Chicago · CHICAGO SPEEDBOAT RIDES

The 4 Best Chicago Speedboat Rides

4 tours  ·  from $42

Thirty minutes, loud music and a soaking if you sit at the back. The 4 below compare the lakefront runs on price, length and whether they go far enough out for the skyline shot.

City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride - Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain from the water
Chicago Speedboat Rides, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

1.City Cruises Chicago: Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Ride

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

You’ll leave Navy Pier on a 2,000-horsepower Seadog with an English-speaking guide, racing past Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and Chicago’s lakefront landmarks. The standard ride lasts 30 minutes. Upgrade for faster runs, 360-degree spins, and splashes.

“It was super fun for our family, definitely recommend!”

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Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride - The first run past Navy Pier
Chicago Speedboat Rides, Lake Michigan Boat Cruises, Tour Reviews

Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

2.Lake Michigan 30-Minute Speedboat Ride

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

Board a Coast Guard-certified Seadog speedboat at Navy Pier for a 30-minute Lake Michigan run. You’ll pass Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and the Magnificent Mile with lively commentary, music, and quick bursts of speed. Arrive 30 minutes early with photo ID.

“Could of been faster but overall very fun. The music was great and the narration was informative. The guide was knowledgeable.”

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City Cruises Chicago: 75-min Speedboat Architecture Cruise - Passing through the Chicago Harbor Locks
Chicago Architecture River Cruises, Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago Speedboat Rides, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

City Cruises Chicago: 75-min Speedboat Architecture Cruise

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

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

Board Seadog at Navy Pier for a 75-minute ride through the Chicago Harbor Locks and along the Chicago River. Hear lively architectural stories from an English-speaking guide, then enjoy a faster run on Lake Michigan. Expect open-air seating, possible spray, and guides such as Andy or Anna depending on the departure.

“The staff was excellent and the whole experience was wonderful! Highly would recommend it to a friend or family member!”

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Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour - The Chicago River: towers, bridges, and a remarkable waterway
Chicago Architecture Tours, Chicago Speedboat Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours

Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour

4.Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour

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

Start at Navy Pier for a 75-minute Seadog ride combining a Chicago River architecture cruise with a fast run along Lake Michigan. Guides such as Jinx, Andy, Jake, and Darrin bring the buildings and reversed river to life. Expect skyline views, music, wind, and possible spray.

“So glad I did this tour, it was definitely the best one I did. Our guide was Jinx, she's very knowledgeable and you'll have a good laugh. Highly recommend this tour.”

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