One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The metropolis is domicile 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 nigh the city's iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, savor 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

Shoreline Sightseeing boat cruise on the Chicago River

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

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

Dine on the h2o with Odyssey Cruises

Odyssey River Cruise

Odyssey dining cruises are the perfect fashion to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with succulent cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. Information technology offers passengers panoramic views of the metropolis's most iconic buildings every bit you lot glide along the Chicago River. They likewise offer a lakefront dinner prowl option that departs from Navy Pier.

Entertain the family unit with Wendella Boats

For three generations, Wendella has been cruising the Chicago h2o waters. 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. They offer a diverseness of cruise options, including lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire compages with Chicago's First Lady

An architecture boat cruise on the Chicago River

Effectually the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it's easiest to admire the city'due south legacy from the h2o. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago'southward Beginning Lady offers the most comprehensive bout of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours earlier they can pb tours.

Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Seadog Boat Tour

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

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

Alive information technology up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are ever a proficient time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. Yous tin hop on an Island Party Gunkhole at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is too where you'll discover their beach-inspired bar Island Political party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide prowl, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Chicago Fireboat Tours

Stride onto a real, historic fireboat and go 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 from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by practiced docents and include historic and dusk options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises
Free Spirit Yachts

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

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

Kayaking in Chicago

If you're set up to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it's fourth dimension to catch a paddle at Urban Kayaks. You'll go through a brief training session before you hit the h2o, but you're free to paddle the river or lake at your own stride. 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 Electrical Boat Visitor offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a cycle gunkhole that your group can pedal downwards 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 summertime fireworks are already fun to lookout, information technology'southward an entirely new experience when you lot're on a 3D tour. Before the show, you'll cruise around the lake and run across some of Chicago's famous landmarks.

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

Check out Chinatown via Chicago H2o Taxi

Chicago Water Taxi Boat Tour
Chicago H2o Taxi

Hop on! The Chicago H2o Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get effectually Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Isle, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Artery, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day laissez passer for $ten. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details.

Learn the city's history with Chicago Line Cruises

Since Chicago was established by Jean DuSable, the Chicago River has played an important function in the city'due south development as a whole. On this bout, encounter exclusive photos from the Chicago History Museum archives, review the history of the Bang-up Chicago Fire, and listen to stories well-nigh how the city we know today came into being. Complimentary java, tea, and cookies are provided.

Chicago Line Cruises also offers Chicago Architecture, Cocktail, and Compages and Firework Cruises.