Top Chicago Day Cruises

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

• 2,460 Reviews
• Cruise down the Chicago River to see the city's famous architecture on this 75-minute tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including more than 40 notable buildings like the Aon Center, 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).
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Chicago Architectural River Cruise

• 138 Reviews
• See the towers, piers and iconic landmarks along the Chicago River on a 90-minute architectural tour through the heart of the city. Enjoy complimentary refreshments on deck as you cruise down the historic waterway, while listening to fun stories and facts throughout the tour. Spot gargoyles that keep watch high above the city, and buildings that range from Neoclassical to Art Deco. Take in over fifty sites from Lake Point Tower to the Navy Pier, and see the Second City from the water.
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Chicago City Minibus Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise

• 95 Reviews
• Explore Chicago's iconic landmarks on this 2-hour sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus with a small group of twelve people or less. This ensures an intimate touring experience as you enjoy downtown and some North side neighborhoods. You will have a chance to get out and visit several locations such as the 1888 skyscraper called The Rookery, with its Frank Lloyd Wright designed lobby and the unparalleled skyline views from Museum Campus. Listen as your guide talks about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Opt to upgrade your tour with a popular 75-minute open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture. Pick-ups from most downtown Chicago hotels are included.
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NEW TO VIATOR

Viator VIP: Architectural River Cruise and Chicago Helicopter Tour

• Experience Chicago from the air and the water on this two-part tour that features a river cruise and a helicopter ride above the city. First, take a cruise down the Chicago River to learn about the architectural history of the town. Then, board a state-of-the-art helicopter and fly above the skyline. Both tours are fully narrated and you will see Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, the John Hancock Center, Willis Tower, and more.
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Viator VIP: Willis Tower Skydeck Early Access, Trolley City Tour and Chicago River Cruise

• 100 Reviews
• See Chicago from several angles, including the 103rd floor of Willis (Sears) Tower, where you have early access to the Skydeck. This Viator VIP package — available nowhere else — provides a crowd-free morning overlooking city landmarks from glass-enclosed balconies. Follow up your vista with a 2-hour narrated trolley tour past Grant Park, the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building and more. Finish with an afternoon cruise on the Chicago River and enjoy a complimentary drink as you discover the city's distinctive skyscrapers from an architecture-savvy guide.
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Chicago Odyssey Lunch Cruise

• 19 Reviews
• 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.
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Lake Michigan Sightseeing Cruise

• 84 Reviews
• 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, along or grab a drink at the on-board bar, during your ride.
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Chicago City Tour and Chicago River Cruise

• 88 Reviews
• 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.
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Private Day Sailing Excursion on Lake Michigan

• 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.
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Private Morning Sail on Lake Michigan

• You will be treated to a morning of relaxation and fun on Lake Michigan on this sailboat charter. You are in charge of the itinerary, guest list, even music choices! There is a fridge and ice aboard if you would like to bring refreshments (no glass please) and if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a turn at the helm.
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Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour

• 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.
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Lake Michigan and Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Speedboat

• 160 Reviews
• Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this 75-minute tour. Board a comfortable river boat for a cruise on the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to engaging commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Chicago Harbor and the Museum Campus.
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Chicago Urban Adventure Cruise

• 22 Reviews
• See the the Second City from the water with a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take in towering skyscrapers and spot the gargoyles that live on to of the city’s historic buildings. Hear stories about the city’s history and culture as you pass Chicago landmarks, museums and iconic buildings. Capture unforgettable images of the city skyline from Lake Michigan, and get a unique look at Chicago that’s perfect for all ages.
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Lake Michigan Speedboat Ride

• 28 Reviews
• Zoom along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, zipping past famous landmarks as you go, during this this exhilarating 30-minute Chicago speedboat ride. Climb aboard your 2,000-horsepower speed boat at Navy Pier, then hang on for the ride of a lifetime, as you zip past famous attractions like the Willis Tower, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, pausing to learn a little about the history and architecture of the Windy City along the way.
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