Heath was our tour guide and he was so funny and informative! The boat ride was very comfortable- there is food, drinks (alcohol included), and ponchos sold on board! There is indoor, climate control seating on the bottom, as well as seating on the bottom that is covered. The best seat is definitely being on top of the boat if it's not too hot or cold so that you can get full pictures of the skyline and see exactly where the tour guide is pointing. read more

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We came for a trip and wanted to learn more about the architecture in Chicago. David was our tour guide and he was super knowledgeable! The tour was wealthy of engineering information. We left on time and came back as timed. It was great value for our group of 5 read more

Tours & Boats - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good tour of Chicago building / architecture from the water. The guide Dave was funny and informative, and the duration of tour was just right. Only complaint is I wish there was more selection when booking the tour time. It feels like they only open up ONE time slot at a time, and open another when fill up the previous. We wanted to go in the afternoon but none was offered. But after we took our tour there was another group waiting to board in the afternoon. read more

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We purchased Groupon tickets for the Architecture Boat Tour and was linked to Tours & Boats and we had a blast! Our tour guide was phenomenal! I didn't catch her name since we were sitting farther back, but she brought the energy and enthusiasm the entire 90 minutes that we were on the boat! Her knowledge of architecture and bridges were fascinating and you could tell she was really passionate about it which in turn made us excited to learn more. We went in the middle of July so it was HOT! Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and bring lots of water. They also have a bar on the deck level which also has A/C inside, but it takes forever to order something as the line is always long. There are bathrooms on the boat also. Be sure to arrive 15-30 min before docking as they will not wait for you. All in all, we had a fantastic time. It was a great way to spend an afternoon in Chicago and to learn more about the history behind this cool city. Would definitely do it again! read more

Tours & Boats - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hillary and the rest of the crew was awesome. Even my always having technology in his face 11 year old enjoyed the experience that Hillary did for the tour. read more

Had so much fun on the 90 minute architecture boat tour! Hillary was interactive, so well informed and full of jokes. Tour went by so far with how fun and informative it was!! read more

When setting up my trip for Chicago- I knew I wanted to do a boat tour in the river. I came across this option via Groupon. It has very clear instructions and good parking. I was happy that it actually was close to where we were staying. The boat boarded on time. We started with some mimosas that we purchased at the bar on the boat. The bartender made them good which is mostly champagne with a splash of orange juice. We headed back upstairs and our tour began. Our guide David was amazing! He was so knowledgeable but he was also very funny. It was a beautiful day to be out on the river. We saw so much history and beautiful architecture. I would recommend 11/10! I wouldn't mind going back if in town again! read more

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Heath our tour guide on the 90 min architecture boat tour was very informative and also very funny! My girlfriends and I had such a good time learning about all the unique architecture Chicago has. This boat tour also departs in South Loop so we got to view the future site of The 78 which will house a soccer arena. I highly recommend this tour! read more

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour There is no shortage of boat tours along the Chicago River. You can easily book one online with many of the boat and cruise companies. We booked online five days in advance and glad we did because it was fully booked on day of tour. I thought the meeting place was at the Riverwalk but turned out it was somewhere 2 miles away from the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Ours was located in the River City Marina. There is a paid venue parking available which we reserved through ParkWhiz. This guided boat tour was enjoyable and very informative. It took us on the Chicago River covering all 3 branches of the river with our tour guide. Departure time was at 8:00p, make sure you arrive 30 min before. The boat picks up and drops off guests at the same location. I love Chicago's magnificent architecture. Our professional tour guide shared insights on well-known structures as we sailed down the Chicago River - the Marina City, Willis Tower, Wrigley Building, Aqua Tower, Trump Tower, Boeing and United Airlines Buildings... he even showed us the former national headquarters for Montgomery Wards which are now a mixed-use space with different businesses and residences and once home to Groupon's global headquarters (they are now on W Wacker Drive). The old Montgomery Ward building is a large historic complex that was once the mail-order and department store HQ. Remember those big catalogs you find in your mailbox? LoL! We witnessed a beautiful sunset when our tour boat reached this area. I lost count while sailing underneath the many bridges in Chicago but I did notice the different bridge houses that are located near a moveable bridge. Chicago has the most movable bridges of any city in the world. This was one of the best tours we've experienced in a relaxed pace of the boat gliding by Chicago's famous architecture. Recommended! Review #3830 read more

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We loved our boat tour!! Our tour guide, David, was awesome! His deep knowledge and enthusiasm about the area, the architecture and stories of Chicago, really made our trip so much fun!! We took our teenage kids - they too loved it! So glad we found this boat tour! read more

