USA · BOAT TRIPS IN CHICAGO
Good boat trips in Chicago fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Chicago River architecture cruise with expert commentary, skyline views, pet-friendly boats, and easy downtown departures. Great value for time-limited trips.
“Guide was very knowledgeable. Easily understood. Boat was clean. Bar was well stocked. Captain very good.”
Chicago River 1.5-hour architecture cruise with expert guides, indoor comfort or open deck, plus a cash bar and local snacks. $44.
“The activity was very interesting. I got to know a lot about the history of Chicago as well.”
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on First Lady: 90 minutes of docent-led skyline views from the Chicago Riverwalk, with a bar.
“Evening was the perfect time to view the architecture along the river and Amy was a great tour guide.”
Skip the ticket line for a narrated Chicago River architecture cruise across all three branches, with 40 landmarks and bar service.
“Jeremy was a wonderfully engaging guide pointing out historical buildings, architectural styles and more as we rode the Voyageur. The boat was comfortable and not too crowded. And the staff was courteous and helpful. Great way to see the city and learn of its history while you sit back and enjoy the ride and a beverage.”
Family-friendly 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live guide, indoor and outdoor decks, and a cash bar. Skip lines. $28.
“A great boat ride with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. We had the best time and it was a great way to end our trip!”
1.5-hour Chicago Lake and River architecture cruise through the Chicago Lock, skyline views, deck or indoor seating. $44.
“Scotty D, the guide made this trip worth it. Very informative but added humor to keep it interesting. Great Chicago Skyline photo opportunity from Lake Michigan. Highly recommend!”
See Chicago skyline architecture from the Chicago River on a 90-minute cruise with live narration, covered seating, and deck options in all weather.
“I scheduled a trip for Saturday Oct 18th, paid my fees, and less than 24 hours out the tour company canceled the trip and would not refund me. The listing said the tour was rain or shine, so I was prepared to go regardless. It was a beautiful day, they canceled the trip, and would not return my payment. I ended up cancelling other plans on my Birthday the 19th to keep from losing the money, but that is bad business. If they cancel they owe it to their customers to return their payment regardless. Let the buyer beware when dealing with this group. The tour was fine, the policy…”
Lake Michigan sunset cruise from the Chicago River, skyline views and architecture narration, plus snacks and drinks onboard.
“This was an amazing experience, even with it being cold! I booked this for my sister's birthday, and this was our first time visiting Chicago as well!”
Chicago River architecture cruise with a small-boat upgrade option, guided skyline narration, and optional minibus tour for $49.
“We had a party of 8. One of us in a wheelchair. The crew was very accommodating and nice. The tour was interesting and informative. Great job.”
See Chicago’s skyline up close on a 90-minute architectural river cruise, with live docent commentary and coffee, lemonade, and more.
“A fantastic tour from start to finish thanks to Staff. Crew and Superb guide. One of the best Viator tours we have tsken over the year and our first in Chicago and provided so much background information about the city 😀! Talented. Professional and knowledgeable Guide made the tour astounding as she provided history. Hearsay and Art and Architectural information. ENJOYED HER HUMOR and Candid perspective as a native and highly educated and experienced individual. THANK YOU to all the staff, who made us feel welcome and provided courteous and friendly customer service to all. Kudos !”
Chicago’s skyline at night from the river and Lake Michigan, with live guide stories, the Harbor Lock, and classic landmark views.
“The guide was wonderful. He was professional, knowledgeable and funny.”
Chicago skyline cruise from Navy Pier on Lake Michigan with audio commentary, photo stops, and skip-the-line entry, about 30 minutes.
“I love Lake Michigan, but I was very nervous because of my motion sickness. But the trip was very smooth & interesting information! Great experience overall !”
Catch Chicago’s sunset from Lake Michigan on a 90-minute cruise via the Chicago Lock, with a cash bar and guaranteed skip-the-line tickets.
“Excellent activity, My Boyfriend and I really enjoyed the sunset It was wonderful.”
Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan in 45 minutes. Skip the line, hear narrated architecture, and grab postcard photos from Navy Pier.
“Nothing but smooth sailing!! or boat was clean and well attended”
Night cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan with live guide narration, skyline lights, and a ride through the harbor lock. $45.
“It was a terrific tour. Our guide, Lake, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The tour provided great nights views of the city. We went out in the lake through the lock which I wasn’t expecting. I highly recommend this tour.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
