Navy Pier Marina: Explore the Heart of Downtown Chicago by Boat
March 27, 2025
Navy Pier Marina: Explore the Heart of Downtown Chicago by Boat
This summer, a much-anticipated and long-awaited marina will finally come to Navy Pier in Chicago. The brainchild and passion project of Chicago native and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member Randy Podolsky, Navy Pier Marina will offer access to Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and the heart of Chicago for transient boaters.
Since he first became a Chicago boater in 1983, 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.
The vision for the marina is different than most—it is dedicated primarily to transient boaters, with space for charters and some seasonal commercial use. “There is nowhere else in Chicago that offers such prolific access to the lakefront as Navy Pier Marina, and no other access has been available at such an iconic location,” Podolsky says. “While other marinas in Chicago have a few transient slips, we have over 100 and can accommodate a vast number of visiting boaters and groups.”
Boats up to 183 feet can dock at the marina with no minimum size requirements and have access to a range of restaurants, accommodations, and other attractions on Navy Pier and downtown Chicago. Visitors will appreciate laundry, showers, and an innovative Boater Amenities Building built from 12 repurposed shipping containers, which will be home to the marina offices, a ship’s store, and gathering areas for boaters.
Navy Pier Marina anticipates a June 1, 2025, opening and is already taking reservations for its hourly and overnight transient slips. The marina will also host the brand-new, in-water Chicago International Boat Show at Navy Pier Marina on August 21–24, 2025.
For boaters looking to explore Chicago, Navy Pier Marina delivers first-class service, exceptional experiences, and access to an incredible destination.
As originally published by Kate Bush for Lakeland Boating.
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What a spectacular Chicago Air & Water Show weekend at Navy Pier Marina! 🌇⚓️✈️
A huge thank you to @weberyachts for hosting an incredible event filled with good food, great company, and an unbeatable Chicago backdrop.
#chicagoairandwatershow #afthunderbirds @afthunderbirds
Change of plans at Navy Pier Marina!
While plans for the weekend at Navy Pier have shifted, we’re keeping the excitement going. Join us August 21 & 22 from 4:00–9:00 PM for two elegant summer evenings on the waterfront featuring an exclusive collection of luxury yachts, live music, cocktails and waterfront hospitality—all set against the unmatched backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
SKYLINE SOCIAL @ NAVY PIER MARINA
📅 August 21 & 22
⏰ 4:00–9:00 PM
📍 Navy Pier Marina – 797 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Guests will have the opportunity to explore an impressive collection of yachts presented by local dealers and brokers, including:
Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
Bay Marine
Weber Yachts
Spring Brook Marine
Basa`s Marine
Yachts • Music • Cocktails • Chicago Skyline
Transient dockage is also available for boaters who want to arrive by water and make a weekend of it.
https://navypiermarina.com/transient-boater-reservations/ #NavyPierMarina #NavyPier #MarinaLife #BoatLife #LakeMichigan #jeffersonbeachyachtsales #baymarine #weberyachts #springbrookmarine #basasmarine
TODAY IS THE DAY! ✈️🛥️🐷
Come dock with us, enjoy the Chicago Air & Water Show, and stick around for the afterparty at Navy Pier Marina!
🔥 Pig Roast TODAY | 5–7 PM
Courtesy of Weber Yachts & Weber Aviation
After an incredible day watching the Air Show, head back to the marina for great food, great company, and one of the best waterfront views in Chicago.
Whether you`re spending the day with us or stopping by after the show, we`d love to see you!
📍 Navy Pier Marina
📅 Saturday, August 15
⏰ Pig Roast: 5–7 PM
Come for the Air Show. Stay for the Pig Roast. See you on the docks!
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoAirAndWaterShow #ChicagoBoating #WeberYachts #WeberAviation #NavyPier #ChicagoWaterfront #BoatingChicago
Navy Pier Marina is sold out Friday through Sunday for the Chicago Air & Water Show.
Still hoping to spend the weekend with us? Join our waitlist. If a slip becomes available, we`ll contact guests in the order requests are received.
Thank you to everyone making Navy Pier Marina part of Air Show Weekend—we can`t wait to see you on the docks!
#NavyPierMarina #ChicagoAirAndWaterShow #LakeMichigan
Arrive tonight and enjoy an evening on the lakefront with Wednesday Night Fireworks and FREE rides on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. 🎆🎡
Wake up Thursday morning at the marina and catch the Air & Water Show practice from one of the best seats in Chicago.
Summer doesn`t get much better than this. Use code AIRSHOW2026 when booking at NPM.
#NavyPierMarina #NavyPier #ChicagoSummer #Fireworks #LakeLife
✈️ 🌊 Air & Water Show Week Schedule 👇
Here`s what`s happening on Chicago`s lakefront:
➡️ Wednesday, Aug. 12
Navy Pier Fireworks
FREE Centennial Wheel rides
➡️ Thursday, Aug. 13
Early practice flights begin over Lake Michigan
➡️ Friday, Aug. 14
Official Air & Water Show Rehearsal
➡️ Saturday, Aug. 15
Chicago Air & Water Show
➡️ Sunday, Aug. 16
Final day of the Chicago Air & Water Show
Already have a slip? You`re in for an unforgettable week on the water.
Weekend reservations are full, but you can still join our waitlist through the link in our bio.
#ChicagoAirAndWaterShow #ChicagoLakefront #BoatLife
Chicago is about to get loud. 🤘
Foo Fighters take over Soldier Field on August 8, and there`s no better way to get there than by boat. Dock at Navy Pier Marina, enjoy unbeatable lakefront views, then head to the show without the hassle of city traffic.
Your concert experience starts the moment you tie up.
Reserve your slip today.
#FooFighters #SoldierField #LakeMichigan
SAVE this post for AUGUST events in Chicago ⬇️
#ChicagoWaterfront #ChicagoBoating #NavyPier
