Your guide to Chicago lake and river boat tours

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of options for boat tours, rentals, and private charters.

What are popular boat tours in Chicago?

The Chicago River architecture cruise is considered a must-do experience for any Chicago visit. But there are a variety of boat cruises on both the river and lake that each offer a unique Chicago experience.

Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard a glass-enclosed vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless.

Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises, from informative boat tours to romantic dinner cruises and beyond.

Architecture boat tours

As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is a city filled with architectural marvels and fascinating landmarks. These Chicago architecture tours offer a unique vantage point of some of the city’s most famous and influential buildings, alongside informative narration that gives you the stories behind the iconic structures.

• Shoreline Sightseeing: The ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River past dozens of landmark buildings. They also offer Skyline Lake Tours for a closer look at waterfront landmarks.
• Wendella Tours and Cruises: This family-owned company has been cruising the Chicago waterways for three generations. Their classic Chicago River Architecture Tour covers all the top spots along the riverfront, or opt for a deeper diver with a combined river and lake tour.
• Chicago Line Cruises: This family-run cruise line employs expert guides to lead you on a journey through Chicago’s architecture history. They also offer wine and whiskey tasting boat tours.
• Chicago’s First Lady Cruises: These popular cruises are known as one of the most comprehensive tours of the skyline — expert docents are trained by the Chicago Architecture Center. Along with an Architecture River Cruise, they also offer daytime and evening river and lake cruises.
• Chicago Fireboat Tours: Step aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a historic retired fireboat. Opt for an architecture tour of the Chicago River or a combined river and lake tour.

Explore more Chicago architecture tours and experiences by foot, bus, bike, and more.

Dinner cruises

Chicago dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable date night or special occasion. Choose from a variety of river or lake cruise options from City Cruises, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and live entertainment — not to mention the sparkling city skyline as your backdrop.

• Brunch and lunch cruises: Spend the day out on the water with brunch and lunch boat cruises. These cruises make for a fun activity for holidays, birthdays, and more. Enjoy a buffet meal and live entertainment — make sure to book a window table for the best views.
• Dinner cruises on Lake Michigan: If you’re looking for a romantic night out, nothing can top a dinner cruise surrounded by the Chicago skyline. Enjoy an elegant dinner followed by a night of drinks, music, and dancing on the waters of Lake Michigan.
• Dinner cruises on the Chicago River: Cruise through the heart of Chicago on a stunning all-glass vessel that offers a panoramic perspective of the surrounding cityscape. These dining cruises offer a refined atmosphere and up-close views of some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
• Holiday dinner cruises: A Chicago boat cruise is the perfect way to celebrate any holiday, including Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and beyond. Check the schedule for special evening fireworks cruises on select holiday dates.

Fireworks cruises

Summertime in Chicago means the start of the iconic Navy Pier fireworks series. You can catch the breathtaking display twice a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day each summer. There are also special holiday fireworks shows throughout the year, including shows for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.

• Chicago Fireboat Tours: Take in the city skyline and magnificent fireworks from the lake aboard a historic Chicago fireboat.
• City Cruises: Plan the perfect date night with these lakefront fireworks dinner cruises. Enjoy an elegant dinner while the sky erupts in color above the water.
• Island Party Boat: Grab your tickets to an evening fireworks cruise aboard one of these tiki-inspired vessels, featuring a full bar on board.
• Wendella: These seasonal cruises offer a front-row seat to the Navy Pier fireworks. Choose from river or lake cruise options.
• Chicago Line: Experience the Wednesday night fireworks show like you’ve never seen it before on these seasonal summer cruises.
• Tall Ship Windy: Enjoy the splendor of this unique schooner, which offers lakefront fireworks cruises in the evening throughout the summer.
• Urban Kayaks: These guided tours paddle past illuminated skyscrapers and key riverfront landmarks before stopping to enjoy the fireworks show.

Explore more things to do in the summer with our seasonal guide to Chicago.

Unique lake and river cruises

Looking for something a little different? These fun cruises offer a unique twist on the classic Chicago boat tour. Sip a mai tai on a tiki boat, sail aboard a real historic vessel, or get your heart pumping on a daring speedboat ride. Explore themed cruises, party cruises, and more.

• Tall Ship Windy: This traditionally rigged sailing vessel is one of the most unique ways to explore the waters of Lake Michigan. Choose from the classic Chicago skyline sail, fireworks cruises, and more. All tours depart from Navy Pier.
• Island Party Boat: Looking for a party? These tiki boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. Opt for a party cruise down the Chicago River or along the lakefront from the Monroe Harbor location.
• Chicago Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride: Adrenaline junkies can race across Lake Michigan with high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns on this one-of-a-kind thrill ride. Come prepared to get splashed.
• Chicago Fireboat Tours: The flagship vessel of this veteran-owned cruise line is a real retired fireboat that served the Chicago Fire Department for 44 years until 1981.
• Chicago Water Taxi: This commuter boat is a fun, cheap, and scenic way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at various points along the Chicago River from Michigan Avenue to Chinatown, allowing you to hop on and off with ease.
• Victory Cruise Lines: These luxurious all-inclusive ships were designed to explore the Great Lakes. With a port at Navy Pier, these cruises travel from Chicago to Montreal, Toronto, Québec City, and more.

Boat rentals and private charters

Make a splash with a boat rental or private charter in Chicago. You can be your own captain for a day with a rental boat, or hire a charter and soak in the sun on a luxurious yacht. No matter what you choose, it promises to be an only-in-Chicago experience.

• Chicago Boat Company: Choose from a variety of affordable boat rental options, including donut boats, retro two-seater boats, pontoons, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal. Riverfront rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River. The lakefront location offers yacht and cycleboat rentals.
• Island Party Boat: It’s always a (floating) party on Island Party Boat. Rent a boat on the river or lake with fun tiki-inspired options that will make any time feel like island time.

• Chicago Yachting: This private boat rental company offers a variety of luxurious vessels, from sporty speedboats to 60-foot double-deck yachts. Drop anchor in Lake Michigan for an afternoon of sun-soaked fun, admire the skyline on a private architecture tour, or get front-row seats to the summer fireworks show.
• Come Sailing: Book a private charter with Come Sailing Chicago for a truly unforgettable waterfront experience. For small groups, opt for the classic sailboat that skims along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Or make it a party aboard the luxurious 49-passenger catamaran with spacious open-air decks and onboard bar service.
• Adeline’s Sea Moose: This 68-foot luxury yacht is the perfect option for a special occasion, a corporate event, or just a day of fun in the sun. The attentive crew will take care of everything while you admire the views on your lakefront or river cruise. The staff can also make recommendations for caterers, tour guides, onboard chefs, photographers, and more to make your experience complete.

Kayaks and paddleboards

• Urban Kayaks: Grab a paddle and hit the water with this popular kayak company. Rent a kayak and explore on your own or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.
• Neon Paddle: These evening tours feature motorized neon-lit paddleboards that let you float down the Chicago River, no paddling required. A mobile DJ provides the vibes while you just sit back and enjoy the view. Tours launch from Ping Tom Park in Chinatown.
• Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago: Paddle the Chicago lakefront with Bobby’s. This popular tour and rental company offers single and tandem kayak rentals along the lakefront from their location at Ohio Street Beach near Navy Pier. They also offer stand-up paddleboard rentals. 

Explore our guide to paddling and kayaking in Chicago for more.