USA · BOAT TOURS IN CHICAGO

The 15 Boat Tours in Chicago That Earn Their Price

23 tours  ·  from $28

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 boat tours in Chicago worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - Chicago’s architectural turning points
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Chicago Architecture River Cruise

1.Chicago Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15,756 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Cruise the Chicago River with an expert guide, passing the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Marina City, and more. Choose a Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue departure, enjoy onboard restrooms and a full bar, and bring your dog along. Expect a 60 to 90-minute ride, depending on the season and option.

“When booked they said there was a below deck to stay warm from the extreme cold in Chicago. Only flaps cover window below. It was freezing from the temperature and wind. They sold merch to warm peeps. For example flimsy blanket and gloves. Which looked like they were from the dollar store. The tour guide spoke so fast we lost interest after 12-15 minutes because we couldn’t understand him. We spent first 20 minutes asking each other what he said. Sounded like reading from a script. No fun facts no humor, no nuggets we could tell people about. Finally we gave up and turned on football game from our device.…”

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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise - Setting out from the DuSable Bridge
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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

2.Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,046 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Cruise Chicago’s main river and north and south branches with guides such as John, Sarah, Alex, and Scotty D. See the Wrigley Building, Marina City, Willis Tower, Aqua, and more from open-air or climate-controlled decks, with local drinks and Garrett Popcorn available onboard.

“Unreal tour guide, super knowledgeable. Stunning views, great day out.”

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - The Chicago Architecture Center connection
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

3.Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,536 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $57

Cruise the Chicago River for 90 minutes aboard Chicago’s First Lady while a Chicago Architecture Center docent explains the city’s buildings, bridges, and past. You’ll pass Marina City, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and 150 North Riverside. Cynthia, Laura, Amy, Russell, Nick, and Mark are among the guides praised for lively talks.

“Evening was the perfect time to view the architecture along the river and Amy was a great tour guide.”

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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - What you see from the boat
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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

4.Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,325 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $39

Join Shoreline Sightseeing for a 75-minute Chicago architecture cruise, or 60 minutes from November 1 to April 15. A live guide such as Chicago Bob, Juan, or Jeremy points out about 40 landmark buildings while you ride all three river branches. A cash bar operates on most boats.

“The tour leader was very knowledgeable about the history of Chicago from a waterfront viewpoint. He had the audience entertained as the we caught the beautiful sunset. This tour is a MUST.”

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Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise - From Lake Shore Drive to Willis Tower
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Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

5.45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,304 reviews · 45 min · from $28Best value

Cruise from Lake Shore Drive toward Willis Tower and back with an English-speaking guide, open-air and climate-controlled decks, and Chicago beer, spirits, snacks, and hot drinks available to buy. The 45-minute route suits families, with children under four riding free.

“Well managed, knowledgeable and witty guide, comfortable ride, value for money”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise - Starting beneath the Wrigley Building
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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

6.1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,050 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Cruise from Michigan Avenue up the Chicago River, through the Chicago Lock, and onto Lake Michigan. Guides such as Lucas, Kenny, Jack, and Sarah bring Chicago’s architecture to life, while you enjoy open-air or climate-controlled seating, restrooms, and a cash bar.

“This was an outstanding tour and I learned a lot about Chicago, a city I grew up by. The architecture as fascinating. I definitely recommend taking the combined river/lake tour. I do recommend that literature about the tour provide recommendations for parking.”

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour - The Wrigley Building and the grand downtown entrance
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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

7.Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,635 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Cruise Chicago’s historic river for 90 minutes with live English narration from guides such as David, Hillary, Heath, and Colleen. You’ll see landmarks including the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, Merchandise Mart, Chinatown, and Navy Pier from covered or open-air seating.

“Great informative tour!! Wonderful history points presented, tour guide extremely knowledgeable . Great views up top!”

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Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago - Fifteen minutes through the Chicago River
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Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

8.Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,520 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board Wendella at the Wrigley Building for a 90-minute evening ride from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. You’ll hear commentary from guides such as John and Scotty D, see the skyline glow after sunset, and find a bar, snacks, indoor seating, and outdoor decks onboard.

