Navy Pier Marina is a dream that's been a long time in the making. Since he first became a Chicago boater in 1983, Randy Podolsky questioned why there wasn't transient dockage at the pier for boaters to grab lunch or dinner and even stay overnight. In 2016, he was invited to share his vision with Navy Pier leadership, and Navy Pier Marina was born.

Now open, Navy Pier Marina offers access to Navy Pier and the heart of Chicago for all boaters coming from near or far. Whether to stay overnight or just tie up for a few hours, Navy Pier Marina has charted a whole new thoroughfare for those looking to enjoy the city of Chicago. "While other marinas in Chicago have limited and often hard-to-reserve transient slips, we have over 100 and can accommodate a vast number of visiting boaters and groups," says Podolsky.

The floating piers can accommodate boats up to 183 feet (with no minimum size requirements), granting direct access to the range of restaurants, accommodations, entertainment, and other attractions on the Pier, but also the myriad other museums, sporting events, and entertainment options lying within the city.

The perks of Navy Pier Marina are about more than just location—visitors can take advantage of convenient accommodations, such as laundry, showers, and a brand-new Boater Amenities Building, which is home to the marina offices, ship's store, and lounge, and even features a pet relief area for some truly fortunate furry friends. 

Perhaps one of the most unique and enticing features of Navy Pier Marina really has more to do with the water itself. The Marina was designed to accommodate boating group rendezvous, offering convenient docking for brokers, dealers, marinas, yacht clubs, and groups of friends and family traveling together. In short, it's never been this easy to gather on Lake Michigan. 

Navy Pier Marina patrons also enjoy exclusive discounts to some of Navy Pier's most popular attractions, including, among others:

• Hotel rooms at Sable at Navy Pier, a Hilton Curio Collection property featuring incredible views of the city and Lake Michigan
  
• Flyover Chicago, a unique immersive adventure you have to experience to understand
  
• Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the nation's largest year-round theater and only Tony Award winning theater accessible by boat
  
• The Centennial Ferris Wheel
  
• The Chicago Children's Museum
  
• Chef Art Smith's Reunion Restaurant, Bar Sol and Beat Kitchen Catina, and The Billy Goat Tavern—some of the best food options on the Pier.

Beyond the Pier, the whole city of Chicago has now thrown its doors open to boaters. Enjoy the city's rich history and culture by visiting its diverse array of museums and theaters. Catch a ballgame at Wrigley or Guaranteed Rate Field. Visit Michigan Avenue for the best shopping in the Midwest. Or simply explore some of Chicago's iconic parks and neighborhoods. Not to mention the draw of the Chicago Air & Water Show, music festivals like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Jazz Festival, and the inaugural Chicago International Boat Show, coming August 21 – 24, 2025, which will be happening right here at the Marina.

However you decide to enjoy Chicago, Navy Pier Marina is your newest (and let's admit it, most fun) way to arrive.  Avoid the traffic and hassle and book your reservation now!