To view a schedule, select a tour below.
75-Minute Signature Architecture River Tour
Experience Chicago’s world-renowned architecture and engineering on this classic 75-minute cruise with live narration. This tour offers daily roundtrip departures and showcases how the city’s buildings achieved fame. Learn more
Wheelchair accessible from Navy Pier dock only.
Adults starting at
$46
From Michigan Ave:
From Navy Pier:
60-Minute Classic Architecture River Tour
Enjoy the spectacular views on this convenient 60-minute cruise as you listen to your tour guide highlight how Chicago’s buildings, architecture, and engineering made the city famous. Roundtrip departures daily from Navy Pier. Learn more
Wheelchair accessible
Adults starting at
$39
From Navy Pier:
90-Minute Deep Dive Architecture River Tour
Discover Chicago’s architectural marvels and engineering feats on this spectacular 90-minute extended cruise. Expert guides share the riveting stories behind the city’s famous buildings. This roundtrip tour departs daily from Navy Pier. Learn more
Wheelchair accessible
Adults starting at
$56
From Navy Pier:
Skyline Lake Cruise
Head out on a majestic boat tour of Lake Michigan where you’ll be able to see Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers and landmarks. Cruises departing prior to 5:00 PM feature recorded narration of the city’s skyline, evening tours feature music. Learn more
30 Minutes
Adults starting at
$3250
Spanish Architecture River Tour
Experience Chicago’s world-renowned architecture and engineering on this classic 75-minute cruise with live Spanish narration. This tour offers daily roundtrip departures from Michigan and showcases how the city’s buildings achieved fame. Learn more
75 minutes
Adults starting at
$46
From Michigan Ave:
CityPASS®
Save up to 49% on an Architecture River Tour, plus 4 more top Chicago attractions: Skydeck, Field Museum, and your choice of 2: 360 CHICAGO, MSI, Art Institute, Adler Planetarium. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. Learn more
Water Taxi Day Pass
Travel around town in a fun, scenic way. This day pass allows you to hop on and off the water taxi at any of our conveniently located docks: Union Station, Michigan Ave, Navy Pier, and Shedd Aquarium/Museum Campus. Learn more
Valid for 24 hours
Not currently in season
Fireworks Tour
Get a front-row seat to the Navy Pier fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the summer. You can take our Architecture River or Skyline Lake tours and end with fireworks, or take just the Fireworks Tour on its own. Learn more
60 – 80 minutes
Not currently in season
Explore the Best Chicago Boat Tours With Shoreline Sightseeing
Shoreline Sightseeing offers some of the best Chicago boat tours for visitors and locals who want to experience the city from a new perspective. Our narrated riverboat tours cruise through the heart of downtown, showcasing iconic landmarks and world famous architecture along the Chicago River. Friendly, knowledgeable guides share stories that bring Chicago’s architectural history to life, making our cruises a popular choice for a Chicago architecture boat tour.
Scenic Skyline and Riverboat Tour Experiences
In addition to river tours, our fleet offers skyline-focused cruises designed for relaxed sightseeing, photography, and memorable views of the city. Whether you are visiting Chicago for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, our tours are consistently rated among the best Chicago tours for guests looking for an immersive riverboat tour experience. Flexible schedules and multiple tour options make it easy to plan a boat tour that fits your day.
Chicago Boat Tour Pricing, Schedules, and Planning Information
Boat tour pricing varies by tour type, season, and time of day, with options available for a range of budgets. Guests can explore current rates, schedules, and availability directly on our tour calendar. Booking in advance is recommended during peak travel months, while early season planning helps secure preferred dates as the season approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Boat Tours
What is the best Chicago boat tour?
The best Chicago boat tours combine engaging narration, great views, and a thoughtfully planned route. Shoreline Sightseeing is known for narrated riverboat tours that highlight Chicago’s architecture, skyline, and history in a way that is both informative and enjoyable.
What is a Chicago architecture boat tour?
A Chicago architecture boat tour is a narrated river tour that explores many of the city’s most well known buildings along the Chicago River. Along the way, guides share stories about the architects, design styles, and moments that helped shape Chicago’s skyline.
How much does a Chicago riverboat tour cost?
Pricing depends on the type of tour, the time of year, and the departure time. Guests can view current ticket prices, schedules, and availability on the Shoreline Sightseeing tour calendar.
Are Shoreline Sightseeing tours narrated?
Yes. Shoreline Sightseeing offers narrated river tours led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who provide commentary throughout the cruise and help guests better understand what they are seeing.
When should I book a boat tour in Chicago?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during spring and summer when tours are most popular. Planning ahead makes it easier to secure your preferred dates and times.