The 6 Best Chicago Speedboat Tours

1.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 642 reviews · 30 - 75 minutes · from $42 a head Our pick

From Navy Pier, Seadog races along Chicago’s lakefront while an English-speaking guide points out Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and more. The standard 30-minute ride mixes history, music, and speed. Choose the Extreme Thrill option for sharper turns, 360-degree spins, and a much wetter ride.

“Great thrill ride on Lake Michigan. Sat in back of boat on purpose. Got totally soaked when boat made high speed turns .”

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2.Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 333 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42 a head

From Navy Pier, you’ll cruise Lake Michigan aboard a 2,000-horsepower Seadog speedboat, passing Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, and the Magnificent Mile. The crew mixes Chicago stories and jokes with bursts of speed. Expect open views, lake spray, and a short but lively ride. Arrive 30 minutes early with photo ID.

“Most definitely recommend something fun to do as a big group in family and with kids, boat ride was amazing with amazing views.”

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3.City Cruises Chicago: 75-min Speedboat Architecture Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 268 reviews · 1h 15m · from $61 a head

Board a bright yellow and red Seadog at Navy Pier for 75 minutes of Chicago architecture, river locks, and Lake Michigan views. Guides such as Andy, Anna, and Lucious are known for lively storytelling. Expect an open-air ride, useful city context, and the chance of getting wet when the boat picks up speed.

“you are going to get wet...if it rains and puts the pedal to the metal. Guide Tia was very entertaining. Great experience.”

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4.Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 264 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $61 a head

Meet at Navy Pier for a 75-minute Seadog tour combining a calm Chicago River cruise with a fast Lake Michigan ride. Hear about the Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, reversed river flow, and historic locks, then pass the Museum Campus, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Chicago Harbor. Guides such as Andy, Jinx, Jake, and Darrin are praised for humor and clear storytelling.

“It was an amazing day and experience for my birthday !! Thought it was super fast but it’s soo perfect !!”

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5.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Speedboat Lake Firework Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $46 a head

Join City Cruises for a 60-minute English-language Seadog ride from Navy Pier. Your guide narrates Chicago’s skyline and history as the open-air speedboat heads onto Lake Michigan for panoramic Navy Pier fireworks views. Expect a lively trip, possible spray, and a cash bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.

“The guide was great! He had a great sense of humor and kept us entertained! The fireworks were awesome!”

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6.Lake and River Tour on a RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $85 a head Top rated

Join a Coast Guard licensed captain for a small-group RIB boat tour from Diversey Harbor. You’ll speed across Lake Michigan, pass through the Chicago River Locks, and slow down on the river for architecture and history. The boat holds up to seven people, giving you clear views and plenty of photo chances.

“Absolut Amazing! Highlight - you get the complete experience - Action on the lake -seightseeing on the River into the City. I had a blast and so many memories to take Home. Book the Tour it is Money well spent! I loved every minute of it!”

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