Take a break from watering holes and splash pads and add adventure to your water play this summer with help from Chicago boat tour companies. You’ll learn a bit of city and architectural history and take in a whole lotta gorgeous views cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. From finding the best seat for Navy Pier’s weekly fireworks to cruises that let you bring your pup, scroll through and start planning.
Boats
Tall Ship Windy
Navigate Chicago's waterways and feel the spirit of centuries past in a 75-minute authentic tall ship sail. Select from Skyline and Architectural, Lake Michigan Maritime Stories or Pirates and Ghosts themes. Tall Ship Windy is a great post for viewing Navy Pier's weekly fireworks and the annual Chicago Air & Water Show in August.
Online: tallshipwindy.com
Chicago Fireboat Tour
Ray Novak and Erich Totsch, Navy veterans and licensed Captains, invite you to cruise on a piece of Chicago history. The Fred A. Busse was the largest diesel-powered Fireboat in the world and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937–1981. It was built to fit underneath Chicago’s bridges, minimizing response times for emergencies and helping ease congestion in a booming city. Upon her retirement, she was converted into a passenger vessel and operated tours in Sturgeon Bay, WI for almost 30 years. Her new owners renovated the retired fireboat and she is now cruising the Chicago waterways once again!
Online: fireboattours.com
Chicago Architecture Center's First Lady
Chicago Architecture Center has been running its very popular 90-minute cruise aboard The First Lady for over 25 years. Their expertly trained docent volunteers share fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings and educate on how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years.
Online: architecture.org
Seadog Cruises
It’s fast and furious aboard the Seadog, which jets off from Navy Pier, speeds along the lakefront, then zips down the Chicago River. The fast-paced excitement makes it the most kid-friendly architectural cruise of all. Little ones love this bright red and yellow speedboat, which usually has dogs on board (bring your pet along!) and funny guides. Parents appreciate learning about Chicago’s most famous riverfront buildings while kids love the thrill.
Online: seadogcruises.com
Shoreline Sightseeing Tours
Shoreline has deep roots in Chicago, now three generations in! With 11 major touring vessels (and their 8 water taxis) they run architectural river tours that give highlights and history of Chicago's buildings and Lake Michigan tours that show off our beautiful skyline. You can grab a Shoreline cruise from Michigan Avenue Bridge, Navy Pier's Polk Bros Park and Lake tours from Navy Pier.
Online: shorelinesightseeing.com
Wendella Boats
Wendella is the OG in Chicago architectural boat tours, in operation since 1935. Learn about 130 years of architectural innovation and the world-renowned architecture from one of their expert guides. Make it extra special by booking a sunset cruise and toast the end of the day as the sun sets on Chicago.
Online: wendellaboats.com
Mercury Cruises
Running continuously for 85 years, Mercury is expert at showing the city's highlights in its 90-minute sightseeing adventure. They host 3D Fireworks Cruises that add excitement with the addition of 3D glasses and the Canine Cruise allows your pup to feel the wind in their fur.
Online: mercurycruises.com
KAYAKS
Kayak Chicago
If you’re looking for a truly unique perspective of Chicago, hop into a single or double kayak and paddle your way along the river with an expert guide. Kayak Chicago offers rentals, as well as guided tours and individual and group instruction. Kids of all ages are welcome to ride along with an adult, but they need to be at least 12 to paddle a kayak on their own. On the guided architectural tour, you’ll circle the loop, glide past where the first settlers to Chicago set up a home base and discover the location of a former Capone-era hideout.
Online: kayakchicago.com
Urban Kayak
Two brothers and a lifelong friend who are native Chicagoans and self-proclaimed avid adventurers set out to showcase their hometown in a unique way. Their kayak tours will leave you with a newfound love for Chicago and if it awakens an adventurous beast in you, you can purchase a membership to visit again and again. They also offer kayak classes for kids ages 10-16 all summer long.
Online: urbankayaks.com
TAXI
Shoreline Water Taxi
Shoreline Water Taxis are a cheap, convenient and fun mode of city transport. Travel via the Chicago River to Chinatown, Navy Pier the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue and Union Station while feeling the wind whipping through your hair. Shoreline Water Taxi service begins in April and runs through September, with additional service throughout the fall and for special events.
Online: shorelinesightseeing.com
DIY
Chicago Electric Boat
Chicago Electric Boat Company is Chicago's largest self-guided river boat rental operator. Their fleet includes eco-friendly private electric boats that create opportunities to explore our world-famous waterfront from a unique eye-level vantage point.
Renters will find five boat types: all-weather Duffy Boats with fully covered seating areas, Pontoon Boats with adjustable canopies, partially covered Donut Boats that offer 360-degree views of the city, a Vintage Yacht and refurbished 1950s-style Retro Boats for when you want to feel like a movie star.
Online: chicagoelectricboats.com
— Maria Chambers
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