Chicago River & Lakefront Boat Tours

We had a great time on the historical and architecture tour, the boat has plenty of space, friendly staff and well stocked bar! We got to see the city from the river, go through the lock and learn about the history of the boat and the city along the river. Would recommend!!!

Chicago Fireboat Tours Our family went on a tour with Chicago Fireboat Tours on Thursday, September 16th and it was a wonderful experience. The docent, a fella named Cliff was first rate and really made the trip even more enoyable. I highly recommend Chicago Fireboar Tours for anyone wishing to see Chicago from the lake and the river. Ken

Fireboat Architectural Boat Tour We've been on other architectural boat tours before and highly recommend this one. It's smaller and more intimate and our guide Cliff was superb.

Cliff and his team are incredible. I’ve never had so much fun on a tour boat. Seriously such a different experience compared to the typical boat tours. Highly highly highly recommend! Had an absolute blast

Fantastic. The boat is so cool, loaded with historical pictures & neat firefighter memorabilia. Great info shared by narrator, Cliff! The whole team is great! Going through the Chicago River locks is cool, architecture awesome! Would do it again for sure!

We went on a 3pm history and architectural fireboat tour and it was fantastic. We were checked in promptly when we arrived at 2:30 and were able to board at 2:45. We found seats at the front of the boat and ended up next to where the guide, Cliff, was speaking. Cliff was very engaging and incredibly knowledgeable - we learned a lot on the tour, more than I expected. We started off on Lake Michigan, went through the locks onto the river and then came back. Cliff chatted with us during the brief breaks and even shared some tips for us after finding out that we had been to Wrigley Field. During the tour, he told us about the city's architecture, Chicago bridge and fireboat styles, movies made in Chicago, a bit about Al Capone, the lighthouse, Navy Pier, fires fought by the fireboat we were on when it was in service, and more! The bartender Manny was also very nice and personable. The only downside was the number of people standing at the rail, which unfortunately blocked some pictures I wanted to take. Overall, I would definitely recommend the tour!

Fantastic! Fantastic. The boat is so cool, loaded with historical pictures & neat firefighter memorabilia. Great info shared by narrator, Cliff! The whole team is great! Going through the Chicago River locks is cool, architecture awesome! Would do it again for sure!

This tour was really enjoyable. Took the afternoon tour thru the lock and up and down the river. Sat in the back of the boat tn the shade around the small tables while friends were in the front for the open area to see better. Loved there was a choice for seating. Crew was fantastic. Cliff was incredibly knowledgeable about the sights in the city, pilots gave us a very comfortable ride and shared stories as we waited on the lock. Our deck hand ran around taking care of lots of chores while Manny made sure we all had our drinks keeping us hydrated with a fun quip or story. You guys"rocked" (pun intended). Thanks for a wonderful day!

Take the Fireboat for a Lake, Lock, and River Experience Loved this tour because it goes into the lake, through the lock, and down the river. The guides are very knowledgable and every seat is a great seat! There's outdoor seating on the front and sides, and the rear is covered. There's also bathrooms on the boat. Very comfortable, smooth sailing. It was at 2 hours for us because a holiday weekend and busy traffic for the lock system, but 100% worth it. Loved being on a retired fireboat and learned some fireboat fighting history.

Fantastic tour on the lake/River with amazing guide! We went on a 3pm history and architectural fireboat tour and it was fantastic. We were checked in promptly when we arrived at 2:30 and were able to board at 2:45. We found seats at the front of the boat and ended up next to where the guide, Cliff, was speaking. Cliff was very engaging and incredibly knowledgeable - we learned a lot on the tour, more than I expected. We started off on Lake Michigan, went through the locks onto the river and then came back. Cliff chatted with us during the brief breaks and even shared some tips for us after finding out that we had been to Wrigley Field. During the tour, he told us about the city's architecture, Chicago bridge and fireboat styles, movies made in Chicago, a bit about Al Capone, the lighthouse, Navy Pier, fires fought by the fireboat we were on when it was in service, and more! The bartender Manny was also very nice and personable. The only downside was the number of people standing at the rail, which unfortunately blocked some pictures I wanted to take. Overall, I would definitely recommend the tour!

Chicago Fire Boat Tour It was perfect! Such a great experience!

I was running late and they called me to see where I was, that’s pretty awesome customer service.

The best boat tour in Chicago! What a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Cliff and the entire team take you on an informative and relaxed cruise around Chicago. Highlighting historical moments, amazing architecture, and important landmarks of the Chicago skyline. We have been on other river tours, but this one is just on another level. The boat itself is a piece of Chicago history and will definitely remember the great tour and the people that run it!

Classic Chicago Fireboat w/Passionate Crew Wonderful, fun & informative tour. Everyone was welcoming & fun. Cliff did a great job narrating highlights with added stories of interest…some history & some fun tales. Denise & Eddy were lovely to talk with as well. The skipper handled the vessel beautifully on the lake, through the locks, & in/out of the river. We’ll be doing this again when next in Chicago. Thanks to all!

I'm a local and have done practically all of the architectural boat tours here. I like to do one every summer. This one was hands down my favorite and I wish I had known about it sooner. What I liked especially is that you get a tour of the lake + the river, which is uncommon. I learned a lot this go around and it's fun to experience the lock as well. It's a 2 hour tour for less $ than a 1.5 hour tour on the river based boats - "yes please!" The veteran and "docent" on the boat was well spoken and very knowledgeable and dare I say "cheery." It was an all around great tour and I highly recommend it. Also, it wasn't a crowded tour so plenty of space in late August.

The crew was amazing, the tour was informative and the atmosphere on the boat was incredible. Highly recommend!

Pick this tour! There are several options for river tours; I'm glad I chose this one! The retired fireboat is very cool, and the guide was great! Also, this is a veteran owned business 👍 Highly recommend!

We picked this hidden gem after seeing people packed like sardines on other boats. The whole crew was down to earth and friendly. Our guide, Cliff, was humorous and knew a lot about the city. I highly recommend supporting this veteran owned business.