Busse Birthday Bash

Chicago Boat Tour (45)

Celebrate aboard the historic Fred A. Busse, a 1936 fireboat preserved as a floating museum and flagship of Chicago Fireboat Tours. This dockside spring party features live music from Paul Strolia Music, festive food, and an onboard bar offering special drink pricing. Enjoy a lively atmosphere as guests gather to mark the vessel’s 90th anniversary and experience a unique piece of Chicago maritime history in a social, celebratory setting.

What’s included

  • Access to the onboard bar with special drink prices

  • Live music by Paul Strolia Music

Highlights

  • Celebrate the boat’s 90th birthday on the dock
  • Special mixed drinks and drink pricing at the onboard bar
  • Festive spring party atmosphere and food

Happy Hour Cruise

Chicago Boat Tour (61)

Set sail for suds, skyline, and summer vibes.

🛥️ Every Thursday and Friday evening this summer, hop aboard the historic Fred A. Busse for a 2-hour sunset cruise through Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

🍺 Phase Three Brewing every Thursday!
🎶 Live music every Friday!
👤 Ages 21+ only — this one’s for the big kids
📍 Departs from DuSable Harbor
🕒 Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure
✨ Stunning views, great tunes, and fantastic drinks — all in one unforgettable cruise.

What’s included

  • 2hr Lake and River Cruise
  • Drinks and Snacks available for purchase

St Paddy’s Day Green River Cruises

Chicago Boat Tour (37)

🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Water with Chicago Fireboat Tours! 🚤
Get front-row views of Chicago’s iconic river dyeing and enjoy a festive cruise through the heart of the city! Whether you’re an early riser or prefer an afternoon adventure, we’ve got the perfect cruise for you.

☘️ Dye of the River Cruise (2.5 hours)
⏰ 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Final times may shift based on the city’s official schedule)
🍽️ Food Included
• Adults (21+): $150 – includes 2 drink tickets
• Teens/Young Adults (13–20): $100
• Children (4–12): $65
• Infants: Free! (Infant ticket required at checkout)

💚 Green River Rides (90 minutes)
🕐 Departure Times: 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM
• Adults (21+): $85
• Teens/Young Adults (13–20): $55
• Children (4–12): $35
• Infants: Free! (Infant ticket required at checkout)

📍 About the Experience
Hop aboard from our river dock at the north end of DuSable Harbor and cruise toward the best views of the river dyeing ceremony. Afterward, enjoy a scenic ride through Chicago’s historic waterways. Afternoon cruises offer a narrated journey along the vibrant, green-tinted river.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages welcome! Come celebrate the luck of the Irish with us—on the water!

Mag Mile Lights Festival & Fireworks Cruise (11/22/25 Only)

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ONE NIGHT ONLY! Chicago Fireboat Tours presents the ultimate holiday night cruise during the Chicago Lights Festival!

Hop aboard our historic fireboat for a magical night on the Chicago River — pure holiday cheer!

All Cruises will be boarding from 200 N Breakwater access, Chicago, IL 60601. Dusable Harbor. Chicago River and Lake Shore Drive Bridge

  • Santa will be onboard and ready for selfies, high-fives, and holiday wishes
  • Festive music, twinkling lights, and cozy vibes
  • Spectacular fireworks show lighting up the riverfront
  • Hot cocoa & holiday treats available for purchase
  • Heated Cabin and back deck area.

🎟️ Limited spots available — book now before it sells out!

✨ Make this season sparkle — from the water!

Tickets
  • $45 Adults
  • $30 Kids
  • 3 & Under Free
Duration
  • 6pm departure
  • 90 minute cruise

The Electric Brew Cruise – Grateful Dead Tribute (8/8/25 Only)

Fireboat Dead Tribute

Join Chicago Fireboat Tours for a special “Days Between” celebration honoring the Grateful Dead on Friday, August 8! Cruise on the city’s historic Fred A. Busse fireboat while enjoying live music from the Chicago tribute band Electric Brew, known for their high-energy jams and classic rock favorites. Set sail from DuSable Harbor for a night of great vibes, incredible views, and tunes inspired by one of America’s most beloved bands. Don’t miss this unique river experience for Deadheads and music lovers alike—perfect for celebrating the legacy of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead right on the water.

