Chicago · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Tours in Chicago

71 tours  ·  from $28 a head

River, lake, dinner table or speedboat. The 15 below range from a half-hour blast along the lakefront to a full evening afloat, each priced and clear about how much time you actually spend on the water.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - The Wrigley Building and Michigan Avenue Icons
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

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

See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a guided architecture cruise with expert stories, famous buildings, onboard restrooms, and flexible departure times.

“The host of the tour was great! He was very informative and knowledgeable about the city's history. Also, we had great views of the buildings and were able appreciate the beauty of the architecture.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise - From Michigan Avenue to Wolf Point
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews

Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady - A boat built for views in changing weather
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

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

See Chicago’s landmark towers from the river, with expert architecture guides, open-air views, a heated salon, and a full bar onboard.

“Great experience. So much information was shared about every skyscraper that are build along the riverwalk. The views alone is worth to book this cruise experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago: Architecture River Cruise Skip-the-Ticket Line - What you see during the 75-minute route
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

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, hear lively architecture stories, and see skyline icons from a comfortable sightseeing boat.

“This was a great tour. We went in the 8pm cruise and we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset and then see the buildings lit up. We also got to experience some perfectly timed nighttime features, like building projections and fireworks because of the time we choose. Our guide Brian was great; entertaining and clearly loves his city. Will definitely do this again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise - Starting near the Wrigley Building
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Chicago: 45-Minute Family-Friendly Architecture River Cruise

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Lake and River Architecture Cruise - Modern towers along the return route
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

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 Chicago’s river and lakefront for 90 minutes of architecture, skyline views, expert stories, and a passage through the historic lock.

“I enjoyed the tour and had a great time on Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The tour guide was great and told us a lot of interesting facts about the architecture and about important people or the history of the city in general. The length of time was perfect and I would definitely recommend to go on this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour - Boarding at 900 South Wells Street
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 all three branches of the Chicago River, hear lively architecture stories, and see landmarks from an open-air or covered boat.

“Learned a lot, the weather was prefect, and our guide provided great info about the city. The sunset with views was 🤩.Definitely would take this tour again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise in Chicago - The first 15 minutes on the Chicago River
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

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

See Chicago’s skyline from the river and Lake Michigan at sunset, with city lights, onboard narration, open-air seating, and a bar.

“I booked this experience for my husband's first weekend after retiring after 40 plus years. This first step in " the best is yet to be" did not disappoint. Despite the large crowd of participants everything flowed smoothly in getting on the boat. The guide was engaging and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot of interesting facts about Chicago history and architecture. The Skyline view at sunset was awesome. The hour and a half flew by.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago - The buildings and landmarks you will see
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lake Michigan Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

9.Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago

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

See Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan on a 30 to 45 minute cruise with recorded commentary, onboard bar, restroom, and dog-friendly seating.

“Great little boat ride into the lake for a beautiful view of the city and the lake. Courteous staff . Would definitely go again !!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option - Why the Chicago River is the right classroom
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option

Chicago Architectural River Cruise - From River East Plaza to the first skyline views
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Chicago Architectural River Cruise

11.Chicago Architectural River Cruise

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

Cruise Chicago’s river past 50 architectural landmarks with live commentary, free soft drinks, and skyline views from Lake Point Tower to Navy Pier.

“Great experience! Valerie did a great job sharing the history of Chicago. She brought the architecture to kife and was able to offer a picture into the life of these very influential people that make the Chicago skyline the tapestry it is for millions of people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago: 1.5-Hour Scenic Sunset Lake Cruise - Passing Through the Chicago Lock
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Lake Michigan Cruises, 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

Review of Chicago’s 90-minute sunset cruise from the River to Lake Michigan, with skyline views, open decks, a cash bar, and practical tips.

“Our family of five really enjoyed this excursion. We started out in day light and by the time we returned we had a beautiful evening view of the Chicago city skyline. All said this was the best part of our four day visit.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option - Starting at the Palmer House and entering the Loop
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago River Cruises, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

Keep browsing

Scroll to Top

Explore Chicago

Pick a deck, a tower or a table.