RIVER & CANAL CRUISES
Reviewed, compared and ranked by the people aboard.
The 13 most popular chicago 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“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.”
A 90-minute Chicago River architecture cruise aboard First Lady with live docent commentary, big skyline views, and easy Riverwalk access.
“Super experience. Informed guide and a beautiful way to take in the citiy’s architecture and history.”
Skip the ticket line for a Chicago River architecture cruise with live narration of 40 buildings across all 3 branches and a cash bar.
“Love this cruise! Even if you have done it before, you always learn something new!”
45-minute Chicago River architecture cruise with live family-friendly narration, indoor/outdoor decks, and a local cash bar for $28.
“We loved our tour guide, he was so so funny and did a great job giving so much information but making it fun and keeping attention the entire time. Definitely worth it”
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.
“Our tour guide was great! He was a local Chicagoan, and you can tell how much he really loves his city. I was engaged the entire time!”
Chicago architecture minibus tour with optional 75-minute River cruise. Fast overview of downtown, Lincoln Park views, and iconic buildings.
“Avery did a great job on this tour. The bus was very comfortable. It was a good mix of riding and getting off the bus to see things. Lots of interesting facts and well paced.”
A small-group, half-day Chicago drive with a narrated architecture river cruise and skyline time from the Sky Deck/Adler viewpoints.
“Tony was an amazing guide and super flexible with the itinerary due to road closures for the upcoming NASCAR event. We had a great day!”
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.
“Wonderful service and really good food. Free mimosas for the duration and the river and architecture is first rate!!”
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.
“I have taken this trip before but each docent has their own favorite side stories and it makes it interesting and fun. I live in the Chicago suburbs and this tour really gives me an appreciation for the city locals may take for granted”
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.
