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CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

Best Experiences in the US

Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US

#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years

6 best tours and walks in Chicago

Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.

Northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and E. Wacker Dr ( 112 E. Wacker Drive ). Look for the black awning marking the stairway entrance. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.

Tour Highlights

Rated #1 year after year.

Learn about the architects who created our city's magnificent buildings—and the stories behind them. Along the way, you'll also hear how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities.

This classic tour, aboard the city's most luxurious fleet, is a must for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike.

Boat Amenities

About Our Boat Partner

Evening River Cruise

Serene and bathed in softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life in the setting sun. Wind down and enjoy a cocktail with friends and family on our luxury boats. All departures later than 5:00 p.m.

Tour Information and Tips

• Each person must have a ticket, including infants and children. Please note that infant tickets must be purchased with an adult ticket.
• Seating is general admission.
• The River Cruise is available in 4 languages: Continental French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese and Korean. To access these languages, please download the "Listen Everywhere" app in advance. Once you are on board the boat, the app will connect and allow you to listen in your selected language as the boat makes its way down the river.
• All tours depart rain or shine. Climate-controlled cabin is available.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time. Allow extra time for traffic and parking in summer.
• Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure time.
• Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat. Allow extra time.

Accessibility

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises works hard to ensure that everyone is able to access the beauty of their boats and enjoy a wonderful experience aboard. For the best experience, give us advance notice for any special boarding needs.

Guests with Limited Mobility – What to Expect Onboard

Handicap Accessible Boats

All our boats, except Chicago's First Lady & Chicago's Little Lady, are handicap accessible and offer a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

Seating Options

Guests who are unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may sit on the open-air bow deck or the climate-controlled cabin with large windows.

Accessing the Dock Area

For guests unable to use stairs, there are two options: an ADA-compliant ramp to the Riverwalk at Wacker Drive and State Street, or a drop-off area on the same level as our dock at Lower Lower Wacker Drive. View directions .

Assistance can be provided

Staff members will gladly take table-side drink orders for passengers with limited mobility.

Have more questions?

Please visit Chicago's First Lady or contact our tour operations team.

How to Buy Accessible Tour Tickets

Tickets for tours on accessible boats can be purchased by selecting the 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. departure times.

Wheelchairs Available for Use

For those requesting use of the company's manual wheelchair, please visit the dockside CFL River Cruise ticket office upon arrival.

Service Animals

We welcome service dogs onboard! The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places. Emotional support animals, pets and other animals not covered by ADA guidelines are not permitted. Please visit the ADA's FAQ on service animals for further details.

Boarding Ramps Available

When boarding the ship, guests cross two ramps and enter through a opening (doorway) that is 36" wide. Crew members can assist you in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs may not board the ship; guests may utilize our manual wheelchair (based upon availability).

Who gives the tours?

All tours are given by CAC-certified  volunteer docents . Docents receive hundreds of hours of training about Chicago’s architecture and its history. They are storytellers and Chicago experts.

Where do we board the CAC River Cruise?

Meet at the Chicago’s First Lady boat dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The dock is located at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive.

Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance (if using a GPS, enter 112 E. Wacker Drive ).

Are refunds or exchanges available for online ticket purchases?

Refunds and exchanges for ticket purchases are not permitted. Please double-check your dates and times before making a ticket purchase.

Is parking available?

The closest parking garage is located at  111 East Wacker Drive . CAC guests and members receive a discount on parking at this garage for up to 4 hours. You can receive a validated parking sticker at the Center box office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. The parking garage is open 24/7.

Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. You can also book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot, visit the  Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page .

Group & Private Tours

Interested in a tour for a group? Learn more about our group and private tour options.

Fantastic views. Love the history and the facts about architecture! I highly recommend this boat tour to anyone visiting Chicago.

What an amazing tour!!! Our guide was fantastic! He was funny and knowledgeable and made the entire trip very interesting! I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the city; this is definitely one not to miss!

So worth it. This was a highlight of our trip. Just beautiful. Very interesting info, too! We learned a lot and had a great time.

Such a wonderful experience. Megan was very knowledgeable and her love and passion for her city made me fall in love with it too. Highly recommend.

Aerial view of the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Photo by: Barry Butler

A docent shares stories on a CAC River Cruise. Photo by: Dennis Lee Photography.

The CAC River Cruise is an annual tradition for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike. Photo by: Barry Butler.

Upgrade Your Ticket to See More

Looking for the ultimate Chicago architecture experience? Add admission to the center for just $5 (regular price $14) as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart.

take the #1 boat tour in north america

As voted by USA Today readers!

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Wendella tours & cruises.

