America · BOAT TOURS IN CHICAGO
One spare day, a hundred options. These 15 boat tours in Chicago earn the slot, priced and timed so you can pick in a couple of minutes.
See Chicago’s famous buildings from the Chicago River on a guided architecture cruise with live commentary, restrooms, and pet-friendly fun.
“The tour guide was great! Loved his insight, knowledge, and personality. It wasn’t always easy to hear him as other passengers We’re on their phones or talking to each other loudly.”
Skip the line for a 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with expert guides, indoor or open-deck seating, and a cash bar.
“Great way to see another view of the city. Our Guide Sarah was very knowledgeable. She clearly loves her job.”
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady: 90 minutes of docent-led skyline storytelling, comfort on two levels, and skyline photos by the river.
“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.”
Skip the ticket line on a Chicago River architecture cruise covering all three branches with live docent narration and a cash bar.
“It was a lovely tour and all employees were professional and friendly. Really enjoyed the Chicago architecture tour!”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live guide, indoor and outdoor decks, skyline views, and cash bar snacks and drinks at $28.
“Sarah was a great guide with a lot of interesting facts about the Chicago architecture. The 45 minute tour was just enough time to get a feel for the history of the city. The boat was comfortable and there were lots of seats for the guests. Highly recommend this tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago River and Lake Michigan architecture cruise with expert guide, Chicago Lock passage, and deck or climate seating for $44.
“I enjoyed the tour and had a great time on Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The tour guide was great and told us a lot of interesting facts about the architecture and about important people or the history of the city in general. The length of time was perfect and I would definitely recommend to go on this tour.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration, big skyline views, and a covered-and-open deck setup for rain or cold.
“This is a must see in terms of seeing the beautiful buildings and skyline as well as learning about the history of Chicago.”
Watch Chicago go from river views to Lake Michigan sunset, with skyline narration, indoor comfort, and an onboard bar for purchase.
“This was a wonderful cruise to see the Chicago skyline. We especially enjoyed the guide who was so knowledgeable and entertained us.”
See Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan with onboard restroom, dog-friendly boats, and easy skyline narration from Navy Pier.
“It was a great experience l! Got to see the views of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Booked at 630pm it was perfect time for the sun setting! Next time id probably book 7pm to get sun set and night views of Chicago! The staff was so friendly. Overall a great experience.”
Chicago River architecture by small boat, guided stories and views of Navy Pier and Cloud Gate. $49, about 90 minutes, snacks and coffee.
“Loved our tour guide, Justine. She was very entertaining and knowledgeable. Great energy as well. The skyline was beautiful.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with coffee and lemonade onboard, plus expert docent stories on towers, bridges, and styles.
“The tour was very informative about the history and architecture of Chicago! The changes of the Chicago river was such a surprise !”
Nighttime cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan with live guide stories, skyline views, and the Chicago Harbor Lock rise and fall.
“We had 1 night in Chicago and thia trip was the the best was to get the most out of the city by night... this was an amazing experience, it's just a shame we were only there for 1 night... we will definitely be back again and this will definitely be on the list again”
Fast Lake Michigan skyline cruise from Navy Pier with skip-the-line entry, audio narration, and great photo angles of Chicago.
“The staff on board were very friendly and helpful ! The tour was informative and fun!”
1.5-hour Chicago sunset cruise, river to Lake Michigan via the Chicago Lock, with cash bar and skyline views, $45.
“I would have to say this is one of the best cruise ship sunset I've been on for a long time. Chicago was a beautiful day and I had the same lady with the architectural cruise but I have to say the sunset cruise outdid it.”
Ride a small-group Chicago minibus for iconic skyline views and fast history, with an optional architecture river cruise add-on.
“Great tour guide, very knowledgeable and fun. Small bus was clean and comfortable. It was very cold in January so this was a great way to see the city and highlights and get some good insight to places you may overlook.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