“Informative fun and romantic trip. Sunset was beautiful. So enjoyed the Chicago night skyline. Lake Michigan is beautiful”

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Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago - What you see during the 30 to 45 minute route
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Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

9.Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 897 reviews · 30 to 45 minutes (approx.) · from $32

Cruise from Navy Pier with Shoreline Sightseeing for broad views of Chicago’s skyline, including Willis Tower, the Hancock Center, Aon Center, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and more. You’ll hear recorded commentary, use the onboard restroom, and may bring a dog, drinks, or lunch.

“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.”

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Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option - Reading the city from the Chicago River
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Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option

10.Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 818 reviews · from $49

Cruise the Chicago River for 90 minutes with a local guide such as Jim or Justine, hearing how Art Deco, Gothic, Neoclassical, and modern towers shaped the city. See Navy Pier and the skyline from the water, with options for a boat carrying up to 60 people or a land-and-sea combo.

“Incredible tour, fantastic speaker. Perfect time of the day to go. Left at sunset and on the way back got to see all new vistas as it turned dark out and the city lit up for us.”

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Chicago Architectural River Cruise - From Jenney and Sullivan to Burnham and Wright’s Mentor
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Chicago Architectural River Cruise

11.Chicago Architectural River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 804 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Board at River East Plaza for a 90-minute Chicago River cruise covering more than 50 buildings, bridges, and historic sites. Expect live commentary in English, open-air views, complimentary coffee, lemonade, and Coke products. Guides such as Tyler, Valerie, Brian, and Jim are praised for lively storytelling, but arrive early for the best seats.

“Nothing that I can think of. It was well informative and the captain and crew were great. The building were beautiful”

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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise - The main branch of the Chicago River
Boat Tours in Chicago, Chicago Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

12.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 791 reviews · from $45

Cruise Chicago’s main river branch, pass through the Harbor Lock, and head onto Lake Michigan for a glowing view of the skyline. A live English-speaking guide, such as Olivia, Jacob, or Josh, points out landmarks from Willis Tower to Navy Pier. Covered seating, a bar, and outside decks make this a good evening choice in any weather.

“how easy it was to see the city all lite up during the evening. our commentator Jacob was very informative and entertaining.”

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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise - Finding the boat at Navy Pier
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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

13.Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 758 reviews · 30 min · from $32

Board Shoreline Sightseeing at Navy Pier for a 30-minute Lake Michigan cruise. You’ll hear recorded English or Spanish commentary, pass the Willis Tower, Field Museum, and 360 Chicago, and get wide skyline views from the water. Arrive early for the best seats and bring a jacket.

“I've been on this cruise twice now and I loved it both times. Will definitely be a staple event to do in the summer.”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise - The river departure and the first city views
Boat Tours in Chicago, Chicago Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

14.1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 739 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45

Board near 400 N Michigan Avenue for a 90-minute sunset cruise with Wendella Tours & Cruises. You’ll pass through the Chicago Lock, watch the skyline glow from Lake Michigan, and choose open-air or climate-controlled seating. Guides including John, Scotty, Bob, Kate, and Kay have led the brief commentary.

“The cruise was amazing, beautiful scenery. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and there was plenty of seating. The bar was well stocked and the staff was really nice and professional.”

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Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option - The Loop: skyscrapers, parks, and Chicago’s center
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Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

15.Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 705 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $49

This 2 to 4 hour Chicago tour combines a climate-controlled minibus ride with stops at Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Rookery Building, and more. Guides such as Avery, Rick, and Victor add city stories and humor. Choose the 75-minute river cruise for a closer look at Chicago’s famous architecture.

“Best tour ever!!! Avery was FANTASTIC!!! I could have ridden around with him for hours hearing about the city. Hate that it only lasted 2 hours! He really knows his history and was able to answer every question I threw at him! Trevor give this man a raise! He was awesome and I would book you guys again based on my experience with Avery!”

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New in Boat Tours in Chicago

★ 3.5Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake MichiganFrom $49344 reviews
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