Booking a boat tour for a group is a different problem from booking for yourself. You're balancing a schedule that has to work for everyone, a mix of interests, seating that keeps your party together, and possibly a headcount that changes twice before the day arrives. Wendella runs both public tours you can book in a block and private charters for larger parties, all from 400 N Michigan Avenue. Here's how to pick, and what to sort out before you book.
First: Public Tour or Private Charter?
This is the fork in the road, and it depends mostly on size.
- Under about 40 people: book a public tour. You'll be sharing the boat with other guests, but you can travel together and it's far simpler and cheaper. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early to sit as a group.
- 40 or more, or you want the boat to yourselves: look at a private charter. Wendella lists two vessel classes for private events, the Ouilmette Class for 40 to 90 guests and the Wendella Class for 100 to 250 guests. Inquiries go to events@wendellaboats.com or (312) 337-1446.
A private charter also gives you control over timing, catering, and the route conversation, which matters for a corporate outing, a wedding party, or a milestone birthday. For a family reunion or a visiting group of friends, a public tour is usually the right call.
Picking the Right Tour for Your Party
The choice comes down to how long your group can comfortably sit and what they actually want out of it.
| Your group | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Young kids, or a tight itinerary | 45 Minute Architecture Tour | Short enough to hold attention, still covers 50+ landmarks. $28 adults, $14 kids 4-12, free under 4. |
| Architecture-minded adults | 90 Minute Architecture Tour | All three river branches, the fullest guided route. |
| Out-of-town visitors wanting the "wow" | Lake & River Architecture Tour | Adds the open-lake skyline view most guests haven't seen. |
| An evening gathering, mixed interests | Sunset Cruise | Light narration, so people can talk. Bar onboard. |
| Adults-only celebration | Wine & Cheese Cruise | 21+, wine and cheese, gentle music. |
For a full breakdown of every cruise in the lineup, see our guide to choosing a Chicago cruise.
One thing worth naming: mixed groups often do better on a lighter cruise than a fully guided tour. A 90-minute architecture narration is wonderful for people who want it and long for people who don't. If half your party is there for the company rather than the buildings, the Sunset Cruise usually lands better.
What Groups Should Sort Out Before Booking
- Lock the headcount early. Popular departures, especially evenings, weekends, and fireworks nights, sell out. A group of twelve is much harder to add to a full boat than to book ahead.
- Arrive together, and early. Plan to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure; boarding starts 15 minutes prior and boats leave on time. With a group, that buffer is what keeps you from boarding in a scramble, or missing a straggler.
- Pick one coordinator. One person holding the tickets and sending everyone the same meeting point (400 N Michigan Avenue, by the Wrigley Building at the DuSable Bridge) prevents most day-of confusion.
- Seating is first come, first served. If sitting together matters, arriving early is the only way to make it happen. Upper deck for views and photos, climate-controlled lower deck for anyone who wants out of the wind.
- Tell people how to dress. The water runs cooler and breezier than the street, especially in the evening. Send that note in advance.
- Everything is cashless. Let the group know to bring a card for the bar.
- Discounts are in-person only and not valid on holidays: college students 50% off Tuesdays, active-duty military and spouses 50% off Monday through Thursday, veterans and reservists $10 off Monday through Thursday, all with valid ID at the ticket office.
- Accessibility needs a call. If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility, phone (312) 337-1446 in advance, ideally with at least 24 hours' notice. Dock and boat access vary, and the team can arrange the right combination.
Booking a Private Event
For a private charter, the practical questions are headcount, date, and what you want the evening to include. The Ouilmette Class handles 40 to 90 guests and the Wendella Class 100 to 250, so your number largely picks the vessel. Start the conversation early for peak season dates, and reach the events team at events@wendellaboats.com or (312) 337-1446. More detail is in our private boat events guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large a group can book a Wendella boat tour?
Smaller groups can book a public tour together, sharing the boat with other guests. For larger parties or exclusive use, Wendella offers private charters: the Ouilmette Class for 40 to 90 guests and the Wendella Class for 100 to 250. Contact events@wendellaboats.com or (312) 337-1446.
Which tour is best for a group with young children?
The 45 Minute Architecture Tour. It's short enough for shorter attention spans, still covers more than 50 landmarks, and costs $28 for adults 13 and up, $14 for kids 4 to 12, with children under 4 free. Boats have changing tables and room for folded strollers.
Can our group sit together?
Seating is open and first come, first served, so arriving early is how you get seats together. Aim for the dock at least 30 minutes before departure.
How early should a group arrive?
At least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior and boats leave promptly, so a group needs that buffer to check in, find the boarding area, and gather everyone.
Which cruise covers the most of the Chicago River?
The 90 Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, which travels all three branches from Goose Island to Chinatown and passes more than 50 architectural icons.
Which cruise includes Lake Michigan?
The Lake & River Architecture Tour, which passes through the Chicago Lock onto the lake for the wide skyline view. The Sunset Cruise and Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise also reach the lake.
What should a group confirm before booking?
Headcount and departure availability, one coordinator holding tickets, the meeting point at 400 N Michigan Avenue, arrival timing, how to dress for the water, that the bar is cashless, and any accessibility needs by calling (312) 337-1446 in advance.
Related Reading
- Choosing a Chicago Cruise - every cruise compared
- Private Boat Events - charters and corporate outings
- Seating Guide - where to sit as a group
- Book a Private Event - inquiry form
- Schedule & Tickets - book your group
