, Chicago’s official Tall Ship Ambassador, provides two options – an architecture and history-focused tour or a sunset sail.
Guests can expect live onboard narration in English, learning about the city’s architecture, history, and the people behind its notable buildings.
The tour departs from Navy Pier, offering breathtaking views of the skyline and skyscrapers. An onboard bar serves drinks, and the tour operates rain or shine.
With a flexible cancellation policy and an overall rating of 4.6/5, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Chicago.
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Tour Experience
Guests aboard the 148-foot Tall Ship Windy can expect a captivating sailing experience as they embark on either the architecture and history-focused tour or the sunset sail.
Onboard, they’ll enjoy live narration in English, learning about Chicago’s iconic architecture and the people behind its stunning skyscrapers. The tour provides breathtaking views of the city’s skyline from the water, allowing guests to admire the sunset over the towering skyscrapers.
Throughout the 75-minute journey, an onboard bar offers drinks for guests to enjoy as they take in the educational and visually stunning experience.
Highlights
Breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline await guests as they sail on the Tall Ship Windy. The tour offers an unparalleled vantage point to admire the city’s iconic architecture and picturesque sunsets.
Highlights include:
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Panoramic views of the city’s towering skyscrapers and landmarks, such as the Willis Tower, Trump Tower, and Navy Pier.
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Stunning sunset vistas, with the sun dipping behind the skyscrapers and casting a warm glow over the water.
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Engaging narration that provides insights into the history, design, and stories behind Chicago’s most famous buildings.
The onboard bar adds to the relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing guests to sip on drinks while taking in the sights.
Booking and Cancellation
Visitors have the option to reserve their spot on the Chicago sailing tour and pay later, providing flexible booking arrangements.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for adjustments to travel plans.
Customers can easily manage their booking through the online platform, ensuring a seamless experience.
With a range of starting times available, travelers can choose the most convenient option to fit their schedule.
The transparent cancellation policy and pay-later feature make the Chicago sailing tour an attractive choice for those seeking a hassle-free experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
What’s important to know about the Chicago sailing tour?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility challenges may want to consider other options.
Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as the tour operates rain or shine, so visitors should dress for the conditions.
Smoking isn’t allowed on the Tall Ship Windy, so passengers will need to refrain from smoking during the tour.
The Chicago sailing tour has earned a solid rating of 4.6/5 based on 43 reviews, with transportation and value for money receiving high marks.
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
- Weather-appropriate clothing recommended
- Smoking not allowed
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Meeting Point and Duration
The Chicago Sailing Tour departs from the Tall Ship Windy ticket booth at Navy Pier, the iconic lakefront destination in the heart of the city.
The tour lasts for 75 minutes, providing ample time to take in the breathtaking views of Chicago’s stunning skyline.
Whether you choose the architecture and history-focused tour or the sunset sail, you’ll enjoy live narration in English that offers insights into the city’s iconic buildings and the people behind them.
With a duration of just over an hour, the tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Chicago from the water, all at an affordable price starting from $49.99 per person.
Pricing and Availability
The Tall Ship Windy offers a range of pricing options to suit different budgets. Tickets start from $49.99 per person, making the tour accessible to various travelers.
The tour’s availability is also flexible, with multiple starting times throughout the day to accommodate visitors’ schedules.
- The 75-minute Architecture and History-focused tour runs at various times during the day.
- The Sunset Sail option provides a magical experience with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline at dusk.
Visitors can easily check the availability and book their desired tour time slot online or at the Tall Ship Windy ticket booth at Navy Pier.
Customer Reviews
A solid majority of reviewers have awarded the Tall Ship Windy tour a positive rating, praising its breathtaking views, educational narration, and overall value.
Guests consistently highlight the tour’s ability to provide a unique perspective of Chicago’s iconic skyline, with many noting the panoramic sights and stunning sunset vistas.
The live onboard commentary is also widely praised, with reviewers appreciating the informative narration that brings the city’s architecture and history to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, outside food and drinks are not permitted on the Tall Ship Windy tour. However, an onboard bar offers drinks for purchase to enjoy during the sailing experience.
Is There a Bathroom on the Tall Ship?
Yes, the Tall Ship Windy has a bathroom onboard for passengers’ convenience during the 75-minute sailing tour. The restroom is accessible and maintained throughout the duration of the tour.
How Many People Can the Tall Ship Accommodate?
The Tall Ship Windy can accommodate up to 149 passengers on its 148-foot vessel, providing ample space for guests to enjoy the architecture and skyline of Chicago from the water.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is required for this tour. The tour operator recommends wearing weather-appropriate clothing, as the sailing tour operates rain or shine. Guests can simply show up and enjoy the scenic views of Chicago’s skyline from the water.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, passengers are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The deck of the Tall Ship Windy provides excellent vantage points for capturing breathtaking views of Chicago’s iconic skyline and architecture.
Recap
The Tall Ship Windy Architecture & Skyline Sailing Tour offers an unforgettable way to experience Chicago’s iconic skyline. With stunning views of landmarks like the Willis Tower, live narration on the city’s architectural history, and the option to enjoy drinks from the onboard bar, it’s an immersive and flexible tour that’s sure to delight both first-time and returning visitors to the Windy City.
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