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Chicago River cruise guides

Everything people ask before they step onto a boat in the Loop.

Chicago River Cruise Tickets 2026: Prices and What You GetWhat each cruise costs and what the ticket covers.Read the guide →Best Chicago Architecture River Cruise 2026: ComparedFirst Lady, Shoreline and Wendella side by side.Read the guide →Chicago River Cruise 45 vs 90 Minutes 2026: Which to PickWhat the extra 45 minutes buys you.Read the guide →Best Time for a Chicago River Cruise 2026: Month by MonthSeasons, sunset sailings and fireworks nights.Read the guide →Chicago River vs Lake Michigan Cruise 2026: Which to BookTowers up close or the skyline from afar.Read the guide →Chicago River Cruise With Kids 2026: What to Wear and BringFares, strollers, layers and accessibility.Read the guide →

Tickets

Popular Chicago River cruises

Booked through Viator, with a full refund up to 24 hours before on every cruise here except the First Lady and the fireworks cruise.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise Most reviewed ★ 4.875 minutes17,246 reviewsFull refund 24 h before

Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Restroom on boardPet-friendlyTwo docks

The most reviewed river cruise on Viator, at the lowest price of the three. A live guide takes you past the landmarks in 75 minutes, and dogs are welcome on board.

What's included
  • About 75 minutes on a Shoreline Sightseeing boat with live expert commentary
  • Pick the Pioneer Court (Michigan Avenue) or Navy Pier meeting point when you book
  • Restroom on board and pets welcome
  • Not included: drinks and snacks, which you buy on board, and Wi-Fi
From$39per person Reserve
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on First Lady Top rated ★ 4.990 minutes7,689 reviewsNon-refundable

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on First Lady
Docent guidesAll 3 branchesNon-refundable

The architecture center's own boat, narrated by trained docents across all three branches of the river. Rated 4.9 from 7,689 reviews, it is the one to book when the story matters most.

What's included
  • About 90 minutes on the First Lady with a trained docent guide of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Live commentary on the main river, the north branch and the south branch
  • Boarding straight from the Chicago Riverwalk, with a heated lower deck and a restroom
  • Several start times a day, from morning to evening in season
  • Non-refundable and cannot be changed. Not included: drinks and snacks, which you buy on board
From$57per person Reserve
Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour Longest classic ★ 4.790 minutes11,356 reviewsFull refund 24 h before

Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour
Indoor and outdoor seatsNarrated tourMichigan Ave dock

Wendella, a Chicago family company since 1935, runs the 90 minute classic from the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The boat has heated indoor seats and an open deck, so the weather rarely matters.

What's included
  • About 90 minutes with a trained guide and narration of the buildings on all three branches
  • Indoor climate-controlled seating and an outdoor deck
  • Departs from the Wendella dock at 400 N Michigan Ave, by the Wrigley Building
  • Restroom on board
  • Not included: alcohol and tips
From$45per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

The most reviewed river cruise on Viator: 4.8 from over 17,000 reviews, with a full refund up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the Shoreline architecture river cruise