Chicago Boat Tours: Find the Best Lake and River Cruises | Choose Chicago (2024)

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless. Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises, boat tours, dinner cruises, and beyond.

See it all with Shoreline Sightseeing

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One of Chicago’s classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Dine on the water with City Experiences

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City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. It offers passengers panoramic views of the city’s most iconic buildings as you glide along the Chicago River. They also offer lakefront brunch and dinner cruise options that depart from Navy Pier.

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Entertain the family with Wendella Boats

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For three generations, Wendella Tours and Cruises has been cruising the Chicago waterways. With its variety of tour options, cruise times and lengths, and a heated, enclosed cabin, Wendella is a great choice for families looking for flexibility. Choose from lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire architecture with Chicago’s First Lady

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Around the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easiest to admire the city’s legacy from the water. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago’s First Lady offers the most comprehensive tour of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours before they can lead tours.

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Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Chicago Boat Tours: Find the Best Lake and River Cruises | Choose Chicago (13)

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

Live it up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where you’ll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Go back in time with Chicago Fireboat Tours

Step onto a real, historic fireboat and get ready for a unique experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours. The river tours are given aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a retired fireboat that patrolled the Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by expert docents and include historic and sunset options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises
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Looking to splurge a little? These private yacht charters are the way to go. The spacious yachts comfortably fit up to 49 or 120 people, making them the perfect option for a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Premium bar and catering packages round out the experience.

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

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If you’re ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it’s time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks. You’ll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but you’re free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Rent an electric boat

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Chicago Boat Tours: Find the Best Lake and River Cruises | Choose Chicago (17)

Chicago Electric Boat Company offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal down the Chicago River. Rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River in Avondale.

See the skyline aboard Mercury Cruises

While Chicago’s summer fireworks are already fun to watch, it’s an entirely new experience when you’re on a 3D tour. Before the show, you’ll cruise around the lake and see some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Mercury Cruises also offer Urban Adventure, Canine Cruises, and Chicago by Night tours.

Check out Chinatown via Chicago Water Taxi

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Hop on! The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Island, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day pass for $10. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details. Cruises.

Chicago Boat Tours: Find the Best Lake and River Cruises | Choose Chicago (2024)

FAQs

Which cruise is best for Chicago? ›

  1. Chicago Architecture River Cruise. ...
  2. Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour. ...
  3. Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. ...
  4. Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile. ...
  5. Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour. ...
  6. Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour.

Where do Chicago River cruises leave from? ›

Casting off

Our Architecture River Tours depart from two docks, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier.

How long is the boat tour Chicago? ›

Architecture Adventure Awaits!

Explore Chicago's iconic architecture aboard TripAdvisor's #1 rated boat tour of the city. The only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), Chicago's First Lady Cruises offers visitors the city's most engaging 90-minute architectural tour experience.

How much is the boat for the Chicago architecture Tour? ›

Our Commitment to Your Touring Experience

Pricing Starting At: Adults $49. Seniors $48.

Which cruise line is best quality? ›

The 10 Best Cruise Lines for Adults [2024]
  • Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises.
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
  • Seabourn Cruise Line.
  • Celebrity Cruises.
  • Holland America Cruise Line.
  • Royal Caribbean International.
  • Princess Cruises.
  • Silversea Cruises.
Jan 2, 2024

What is the #1 cruise line? ›

The best cruise lines in 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line ranked as the best cruise line in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

Where does the Chicago Riverwalk start and end? ›

The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection.

How long is the Shoreline Chicago Tour? ›

Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises

Take Shoreline's award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago's renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides.

Are there boat tours on Lake Michigan? ›

Our Skyline Lake Tour departs from our Navy Pier dock at 600 E. Grand Ave. Once onboard, you'll head out on a majestic boat tour of Lake Michigan where you'll be able to see Chicago's renowned skyscrapers and landmarks.

What time does the Chicago Boat Show start? ›

There's no better place to discover boating, buy your dream boat and plan for your next adventure on the water.” Below are the hours for the 2024 Chicago Boat Show: Wednesday, 1/10: 2-8 p.m. Thursday, 1/11: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Is the Navy Pier free? ›

There is no admission fee to enter Navy Pier, although attractions within may have prices. Please note Navy Pier's Youth Escort Policy, which is in effect after 5 p.m. Friday – Sunday. Parking and Transportation: Getting to Navy Pier is convenient, whether you drive as a family or hop on public transportation!

How long is a river cruise boat? ›

For instance, an average ocean cruise ship is about 1,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. In contrast, the river cruise ships are much smaller, ranging in length from 110 feet to 600 feet and only 40 to 50 feet wide. The smaller size of river cruise ships limits onboard amenities that can be offered.

What do you wear to the architecture boat tour in Chicago? ›

We suggest you wear casual attire on our Chicago architecture boat tour.

What languages are allowed on the Chicago architecture boat tour? ›

Tour Information and Tips

Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children. Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with an adult ticket. Seating is general admission. The River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean.

Which building is the Chicago boat show in? ›

Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont in 2025. The NMMA announced today the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, is moving from McCormick Place to the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center (DES Convention Center) in 2025.

Which Royal Caribbean ship has Chicago? ›

As did sister-ship Oasis of the Seas, the arrival of Allure of the Seas will bring an unprecedented array of brand new features and onboard amenities, including one of Broadway's longest-running and most recognizable theatric productions, Chicago: The Musical, which will headline in the ship's main theater.

Do cruise ships go to Chicago? ›

Cruise ships to Chicago dock (anchor) at Navy Pier - located on Lake Michigan's shoreline (in the city's neighborhood Streeterville).

What's the best cruise line to book with? ›

Best Luxury Cruise Lines
  • #1. Viking Ocean Cruises.
  • #2. Seabourn Cruise Line.
  • #3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Which cruise is the most popular type of cruise? ›

Most popular based on passengers served is Carnival cruise line. It is quite a bit larger than its next competitor, Royal Caribbean— 5.8 million passengers in 2022 versus 3.3 million. Carnival actually has 10 different cruise lines under its corporate umbrella.

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