Tours & Boats - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The 6pm-7:30pm tour was spectacular! Our tour guide, David Bagger, was personable, friendly, attentive, funny, informative, and deeply committed and passionate about sharing his wealth of knowledge in a measured, cogent, sequential, meaningful, and thoughtful manner. You could feel how genuine he was in his delivery and that this was more than a job but an opportunity to share his love for the city in a unique and multiplying way. I recommend the nighttime tour! The nighttime views were so amazing, and the boat paused at a number of spots for us all to take photos. We went under a number of bridges, some of which you had to duck for--we got that close, yes! The only real downside is that the chairs were uncomfy folding chairs arranged close together and in tight rows to fit as many people as possible. The pickup point was easy to find, the wait in line to board was brief, we left on time, we were given ample time with breaks to walk around and there was a bar. Also, I read the 1-star reviews, which sadly reflect user error--people not understanding how Groupon works or how to read fine print or not being able to commit to the date and time they've purchased and presumptuously assuming they can get refunds or discounts. For a small business, it's not cool how little ownership and accountability buyers take and retaliate with an unjustified review. read more

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This is my second time doing a boat tour in Chicago. The tour was great up until our tour guide Billy rudely told my wife and 2 year old to go down at the bottom of the boat because they were distracting. Sorry Billy, my toddler was being a toddler and making noises. I apologize my toddler didn't allow you to do your job correctly. Maybe you need to learn how to public speak while there are others talking. And next time keep your facial expressions to your self when you rudely ask someone to go downstairs because they are "distracting". For anyone that wants a better experience experience boat tour, I HIGHLY recommend Wendella Tours & Cruises. It was a way better experience. Plus the start and end boat dock is at the heart of the loop and riverwalk. This Tours & Boats Architecture tours was more than halfway south going towards Chinatown. Also, if you buy this from groupon, you are not guaranteed a seat. You're on standby until closer to the departure time. read more

Parking close at the dock - can also reserve on Spot Hero, Good tour discount for IL residents! Good for bringing visitors. read more

Tours & Boats - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had purchased five tickets via a Groupon offer. The site did not allow me to purchase an offer for five people, so I purchased a 4-person bundle ticket and a 1-person ticket. Upon arrival, I showed the ticket agent my two QR codes for the two separate purchases. He said that I only showed one reservation for four people. As I tried to explain the purchases, he interrupted me and insinuated that I was stupid for not understanding that I did not purchase five tickets. He mocked me and then said I was slow for not understanding what he was saying. We spoke in English and Spanish about the tickets. I explained that I understood what he meant but disagreed with his assessment of the matter because I had a receipt for the purchased tickets. He raised his voice and insisted that the two QR codes were identical and that I was trying to pull a fast one. I again tried to explain how I had purchased the tickets but he interrupted me and refused to allow me to explain. He insisted that I show emails and said that the QR codes were no good. As I began reviewing emails, another ticket agent approached us. As I explained the situation, the previously mentioned agent complained about me and my group to him - insisting that we were wrong. The other agent asked for my name and found the two separate reservations for the five tickets. The previous agent asked the other agent to double check, insinuating that he did not believe us about our purchases. Once the agent allowed us to board the boat, the older man scowled and walked off. I expected an apology or some accountability taken regarding his rude and antagonistic exchanges with my group, but we got nothing. The tour itself was fantastic. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and offered a lot of humor. I nearly didn't get on the tour because of the ticketing agent, but I'm glad that the tour made up for the rude customer service. read more

Tours & Boats - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While in Chicago for a friend's birthday weekend we decided to do the boat tours. David was our tour guys. He was amazing and knowledgeable. You can tell he is passionate and knows alot about the architecture as well as the history. There is a bar on the boat so we got mimosas while on the boat tour. The boarding process was easy and the parking was close to the boat. read more

Tours & Boats - These Picard while on the boat. You have several area where you can get beautiful pictures of the skyline. - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Booked the 90 Architecture Boat Tour for my wife and I and so glad we did! Captain Joe and David were amazing! David did an amazing job explaining everything and the history of all the skyscrapers in Chicago. He also adds some comedy to the tour. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone and would do it again! read more

Tours & Boats - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great tour!! Really nice to cruise up and down the river and really take a look at some of the most popular downtown buildings..Tour guide was really good. They offer about 3-4 breaks for you to regroup,grab a snack or just take a few photos. My only suggestion is maybe a speaker that can be heard on the lower level read more

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Definitely a nice surprise. The tour team are amazing. The boat has no bad seat. If you planning on taking a tour....MUST USE THEM. read more

Tours & Boats - Chicago from the bay - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The check-in was easy, staff knowledgeable, full bar staffed. Worth the price with Groupon. Our boat captain rescued a kayaker as well while on tour, manipulating our boat flawlessly to help one in need. read more

Tours & Boats - Chicago architecture - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had a great tour! Hillary was an amazing tour guide! 10/10 recommend this tour and would definitely do it again. read more