Also celebrating the release of Phase Three’s Brew Cruise, beer which just got released for 2025!

About the Event
  • 3 hour cruise
  • 1st drink is included
  • Incredible views
  • Cash Bar
  • 21+ Event
Rates
  • $75 Per Person
Duration

3 Hours

Venetian Night with JP Grazianos (7/26/25 Only)

Sandwich Edit Fireboat

Get ready for a magical night aboard our iconic fireboat as we celebrate Venetian Night—a beloved Chicago tradition—like never before!

This special cruise pays tribute to classic Chicago with a one-of-a-kind collaboration featuring the legendary J.P. Graziano Grocery Co. Fun fact: our historic fireboat has been cruising the city’s waterways since 1937—the very same year J.P. Graziano opened its doors!

A First-of-Its-Kind Chicago Culinary Cruise – Indulge in a curated menu from J.P. Graziano’s, featuring:

  • Their famous Italian subs, stacked with premium meats, imported cheeses, and house-made giardiniera
  • Mini beef sandwiches
  • Delectable desserts
  • Sip on craft cocktails, fine wines, or refreshing non-alcoholic options as you take in the stunning skyline from our open-air deck.

A Venetian Night to Remember – Join the parade of boats along the river and experience:

  • Breathtaking views
  • The timeless charm of Chicago’s Venetian Night
What’s included
  • 3 hour cruise
  • Delicious food
  • Incredible views
  • Cash Bar
Rates
  • Adults: $75
  • Kids: $50
Duration

3 Hours

The Pizza Cruise (7/25/25 Only)

Pizza hero

We’re excited to announce a unique collaboration between Chicago Fireboat Tours and Chicago Pizza Tours. This partnership brings together two exceptional Chicago experiences for the first time, offering you an unforgettable event.

We invite you to join us for a 2 hour lakefront skyline cruise, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of Chicago’s finest pizza. During the cruise, you will gain new insights and techniques to try at home while engaging in discussions about pizza with Jon Porter from Chicago Pizza Tours.

What’s included
  • 2 hour cruise!
  • 3 pizza tastings!
  • 1st drink is on us!
Rates

Admission (21+ to drink): $85

Duration

2 Hours

Santa Claus Sleigh Ride Cruise

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Set sail on the iconic Chicago River this holiday season with our Santa Claus Sleigh Ride Cruises!  Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with festive cheer and fun for the whole family.

All Cruises will be boarding from 200 N Breakwater access, Chicago, IL 60601. Dusable Harbor. Chicago River and Lake Shore Drive Bridge

Details
  • Tickets are $25 | 3 & Under Free

Rides are weather permitting, so dress warmly and come ready for an unforgettable experience!

Why You’ll Love It
  • A magical way to see Chicago’s winter skyline.
  • Heated Cabin and back deck area.
  • Family-friendly fun with cozy holiday vibes.
  • A budget-friendly outing that’s sure to create lasting memories.

Get the crew together and book this one of a kind experience now to make this holiday season one to remember!

Air & Water Show Cruises

Air and Water Show Chicago Boat Rental

The Chicago Air & Water Show is an annual air show held on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. The show has been held each year since 1959 and is Chicago’s second most popular festival.

Two days only! Very limited capacity.

Food is included in Price. Water, Juice, and Pop are complimentary, and 1 drink ticket provided to each Adult Ticket.

Join us on the Fireboat to be in the center of all the action on the Lake!

Gift Card For Any Tour

Chicago Boat Tour (54)

Give them an experience they’ll remember! You can use gift cards for any of our tours. Whether they want to cruise up the river or watch the fireworks at sunset, we’re sure it will be a trip to remember.