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Boat Tours: Overview

Author: Molly Fergus

Categories: Tours Tours Family-Friendly



Via Chicago boat tours, take in breathtaking views of Chicago architecture and more. Board one of the boat tours that daily tour Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Whether you want tour highlighting the architecture, history, and sights that define Chicago or to cruise, dine, and dance the night away, Chicago has a boatload of options available for everyone.


A Three-Hour Tour: Chicago By Water

Focusing largely on city history and architecture, boat tours along the Chicago River and the lakefront flaunt, discuss and expose one of the world's most striking skylines, showcasing just what about this Midwestern city is so special. From the history of the Great Fire to the origin of the first skyscraper, boat tours offer a well-rounded and informative overview of the city for first-time visitors and Chicago natives alike. But even if buildings and stories of metropolitan blazes bore you, these tours are still worth checking out - if only for their unparalleled views of Chicago's skyline and relief from the sun on a toasty afternoon.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats

Located just off Michigan Avenue, Wendella has been taking Chicagoans and visitors to the city on distinctive water cruises since 1935. The third-generation, family-owned company has been offering Chicago visitors unique off-shore experiences ever since.

Wendella has a unique educational department that pairs passengers with expert docents full of high-quality information on all things Chicago. They offer "Chicago Architectural Tours", "Chicago at Sunset" tours, "Wine and Waves" tours, as well as group tours and ethnic tours in collaboration with the Polish Museum of America and the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum. They also offer special historical tours on the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. The boats can also be chartered for special and corporate events, including weddings.

Wendella currently has three ships operating in its fleet and the Chicago Water Taxi Service. The ships range in size: the Wendella, which holds 275 passengers; the Ouilmette holds 160 people and the Sunliner which holds 30-60 guests. For more information, check out www.wendellaboats.com or by calling (312)-337-1446.

Odyssey Cruises

Chicago 's most luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. With its three enclosed decks and an open-air top deck amazing skyline views abound. Sights include Navy Pier, The Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, The John Hancock Center, and so much more! Odyssey offers lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner, and moonlight cruises, and live entertainment. Jackets for men recommended for dinner cruises. For schedule, pricing, and ticket information, visit Odyssey Cruises online at www.odysseycruises.com.

* Book online or call 888-741-0281

Chicago Line Cruises

For a unique spin on the waterfront architecture tour, check out Chicago Line Cruises. These Chicagoline cruises offer daily rides along the Chicago River or the lakefront - and the option of a history tour, focusing on the city's past instead of its buildings. An architecture tour is also available on the river front. Sight-seers can enjoy the 90-minute history or architecture tours led on one of Chicagoline's three boats; each cruise includes Starbuck's coffee and refreshments. Architecture tours depart from North Pier every hour until 4 p.m. on weekends, and 6 p.m. on weekdays. History tours depart daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. www.chicagoline.com

Shoreline Sightseeing

Architecture cruises depart frequently from Ogden Slip at Navy Pier and, during Taste of Chicago, from Buckingham Fountain. One-hour tours are led by professional and entertaining docents who highlight more than 40 landmark buildings along the Chicago River route. Take advantage of multiple departure times from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. June through September. Tours also run April, May, October and November.

For the busy tourist, Shoreline's speedy-but-informative 30-minute Skyline Lake Tour departs from Navy Pier and, during Taste of Chicago, from Buckingham Fountain. The Skyline Lake Tour, departing from 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., provides clear glimpses of the cityscape accompanied by an informative presentation on the history of the city. Another way to view the Chicago skyline is on the Fireworks Cruise, a one-hour cruise culminating in a grand firework display. On Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:45 p.m. through Labor Day, the Fireworks Cruises will offer a special way to enjoy the beautiful Chicago summer nights. 

Also, Water Taxis are available daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day with limited service in September. The 10 Water Taxis dock at Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue Bridge (northeast corner below Equitable Plaza), Sears Tower/Union Station and Shedd Aquarium. Private charters are available, too.

Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) Architecture River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady

Support Chicago's architectural scene and board Chicago's First Lady - the Chicago Architecture Foundation's official cruise. A portion of each ticket goes to support architecture education in Chicago. The 90-minute tours are led on Chicago's First Lady, with both open-air and air-conditioned seating available, and detail the architecture and design of more than 50 Chicago buildings. Cruises depart from Riverside Gardens, at Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr.

