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The 15 best boat tours in Chicago

See the skyline from dazzling new vantage points aboard one of the best boat tours in Chicago

Step up your sightseeing game by taking things further than street-level with these top boat tours in Chicago. Swap a walk along Michigan Avenue and State Street with a relaxed ride across the water, where there's no chance of taking a wrong turn.  Both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan offer unparalleled vantage points for taking in the city’s world-famous architecture and the  breathtaking Chicago skyline .

From architecture tours and history lessons to straight-up  sightseeing affairs , romantic sunset excursions and pirate-themed family fun, there's a Chicago cruise for every groove. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 Find more to explore with the best things to do in Chicago 🏨 Plan your trip with the  best hotels in Chicago 🍹 See more views from the best rooftop bars in Chicago

How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Chicago boat tours

1.  1.5-hour guided architecture river cruise.

Best for  panoramic views 

Departing from Navy Pier's Polk Bros Park or the northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, this 60-minute trip packs in all of the architectural sights that visitors want to see. Tour guides highlight more than 40 towering Chicago landmarks, including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City (a.k.a. "The Corncobs" or " The Wilco Building "). 

Don't miss:  Locally sourced food and drink from the boat bar.  

2.  Seadog River and Lake Architectural Tour

Best for  design geeks

There are few more iconic Chicago sights than seeing the bright yellow Seadog speeding around town. Combining speed and sightseeing, Seadog’s architecture tour whizzes guests past the likes of the Willis Tower and Lyric Opera, all while arming you with an impressive load of facts about the Windy City. And after this blustery 75-minute Chicago River cruise has finished traversing the waters, it ends with a thrilling whizz across Lake Michigan, past Museum Campus, and Grant Park. This one departs from Seadog’s dock at Navy Pier throughout the summer months.

Don't miss:  Local beer, spirits and Garrett's Popcorn at the boat bar.

3.  Wendella: Chicago's Original Family-Friendly Architecture Tour

Best for families

If you're weighing your options, Wendella's architecture tour (which it claims is Chicago's original ) is another way to explore all of the beautiful structures that line the river. Over the course of the 90-minute tour, you'll navigate all three branches of the Chicago River, while your guide fills you in on the stories behind some of the skyline's most prominent edifices. This tour departs from the Wendella Dock, located at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at the foot of the Wrigley Building.

Don't miss: Live commentary from the tour guide, with material to entertain the whole family. 

4.  1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

Best for a romantic cruise

How do you end the perfect day of sightseeing? With the perfect sunset, obvs. Setting off from Wendella Dock (at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at the foot of the Wrigley Building), this 90-minute cruise will breeze along Lake Michigan as the glint of the sun on Chicago's skyscrapers is replaced by twinkling city lights. 

Don't miss: Toasting to the end of the day with wine, local beer and hand-crafted cocktails.

5.  Tall Ship Windy Architecture & Skyline Sailing Tour

Best for an informative sailing trip

Let the wind carry you to stunning views of the city from aboard the Tall Ship Windy, a four-masted, 148-foot topsail schooner. The 75-minute trip cruise brings guests on a scenic route running along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where you can take in lovely skyline vistas and glimpses of the sunset. Head to the onboard bar to find snacks and drinks for sale. 

Don't miss:  Bring the kids for the special pirate-themed cruise, featuring  tales of swashbuckling  on the Great Lakes.  

6.  Seadog Speedboat Tour

Best for adrenaline junkies

If you balk at the idea of traipsing around museums and galleries all day with just your legs for locomotion, this whistle-stop boat ride is the tour for you. See every worthy Chicago landmark in 30 minutes on Seadog’s speedboat, which can sometimes feel like a floating rollercoaster. Launching from Navy Pier, the captain will efficiently guide you (with a running commentary) around Lake Michigan, past Museum Campus, Magnificent Mile, Grant Park, and more.

Don't miss: Upgrade to the Extreme Thrill Ride, which includes full 360° spins and more. 

