Boat Rides

Anita Dee Yacht Charters has been providing private, individualized cruises for groups of 50–400 passengers along Chicago’s magnificent skyline for more than 25 years.

Marvel at Chicago’s soaring towers while enjoying a 90-minute, narrated river cruise. This tour spotlights more than 50 architecturally significant sites where you will discover a new perspective on the city. Come aboard either of our well-appointed vessels. Seating is available on both an open-air deck or in the climate-controlled cabin, making your journey comfortable regardless of the weather. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board each vessel.

Chicago’s First Lady (CFL), the official cruiseline of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, provides passengers with tours of the Chicago River. In operation since 1993, the cruiseline gives more and 1,600 tours with commentary provided by more than 100 volunteer docents during its May-November season.

Kayak Chicago offer lessons, tours and rental at four (4) locations in Chicago. They offer day and night paddles, the most popular tours is the fireworks paddle every Wednesday and Saturday evening. No experience necessary, recreational kayaks available at all locations. Free parking at all locations. This is the closest kayak rental in downtown Chicago, offering everything to do with kayaking, kayak sales and gift certificates.

Mystic Blue embarks from Navy Pier for Lake Michigan party cruises and brunch, lunch, midday, cocktail and dinner cruises. Each of the three decks (Horizon, Escapade and Vista) has seating, dining and dancing areas, as well as room for a spread of edibles. Decks can be reserved for private events (there's more than 5,000 square feet of party space) and last minute guests can hop aboard if space is available. Modest pricing is sure to draw a steady crowd.

Odyssey Boat Cruises offers guests the unique of viewing the beautiful Chicago skyline on a two or three hour nautical adventure that includes dinner and dancing.

Seadog is one of the most popular attractions at Navy Pier. From April through October, Seadog offers a 30-minute Speedboat Lake Tour and a 75-minute River & Lake Architecture Tour. Both tours depart from Navy Pier. The 2,000 hp Seadogs feature individual cushioned seats and are fully-licensed Coast Guard inspected vessels.

Shoreline Sightseeing, established in 1939, began with one vessel offering Lake Michigan Boat Tours showcasing Chicago’s fabulous skyline. Now in our third generation of family ownership and operation, Shoreline has a fleet of nine touring vessels and eight water taxis.

Step aboard the Spirit of Chicago cruise at Navy Pier for an afternoon or evening of unparalleled cruising fun on the lakefront in Chicago. Enjoy this luxurious Chicago cruise ship while you dine, dance, enjoy star-quality entertainers and breathtaking skyline views, all for one price. For two, ten, or 600 guests, a Spirit of Chicago cruise will blow you away.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats is Chicago's number one provider of architecture tours, sightseeing cruises, private charters and the River Bus Passenger Ferry.