”Wendella Tours & Cruises has been operating in Chicago for 90 years and has enormous pride in the City. With this pride comes a great responsibility towards the City’s citizens, especially Chicago’s youth. There is no greater initiative we can take, to benefit our City’s youth, like cutting out environmental impact, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and being a good neighbor.”
– MICHAEL BORGSTROM, PRESIDENT OF WENDELLA
SHARING CHICAGO BY WATER SINCE '35
Wendella was founded on a simple belief: the best way to understand Chicago is from the river that shaped it. Since 1935, we’ve welcomed locals and visitors aboard to experience the city’s architecture, history, and heart up close. What began as one boat and a big idea has become a family-owned fleet, a Chicago tradition, and the standard-setter for hospitality, safety, and sustainability in the industry.
For nearly a century, we’ve been perfecting what it means to give a great boat ride. What started as a single vessel has become a trusted Chicago fleet, refined over generations with snazzier boats, sharper storytelling, and safety as our North Star.
The one thing that hasn’t changed: it’s all about the people. Take care of 'em, show 'em a good time, and they’ll keep coming back. That’s why we lead the charge in safety across the river—founding the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee to raise the bar for everyone—and invest in our crew—offering full scholarships to turn deckhands into licensed captains. When you ride with Wendella, you're in the best hands on the water.
We’ve built our reputation by showcasing Chicago to the world, one unforgettable ride at a time. That’s Chicago. That’s Wendella.
Safe and Sound
Best Boats in the City
Stories, Not Scripts
Locals at the Helm
Sustainability
PROTECTING OUR WATERS
When the river’s your office, you keep it clean. After 90 years on the water, we know that protecting the environment goes hand in hand with showing off this city. That’s why we go beyond compliance, leading national programs, cutting emissions, and investing in tech that keeps our waters cleaner for generations to come.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
Founding Members
Founders of
SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP
We don't do bare minimum. From pioneering industry-wide green initiatives to investing in long-term tech and training, we’ve taken a leadership role in what sustainable boating looks like. Here’s how we turn our sustainability commitment into action.
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FOUNDING GREEN WATERS
Wendella President Michael Borgstrom co-founded the Passenger Vessel Association’s Green Waters Program, which helps passenger vessels across North America run cleaner, greener operations. The gold standard for sustainability in the industry started right here in Chicago.
RAISING THE BAR
Every boat we operate, including our Chicago Water Taxis, is held to the highest environmental standards, meeting or exceeding EPA guidelines. Every vessel carries a Vessel General Permit (VGP), even when it’s not required.
BIN THERE, DONE THAT
We installed the Chicago River’s first Seabin: a floating trash trap that runs 24/7, skimming the surface for litter, oil, and debris. It holds up to 44 lbs and is emptied regularly by our crew and Friends of the Chicago River. With Loyola University, we analyze the waste to track pollution trends and shape smarter policy. And a second Seabin is coming soon!
CUTTING EMISSIONS
Between 2016 and 2021, we voluntarily cut over 300 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by upgrading our fleet. That includes our Chicago Water Taxis, which provide a cleaner alternative to thousands of car trips. By 2030, we aim to eliminate another 300–500 tons through even more efficient operations.
CLEAN CRUISIN’
We’ve swapped single-use plastics for better options. Drinks come in plastic or aluminum souvenir cups you can keep, refill, or recycle. And no, we don’t do plastic straws.
CLEANING UP CHICAGO
Every May, we team up with Friends of the Chicago River for River Cleanup Day, donating boats, crew, and support to help remove litter from more than 75 sites citywide. We get our gloves on to make sure we leave the river better than we found it.
SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP
We don't do bare minimum. From pioneering industry-wide green initiatives to investing in long-term tech and training, we’ve taken a leadership role in what sustainable boating looks like. Here’s how we turn our sustainability commitment into action.
Community
SUPPORTING OUR CITY
We’re part of Chicago’s story—built in it, raised on its waters, and proud to give back to it. Supporting the people and organizations working to improve this city is part of who we are, from local schools and nonprofits to grassroots programs. We show up for our neighbors like they’ve shown up for us.
CHARTING NEW CAREERS
Many of our captains started as deckhands. Every year, we award full scholarships to help crew members earn their 100 Ton Master Captain’s License, part of a broader investment in training, mentorship, and U.S. Coast Guard–recognized safety programs. Our world-class leadership helps set the standard for safety across the industry.
LIGHTING UP FOR LILA
In partnership with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, our annual Teal Lights Cruise has raised awareness for ovarian cancer for nearly two decades. Over 20 Chicago landmarks light up in teal, including Lila, our boat named after a beloved family member we lost to the disease. It’s one of our proudest nights of the year.
CELEBRATING BOB DAY
Every year on Bob Day, we honor our late CEO, Bob Borgstrom, by donating 25% of tour sales to Shriners Children’s Chicago. As a lifelong member of Shriners International, a group that supports pediatric hospitals, Bob gave back every chance he got. We’re proud to carry that spirit forward.
TICKETS THAT GIVE BACK
We set aside hundreds of tickets for schools, nonprofits, and local fundraisers across Chicago. From social services to medical research, this helps power the city’s most important causes. If you’re interested in a nonprofit collaboration, let’s talk!