7.  Lake Michigan Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

Best for skyline views

Want to see Chicago from the water but don't have much time to spare? You can peep the skyline in just 30 minutes on Shoreline's Classic Lake Tour, which departs from Navy Pier and boasts some of the best views you'll find on Lake Michigan. The commentary on this Chicago architecture tour is pre-recorded, so you won't miss out on any information because your guide ran out of time (and if you've heard it before, you can sit back and enjoy those sweet, sweet sights).

Don't miss: Proceeding straight to the boarding line with a barcode that lets you skip the ticket office. 

8.  Lake Michigan Gourmet Dinner Cruise

Best for dinner and dining  

Enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner on the water in the Odyssey Chicago, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the skyline surrounding you. Departing from Navy Pier, this cruise includes a dinner with freshly prepared entrées, mains, and desserts. The 2.5 or 3-hour ride takes you around Lake Michigan, with a cash bar to keep the drinks flowing throughout your meal.

Don't miss: The live DJ set and unlimited tea and coffee.

9.  Chicago's Lake Michigan Kayak Tour

Best for the outdoorsy type

If you want to couple a workout with your sightseeing, consider touring Lake Michigan by kayak. The rental lasts one hour and if you've never kayaked before, don't worry – tandem kayaks are available for less experienced guests. The meeting point is at Ohio Street Beach and you'll be provided with a life jacket on arrival before paddling out onto Chicago's most incredible river view.

Don't miss: Take a break along the urban beachfront, with the chance to also rent stand-up paddle boards.  

10.  Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch Cruise

Best for brunching - as long as you don't get sea sick that is.

If you're looking for dinner with a view, you could do worse than watching the sunset against the skyline aboard this 2.5 or 3-hour Lake Michigan brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise. Grab a group of friends and book a table – ideally one with a window-facing view—for a buffet-style meal before making your way to the dancefloor for an evening of DJ-curated music. Unlimited coffee, tea, and water will be on hand.

Don't miss: Creative signature cocktails at the bar. 

11.  Lake Michigan Odyssey Gourmet Lunch Cruise

Best for a cute date night 

Why settle for lunch at a land-bound restaurant when you could eat your meal on Lake Michigan? The Odyssey's lunch cruise includes a three-course meal and all the coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water you can drink. Visit the cash bar to buy wine, beer and cocktails and enjoy the views on this two-hour tour.

Don't miss: Dance on the top deck to tunes played out by the onboard DJ. 

12.  Lady Grebe Chicago River Experience

Best for small groups

Want to feel extra posh? Grab a group of up to six friends and book a private cruise aboard Lady Grebe, a 48-foot vintage yacht that can be reserved for two-hour trips along the Chicago River. The reservation comes with a premium drinks package and you can also opt to kick things up a notch with picnic baskets full of food or full-service catering. 

Don't miss:  Book a Chicago Architecture Center docent to give a guided tour for an educational twist.

13.  Chicago Electric Boat Company Tour

Best for a casual cruise 

Go your own way. Be your own captain. That’s what’s on offer with this Chicago River tour. The Chicago Electric Boat Company lets passengers steer the ship themselves (if they’ve got a valid driver’s license and watched a 10-minute tutorial, that is), allowing total freedom on the Windy City’s waterways. If you’re looking to still have some kind of tour, you can hire a personal tour guide—and we haven’t even gotten to the best bit. These boats are all electric, so they’re a little bit more environmentally friendly, too.

Don't miss: Hot tub boat rentals are also available.

14.  Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicago’s First Lady

Best for an iconic vessel

There's a reason the Chicago Architecture Foundation's beloved tour has been named the Best Boat Tour in the U.S.  The center’s official tour goes into detail on more than 50 buildings both on the riverfront and beyond. In doing so, they give a fascinating history of the city and those that built it—plus you can easily upgrade your ticket to include entry to just Chicago Architecture Center itself. It’s a proper design enthusiast’s dream. This one leaves from the Chicago First Lady Cruises dock and lasts around 90 minutes. 

Don't miss:  Gather friends for the serene evening cruise for just a few dollars more.

GYG Chicago TTD

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The 7 best chicago boat tours of 2024: river & lake cruises.

Enjoy architectural boat tours, kayak excursions, speedboat rides and more.

