Chicago · CHICAGO BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Chicago Boat Tours

74 tours  ·  from $28 a head

River or lake is the first decision, and the right answer depends on whether you want buildings or skyline. These 15 cover both, with prices, lengths and which ones serve a drink on deck.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - Buildings to watch for along the route
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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 Chicago’s river for about 60 to 90 minutes with a live guide, passing landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and Marina City. Choose a departure from Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue. The boat has restrooms and a bar, and dogs are welcome. Guides such as Sam, Jim, and Ashley have led especially engaging trips, though the guide varies.

“Must do in Chicago! Tour operators are funny and knowledgeable. Recommend lining up early so you have your pick of the spots. We chose front row and it felt like you were on a private tour.”

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Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise - Marina City and the river’s north and south branches
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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 for 90 minutes, passing landmarks from the Wrigley Building to Marina City and Willis Tower. An English-speaking guide brings the skyline’s 130-year story to life, while you choose an open deck or climate-controlled seating. Local drinks and Garrett’s Popcorn are available to buy onboard.

“This cruise is definitely worth doing. John our guide was first class, very funny and entertaining as well as being informative.”

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - Why the docent matters
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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 about 90 minutes aboard Chicago’s First Lady, with live commentary from a Chicago Architecture Center docent. Look for Marina City, Willis Tower, Navy Pier and more while learning how the river and its buildings shaped the city. There’s an enclosed, climate-controlled salon, an open-air deck and a bar onboard.

“This is led by a knowledgable docent from the Chicago Architecture Center do visitors will learn more than on other tours.”

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Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - Three branches, one changing view of Chicago
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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

Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River for a close look at landmark buildings such as Marina City, Willis Tower, and Trump Tower. A live guide connects the skyline to Chicago’s architectural history, while a seasonal cash bar offers drinks for purchase. Expect a 75-minute ride in warmer months and a shorter 60-minute trip from November 1 to April 15.

“Love this cruise! Even if you have done it before, you always learn something new!”

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Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise - Guides who make the buildings memorable
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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 for 45 minutes, from the Lake Shore Drive area toward Willis Tower and along the South Branch, with live English commentary on the buildings and architects shaping the skyline. You get access to indoor and outdoor decks, climate-controlled seating, and an onboard bar selling local drinks. Sunset trips offer city views in changing light.

“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.”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise - The riverfront’s changing skyline
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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

Wendella’s 90-minute cruise pairs the Chicago River’s landmark buildings with wide skyline views from Lake Michigan. An English-speaking local guide points out sights such as Marina City, the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and the lakefront museums. Choose open-air or climate-controlled seating, and watch the boat pass through the Chicago Lock.

“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 - Reading the skyline from the Wrigley Building
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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

Spend 90 minutes on the Chicago River, hearing how the city’s buildings took shape as you pass landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, and Merchandise Mart. A live guide narrates the route through all three river branches. Choose an open-air seat or settle inside, where there is air conditioning, windows, and a restroom.

“Amazing tour, handicap accessible, small business owned, Hillary was so knowledgeable and made the trip a great experience! Thanks for a memorable time!”

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Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago - The skyline opens up on 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

Board at the historic Wrigley Building for a 90-minute cruise that follows the Chicago River toward Lake Michigan. Hear commentary on landmarks such as the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and John Hancock Building, then take in the skyline at sunset from the open deck or climate-controlled lounge. Snacks and drinks are available to buy.

“Very organized, be sure to get there 30mins before departure to get best seats. Friendly staff, nice little bar with drinks and hot chocolate and snacks. Relaxing non guided night time fun.”

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Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago - The route is scenic, not a set of landings
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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

Board Shoreline Sightseeing at Navy Pier for a 30- to 45-minute cruise on Lake Michigan. You’ll see the skyline, including Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center, with recorded commentary on Chicago history and landmarks. Bring your dog, use the onboard restroom, and buy a drink at the cash-only bar or bring your own food.

“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 - Why the Chicago River tells the story well
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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 about 90 minutes with a local guide, passing landmark buildings and sights such as Navy Pier and Cloud Gate. The standard boat can hold up to 175 people; the small-boat option caps the group at 60, though seating can affect your views. Guides such as Jim and Justine have led engaging tours, and a combo option adds a 90-minute minibus tour.

“We had a great time . The Docent on the tour was really great and informative very engaging with the passengers . The weather was threatening but it all turned out to be great! Definitely recommend doing this tour , it’s a great way to learn about the city.”

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Chicago Architectural River Cruise - From the Great Fire to towers of steel and glass
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Chicago Architectural River Cruise

11.Chicago Architectural River Cruise

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

Cruise the Chicago River for about 90 minutes as a live docent points out more than 50 buildings, bridges, and historic sites, from Lake Point Tower to Navy Pier. Expect stories about the Great Chicago Fire, steel-frame skyscrapers, and architects including Louis Sullivan and Jeanne Gang. Coffee, lemonade, and Coke products are included; alcoholic drinks cost extra.

“Highly recommended! Incredibly knowledgeable guide and breathtaking views on this unforgettable tour.”

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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise - Passing through the Chicago Harbor Lock
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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

Cruise the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for 1.5 hours, with live English commentary, views of landmarks such as Willis Tower and Buckingham Fountain, and a passage through the Chicago Harbor Lock. Guides have included Olivia, Gabby, and Jacob. Open and covered seating are available, and you can bring snacks.

“The guide was great. It was fun to hear all the fact about Chicago.”

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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise - What you see along the lakefront
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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’s Lake Michigan cruise at Navy Pier for broad views of Chicago’s skyline and landmarks including Willis Tower, the Field Museum and 360 Chicago. The ride includes recorded commentary in English or Spanish, depending on your selection. It is listed as 30 minutes, with seasonal timing details worth checking before you book.

“I learned so much more about Chicago history! Perfect weather, crew were kind and helpful and the cruise was very enjoyable.”

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Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise - Out on Lake Michigan, with the skyline ahead
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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

Cruise from the Chicago River through the Chicago Lock and onto Lake Michigan as the sun sets behind the skyline. A local guide offers brief commentary on the river and at the lock, then the ride is mostly quiet. Choose an open deck or climate-controlled cabin; drinks and Garrett’s Popcorn are sold onboard.

“Great views from Lake Michigan. Professional crew and staff. Overalla GREAT experience.!”

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Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option - Buckingham Fountain and the skyline from Museum Campus
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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 downtown, Museum Campus, and North Side neighborhoods by climate-controlled minibus. Guides such as Avery, Rick, Reenie, and Logan have led lively tours with history and humor. Add a 75-minute open-top Chicago River cruise for close-up architecture commentary.

“Avery was our guide and he was great. Very good knowledge of the city and the communication was excellent.”

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New in Chicago Boat Tours

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