RIVER TRIPS · CHICAGO RIVER CRUISES
The river runs between the towers, which is why the architecture cruise is the one thing every Chicago visitor is told to book. These 15 compare guides, boat size, ninety minutes against sixty, and the sunset departures.
Cruise the Chicago River for about 60 to 90 minutes with an architecture guide, passing the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Marina City, Aqua, and more. Choose a Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue departure, enjoy a restroom and bar onboard, and bring your dog along.
“Guide was very knowledgeable. Easily understood. Boat was clean. Bar was well stocked. Captain very good.”
Board Wendella near the Wrigley Building for a 90-minute cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River. An expert guide explains more than 130 years of Chicago architecture as you pass Marina City, Merchandise Mart, Willis Tower, the Riverwalk, and the Lyric Opera. Choose indoor or outdoor seating.
“It’s a very informative tour. The host was enthusiastic and funny. Bundle up if you do this tour in the winter, it gets cold out on the water.”
Join Wendella Tours & Cruises for a 90-minute architectural cruise from the DuSable Bridge. Guides such as John, Sarah, Alex, and Scotty D explain Chicago’s skyline with humor, while you choose an open deck or climate-controlled seating and can buy local beer, spirits, and Garrett’s Popcorn onboard.
“Unreal tour guide, super knowledgeable. Stunning views, great day out.”
See Chicago from the river aboard First Lady, with a Chicago Architecture Center docent explaining landmarks, bridges, architects, and city history. The 90-minute cruise includes open-air and climate-controlled seating, a bar, restrooms, and views of Marina City, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and more.
“Excellent tour of Chicago. Fantastic experience!! Mark was very knowledgeable and entertaining to listen to. Very friendly and organized staff. Boat was spotless and comfortable. Recommend the evening tour.”
Cruise all three branches of the Chicago River with a live English or Spanish guide, learning about roughly 40 landmark buildings, from Marina City to Willis Tower. Guides such as Chicago Bob, Juan, Jeremy, and Kevin bring history and humor, while the onboard cash bar adds a relaxed touch.
“I recently had the pleasure of joining a boat tour led by our fantastic guide, Dillon, and Captain Albert, and I can't recommend them highly enough! From the moment we set sail, it was clear that we were in for an unforgettable experience. Dillon's enthusiasm and extensive knowledge made the tour both informative and engaging. He shared fascinating stories and insights about the local history and landmarks, making every moment on the water feel special. His passion for the area was contagious, and he encouraged questions, ensuring everyone felt involved. Captain Albert was the perfect complement to Dillon's guiding. His skillful navigation and calm demeanor made us feel safe and…”
Cruise the Chicago River from the Wrigley Building with live guides such as Tess, Chris, and Zack. In 45 minutes, you’ll see the Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Merchandise Mart, Lyric Opera, Marina City, and skyline views toward Willis Tower, with indoor and outdoor seating.
“It's breezy on the boat, and probably 5⁰-10⁰ cooler than on land, during the fall and winter months, so dress accordingly so can enjoy the experience.”
Board Wendella at the Wrigley Building for a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Your live guide points out landmark buildings, from Marina City and the Wrigley Building to the Water Tower and Civic Opera House. Arrive early for the best outdoor seats.
“Great tour on a lovely fall day, nice ride and our guide was the perfect blend of Chicago wit and wisdom”
Cruise from Lake Shore Drive toward Willis Tower and the South Branch, then return past the Riverwalk. Expect live English commentary, indoor and outdoor decks, climate-controlled seating, and drinks for purchase. Guides such as Kenny, Zach, and Sarah are known for keeping the architecture talk lively.
“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”
Cruise from DuSable Bridge up the Chicago River, pass through the Chicago Lock, and head onto Lake Michigan. Your English-speaking guide explains landmarks from Marina City to Willis Tower. Choose an open deck or climate-controlled cabin, with drinks, snacks, and Garrett’s Popcorn available onboard.
“Our guide was great. Good fun and very informative! Well worth the cost, even with a little rain!”
Cruise Chicago’s historic river for 90 minutes with live English narration from guides such as David, Hillary, Heath, and Colleen. You’ll pass the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, Merchandise Mart, Chinatown, and Navy Pier, with open-air and enclosed seating available.
“We literally did this tour on this first snow of the season BUT IT WAS WELL WORTH IT. The 90 minute 3:00 pm tour turned out be the sunset tour due to it being november so we got amazing pictures! Heath was entertaining and informative!”
Spend about 90 minutes on the Chicago River with a local guide, passing Navy Pier, modern skyscrapers, historic towers, and Cloud Gate. Choose the standard boat, upgrade to a boat limited to 60 people, or add a 90-minute minibus tour for a wider view of Chicago.
“The tour guide was fantastic in her knowledge! Well worth the time and money spent! Even when it was rainy and freezing cold still was fun and educational.”
You’ll cruise the Chicago River for 90 minutes with a live docent explaining more than 50 buildings, bridges, and historic sites. Guides such as Tyler, Valerie, Brian, and Justine are known for lively storytelling. Expect coffee, lemonade, and soft drinks, with paid beer, wine, and cocktails available.
“We were looking for an easy way to see the city and this was it!! Extremely knowledgeable guide and friendly crew. Beautiful views - even when it rained!! My 2 teenage sons loved the experience, so that says something!! We did the 90 minute and it went by quickly with so much to see. Highly recommend!!!”
Cruise Chicago’s main river branch, pass through the Chicago Harbor Lock, and head onto Lake Michigan for nighttime skyline views. Live English guides such as Olivia, Jacob, and Gabby add stories, humor, and building facts. Bring a jacket and snacks, since drinks are sold onboard but food is not.
“We took the Night tour it was absolutely Amazing. To learn all of the history was awesome. The views that you get of the Chicago skyline are unmatched. Highly recommend.”
Start near the Palmer House and explore Chicago’s Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Museum Campus, and more by climate-controlled minibus. Guides such as Rick, Avery, and Reenie add history and humor. Upgrade to a 75-minute open-top Chicago River cruise led by Shoreline Sightseeing.
“Avery was great! He knew a lot of interesting information. He was extremely informative. Avery was helpful with everything!!!”
Cruise from downtown Chicago to Wolf Point, then watch Navy Pier fireworks from the river mouth or Lake Michigan. Choose a 45 to 60-minute family-friendly ride or a 2 to 2.5-hour lake cruise with architecture commentary, indoor seating, outdoor decks, music, and a cash bar.
“Directions to get to the boat. I am a Chicago resident and live in 60610. Familiar with the area but approached the pier from the west…along the river and could not thru the last part (we could see the boat) and we went the wrong way in the underpass and ended up far away. My guest was not comfortable being on the lower drive and I could not find stairs to get to Michigan Avenue. My reservations did not mention the Wendela name…and that would have been helpful. Your instructions approaching the boat from Michigan Ave. were clear…but from the river walk access is not as easy!!!”
An hour, an evening, a set of rapids or a week aboard.
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