Best Chicago Boat Tours

Courtesy of Tall Ship Windy

If you're hoping to see as much of Chicago as you can in a short amount of time, you may want to sign up for a boat tour. During each tour, you'll learn the historical significance of the skyline's iconic buildings while enjoying breathtaking views of the Windy City. Considering traveler reviews and expert opinion, U.S. News selected the best Chicago boat tours, ranging from an architectural boat tour on the river to a thrilling speedboat ride on Lake Michigan.

Editor’s Pick: Wendella Boats – Chicago River Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $44; kids from $20 Duration: 1.5 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Cortney Fries , an award-winning writer based in Chicago, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. The Wendella Boats Chicago River Architecture Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

Cruise three branches of the Chicago River as you take in views of famous Chicago landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and Merchandise Mart. A knowledgeable guide provides an overview of the architecture and interesting lessons in Chicago history along the way. For instance, did you know that the Lyric Opera House was built in the shape of a giant throne, or that the Chicago River is the only natural river reversed by humankind? Learn about: the four stars on the Chicago flag and what they represent, the legend of the O’Leary cow starting the Great Chicago Fire, the statue atop the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago’s famous drawbridges.

Refreshments and snacks are sold on board. Sit on the top deck to listen to the live tour with unobstructed views, but bring a jacket or sun hat if it’s cool or sunny. Climate-controlled seating is offered below, as are restrooms. Tours are generally available daily beginning at 9:30 a.m., with multiple departures throughout the day and evening. If you’re short on time or traveling with kids, the 45-minute version of this architecture tour may be your best option.

Cortney Fries

Why we love it:

• The Chicago River Architecture Tour is one of the best ways to learn about and explore Chicago sans crowds. 
• Guides are engaging, informative and also provide ideas for other places to visit during your trip. 
• Tours depart from Michigan Avenue near the Wrigley Building, where there are plenty of shopping and dining options nearby. Arrive early so you can enjoy the area and give yourself enough time to find parking.

– Cortney Fries

Check prices & availability on:

Tall Ship Windy – Chicago Skyline Sail

Price: Adults from $49; kids from $39 Duration: 75 minutes

Tall Ship Windy's Chicago Skyline Sail introduces you to the beauty and splendor of Chicago's world-famous buildings aboard the company's four-masted schooner. On the sightseeing tour, you'll learn interesting facts about the history of this renowned waterfront and its skyline, as well as the people who built it. Travelers love the experience, describing the crew and the schooner as incredible. They recommend booking one of the sunset sails for photo-worthy views.

Tours depart from Navy Pier daily from May through September at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Note that the 1 p.m. sail is all about the history of piracy in the area. Tall Ship Windy also offers nighttime cruises on select days to correspond with Navy Pier's seasonal Fireworks at the Pier show.

Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise

Price: Adults from $54; kids from $24 Duration: 1.5 hours

Hop aboard Chicago's First Lady for a tour of the Windy City's spectacular skyline. With one of the Chicago Architecture Center's volunteer docents guiding your trip, you'll learn the architectural and cultural history of more than 50 of Chicago's iconic buildings. Boats are equipped with open-air upper decks, climate-controlled lower cabins, full-service bars and restrooms. Travelers say this architectural boat tour is not to be missed and describe it as a family-friendly experience with spectacular views. They also rave about the insightful, entertaining tour guides who provide a wealth of information.

Cruises generally depart daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., though exact times may vary by day. For an additional $5, you can gain access to the Chicago Architecture Center (which saves you $9 on center admission).

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City Experiences by Hornblower – Chicago Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; children from $25 Duration: 30 minutes

This speedboat tour departs from popular Navy Pier, taking travelers on a fast-paced, 30-minute ride along Lake Michigan's shores. During the cruise, an expert guide will share the history of Chicago and the landmarks that created its iconic skyline. Along with the entertaining commentary, you'll enjoy photo-worthy views of lakefront attractions. Reviewers rave about the tour, saying that the views are superb and the speedboat makes for a thrilling ride.

The tour, which operates from March through October or early November, departs hourly every day starting as early as 11 a.m.; exact departure times vary by day. Keep in mind that the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with neck or back injuries. Prefer a more low-key ride? The company also offers brunch, lunch and dinner cruises on larger vessels, along with architectural boat tours.

