Chicago · CHICAGO RIVER TOURS
21 reviewed
Kayak paddle, speedboat blast, or a slow guided drift under the bridges: the Chicago River carries a dozen kinds of tour. Here is what each one covers, how wet you get, how long it lasts, and the price, so you can match the river to the kind of day you want.
Chicago River architecture cruise with live English commentary, iconic skyline views, pets welcome, and a restroom onboard.
“It’s a nice ride, and our tour guide was a great storyteller . Lots of great information about Chicago history and architecture.”
Enjoy a 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with indoor and outdoor seating, expert narration, and views from Michigan Avenue for $45.
“Great views on this tour, highly recommend! Our tour guide was great. We went on the last tour of the night, the lights were great on this tour. The boat has a bar with a few treats (chips, pre bagged Garrets popcorn and candy) along with seasonal drinks and soda. The boat does have a rest room.”
90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with expert guides, indoor or open deck options, skyline sights, and local drinks at a cash bar.
“The host was outstanding, very knowledgeable but also humouress”
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on the First Lady. 90 minutes of docent narration, iconic skyline views, and a cozy onboard bar.
“Well worth the money on a beautiful sunny day. We did not venture inside so I can’t speak to that. Guide was very knowledgeable and added her personality to make her presentation lively.”
Skip the ticket line for a live-narrated Chicago River architecture cruise covering all three branches and about 40 landmarks for $39.
“Love this cruise! Even if you have done it before, you always learn something new!”
A 45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live guide stories, open-air or sheltered seating, and $28 value right by the Wrigley Building.
“You will definitely receive alot of knowledge on this tour, the night tour is beautiful. Get there early seats full up and there is heat on the bottom area if touring during winter.”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with a live guide, indoor and outdoor decks, and a cash bar. Prebook to skip the line.
“A great boat ride with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. We had the best time and it was a great way to end our trip!”
A 90-minute narrated Chicago River cruise with skyline icons, three river branches, and easy deck viewing for $37.
“Heath was an energetic, knowledgeable, and funny tour guide. Throughly enjoyed the tour and some drinks on board!”
Cruise Chicago’s river with a friendly guide on a 90-minute architecture tour, with options for a small-boat upgrade or land-and-sea combo.
“This tour was great! Non stop information and lots to learn. Would definitely recommend. It’s a good way to see the city and know its history.”
90-minute Chicago River architectural cruise with live docent narration, 50+ landmarks, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks for about $50.
“Nothing that I can think of. It was well informative and the captain and crew were great. The building were beautiful”
A small-group Chicago minibus tour with skyline stops and an optional Chicago River architecture cruise. Fast, easy, and built for first-timers.
“Chicago Bob was exceptional with the amount of information he had to share. Excellent, non-stop commentary. All of us enjoyed it immensely.”
A 90-minute Chicago River sunset cruise with architecture talk, an included cocktail, and views of lit-up skyscrapers plus 100-year-old bridges.
“This activity was one of my most favorite experiences of my trip to Chicago. Very cheat compared to all other activities, best money I spent during my stay! The amount of information and history that the guide new was amazing! The sunset cruise with the downtown lights was breathtaking!”
Small-group Chicago driving tour with hotel pickup, Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, Shoreline architecture cruise, and Sky Deck skyline views.
“Joe was an outstanding guide and host. Took great care of us and was extremely knowledgeable about the city’s food, history, architecture, film scenes, etc. Architecture tour on the river was very entertaining and informative.”
2-hour City Cruises Chicago river dining cruise with a chef-made 3-course meal, glass-enclosed views, and architecture narration on daytime sails.
“The best good and service on a lunch cruise. The European style river craft was great! Views all around and up!!!”
90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live docent narration, open-air top deck, and free coffee and snacks for $57.
“Very informative and passionate narration of the city’s history and development. A ‘must-do’”
