Private Boat Tour: Exploring Chicago's Architectural Marvels
5.0
12 Ratings
Chicago
Embark on a private boat tour in Chicago to explore its architectural marvels and uncover its fascinating history. Discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems with a local guide!
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Chicago Theatre - This is where your tour begins - underneath the iconic neon sign made famous in both movies and musicals! Here, you’ll meet your tour guide and then set off through bustling downtown Chicago.
What's Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Private boat experience
What's Not Included
- Food and drink
- Gratuities for the guide
- Souvenirs
Additional Information
Embark on a private boat tour of Chicago, with a local resident who will reveal the enticing background stories and architectural wonders of the city as you voyage!
Prior to embarking, enjoy a brief stroll through the lively Chicago Loop area, where you’ll encounter treasures like the grandiose Marshall Field structure, the stunning stained-glass-domed Cultural Center, and the iconic marquee-lit Chicago Theatre.
Upon reaching the dock, you’ll enter your exclusive boat and launch an adventure down the Chicago River. As the cityscape unfolds, your guide will introduce you to the intriguing landmarks speckling the skyline. Marvel at the towering Willis Tower, once the tallest structure in the world, see the famed Union Station, a frequent setting in cinema, and witness an imposing Art Deco edifice that previously claimed a unique zip code!
You’ll also experience Wolf Point’s historical significance, initially a Native American settlement then the site of some of Chicago’s pioneering commercial edifices. Following the tour, you may wish to revisit these landmarks for a more leisurely, up-close exploration!
Location
The Chicago Theatre
North State Street
In front of the theatre under the marquee
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
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P6181gqalexa
Oct 15, 2023
Amazing experience I highly recommend it. - The tour was absolutely wonderful. I've done the big architecture tour where you are with a large number of people before and this one was 100 times better. The boat fits twelve but our group had 6 and there was still plenty of room for others without feeling cramped at all. The weather was bit cold, but the boat had an enclosure that was still visible through that kept us pretty warm. Dave was SO FUN and knowledgeable. We not only got really great information, but having a small group made it a lot more comfortable to ask questions. I highly recommend doing the private boat tour, it was a wonderful experience and I will absolutely be doing this tour again next time I have friends visiting from out of town. It is a beautiful way to show off Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Drewbb7956jz
Sep 6, 2023
Great time on the river! - The views were amazing I love the city in the summer and seeing it from the river in a boat is always breathtaking. The guide was also very informative and easy going making the entire trip comfortable the whole time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
533gosiam
Aug 31, 2023
Fun with WeVenture - Beautiful scenery. Super friendly knowledgeable guide. Dave gave us all kinds of fun facts about Chicago and the river itself. Hug plus for me, the boats are electric, no noise, no pollution.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
915gosiam
Aug 31, 2023
An authentic Chicago Architectural tour in an intimate setting! - This tour was fantastic! Our guide Dave was very friendly, funny and witty in this informative tour of Chicago architecture and its history. He did a stellar job as he navigated us through the heart of the city’s spectacular views. It was neat to have a private tour in an intimate setting with friends, and I will happily book WeVenture again for this incredibly cool and authentic Chicago experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darlas568
Aug 30, 2023
Do yourself a favor and go with the small private boat! - I had a fantastic time on the WeVenture Chicago river tour with our amazing guide Dave! Compared to the much larger group boat tours that I've done 2-3 times, this is definitely a more desirable way to view the city. Allow me to count the ways for you:
- It's much quieter in an electric boat. You can actually HEAR the expert guide. Also, because you're traveling at a lower speed, you're able to learn more historic details and ask questions.
- There's less exposure to communicable diseases with your small group (hey, it's 2023 so you know what I mean).
- It's BYOB, 'nuff said.
- You can navigate further in the smaller boat. I actually saw parts of the river that I didn't know existed - even as a long-time local - such as the back of the REI store near Goose Island that landscaped beautiful native plants and flowers on the water.
Our guide, Dave, was super friendly, knowledgeable and funny. I highly recommend this tour for both out-of-town tourists as well as locals!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larry
Aug 26, 2023
Best Chicago Riverboat Tour - Wow! What a fun experience! The boat tour was the perfect way to see Chicago. Our tour guide, Dave was excellent! He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Chicago and shared it in a relaxed conversational way. He even remembered our names. It was easy to get on the boat and even though it rained, we stayed dry. Oh, and you can bring snacks. I highly recommend this tour for people who are new to Chicago and people who live there. I learned a lot and enjoyed every minute of it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angpc9776sg
Aug 23, 2023
Cozy and Scenic Boat Tour - This boat tour was such a lovely way to see the beautiful and historic sites along the Chicago River.
Experiencing the River on a private boat was cozy and you’re able to have more of a conversation with the guide compared to other larger boat tours.
Our guide was incredibly kind and knowledgeable and created a lovely experience. This is the best way to explore the Chicago River, you can get comfy, bring some snacks and float around!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marleynicole
Aug 19, 2023
Favorite Boat Tour in Chicago - Rain or Shine - Wow – what an incredible way to experience Chicago. It was super quick getting onto the boat, and the small group setting made it easy to ask questions. David is very personable, remembered everyone’s names and made the tour so fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Retiredtwaguy
Aug 18, 2023
Best riverboat tour in the Midwest! - It’s been 20 years since I’d been to Chicago and I can’t believe how much it’s changed. This boat tour was a great way to take it all in in such a relaxing way. Our amazing guide Dave knew so much of the history and really gave a great perspective on how locals are affected by all this change good and bad. I would never have been able to see this much on foot and being on the water showcases Chicago in a beautiful way. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craig_millspaugh
Aug 15, 2023
Better than the big boat tours. Seeing Chicago from the river is such a treat. - The views of the city from the river are really amazing, and it’s a real treat to take in the architecture and history from the river with a knowledgeable tour guide. Really loved learning new things about the city all while on board a clean and quiet electric boat. And it’s BYOB haha. Had a great time and would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
