All our architecture boat tours serve up legendary storytelling, rich history, and the city's epic skyline aboard. Here are your choices:

CHICAGO RIVER ARCHITECTURE TOUR (90 MINUTES)
This is THE sightseeing boat tour to go on in Chicago. Cruise along the Chicago River while you get the full download on the city's most iconic buildings. Great for first-timers and architecture buffs who want it all.

CHICAGO RIVER ARCHITECTURE TOUR (45 MINUTES)
This family-friendly narrated tour is packed with a punch. Perfect if you’re on a tighter schedule but still want the inside scoop, you’ll see the city’s most iconic buildings from the Chicago River and still hear enough interesting facts and stories to impress your friends later.

LAKE & RIVER ARCHITECTURE TOUR (90 MINUTES)
The tour that started it all. We’ll give you the Chicago River and throw in Lake Michigan for good measure. This boat tour starts with a close-up of the skyscrapers on the river, then opens to the lake via the Chicago Lock for another wow-factor perspective, all in 90 minutes.

If you're not in a guided boat tour kind of mood, but you're still after a good time, it's all good. Here's the lowdown on our Chicago cruises:

CHICAGO SUNSET CRUISE
This is one of our most iconic Chicago sightseeing cruises. Spend 90 minutes passing iconic landmarks along the river, then cruise through the Chicago Lock to watch Chicago's skyline transform during golden hour from Lake Michigan. Twinkling lights included. 

LAKE MICHIGAN FIREWORKS CRUISE
Boom. Sparkle. Wow. This 2–2.5 hour cruise is dedicated to giving you the full Navy Pier fireworks experience. We’ll take you past all the architectural gems along the Chicago River through to the peaceful waters of Lake Michigan, where you’ll enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of the fireworks display.

CHICAGO RIVER FIREWORKS CRUISE
Same show, different angle. Take this shorter 45-minute cruise along the Chicago River to catch the Navy Pier fireworks lighting up the sky and reflecting off the water. This is a Chicago experience everyone should do at least once.

WINE & CHEESE CRUISE
For the pinkies in the air crowd. We'll give you a curated lineup of local wines and cheeses, but really, the city's epic skyline will steal the show. This 2-hour cruise goes along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, so you’ll have plenty of time to channel your inner architecture snob.

Yep, we have more cruises. And they’re a bonafide Chicago tradition. We've broken it down for you:

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRUISE (21+)
This isn’t a booze cruise, but yeah, there’s booze (so 21+ only, please). You’ll get three drink tickets and a front-row seat to the world-famous Chicago River dyeing, where the water turns green all around you. Then it’s our iconic cruise down the river with appropriately festive music to jig to (you’ll be on the water about 2 hours in total).

ST. PATRICK’S DAY KID’S CRUISE
Same experience, just with more juice boxes. Kids love watching the Chicago River dyeing, but let’s face it—adults love it, too. You’ll get a front-row seat, plus plenty of interactive fun and Irish music, too. This 90-minute cruise is one of our favorite family-friendly adventures. 

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISE
This 90-minute cruise takes you from the river to Lake Michigan for Chicago’s most iconic view of the Independence Day fireworks. No crowds, no chaos, just oohs, ahhs, and a breeze in your hair.

HOLIDAY FIREWORKS CRUISE
Cue the cocoa and crank up the carols. Take this family-friendly cruise down the Chicago River for festive music, sweet treats, and an intimate view of the holiday fireworks. The parade isn’t included, but the magic’s still very much on board this 90-minute cruise.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS CRUISE
Ring in the new year on the water with Champagne, twinkling lights, and a front-row seat to the midnight show. Just in time for the fireworks, you’ll glide along the Chicago River past the city’s most iconic architecture on this 90-minute cruise.

We sure do. You can book a private boat tour or throw a stunning private party with your very own Wendella boat. Head to our Private Events page to see how Chicago does a celebration.