Full description
Book this shared 90-minute architecture cruise along the Chicago River. Navigate all three river branches on an open-deck vessel, view major skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and Wrigley Building, and listen to historical commentary from a guide.
Join this 90-minute shared boat excursion designed to navigate all three major branches of the Chicago River. The tour takes place aboard a vessel equipped with an open-air deck as well as a covered seating section to accommodate varying weather conditions. During the cruise, the boat passes by the city's historic skyscrapers and landmark civic structures, including the Civic Opera House, the Wrigley Building, and the Willis Tower. The itinerary features live narration delivered by local guides, who provide historical context, trivia, and architectural insights regarding the building designs visible from the water.
Additional Information
● Boarding begins 30 minutes before the tour start time, and it is mandatory for all ticketed passengers to be onboard at least 10 minutes prior to the exact departure time
● The dock is located at 900 South Wells Street, at River City Marina (you can enter the address 900 S Wells Chicago, IL 60607 into your GPS). Access is through the parking lot located behind the River City condominiums building, across from the soccer field at 9th St and Wells; there is no need to enter the building, as the check-in staff is located at the back of said parking lot
● All tickets are general admission and seating is assigned on a strict first-come, first-served basis, so large groups are strongly recommended to arrive well in advance if they wish to sit together
● The vessel is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for people with reduced mobility, as it has two levels and requires climbing up and down 15 to 20 steps from the check-in area; the first floor is a climate-controlled indoor space with panoramic windows and a bar, while the upper deck is an open-air space where the guided tour takes place
● If you plan to attend with a service or assistance animal, you must notify the local operator in advance, providing the details, date, and time of your confirmed booking
● Outside food and drinks are not permitted on the vessel; however, the boat features a full bar where light snacks and a wide variety of beverages can be purchased during the journey
● All attendees without exception, including children and infants, require a physical or digital ticket to board
● All tickets purchased are final; therefore, they do not allow returns, refunds, date changes, or rescheduling under any circumstances
● Tours operate normally rain or shine, so please do not contact us to ask if the activity will be suspended; in case of rain, you may bring an umbrella or poncho, or take shelter in the climate-controlled indoor deck. In the exceptional event of a cancellation due to force majeure by the company, you will be notified by email and granted credit for a future tour
● Parking at the marina is relatively easy and costs approximately between USD 13 and USD 15; however, because spaces can fill up early and the company is not responsible for the lack of availability, it is advised to arrive well in advance to look for alternatives if necessary
Inclusions
✔ 90-minute architectural boat tour
✔ Full access to the upper and lower decks of the vessel with 360° panoramic views
✔ Professional tour guide in English
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✖ Tickets, food, and drinks unless explicitly specified in the tour inclusions
✖ Any other service not specified
Cancellation policy
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Meeting point
The pier is located at 900 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607.