Urban Kayaks – Historic Chicago Tour

Price: Singles from $65; tandems from $130 Duration: 2 hours

Travelers angling for an active way to see the Chicago River should book this guided kayak outing. You'll learn about Chicago's contemporary urban landscape – and the historical significance of many of its buildings – while you paddle alongside an expert guide. What's more, the tour is suitable for novice and experienced kayakers alike. According to the company, you should expect to get wet and will want to dress accordingly. Reviewers enjoy seeing the city from their kayaks and say you'll pass beautiful and romantic views along the way. They also appreciate the attentive, friendly guides.

Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May through September. If you'd rather paddle the lake, consider renting a kayak from the company or signing up for its paddleboarding class.

Shoreline Sightseeing – Skyline Lake Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $12 Duration: 30 minutes

Sit back, relax and take in the dramatic scenery of the Chicago skyline with this tour of Lake Michigan. The prerecorded narration will help you learn about Chicago's most famous buildings, such as the Willis Tower, and how they came to life. Along the short cruise, you'll have just enough time to take in the views and enjoy a drink or snack from the bar. Visitors love the tour for the views and history lesson, though some complain it was difficult to hear the narration from the back of the boat. They also advise future riders to bring a jacket because it gets cold on the water.

Tours depart daily in the spring, summer and early fall multiple times a day, weather permitting. Shoreline Sightseeing also offers architecture tours on the Chicago River.

Tours & Boats – 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour

Price: Adults from $49; kids from $25 Duration: 1.5 hours

Tour-takers say this boat ride is entertaining and educational thanks to the informed guides. You'll see Chicago's many famous buildings up close as guides tell stories of the city's history. Plus, the tour takes you to the locks on the river's main branch, Chinatown in the south and Goose Island in the north.

Cruise departures vary by month and day. Boats depart from River City Marina, which is about a mile west of Grant Park. For several reviewers, the boat's departure point was another reason to book with Tours & Boats as it offers better parking options than some of the other river cruise companies in the city. Tours & Boats also operates private tours.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Chicago Tours
• The Best Chicago Walking Tours
• The Best Chicago Segway Tours
• Best Hotels in Chicago
• Best Things to Do in Chicago

Tags: Tours , Chicago , Travel , Vacations , Illinois Vacations , US Vacations , Midwest Vacations

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+1 (312) 852-9258

1220 W Lemoyne Ave., Chicago, IL

Monday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm

Electric Boats

The CraigCat electric boats are perfect for a lazy afternoon on the water. After an introduction to boating and navigation, head out on the Chicago River in style.

Price $85 / hr

Your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises

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 cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass 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, boat tours, dinner cruises, and beyond.

See it all with Shoreline Sightseeing

One of Chicago’s classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Dine on the water with City Experiences

City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. It offers passengers panoramic views of the city’s most iconic buildings as you glide along the Chicago River. They also offer lakefront brunch and dinner cruise options that depart from Navy Pier.

Entertain the family with Wendella Boats

For three generations, Wendella Tours and Cruises has been cruising the Chicago waterways. With its variety of tour options, cruise times and lengths, and a heated, enclosed cabin, Wendella is a great choice for families looking for flexibility. Choose from lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire architecture with Chicago’s First Lady

Around the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easiest to admire the city’s legacy from the water. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center , Chicago’s First Lady offers the most comprehensive tour of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours before they can lead tours.

Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

Live it up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where you’ll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Go back in time with Chicago Fireboat Tours

Step onto a real, historic fireboat and get ready for a unique experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours . The river tours are given aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a retired fireboat that patrolled the Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by expert docents and include historic and sunset options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

Looking to splurge a little? These private yacht charters are the way to go. The spacious yachts comfortably fit up to 49 or 120 people, making them the perfect option for a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Premium bar and catering packages round out the experience.

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

If you’re ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it’s time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks . You’ll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but you’re free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Rent an electric boat

Chicago Electric Boat Company offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal down the Chicago River. Rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River in Avondale.

