CHICAGO RIVER CRUISES
Good chicago river cruises sell their best seats weeks ahead. Below: the 15 to book early, what each fare covers and how they differ on the water.
See Chicago’s skyline from the river, hear lively architecture stories, and compare boat options, weather tips, pricing, and practical details.
“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.”
See Chicago’s finest architecture from the river, with expert docents, skyline views, and practical tips for this 90-minute cruise.
“Had an amazing time on this in depth tour! Guide was upbeat and so knowledgeable, and kept the tour lively the whole time. Nice variety of architecture and local history. Loved the context part showing how each building is in conversation with those around it. Highly recommend!”
See 40 Chicago landmarks from all three river branches, with live stories, skyline views, and a cash bar on this 75-minute cruise.
“This is my first time to be in Chicago. The tour was great. Our guide was not only informative but made it fun & interesting. I enjoyed learning about some of the history of Chicago.”
See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a 45-minute family cruise with live architecture commentary, indoor seating, open-air decks, and local drinks.
“Great guide and nice boat. Wonderful time on the water.”
Review of Chicago’s 90-minute river and Lake Michigan architecture cruise, with expert guides, skyline views, practical tips, and value advice.
“I have been in this same tour several times in my life but haven’t been on it since my wife and I first for married 26 years ago. We took our daughters who are now 23 and 22 and their friends and everybody loved it. This tour is 90 years old and is still owned by the same family. It’s the very best of all the boat architect tours out there. The best way to see and learn about the city skyline!”
Review of Chicago’s 90-minute architecture boat tour, with practical advice on views, guides, seating, weather, parking, and value.
“Great informative tour!! Wonderful history points presented, tour guide extremely knowledgeable . Great views up top!”
Review the Chicago Architectural River Cruise, with skyline views, expert commentary, practical tips, pricing, seating advice, and booking details.
“I was a lovely tour. I speaker was well informed and we could hear him well downstairs. Weather was perfect to be outside.”
See Chicago glow from the river and Lake Michigan on a 90-minute night cruise with skyline views, lock passage, and lively history.
“The tour guide was sensational! So many facts and great boat. 10/10 couldn’t have asked for more”
See Chicago’s top sights by minibus, then add a 75-minute architecture cruise for skyline views and city history.
“Interesting and informative...our guide shared lots of great Chicago history in a relaxed and fun way.”
Cruise Chicago’s river and lakefront at sunset, hear local stories, and watch Navy Pier fireworks from the water for $32.
“For the price this was a nice evening experience. I wish the city put on a longer show of fireworks. But this isn’t the boat company issue”
Review of Chicago’s 90-minute river and Lake Michigan cruise, with skyline views, architecture stories, practical tips, value, and booking advice.
“Good narrator; great experience. Very interesting and informative - loved it. Would do it again!!!!!”
Review of Chicago’s 90-minute river and Lake Michigan cruise, with skyline views, live stories, lock details, price advice, and practical tips.
“If you are looking for a tour that comes with great amount of information and also enough time to simply relax, and enjoy the Scenery for 90 minutes, you found yourself a great company! Our tour guide Jordan was not only very knowledgeable but also funny!”
Review of Chicago’s small-group driving tour, architecture cruise, skyline views, hotel pickup, timing, value, and practical booking tips.
“This was a fantastic way to “do” Chicago! Jack was very personable and accommodating. It is obvious that he loves his city, and he is very knowledgeable in the things that make Chicago great. The activities included in this tour really set it apart as well. The tour company chose the best and took care of all the details including checking us in at the venues. My wife, teenage daughters, and I had a great time, and we highly recommend this tour.”
Review of City Cruises Chicago, a glass-enclosed dining cruise with skyline views, chef-prepared meals, architecture, cocktails, and fireworks.
“Wonderful! A great date night/ family celebration experience; although I was the only single diner, I was made to feel welcomed & included. The entire crew seemed happy & wanted to make sure everything was perfect . Mimmo, the chef, obviously cooks with love- the food was delicious & plated with care. I’m vegetarian & was delighted with my choices ( not to mention the tasty cocktails.) The view from the river was enchanting. My favorite Chicago memory!”
Cruise Chicago’s river for 90 minutes, hearing expert architecture stories, seeing 50 skyscrapers, and enjoying free drinks and snacks.
“Jim did an amazing job with the tour guiding! Very informative and clearly passionate about the architecture along the river! The rest of the crew were extremely friendly and helpful, too! Thanks for an amazing river tour!”
By water, by hour, or by how many nights you want aboard.
