Top 15 Boat Tours in Chicago

Chicago Architecture River Cruise - Boarding at Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15,756 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39Our pick

Review of Chicago’s architecture river cruise, with skyline views, expert guides, practical tips, cold-weather advice, and value details.

“Such an amazing experience! A must see while in Chicago! Tour guide was funny & knowledgeable, I did not realize there was so much history regarding the architecture of Chicago at all! I left the tour feeling so proud to be there exploring the city, that experience really fueled my fire to learn more!”

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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

See Chicago’s greatest buildings from the river on a 90-minute guided cruise with expert commentary, open decks, and climate-controlled seating.

“It was the most interesting architecture tour I have ever been!! The tour guide was very charismatic and made us laugh at lot, we explained everything in a very passionate way and we had a blast!”

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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

Review of Chicago’s First Lady architecture cruise, with river views, expert docents, practical tips, pricing, and what to expect.

“Excellent tour of Chicago. Fantastic experience!! Mark was very knowledgeable and entertaining to listen to. Very friendly and organized staff. Boat was spotless and comfortable. Recommend the evening tour.”

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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 Chicago River branches, hear stories about 40 landmarks, and see the city’s famous architecture from a fresh waterside view.

“Very nice tour with the amazing guide Joe! Thank you so much!”

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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

See Chicago’s skyline from the river on a 45-minute family cruise with lively architecture stories, open-air views, and a climate-controlled cabin.

“I booked the evening tour for my anniversary. The views were beautiful in the evening. Check the weather before in case it gets cold. There is a lower deck in the event it's too cold.”

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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

Cruise Chicago’s river and lakefront for 90 minutes of architecture, skyline views, expert stories, and a trip through the famous Chicago Lock.

“Excellent experience! Knowledgeable, professional and interesting guide. Loved the River and Lake Michigan views. I had only done the River cruise before. Adding the lake and just seeing a smaller section of the river worked great for us. Highly recommend!”

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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

Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River, hear sharp architecture stories, and see Willis Tower, Wrigley Building, and more for $37.

“I've lived in Chicago my whole life and I finally got to see my gorgeous city from the river! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience so much fun! Make sure to bring a jacket just in case it's windy or cold - our tour guide lost his hat at Wolf Point.”

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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

Review of Chicago’s $45 sunset cruise, with skyline views, Chicago River narration, Lake Michigan sunsets, seating tips, and practical advice.

“Beautiful views of the Chicago skyline at all stages of the sunset. Our tour guide (Stevie B?) was energetic and even took photos of us on the boat. He went above and beyond. I would definitely take this ride again, must see views of the city!”

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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

See Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan on an affordable dog-friendly cruise with recorded commentary, onboard restroom, and sunset views.

“Tour was beautiful & staff were friendly. It was relaxing and informative. I will definitely do this again.”

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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

Review of Chicago’s 90-minute river architecture tour, with skyline views, lively guides, small-boat upgrade advice, costs, and booking tips.

“Would not recommend the smaller boat tour. With the larger boat tour there is not a bad seat on the boat. The small boat tour had many bad seats, and we were in a couple of them, not able to see the other side of the boat. The person narrating was hard to follow as to what side of the boat he was talking about and made the entire tour hard to follow.”

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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 Chicago’s river for 90 minutes of architecture, history, bridges, and skyline views, with live commentary and complimentary drinks.

“Be early to get a good seat! But from wherever you sit you will get a fabulous view of the buildings.”

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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

See Chicago’s skyline at night on a 90-minute river, lock, and Lake Michigan cruise with live stories and beautiful city views.

“It was a very pleasant, informative and interactive trip. Our guide, Jacob, was witty and knowledgeable. We learned new facts about some of the landmarks and history of the city. He also made it fun and offered to take pics and answer questions from anyone on the boat. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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Chicago: Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

13.Shoreline Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 758 reviews · 30 min · from $32

See Chicago's skyline from Lake Michigan on a 30-minute Shoreline cruise with recorded commentary, easy boarding, and excellent photo views.

“This boat ride was amazing! It wasn’t packed, there was enough space, and the length of the ride was perfect. It was worth the price and would definitely do it again. My mom loves boats which made the experience was priceless for me.”

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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

See Chicago’s skyline glow at sunset on a 90-minute river and Lake Michigan cruise with open decks, a cash bar, and city views.

“Absolutely amazing time!! Did it during Covid and still has an absolute blast. Even better then normal the staff told us. Great attention to deal and will definitely recommend”

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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

See Chicago’s skyline, neighborhoods, and landmark buildings by minibus, then add a 75-minute architecture cruise on the river.

“Logan was very informative about the city and was a very safe driver! I was amazed that he could drive safely in this traffic and give info and answer our questions at the same time! We even made a few stops to get off and see landmarks up close, as well as ability to take a bathroom break. Highly recommended!”

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