See the skyline aboard Mercury Cruises

While Chicago’s summer fireworks are already fun to watch, it’s an entirely new experience when you’re on a 3D tour. Before the show, you’ll cruise around the lake and see some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Mercury Cruises also offer Urban Adventure, Canine Cruises, and Chicago by Night tours.

Check out Chinatown via Chicago Water Taxi

Hop on! The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Island, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day pass for $10. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details. Cruises.

From this article

Tours & Attractions

Chicago architecture center.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

Shoreline Sightseeing Company

Streeterville

Special Event Venues

Free spirit yacht cruises.

Urban Kayaks

River North

Wendella Tours & Cruises

The Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

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Chicago Retro Boats

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• June 26, 2019

Tour and Activity Booking Partner

Trytn online reservation management system.

TRYTN has partnered with Chicago Retroboats to increase direct sales of their electric boat tours given on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Customers can go online to the new website created by TRYTN and reserve a boat tour on the TRYTN online booking engine.

This is the second subsidiary company of Chicago Electric Boat Company to launch with TRYTN for both website services and online booking and just the most recent tour and activity business in the growing Chicago market. Chicago Cycleboats, the first subsidiary company of Chicago Electric Boat Company to launch with TRYTN, has seen a dramatic increase in direct, online bookings after switching from their previous provider with fewer issues of overselling tours.

TRYTN offers powerful asset management solutions that support the unique nature of the cycle/pedal tour operator; supporting both public and private tours for the same assets (cycle boats) while maximizing online sales. By offering both options with the TRYTN asset management solutions Chicago Cycleboats can offer more products while automatically removing capacity from one tour when another is booked by a customer.

About Chicago Electric Boat Company

Founded by Ron Silvia and the late Greg Krueger, the Chicago Electric Boat Company has grown to over a dozen vessels in only 5 years. Since opening our doors in April 2012, we have had the pleasure of introducing over 100,000 guests to the beauty of Chicago and the thrill of captaining a boat on the River. We are touched that passengers have chosen our boats as the preferred venue for celebrations, events, meetings, marriage proposals and even weddings.

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See Out Summer Bobbing Down The Chicago River In An Electric Donut Boat

These donut-shaped E boats are a “hole” lot of fun.

Seize the last stages of summer by setting sail on the Chicago River with the latest in Chicago Electric Boats’ new donut boat .

Summer isn’t over yet. What better way to salvage the sunny warm weather than to get out on the water for a cruise? For the past 9 years, Chicago Electric Boats have dispatched their vessels on the Windy City’s rivers for passengers to enjoy a short voyage at sea.

Last summer, the company introduced a new vessel to their fleet: the donut boat. The ring-shaped water cruiser allows for groups of up to 6 passengers, all seated around a circular table in the middle for beverages, snacks, and other provisions necessary for the sea-bound voyage.

With these certified, zero-emissions water crafts, you are your own captain:

“Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just getting your sea legs, any licensed driver who is 21 or older can drive our boats,” the company includes on their website.

Additionally, each boat comes with USCG-required safety equipment, an optional umbrella, radio, and auxiliary cord — the latter 2 you can also be a captain of if you call first dibs.

All cruises are BYOB with the exception of hard alcohol — also take note that there aren’t bathrooms on the vessel.

The donut cruisers leave from the Rockwell on the River port. Prices begin at $175 for an hour cruise on the river with options to go up to 4 hours.

There are also 18-ft Duffy Boats, Pontoon Boats, 22-foot Luxury Duffy Boats, and a Rockwell Duffy Boats should you want to try something different!

See more: 10 Essential Chicago Bucket List Experiences For 2021

[Featured image: @chicagoeboats]

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2024 Air & Water Show Cruises

The Chicago Air & Water Show is an annual air show held on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. The show has been held each year since 1959 and is Chicago’s second most popular festival.

Two days only! Very limited capacity.

Food is included in Price. Water, Juice, and Pop are complimentary, and 1 drink ticket provided to each Adult Ticket.

Join us on the Fireboat to be in the center of all the action on the Lake!