    * Weekdays: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
    * Weekends and holidays: 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Anita Dee Yacht Charters

Checking another sight off the list of must-sees isn't the goal of Anita Dee Yachts. These luxurious yachts look to make big celebrations - weddings, anniversaries, retirements - better. From the plush leather couches in the Anita I's dining area, to the sunny observatory on the Anita II, these ships are designed for lavish on-water celebrations. Charters are available year-round, with ships able to accommodate anywhere from 50 to 400 passengers. Rates vary depending on time of day, week and bar package.

www.anitadee.com

Spirit of Chicago

Enjoy a dinner cruise. Or a breakfast cruise. Or a gospel cruise. Or a moonlit cruise. Or a lunchtime cruise. Or, essentially, an anything-to-suit-your-fancy cruise. From a sunset dinner to a Fourth of July fireworks display, Spirit of Chicago cruises boast a variety of floating entertainment options certain to suit even the pickiest of tastes. Accommodating up to 600 people, Spirit of Chicago cruises are perfect for an evening night out or a large company celebration. Boats dock at Navy Pier; rates vary depending on cruise package.

www.spiritcitycruises.com

Mystic Blue

Casual meets luxury on Chicago's newest addition to the dinner-cruise trend. Mystic Blue, a four-deck ship accommodating up to 650 people, offers an opulent diner or lunch cruise in a casual, laid-back environment. Launched in 2003, the cruise line takes brunch, mid-day, cocktail, early dinner, later dinner, and ClubMystic cruises. Each cruise includes entertainment – jazz or DJ, varying by deck and sailing choice. Ships depart from Navy pier and ticket prices depend on cruise package.

www.mysticbluecruises.com

Seadog

This isn't one of those "this-building-was-made-in1925" cruises. And it's not a "let-me-tell-you-about-the-great-fire" cruise, either. This is a speedy, hands-up-in-the-air, zip around the lakefront and get-a-bit-wet type of cruise. Seadog's half-hour open air speedboat tours whisk passengers around the lakefront at about 30 knots. The tour is quick, but showcases the city's skyline well and offers a pleasant reprieve on a muggy summer day. Seadog also offers a 75 minute river and architecture tour, that includes a trip through the Chicago Lock. Tours leave from Navy Pier; the River and Architecture tours depart up to 10 times each day, and the Speedboat tours leave up to 50 times each day.

www.seadogcruises.com 

Tags

family friendlyArchitectureRomanceBusiness Travel

nearby places of interest

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Gino's East
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Smith & Wollensky
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This steak location is a Chicago outpost of the New York-based steakhouse chain, which specializes in on-premise dry-aged beef, with choices like a bone-in rib-eye and porterhouse.

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Urban Shop Guide
815 W. Dickens Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

Urban Shop Guide offers guided, customized shopping tours of Chicago’s trendy neighborhoods, providing visitors access to small boutiques and the essence of Chicago shopping.  

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three-hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Anita Dee yacht charters are available for anyone looking for a Chicago boat tour experience for a private event--or whatever reason.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602

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Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins.  Group rates available, and tickets available online.  

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier has stunning auditoriums and a wide variety of performances.

Kayak Chicago
1501 N. Magnolia Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Looking for a truly unique way to see Chicago? Try one of several kayak tours offered by Kayak Chicago, and paddle your way to dynamic views on this adventurous tour.   

Mystic Blue Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Mystic Blue Cruises operates in Chicago on Lake Michigan, offering two-hour lunch, 90-minute mid-day skyline, three-hour dinner and two-hour moonlight cruises. Year-round, weather permitting. Tickets $30-$150. Private charters for 20 or more passengers.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per year. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

A luxurious cruising vessel, the Odyssey has recently undergone a spectacular renovation. The two- or three-hour trips offer lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, moonlight jazz cruises, live entertainment, and magnificent skyline views.

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Break free of the land and see the storied skyline of Chicago from out on Lake Michigan with a boat tour on the Odyssey. A Chicago tradition, this pleasant diversion works for business and pleasure, with the entire family or as a romantic exploit; a top Chicago boat tour.  

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides.

Shoreline Sightseeing
600 E. Grand St., Chicago, IL 60611

Shoreline Sightseeing offers a range of boat tours showcasing Chicago's spectacular skyline and colorful history.

Spirit of Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline aboard this luxury liner. Afternoon or evening, experience the city from the waters of Lake Michigan in a social setting.

Tall Ship Windy
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Take a skyline cruises aboard a sailing vessel with all the panache and elegance engine-less travel entails.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.  

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins.  Group rates available, and tickets available online.  

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides.

Shoreline Sightseeing
600 E. Grand St., Chicago, IL 60611

Shoreline Sightseeing offers a range of boat tours showcasing Chicago's spectacular skyline and colorful history.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.  

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