Chicago Boat Tour

A Chicago boat tour is one of the most scenic ways to discover the city. Whether you prefer a short, shared ride or a private cruise, there are options for every traveller. MakeMyTrip features 419 boat tours in Chicago, ranging from leisurely sunset trips to longer excursions that reveal the city’s hidden corners. Travellers can enjoy gentle rides past iconic landmarks, take photographs from open decks or simply relax. Some tours include commentary, while others provide dining or live entertainment, turning the outing into an experience that feels special. You can easily book a boat tour in Chicago @449 from MakeMyTrip, giving you the chance to see the city at a slower pace. Add this refreshing experience to your trip and enjoy a perspective few visitors get.

Best Chicago Boat Tour Rides to Witness the Exotic Skylines and Spectacular Skyscrapers

Chicago has over 3 million people and is considered one of the most populous cities in the United States. It isn’t just known for its geographically ideal location, but also the architecture, culture, and, of course, the exotic beauty the city boasts proudly. The Chicago River and Lake Michigan, beautifully encircling the entire city, offer tourists and residents some of the best Chicago boat tours. While you book yourself for the best Chicago boat tour, you are open to witnessing some iconic architecture, the magnificent Willis Tower, the Navy Pier, and so much more. Whether you call yourself an adventurous buff or a lover of leisurely cruise rides, being in Chicago offers a plethora of activities.

Tour Options & Packages

Tour Name	Duration	Type	Price	Features
Chicago City Boat Tours	3 Hours	Private	Starting from INR 70,341	Cruising along the Chicago River & Lake Michigan. Landmarks included: Wrigley Building & many more skyscraper building views
Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise	2 Hours	Shared Tour	Starting from INR 3,729	Views of the dramatic skyscrapers and the Buckingham Fountain's spectacular light display
Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride	30 Minutes	Shared Tour	Starting from INR 3,755	Departs from Navy Pier, offering you panoramic views of the Chicago skyline.
Chicago Premium Driving Tour with River Boat Cruise	4 Hours	Shared Tour	Starting from INR 12,428	Visit the Adler Planetarium Pier, the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise for a narrated boat ride highlighting more than 40 iconic Chicago landmarks. Also, a visit to the Buckingham Fountain and Cloud Gate.

Popular Destinations for Boat Tours

The best Chicago boat tours are quite a handful, but each offers a unique experience. During this tour, visit the following:

Chicago Riverwalk

It is a lively pedestrian promenade where many architectural and sightseeing tours begin, ideal for tourists.

Wrigley Building & Tribune Tower

These are perfectly iconic historic skyscrapers along the river that you may witness.

Navy Pier

It is Chicago’s most famous pier. Also, you can refer to it as a hub for sightseeing, dinner, and fireworks cruises.

Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain

Always a must-see, and can be witnessed when you head out to the lake.

Willis Tower (Sears Tower)

This is the tallest building in Chicago. Also, without any fuss, this dominates the river skyline.

Sunset & Fireworks Cruises

You can witness the city lights from Lake Michigan, especially on summer Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Types of Popular Boats in Chicago

1. Chicago City Boat Tours

Cruising along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan is definitely going to turn out to be the best Chicago boat tour for you. Through this tour, you are open to witness the beautiful skylines of Chicago, see the architectural richness of the city, and, of course, view some iconic landmarks such as the Wrigley Building. Apart from that, while you're booking, you are open to customizing your trip or celebrating any special occasion, too.

Time Duration: Ranging from 3 hours to 8 hours

Pricing: Starting from INR 70,341

Schedule: The tour commences at 9:00 AM; however, there are many more timings, which you can choose according to your preference. Don’t miss out on checking which harbour the boat is departing from, as it may leave from Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue. These details will be provided when your tour is booked.

Why Choose It: This particular tour is beautifully designed to witness the wonderful Chicago skylines, skyscraper buildings, and the iconic architectural marvels. Besides, you can celebrate special occasions, bring along food, and enjoy a customized experience on this private sharing tour. The entire tour is customizable, offering you an opportunity to witness the view of the city at your own pace from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

What Will You See: Once on this tour, you will be cruising along the River North. Some iconic sights include historical bridges, Riverwalk lined with restaurants & cafes, marvellous architecture, and of course, spectacularly panoramic skylines that Chicago proudly owns.