• Adult: $125

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Here’s How You Can Go Boating Down the Chicago River This Summer

Major summer festivals and events were already canceled, altered, or postponed earlier this week, and the list keeps on growing every day. With larger gatherings unable to occur because of Illinois’s Phase 3 guidelines, the feeling that summer is dead on arrival is hard to shake. But keep your head high: there are plenty of joints to still enjoy and Chicago Electric Boat Company is offering boat cruises and tours to ensure a fun summer season.

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Relatively new, in that they were established in 2012, Chicago Electric Boat Company is a small, locally owned and operated company founded by Ron Silvia and the Late Greg Krueger. Like many locally owned businesses, Chicago Electric Boat Company has been hit hard by the onset of COVID-19 and the stay-at-home orders, but with Illinois’s move into Phase 3, Chicago Electric Boat Company is excited to welcome back Chicago residents that are looking to sign up for boat tours or cruises.

Despite the financial hardships of COVID-19’s constraints on companies like Chicago Electric Boat Company, the company has dedicated a portion of the proceeds from boat tour bookings made within the first two weeks of their opening to benefit Chicago-based nonprofit, Hope For The Day .

Founded in 2011 by Jonathan Boucher, after his boss and mentor committed suicide, Hope For The Day (HFTD) is a nonprofit dedicated to raising mental health awareness, acting proactively in suicide prevention, and having open communication to erase the stigma around having these kinds of conversations. One hundred percent of HFTD’s proceeds go towards suicide prevention and mental health education programming; they are best known for their slogan “It’s OK not to be OK.”

Chicago Electric Boat Company understands the significance of being able to once again experience the outdoors and breathe fresh air and hopes that their Chicago boat touring services can aid in relieving some of the tensions and pressures of having been cooped up at home for so long. 

Along with a conscious effort towards mental health, Chicago Electric Boat Company is conscious of the environment as well. Every Chicago cruise boat in their fleet is 100-percent electric, meaning they’re easy to drive and are certified as zero-emissions watercraft. So instead of having to worry about if you’re hurting the planet, you can think about what’s the best drink to pair with your boat tour because, that’s right, every boat is BYOB. Alcohol consumption is restricted for those operating the boat, so if everyone wants to drink, be sure to add-on a captain to commandeer your vessel!

The company is committed to providing their guests with safe Chicago boat cruises and tours  amid the coronavirus pandemic, and have implemented stringent cleaning and sanitation guidelines for employees and guests. Guests are required to wear masks and occupancy is limited to six people; four adults and two children, which means a trip on the river is a perfect way to entertain the whole family. Just be sure to use the bathroom at the dock because there are no bathrooms on the boat. (And don’t you dare think about doing what we think you’re thinking about doing in the river!)

Boats are equipped with a user-friendly sound system so you can bump your favorite summer tunes as you comfortably coast along the Chicago River . For a full list of dock locations, boating information, and booking reservations, visit their website .

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Featured Image Credit: Chicago Electric Boat Company

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Enjoy the Winter Wonderland of Chicago, IL in a Hot Tub Boat Ride

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Due to snowy weather and cold temps, winter usually keeps most of us indoors more than we would like. And finding ways to get out and enjoy the season can be difficult. But, one Illinois boat company offers a fun, unforgettable way to enjoy Chicago's Winter Wonderland.

Chicago Electric Boat Company Offers A Unique Way to Enjoy Winter

Floating in a hot tub is one way to get outdoors and enjoy the winter weather. But, floating in a hot tub built into a boat, is a whole new level of fun. Chicago Electric Boat Company 's private hot tub boats allow you to cruise along the Chicago River even in chilly temps. The boats are equipped with underwater lights, floating cup holders, and coolers, plus waterproof Bluetooth speakers so just bring your drinks and relax.

Explore the Chicago Winter Wonderland in a Hot Tub Boat

The hot tub boat accommodates six people and takes you on a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River. Riders must be at least 13 years old. Hot tub boats are available to rent between the hours of noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The cost is $250 on weekdays and $315 on weekends. Water in the tubs will be cleaned after each rental, using multiple filtering cycles, UV lights, and saltwater cleansing.

And if you’re looking to stay warm but dry, Chicago Electric Boat Company also offers heated Duffy boats that accommodate up to 12 passengers. Retro boats, pontoons and yachts are also available to rent.

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