USA · BOAT TOURS IN CHICAGO
The 15 best boat tours in Chicago you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.
Chicago’s river architecture cruise pairs skyline views with expert stories, multiple departure times, a bar, restroom, and strong value at $39.
“The tour guide was very knowledgable. Definitely plan to get one if you are in Chicago and enjoy the architectural history.”
See Chicago’s greatest buildings from the river on a lively 90-minute architecture cruise with expert guides, open decks, and onboard drinks.
“guide made the trip so interesting and quite funny engaging from start to finish also enjoyed the bar”
Review of Chicago’s First Lady architecture cruise, with river views, expert docents, practical tips, pricing, seating, and itinerary details.
“Yes please, add to Cart. Amazing history lesson and current affairs in the city of Chicago. This was a fantastic tour with an incredibly knowledgeable docant. And they have a bar on the boat for the win.”
Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River, hear lively stories about 40 landmark buildings, and see the skyline from the water.
“Tour was interesting and our guide was entertaining as well as factual. Recommended.”
See Chicago’s famous skyline from the river on a 45-minute family cruise with live guides, indoor seating, open decks, and a cash bar.
“One of my favorite parts of our Chicago visit. The cruise was well narrated and informational.”
Cruise Chicago’s river and lakefront for 90 minutes of architecture, skyline views, expert stories, and a trip through the historic lock.
“We LOVED our guide Lucas, he was hilarious and very informative. 10/10 recommend!!”
See Chicago’s landmark buildings from the river on a 90-minute architecture cruise with live narration, indoor seating, and open-air views.
“Loved the view of the city. I’ve been to Chicago many times and this was the best experience to date.”
Watch Chicago’s skyline glow from Lake Michigan on a 90-minute sunset cruise with river views, live narration, an onboard bar, and open-air seating.
“I booked this experience for my husband's first weekend after retiring after 40 plus years. This first step in " the best is yet to be" did not disappoint. Despite the large crowd of participants everything flowed smoothly in getting on the boat. The guide was engaging and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot of interesting facts about Chicago history and architecture. The Skyline view at sunset was awesome. The hour and a half flew by.”
See Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan on a 30 to 45-minute dog-friendly cruise with onboard commentary, bar, and restroom.
“It was nice to just relax and cruise on the river. It has been years since I had been to Chicago. Good to be back again!”
Review of Chicago’s 90-minute river architecture tour, with skyline views, expert guides, small-boat and minibus upgrades, tips, and value advice.
“The tour guide was awesome! Beautiful city! Very friendly & helpful crew. Would highly recommend & likely do the tour again.”
Cruise Chicago’s river for 90 minutes of skyline views, landmark architecture, local stories, and more than 50 notable sites.
“Our tour guide, Jim, was amazing & so knowledgeable about the history & architecture throughout Chicago.”
See Chicago glow from the river and Lake Michigan on a lively 90-minute cruise with skyline views, lock passage, and live history.
“Beautiful late night cruise along the lake. Wish it had a little more of the architecture tour part but was very fun and worth it for the money!”
See Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan on a 30-minute Shoreline cruise with clear commentary, easy boarding, and strong photo views.
“Quick and easy to grab our tickets and scan! We went on the first ride in the morning on a Saturday, family of 5 with the youngest being 8.”
Watch Chicago’s skyline glow at sunset on a 90-minute Wendella cruise through the river locks and onto Lake Michigan.
“We loved the cruise! It was an amazing value for everything included. The guide was very knowledgeable and made our tour so much fun. I'm so glad we chose the sunset option because we got to see the buildings in the daylight and when we returned from lake Michigan the views with all the lights were mesmerizing. Don't miss this when visiting Chicago!”
See Chicago’s landmark skyline, neighborhoods, and architecture by minibus, then add a 75-minute Chicago River cruise for a fuller city tour.
“Avery was very clear with his presentation and shared funny antidote making it very interesting and entertaining. Keith on the river tour was also very entertaining and informative.”
Pick a coast, a canyon or a city.