Located in The Magnificent Mile

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400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611

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• www.wendellaboats.com
• (312) 337-1446
• (312) 344-1190
• Women Owned

Go Green…Ride Yellow…The Chicago Water Taxi offers a Fun, Fast, Friendly direct link from the Metra and Amtrak Commuter Train Stations at Ogilvie/Union Train Stations to the Mag Mile. The River North Arts District at LaSalle/Clark Streets, Chinatown and Goose Island at North Avenue. The Scheduled service operates seven days a week , with fares starting at $3.00. For more information including schedule and fares log onto chicagowatertaxi.com or call 312-337-1446. As Chicago’s original water transportation company, Wendella has been dedicated to serving Chicago’s families, visitors, students, guests and commuters for over 70 years. Family owned and operated for three generations, our mission is to provide you and your family with a safe, comfortable and affordable fun day on the waterways.

Wheelchair Accessible

Student Tours

Group Charter/Sightseeing

Complimentary Policy 2 per group of 20 or more

Average Visit/Tour Length 1.5 - 2 hours

Minimum Size for Group Admission Rate 20

American Express

Student Group Friendly

Reservation Cancellation Policy All tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another time, date, or tour.

Reservations Accepted

ADA Compliant

Self-Parking Available Off-site

Food On-site OTHER

Open Seasonally

Family-friendly

Military Discount

Preferred Catering Providers

Largest Room, Reception Capacity (Standing) 280

Largest Room, Banquet Capacity (Seated) 280

On-site Audio/Visual Equipment

Complete Buy-out Available

Max Capacity, Reception Style (Standing) 1120

Max Capacity, Banquet Style (Seated) 1120

Max Venue Capacity 1120

Private Meeting Space Available

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Island Sunset & Skyway Bridge Light Show

Island sunset & skyway bridge light show.

6810 Gulfport Blvd. S. St. Pete, FL 33707

$65 – $85 PER PERSON

DEPARTURE TIME

1.5 HOURS BEFORE SUNSET

ISLAND SUNSET AND

Skyway bridge light show.

  Top Tourist Attraction with Top-Rated Sunset Cruise • Available Year Round

Save $10 when booking Monday – Thursday!

Join Coastal Cruises’ on our brand new 50ft Custom Catamaran for an evening like no other! A scenic trip out the Intracoastal and along Shell Key Preserve provides us ample opportunities for dolphin sightings.

Once stopped at Outback Key, feel free to take your drinks ashore, search for that perfect shell, and watch the sun kiss the horizon over the Gulf of Mexico. 

On our return trip, we’ll stop by the Skyway Bridge for a $15M light show! Truly a must-see!

Guests are more than welcome to bring their own snacks or handhelds to help hold them over. No food is offered onboard. Coolers are not permitted.

As safety is our number one priority, the dusk return trip will be aided by state of art Thermal and Night Vision Cameras, GPS Navigation, and Radar. Our Custom Boat is the only one in the area that is equipped properly to safely provide you with such a unique experience!

Recent Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy.

Customer Cancellations: Must be requested via calling or emailing no less than 48hrs before trip departure for a full refund. No shows or late arrivals will be charged the full ticket price.

Weather Cancellations : If your trip’s departure may be impacted by weather, our captains will reach out via text and email with as much advance notice as possible. Should the trip be canceled, guests are entitled to be refunded, rebooked, or receive a gift card in accordance with the cancellation policy associated with their ticket.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes there is a restroom on board that is cleaned and sanitized daily!

What time should we arrive?

Please plan to arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure for boarding.

Is there parking available?

Yes! We have designated free parking for all of our customers.

Are we allowed to bring food?

Yes! Guests are more than welcome to bring their own snacks or light fare.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

For insurance purposes, outside alcohol is not permitted and may be confiscated for the duration of your trip. Don’t worry, our bar will be fully stocked!

What is available at the bar?

Our bar features a small selection of water, soda, beer, wine, and RTD Cocktails: $1 Water; $3 Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke; Michelob Ultra; $7 Corona, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Moscato, NUTRL Vodka Seltzer, Cutwater Mojito.

How do we get off at the beach?

For our island stops, we use a series of steps from the front of our boat to the sand. Typically, you can step right from the boat/steps to the sand. However, on occasion, it may be up to ankle deep.

What should we wear?

Comfort is key! Swimming is discouraged during the island stop due to strong tidal currents. Guests are encouraged to dress as they feel comfortable for their evening with easily removable shoes for their walk on the beach. Keep in mind, being on the water in the evening is about 10 degrees colder than is forecasted, so a windbreaker or light jacket is always safe.

Is your vessel handicap accessible?

Unfortunately we are not handicap accessible at this time. Guests with limited mobility (i.e. walkers, canes) should call our office prior to booking. A good rule of thumb is if the limited mobility passenger is able to make it up 2-3 standard stairs with assistance. Our crew is always here to help and eager to share our memorable trip with all!

Marine Max 6810 Gulfport Blvd. S. St. Pete, FL 33707

$65 - $85 PER PERSON

Duration: 3 Hours