CRUISE GUIDE · DESTINATION
Reviewed, compared and ranked by the people aboard.
The 13 most popular chicago river cruises, compared side by side. What you see from the water, how long you are aboard, what it costs and which operator to book, so you can pick your boat in a couple of minutes.
See Chicago’s iconic skyline from the Chicago River on a guided architecture cruise with live commentary, pet-friendly boarding, and great value.
Most Popular“We had such a good time on the boat. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly and fun. The weather was perfect and my friends had a great time. Thank you so much!”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise aboard First Lady with live docent commentary, big skyline views, and easy Riverwalk access.
“Dress for elements. Cynthia was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and her presentation was engaging.”
Skip the ticket line for a Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration of 40 buildings across all 3 branches and a cash bar.
“It was awesome! Tons of history and architecture! Our guide Victor was amazing and non stop full of information, a little humor and just a ton of knowledge. I could listen to him for hours!”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live family-friendly narration, indoor/outdoor decks, and a local cash bar for $28.
“Zach, our guide, was smart, funny, engaging and so informative on Chicago architecture! My family thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would do it again! When we got off the boat we enjoyed the building facts and fun we learned on the tour as we walked near the buildings.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live docent stories, 50+ landmarks, and free soft drinks—plus big views if you pick the right deck.
“A fabulous tour. Not a huge boat, provided free beverages as well as those libations that require fee. The tour guide was so informative and knowledgeable. The seating is all outside so bring a hat or cover up for protection from the sun. It was a great way to cover some ground in downtown Chicago.”
Chicago architecture minibus tour with optional 75-minute River cruise. Fast overview of downtown, Lincoln Park views, and iconic buildings.
“Great overview of Chicago. Enjoyed our guide, Rick. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely recommend doing if you have never been to Chicago.”
A small-group, half-day Chicago drive with a narrated architecture river cruise and skyline time from the Sky Deck/Adler viewpoints.
“If you are staying in Chicago for one day- I recommend booking this trip. Robert is an excellent tour guide that not only explained Chicago’s architecture lore but Robert would make sure that I am safe no matter which destination we stopped at. Will definitely book again in the future!”
City Cruises Chicago brings you a 2-hour glass-enclosed dining cruise with a 3-course meal, riverfront views, and narration or DJ.
“We had a wonderful boat ride along the river. From the reception to the captain, everyone was extremely attentive and professional. The boat was spotless, very clean and well maintained. The waiter was especially kind and thoughtful, always attentive to every detail. The food was excellent — impressive in both quality and presentation. And to…”
City Cruises Chicago river cruise with brunch, lunch, or dinner plus architecture narration, glass-enclosed dining, and a 3-course meal.
“The best good and service on a lunch cruise. The European style river craft was great! Views all around and up!!!”
Night views from Skydeck at Willis Tower, a narrated small-group drive, then a Chicago shoreline cruise with Cloud Gate in the mix.
“Organisation désastreuse. Visite prévue de la rivière chicago annulée car le guide s est trompé. Remplace par 1 visite sur le lac non programmé fait en dernier minute et sur 1 créneau horaire en dehors du créneau horaire prévu. Des allés retours pour pallier cette incompétence et cette désorganisation qui nous ont fait perdre notre…”
Chicago Architecture Center docent-led river cruise with 360° views, 50+ building stories, and discounted Chicago Architecture Center admission.
“Everything was outstanding, there’s nothing to be changed.”
A 4-hour small-group Chicago architecture day with hotel pickup, the Shoreline cruise, the Bean, Adler views, and Buckingham Fountain.
“Danny really helped me understand and learn how beautiful and fascinating the City is/are, a lot of fun facts too. For someone who likes to travel olone its definetely a safe and fun one. Thank you!”
Chicago in 3.5 hours: a guided downtown minibus tour plus a Chicago River architecture cruise with stops for Cloud Gate and skyline views.
“Great tour, great value for the cost. Wish the bus ride longer than the boat ride. Bout ride heavy focus on architecture. Bus ride spoke on the history of Chicago, much more engaging!”
Pick a canal city, a famous river, or the kind of cruise you want to be on.
