If you are looking for the best boat tours in Chicago, Illinois, there are a ton of options!
With the Chicago River carving its way through the city and Lake Michigan forming one border, there is plenty of water to explore in this amazing Midwest city.
Taking a boat cruise is one of the top things to do in Chicago because it allows you to see the city from a new perspective.
Planning your trip to Chicago last minute?
Make sure to book ahead. Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for Chicago!
Top Experiences And Tours In Chicago:
- Chicago River Architecture Cruise (Skip the Ticket Office!)
- Willis TowerSkydeck & The Ledge Ticket (Elevator express entry!)
- Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket (Panoramic views of Chicago!)
- Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tours (24, 48, or 72-hour options available.)
Hop Hotels In Chicago:
- Eurostars Magnificent Mile (In the heart of Chicago!)
- The Peninsula Chicago (Near museums)
- Club Quarter Hotels Wacker (Overlooking the Chicago River!)
- Hotel Blake (Close to Millennium Park.)
As you cruise through the water, you can enjoy an architecture tour, a delicious meal, a beautiful sunset, or even a fun fireworks display.
With so many different options for Chicago boat tours, you can try a different one each time you visit!
If you visit Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day, you can even see the river when it is dyed green!
If you are looking for a cheaper Chicago boat ride, you can buy a ticket for the Chicago Water Taxi. This public Chicago ferry runs from May through September.
Now, let’s look at some of the best Chicago boat cruises!
Boat Tours In Chicago: Top 10 Worth Your Money
1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise
There are many Chicago River architecture tours and this 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise is one of the best!
As you explore three branches of the Chicago River, the guide will teach you all about the city’s noteworthy architecture.
The Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, NBC Tower, Wrigley Building, and more are highlighted.
There is an open-air deck and climate-controlled interior, so this Chicago architecture boat tour can be enjoyed year-round.
Grab refreshments at the bar and enjoy this informative cruise!
If you are only spending a weekend in Chicago, you cannot miss out on adding this Chicago River boat tour to your itinerary.
1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Boat Tour In Chicago
If you are looking for a wonderful idea for a date night in Chicago, you should book this 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise!
You could not ask for a more beautiful experience than watching the sunset over the Chicago skyline and the water of Lake Michigan.
Most of the tour has no narration, so you can be fully immersed in the wonder of the sunset.
The boat has a full-service bar where you can order local beers, spirits, and snacks during your Chicago sunset cruise.
Please Click Here For The Current Rates!
Boat Tours In Chicago: Seadog Speedboat Ride
If you are looking for more of a thrill, book a Chicago speedboat cruise!
This Seadog Speedboat Ride will zoom you along the lakefront, showing off the amazing skyline.
During the half-hour ride, you will hear Chicago fun facts from the guide.
And don’t worry, this shoreline sightseeing Chicago cruise is more than just speed. There are stops where you can grab awesome photos of the city.
If you want even more heart-stopping fun, you can upgrade to the Extreme Thrill Ride option.
This ride will have full-throttle slalom runs and 360-degree spins! You will feel the horsepower!
This is one of the most fun boat tours in Chicago, IL!
Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, Or Dinner River Cruise in Chicago
Want to enjoy your cruise with a delicious meal? There are many boat rides in Chicago for you whether you want brunch, lunch, or dinner.
If you want a fancy meal, look into this 2-hour Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise in Chicago.
Dress up and get your photo taken as you board the Chicago cruise ship. Then take your seat in the glass-enclosed dining area.
You will love the 3-course, fine dining meal that is all prepared fresh on board. There is also a bar where you can buy cocktails.
During the dinner boat cruise in Chicago, there is a DJ playing music while the brunch and lunch cruises have architectural narration.
Lake Michigan Skyline Sightseeing Boat Tour In Chicago
The Lake Michigan Skyline Sightseeing Cruise is one of the Chicago boat tours at Navy Pier.
This 40-minute cruise takes you along the lakefront as you listen to narration about the city’s history and architecture.
While the narration is not live like many other tours, the recordings are offered in both English and Spanish.
This is one of the best boat tours in Chicago with kids because it is not so long that they get bored.
Bring a camera to capture memories and photos of the skyline!
90-Minute River And Lakefront Cruise At Night
A Chicago night cruise gives you the chance to see this dazzling city lit up!
Book the 90-Minute River and Lakefront Cruise at Night to float down the Chicago River and along the lakefront during a peaceful night excursion.
You will be awed by the lights of the city as well as Buckingham Fountain’s light show on the waterfront.
The guide will tell you all about the city’s history and architecture. As you go through the engineering marvel of the Chicago Lock, you will learn how it works.
This boat tour in Chicago is very fun and one of the best things to do in Chicago at night!
Tickets Here: River & Lakefront Cruise at Night!
Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch, Or Dinner Boat Tours In Chicago
The 2-hour Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise is another of the best Lake Michigan cruises in Chicago that feature a meal.
Hop aboard the Spirit of Chicago and enjoy a buffet-style meal with a view of the city. The food for this lunch cruise in Chicago is freshly prepared and tasty.
There are three decks with climate-controlled rooms and outdoor observation decks.
When you are done eating, there are games to play! Try your hand at giant Jenga and shuffleboard.
You can also dance to the music put on by a live DJ! This is one of the most entertaining Chicago boat rides!
Book Here For This Lake Michigan Buffet Cruise!
Fireworks Premiere Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
The Fireworks Premiere Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan is a 3-hour sunset dinner cruise in Chicago that guarantees a memorable time.
You will cruise along the Chicago shoreline on the luxury Odyssey. Greet the captain as you board and get your photo taken for a cool keepsake.
Your gourmet 3-course meal is prepared fresh onboard and will leave your mouth watering.
There are many options for your appetizer, entree, and dessert.
After your meal, head to one of the observation decks to watch the summer fireworks show over the Navy Pier.
The colors of the fireworks will light up the lake and take your breath away! There is even a live band that will add to the mood.
Keep in mind that the fireworks only occur on Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Chicago Seadog Speedboat Fireworks Cruise on Lake Michigan
Another cool way to see the fireworks from the water is aboard a speedboat!
The Chicago Seadog Speedboat Fireworks Cruise on Lake Michigan is a 60-minute boat ride popular among tourists.
Whether you are traveling with family or friends, this is a fun experience you will not soon forget!
As you speed through the lake in the open-air boat, you will have one of the best views of the Navy Pier fireworks show.
Be prepared for the possibility of getting wet from the spray as the boat zooms through the water.
The tour is also narrated by a lively guide who will make the city’s history interesting.
This is truly one of the best things to do in the summer in Chicago!
Book Here: Chicago Seadog Fireworks Cruise!
Family-Friendly Architectural Boat Cruise
Visiting Chicago with kids can be more fun than you think.
This 45 minute family-friendly architectural boat cruise is the right length of time to keep kids interested and having fun.
There is a bar on board for drinks and light snacks for the children, and the narration is geared towards the younger ones!
Book Tickets Here for the family-friendly Boat Tour in Chicago.
Packing List When On A Boat Tour In Chicago, Illinois
If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing when heading to Illinois.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors!
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If you are planning a trip to Chicago, check out our complete list of where to stay in Chicago by neighborhood.
Or you can check out our suggestions for the best museums in Chicago!
Museums in Chicago: 15 You Do Not Want to Miss