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Great tour! Beautiful weather during our tour showed off the city to its best advantage. Book early for best choice of dates/times. 90 minutes goes by so quickly! Be aware that above deck is full sun so wear a hat (secured) and use sunscreen. Our guide Hilary was a fount of knowledge: architecture, art, history, dining options--the gamut! Daughter just graduated in Marketing with a minor in User Experience which has a heavy Design element so she appreciated all the art & design references. Mies van der Rohe was on her lips constantly during our trip! Loved the descriptions of the various bridges we encountered--being from Seattle we have many drawbridges, both single & double leaf bascule. Wife remembers vertical lift bridge from her hometown of Tanggu, China. It made the tour personal. Fun (& welcome shade) when passing under the low bridges, but wish the Dave Matthews story had come first! Capt. handled the boat perfectly, avoiding kayakers and plentiful river traffic. Just wish we had had time to visit Lao Sze Chuan for some MapoTofu! Chicago! read more

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Hard to find. Great tour, but I'll start by saying the location of this tour isn't very convenient. To start, I bought my tickets on Groupon. Almost all of the other tour boat companies dock near Navy Pier or the Riverwalk closer to Navy Pier. We were on Magnificent Mile and I assumed we were getting on one of the boats over there. When I tried finding our boat I realized we had to take a taxi all the way back by the financial district. While I'm not a tourist, I found this confusing so I'm guessing it must be confusing for tourists. Anyway, the tour itself was great, and we got a great deal. read more

Took my money through Groupon, but I couldn't go and guess I didn't read the fine print. Asked if I could use the coupon another time. "No"! Didn't offer a refund, which would have been the reasonable thing to do, just took my money with a "too bad, so sad" like comment. read more

Hillary was a great tour guide keeping it light and humorous. No script, but her knowledge of the buildings and Chicago in general was phenomenal. It's probably our third time over the years but the most memorable. A great tour to do every few years. read more

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It was fun! It was my bf's first time in Chicago. He enjoyed the tour, very informative. The only criticism I have about this tour, was the tour guide. She seemed like she had a long day and was irritated with a lot of passengers on the boat. Other than that, it was a great day for a boat tour. read more

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Great way to experience an amazing city, and the kids loved it! Informative and knowledgeable guide.

Thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the Summer of George with Captain Joe and David!! The Sunday night cruise allowed us to see the city at night, and David was a captivating and masterful storyteller throughout the entire trip. To all the homies and homettes, consider yourself lucky if you cruise with David, a fellow middle child!! read more

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We had an amazing time! Our tour guide, Billy, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience both fun and informative. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Chicago--we highly recommend it! read more

My first time taking an boat Architectural tour, even though I've lived in Chicago most of my life. Perfect weather and the tour was full. Our tour guide, Welsh (?) was fantastic, very informative and humorous throughout the 90 minutes of cruising around the river. I took many pictures, and have been telling everyone how much I enjoyed it. Discounts for Illinois residents, seniors, and a few other groups, which made it affordable. I'll be going again next year! read more

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2nd time around to the 2nd city and I finally got around to experience the spectacular architecture via the river. Took the 6pm tour when everything the river was hopping. Restaurants, bars, stock brokers, live bands, families, pets, shamans and reincarnated souls were all in full display. 'What an awesome city!' is all my NYC brain could muster. Forgive me for not remembering the tour guide who was funny, knowledgeable, candid and great spirit. (Sounded like Tanya, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't). Huge applause to her and the crew. I never knew history could be so much fun. This IS a must for anyone visiting. NYC has great architecture but Chicago, I believe, has earned my top spot. And to my NYC peeps, 'I don't ask for permission. I only ask for forgiveness'. Now that's a line I learned that IS Chicago through and through! read more

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Beautiful 90 minute cruise. Informative without being boring. Pauses a few times for photo ops. Worth the cost, we'll do it again! read more

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Great tour and great date night! Keith the tour guide was engaging and knowledgeable! He's been doing tours for 15 years! Amazing date night! read more

Excellent tour! Heath was a fabulous guide and keep the tour entertaining. Highly recommend!

I like that you can catch this tour at River City rather than the incredibly congested Michigan Avenue dock. Most of all, we enjoyed our guide, David, for his depth of knowledge, good use of time, and humor! I live in Chicago and this was one of the very best architectural boat tours I've taken. I highly recommend this. read more

Fabulous ride! Very informative and the tour guide is hilarious!! Love supporting small businesses and learning the random facts you would have never learned! read more

I found this tour through Groupon, which is where I bought my tickets from. This tour does not pick up by the Chicago Riverwalk, but we were able to get there easily with the Red Line. As for the actual tour, we had Hillary as our guide and she was amazing! Her delivery method made the tour both educational and entertaining and I would definitely join another tour led by her again. read more

Soooooo awesome. I'll be recommending to everyone I know AND searching out similar boat tours in any place i visit. Worth every penny for the views and the knowledge. read more

Had a wonderful time on this tour. Sean was a fantastic guide, and I learned a lot about Chicago and its marvelous architecture. I liked that the boat wasn't too big or crowded. Highly recommend! read more

Tours & Boats - View of Chicago skyline from boat - Boat Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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They refused to refund me literally minutes after making the purchase. They said I needed to read the fine print, no refunds. I'll never book with Tours and Boats again. Terrible customer service read more

We had a great time and learned a lot on our boat tour! Hillary was funny and entertaining and really knows her stuff. Would highly recommend! read more