Top Illinois Water Tours

The Sunset Cruise departs from the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge on Wendella's world class tour boats. Enjoy the beautiful City architecture from the best vantage point in Chicago. The vessel will then navigate through the Chicago Lock and out onto Lake Michigan. Watch the sun slowly set behind the city from the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan on this serene and romantic cruise.

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point on a cruise down the Chicago River. Offered several times throughout the day, it’s easy to fit the leisurely excursion into your itinerary. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, the tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

See Chicago the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax an enjoy a beverage. Have questions about buildings? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

Step aboard a party boat for a cruise down the Chicago River. Sip drinks from the Tiki Bar and enjoy a party atmosphere as you glide on the river. Take photos of your unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline and ask questions of the staff.

See Chicago the Island Party way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax an enjoy a beverage. Have questions about buildings? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.

Take in superlative-worthy views of the beautiful Chicago lakefront and its many landmarks during this 40-minute Lake Michigan sightseeing boat cruise. Climb aboard your vessel for a laid-back ride, enjoying panoramic views of the Windy City's iconic skyline from a unique perspective. Along the way, you'll listen to informative commentary and take in views of the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower, along with many other landmarks. Plus feel free to bring your own lunch or grab a drink at the onboard bar, during your ride.

Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, and the John Hancock Building. Cover all three branches of the Chicago River, passing the East Bank Club, the old Post Office Building and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

Don’t miss Chicago’s famous sights (now including Wrigley Field!) and fabulous views on this award-winning private sightseeing tour of the city. Travel through Chicago with an expert guide on a comfortable minibus, stopping at iconic locations like early skyscraper "The Rookery" (Frank Lloyd Wright architecture), Museum Campus (for the BEST skyline view in town), Millennium Park (The Bean), Buckingham Fountain, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, Chicago River, The Gold Coast, Lake Shore Drive and more! Along the way, your guide will provide historical and informational commentary about the area and its beautiful attractions. Your private tour ensures a more personal experience. If you would like to take the tour at a time other than what is offered, please note in special requests field when booking. The best way to tour at this time! Sanitized vehicles with just your group.

Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore downtown and Northside neighborhoods. You have a chance to get out and visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.

Cruise down the Chicago River in style during this 3-hour dinner cruise aboard the Odyssey. Watch the beautiful city and its architecture pass by through the ship’s panoramic windows. Then sit down to delicious 3-course meal accompanied by DJ entertainment to set the mood for your journey. A full-service bar complete with microbrews, creative cocktails, and a wine list is also available for purchase.

Perfect for families, groups, and corporate outings, the Spirit of Chicago lunch cruise lets you kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.

Make your evening in Chicago one to remember with this luxury sunset cruise featuring dinner, sightseeing and dancing along the shores of Lake Michigan. Feast your eyes on incredible views of iconic Windy City sights like Navy Pier, the Willis (Sears) Tower, Buckingham Fountain and Soldier Field, then fill your belly with a bountiful all-you-can-eat buffet. Continue the celebration with a live DJ who will mix up a selection of dance favorites.

Board a luxurious yacht at Navy Pier for a 2-hour lunch cruise along Chicago’s scenic shoreline. Enjoy a three-course gourmet meal as you take in views of the Windy City from a climate-controlled observation deck, then sip coffee or tea while the yacht’s onboard DJ spins a leisurely afternoon playlist.

Take a gourmet dinner cruise on a high-end luxury yacht with the stunning skyline of Chicago serving as your backdrop. Climb aboard your recently renovated vessel, featuring a sumptuously-appointed rooftop lounge and stylish interior design, for your cruise along Lake Michigan. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner, informed by some of the world’s top celebrity chefs and composed of fresh ingredients cooked right on-board. After dinner, enjoy coffee and tea, captivating views of Chicago landmarks like the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Navy Pier, plus musical entertainment provided by the onboard DJ.

Enjoy waterfront views of downtown Chicago on a 2-hour brunch cruise through the heart of the city. Board a luxurious yacht at Navy Pier then relax on deck with a complementary mimosa. Find a comfortable spot on the three climate-controlled observation decks, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet while the onboard DJ spins a leisurely afternoon playlist. Capture unforgettable images of downtown skyscrapers and architectural landmarks as you navigate along the historic shoreline, then loop back and finish your outing at the bustling Navy Pier.

Soak up the views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline with a 2-hour sailing tour. This private charter is completely customizable, giving you the chance to choose your music, route, and up to 5 additional guests. Sail into the sunset with your own drinks and snacks (refrigerator and ice on board) and your family or friends by your side.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing away on your own private sailboat, this is the perfect excursion for you. You and up to five other invited guests will have the exclusive use of a sailboat, complete with captain and crew for the duration of your tour. Sail on Lake Michigan and enjoy the sights of Chicago’s striking skyline. If you want, you could even take a turn at the helm.

The easiest and most affordable way to explore some of Chicago's top attractions at your own pace, the Go Chicago Explorer Pass saves you up to 45 percent on regular ticket prices. Create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions, tours, and activities from among more than 30 top sites, including SkyDeck, 360 Chicago, the Field Museum, a shoreline sightseeing cruise, a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 60 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.

Whether you’re short on time or want to orient yourself to Chicago, a 3.5-hour land and river tour is the perfect option. The comprehensive itinerary takes you through both the North and South sides. Listen as your guide tells insider stories about the people who shaped the city. After the land tour, rest your feet and see the city from a unique vantage point during a 90-minute river cruise.

Experience Lake Michigan from a perspective rare to visitors and locals alike on a pirate–themed sailboat tour. Your guides tell true but little–known stories about pirates, battles, and treasure hunts as you cruise past sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Relax on deck while or join your guides for an interactive experience—the flexibility of the tour makes this a popular choice for families with children.

See Chicago from a new perspective during this 4-hour combined bus and boat excursion covering some of the city's most iconic sights. First discover Windy City landmarks such as the skyscrapers of the Loop, Grant Park, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and the former stomping grounds of President Obama during a narrated coach tour. Then take a Chicago cruise aboard your state-of-the-art yacht, enjoying a cruise of the Chicago River that provides a unique look at the city's architecture from the water. This half-day Chicago exploration also includes hotel pickup.

Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours! We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Tour departures from 465 N. McClurg Ct.