USA · BOAT TOURS IN CHICAGO

15 Boat Tours in Chicago That Still Read Well a Year On

23 tours  ·  from $28

The good boat tours in Chicago fill weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - What you see along the river
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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 for about 60 to 90 minutes while an expert guide explains Chicago’s buildings, engineering, and Great Fire of 1871. You’ll pass the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, John Hancock Center, Willis Tower, Marina City, and Aqua. Boats have restrooms and a full bar, and dogs are welcome.

“Wonderful excursion with a highly knowledgeable guide. Jim was a terrific guide with real passion for Chicago. His tour alone would make you want to come back.”

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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise - The main branch, from Wrigley to Wolf Point
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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

Spend 90 minutes with guides such as John, Sarah, Alex, or Scotty D, cruising from Michigan Avenue through Chicago’s main, north, and south river branches. You’ll see Marina City, Willis Tower, the Merchandise Mart, and modern landmarks from an open deck or climate-controlled cabin, with a cash bar serving local drinks and Garrett’s Popcorn.

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

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - What the 90 minutes actually covers
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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 aboard Chicago’s First Lady for 90 minutes of architecture and city history. A Chicago Architecture Center docent, such as Cynthia, Laura, Amy, or Mark, explains landmarks including Marina City, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and 150 North Riverside. Choose an open-air seat or the climate-controlled lower salon, with a full bar onboard.

“I’m really glad I took the tour. It’s a great way to spend 90 minutes if you want to learn more about Chicago during a short trip. The guide was fantastic, she knew so much about Chicago’s history, especially the river, the bridges, and the buildings. The bar was great too: warm and cosy, and a perfect place to enjoy a couple of beers with friends. You won’t regret it.”

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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - Boarding with a skip-the-ticket-line ticket
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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

Board Shoreline Sightseeing for a live, English or Spanish narrated cruise past about 40 Chicago landmarks. Guides such as Chicago Bob, Jeremy, Juan, and Kevin mix architecture, local history, and humor. The cruise lasts 75 minutes in warm months and 60 minutes from November 1 to April 15, with a cash bar 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 - Starting near the Wrigley Building
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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 the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive toward Willis Tower and back with a lively English-speaking guide. You’ll have indoor and outdoor decks, climate-controlled seating, skyline photo spots, and a cash bar with local beer and spirits. Guides such as Kenny, Zach, and Alyssa keep the architecture talk fun for adults and children.

“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 near the DuSable Bridge
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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

See Chicago from two angles on a 90-minute cruise led by guides such as Lucas, Kenny, Jack, and Sarah. Travel from the DuSable Bridge to Wolf Point, pass through the Chicago Lock, then head onto Lake Michigan for wide skyline views, Navy Pier, Grant Park, and the city’s great towers.

“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 - Willis Tower and the changing Chicago skyline
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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

See Chicago from the water on a 90-minute architecture cruise with live English narration. The route covers all three major river branches, with views of the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, Merchandise Mart, Chinatown, and Navy Pier. Guides such as David, Hillary, Heath, and Colleen are praised for mixing clear history with humor. Choose open-air or enclosed 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 - Passing under the lock to Lake Michigan
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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

Start near the Wrigley Building, cruise the Chicago River, pass landmarks such as the Hancock and Willis Tower, then head through the lock to Lake Michigan for sunset. You can sit outside or in a climate-controlled lounge, hear live commentary, buy drinks and snacks, and return after about 90 minutes.

“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 cruise
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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

Depart from Navy Pier’s Shoreline Sightseeing dock for a short Lake Michigan cruise with sweeping views of Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, Navy Pier, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Gold Coast. A recorded narration provides Chicago facts, while the upper deck, onboard restroom, cash bar, and dog-friendly policy keep the ride easy and relaxed.

“The staff were great and helped me with my needs. The trip was very fun-filled. The team responds very well and in a timely manner, and is very accommodating.”

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Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option - What happens at the 465 N McClurg Court meeting point
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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

Spend about 90 minutes on the Chicago River with a local guide explaining Art Deco, Gothic, Neoclassical, and modern towers. You’ll pass Navy Pier and see Cloud Gate from the water. The standard boat holds up to 175 people, or you can upgrade to a boat capped at 60. A minibus and boat combo is also available.

“The tour guide provided very good insight regarding the history of Chicago and the architecture of the buildings. The river was a great way to see the city.”

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Chicago Architectural River Cruise - The Chicago River itinerary, one view at a time
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Chicago Architectural River Cruise

11.Chicago Architectural River Cruise

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

See more than 50 Chicago buildings, bridges, piers, and historic sites on a 90-minute cruise with Chicago Line Cruises. Guides such as Tyler, Valerie, Brian, Jim, and Justine bring the city’s architects and turning points to life. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early for the best sightlines, and bring a jacket for the river breeze.

“Excellent knowledge and very unique views PS bring extra cash for tips no Venmo accepted, I would definitely recommend it”

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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise - The Chicago Harbor Lock is the unexpected highlight
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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

12.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

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

Spend 90 minutes cruising Chicago’s main river branch, passing landmark towers and historic buildings before moving through the Chicago Harbor Lock onto Lake Michigan. Live English commentary points out Buckingham Fountain, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and more. Bring a jacket and snacks, since drinks are sold onboard but food is not.

“We took the Night tour it was absolutely Amazing. To learn all of the history was awesome. The views that you get of the Chicago skyline are unmatched. Highly recommend.”

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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise - What the 30-minute route actually shows you
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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

13.Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

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

From Navy Pier, you’ll cruise north and south along Lake Michigan for broad views of Willis Tower, the Field Museum, 360 Chicago, and Chicago’s classic skyline. A barcoded ticket gets you to the boarding line, while recorded English or Spanish commentary explains the city and its architecture. Bring a jacket, camera, and patience for windy weather.

“Loved seeing the city from a different viewpoint. Absolutely breathtaking”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise - Passing through the Chicago Lock
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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

14.1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise

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

Join Wendella Tours & Cruises for a 90-minute sunset ride from Michigan Avenue through the Chicago Lock and onto Lake Michigan. A guide such as John, Scotty, or Bob offers brief commentary, while you enjoy skyline views, open-air decks, climate-controlled seating, a cash bar, local drinks, and Garrett’s Popcorn.

“We had a great tour guide named Kate, who gave us lots of information of the city history and the architecture,. She is a very nice, heartwarming woman.”

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Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option - The Loop: skyscrapers, parks, and quick city orientation
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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

Start near the Palmer House and explore Chicago by climate-controlled minibus with guides such as Avery, Rick, and Reenie. Visit Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Rookery Building, the Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park. Add a 75-minute open-top river cruise for close views of the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina City, and more.

“Avery was great! He knew a lot of interesting information. He was extremely informative. Avery was helpful with everything!!!”

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New in Boat Tours in Chicago

★ 3.5Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake MichiganFrom $49344 reviews
★ 4.3City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner CruiseFrom $88334 reviews

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