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    Tours & Boats

    4.7 (63 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Frances S.

    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!

    Kate A.

    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!

    Nancy L.

    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!

    07.04.25 Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
    May A.

    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

    Jenn R.

    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!

    Rumit P.

    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.

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

    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.

    These Picard while on the boat.  You have several area where you can get beautiful pictures of the skyline.

    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.

    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!

    Deanna S.

    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

    Chicago from the bay

    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.

    Chicago architecture

    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.

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    8 months ago

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

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    10 months ago

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

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Tours & Boats

    Review Highlights - Tours & Boats

      Hillary was our guide and she was funny and very knowledgeable in the architectural history of Chicago.

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

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