Navy Pier Marina Brings Easy Hourly Docking to the Heart of Chicago

Chicago’s Navy Pier has long been a landmark destination on the lakefront, but until recently, visiting boaters had limited short-term docking options in the heart of the city. That changed this summer with the opening of the new Navy Pier Marina, the first transient marina offering direct access to Chicago’s world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Now, the marina has partnered with Downtown Docks, a Chicago-based company specializing in transient dock management, to bring an app-based hourly booking system to Lake Michigan boaters. The platform allows recreational sailors and commercial operators to check real-time slip availability, reserve dockage by the hour, and receive instant digital confirmation—all from their phone.

“The opening of Navy Pier Marina is a game-changer for Chicago’s boating community, and our platform is the engine that will make it accessible by water for short-term visitors,” said Ron Silvia, President of Downtown Docks. “With our system, boaters on Lake Michigan can check real-time availability on their smartphone and book a slip in just a few taps.”

For Great Lakes cruisers, the addition of flexible, hourly dockage in downtown Chicago opens new possibilities. Whether stopping for a meal, staging before a charter, or exploring the city on foot, the system makes arriving by sailboat simpler than ever.

Navy Pier Marina developer Randy Podolsky noted: “Downtown Docks has built a convenient and seamless way for boaters to reserve their space with us.”

The system offers more than just booking convenience. It also provides a direct communication channel with marina staff, reducing uncertainty and easing arrivals. For marina operators, the automation helps streamline operations while providing a better guest experience.

For sailors planning a passage through the Great Lakes, the new setup at Navy Pier adds a central, accessible waypoint in the cruising grounds of Lake Michigan. More information is available at www.downtowndocks.com and www.navypiermarina.com.

Plan Your Stop at Navy Pier Marina

For sailors exploring Lake Michigan or cruising the Great Loop, Chicago has always been a highlight port of call. Now, with the opening of Navy Pier Marina, the Windy City’s waterfront is more accessible than ever. Here’s what Great Lakes boaters need to know before tying up:

Location, Location, Location
The marina is situated directly on Navy Pier, steps away from Chicago’s downtown skyline. You’re within walking distance of Michigan Avenue, the Riverwalk, and world-class dining and entertainment.

Hourly Flexibility
Unlike traditional transient slips that require overnight stays, Navy Pier Marina—through its partnership with Downtown Docks—offers hourly reservations. That means you can stop in for lunch, pick up guests, or enjoy an evening ashore before heading back out.

Dockage Details
Slips accommodate vessels up to 130 feet, with floating docks, shore power, and pump-out service available. Reservations and payments are made in real time through the Downtown Docks platform, taking the guesswork out of planning your arrival.

Perfect for Cruising Itineraries
Whether you’re a Great Lakes sailor cruising from Milwaukee or Muskegon, a Looping couple transiting south, or a weekend sailor from Waukegan, Navy Pier Marina makes it easy to add a Chicago city stop to your route.

Beyond the Dock
Navy Pier itself is a destination, with attractions ranging from the Centennial Wheel to outdoor concerts. For provisioning, marinas along the Chicago River are only a short hop away.

Tip for Cruisers: Plan your arrival midweek if possible, when slips are more readily available, and use the hourly option to enjoy the best of downtown without committing to a full overnight stay.

24 Hours in Chicago by Boat

Morning Arrival

• 10:00 a.m. – Dock at Navy Pier Marina. Secure your slip and enjoy unbeatable skyline views right off the bow.
• 10:30 a.m. – Brunch at Offshore Rooftop. Located right on Navy Pier, it’s one of the largest rooftop bars in the country, offering lake views with your omelet.

Afternoon Exploration

• 12:00 p.m. – Stroll Navy Pier. Take a spin on the Centennial Wheel or browse shops and galleries.
• 1:30 p.m. – Walk the Riverwalk. Just a short stroll away, Chicago’s Riverwalk offers public art, shaded seating, and great people-watching.
• 3:00 p.m. – Architecture River Cruise. Even if you’ve sailed in yourself, the guided boat tours along the Chicago River are a can’t-miss way to appreciate the city’s iconic skyline.

Evening Ashore

• 6:00 p.m. – Dinner in the West Loop. Grab a rideshare to Randolph Street, home to some of Chicago’s best restaurants—from classic steakhouses to modern small plates.
• 8:00 p.m. – Outdoor Concert or Theater. Depending on the season, Navy Pier’s open-air venues or nearby Millennium Park host free or ticketed shows.

Late Night Return

• 10:30 p.m. – Nightcap on Deck. Back aboard, enjoy the glow of the Chicago skyline from your cockpit—a view few get to savor overnight.

Next Morning Departure

• 8:00 a.m. – Coffee and Cast Off. Grab a to-go cup from a Navy Pier café before pointing your bow toward the next Great Lakes harbor.

Cruiser’s Note: Chicago can be busy on summer weekends—plan slip reservations in advance, and use hourly dockage if you’d rather keep cruising at night.

The post Navy Pier Marina Brings Easy Hourly Docking to the Heart of Chicago appeared first on Cruising World.