Perfect For: Families, Couples, Kids & Elderly People.

2. Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise

While choosing the Chicago river boat rides at night, don’t miss out on this selection, as it's one of the best Chicago boat tours. Here we go along the Chicago River at night, but you also get to tick off one of the most anticipated cruises that’ll leave a lasting memory. Anyone who has seen pictures of the Buckingham Fountain at night knows exactly what makes this the best Chicago boat ride. Visitors must avail themselves.

Time duration: The total time ranges from 1 hour to 2 hours.

Pricing: The starting Chicago boat tours prices are from INR 3,729

Schedule: The tour commences at 8:30 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the tour departs at 6:30 PM. However, keep in mind that it depends on the type of cruise you choose and the day. So, keep a note of that after your final booking.

Why Choose It: The skyline and the light that makes Chicago shine during the night are a must-do. So, witnessing Chicago in all its aura is a must, and this boat tour offers you exactly that. More so, you get to witness a view that you will cherish for your entire lifetime.

What You'll See: During this tour, you will see the wonderfully lit Buckingham Fountain and how the city looks like a jewel at night.

Perfect For: Adults, Infants & Children.

3. Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

Are you looking for speed boat ride Chicago? Well, this one has topped our list as one of the best Chicago boat tours. Within the 30-minute constricted timespan, you will witness an unobstructed view of Chicago city and experience the seadog! (Well, it’s just a group of boats that speed through and cut through the exotic blue waters). The entire trip is informative and exciting. So, if you’re thinking of a full-on adrenaline rush, this Chicago boat ride is your to-do.

Time duration: The total time span for this ride is 30 minutes.

Pricing: The price ranges from INR 3,755

Schedule: The tour commences at 11 AM from the Navy Pier harbour. However, there are many more slots that you might want to avail.

Why choose it: If you wish to experience the perfect amalgamation of uninterrupted skyline views with a 2000-horsepower speedboat, right, this one is ideal. During this tour, you will learn about the historical, architectural, and interesting facts of the places you visit.

What you'll see: Visitors will witness the iconic Wills Tower, Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park and The Magnificent Mile.

Perfect For: Adults, Infants, Children & people who wish to have a boost of adrenaline, adventurous ride.

4. Chicago Premium Driving Tour with River Boat Cruise

If you are searching for a premium all-in-one package that gives you a glimpse of almost all iconic spots, this is the best Chicago boat tour. You are open to witnessing over 40 extraordinary landmarks that will keep you in absolute awe. People also consider this the most memorable among the prices Chicago boat rides. So, don’t miss out on this one.

Time Duration: The total duration for this boat ride is 4 hours.

Pricing: The prices start from INR 12,428

Schedule: The tour commences at 10 AM. However, there are many more options that you might choose from. Also, people depart primarily from the Navy Pier. But it is always advisable to check the final pick-up point after your final booking.

Why Choose It: Visitors consider this an all-in-one package where you witness so many iconic landmarks in one tour, making it ideal. On this tour, you are bound to experience the unique historical side of Chicago while you remain in awe of the significant Chicago skylines.

What You'll See: During one of the best Chicago boat tours, you will pay a visit to the Adler Planetarium Pier, check out more than 40 iconic Chicago landmarks. Also, see the Buckingham Fountain, and of course, the extremely famous Cloud Gate.

Perfect For: Adults, Children, Infants, and people who want to visit all the iconic landmarks in one go.

How to Book?

• Once you are on the tour's landing page on the MakeMyTrip website, click on the destination of your choice and select the date.
• Upon selecting the date, you will be given a choice to enter your credentials and personal details.
• Once you are done with that, you can proceed towards booking.
• As the payment page opens up, do not go back or refresh. Choose the payment option of your choice and authenticate the payment.
• The moment the amount is credited, you will receive a confirmation on your phone either via email or WhatsApp.

Best Times & Tips for Booking

1. Ideal Times: The most comfortable time to visit Chicago is during Spring, which is March to May. The weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for all the boat tours.
2. Booking Advice: While booking during the peak season, it is advisable to always book in advance. Last-minute bookings may lead to surcharge pricing and limited timing options for tours.
3. Extras to Consider: Chicago boasts boldly of its steel-moulded skyscrapers and exotically beautiful skylines. So, consider going to Chicago when the weather is clear and pleasant to experience the best of what the city has to offer.