Wendella Tours And Cruises Chicago Illinois

Experience Chicago from the Water with Wendella Boat Tours.

Chicago is a city filled with incredible restaurants, entertainment, architecture, and unique experiences, but one of the best ways to experience downtown is from the water. During my recent visit, I decided to book a cruise with Wendella Tours and Cruises, and I absolutely loved every moment of the experience. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore downtown Chicago while taking in some of the city’s most impressive architecture, Wendella tours is definitely an experience worth adding to your itinerary.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Wendella Tours and Cruises offers various cruises along the Chicago River and waterfront, with tours ranging from approximately 45 to 90 minutes depending on the experience you choose. As the boat makes its way through the river, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to see Chicago’s famous skyline from a completely different perspective.

What made the cruise so enjoyable for me was the unique route and the opportunity to see so many historic and architecturally significant buildings lining the Chicago River. From modern skyscrapers to beautiful historic landmarks, there was always something interesting to look at. The views from the boat were fantastic, and it was a relaxing way to experience the city without the crowds and traffic you encounter on the streets.

The tour guide was a standout aspect of the experience. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining, sharing intriguing stories and information about the buildings and history of Chicago throughout the journey. Their commentary kept the cruise engaging from start to finish, and I found myself learning things about the city that I likely wouldn’t have discovered just by walking around downtown.

I had such a wonderful time on my Wendella Chicago River cruise that I would happily book another tour on my next visit to Chicago. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or a partner or exploring the city on your own, a Wendella cruise is a wonderful way to see the beauty of Chicago from the water.

Take a look at my Wendella boat cruise experience below and discover why a Chicago River cruise should be on your list of things to do in Chicago!

Booking my Wendella boat cruise was easy. The website was simple to navigate and offered several different cruise options, along with convenient time slots to choose from. This made it easy to find a tour that fit into my Chicago itinerary without any hassle.

Parking is available within walking distance of the dock, which makes getting to the cruise fairly convenient. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby, so you can easily grab something to eat before your cruise or enjoy a meal after your adventure. The surrounding area is also worth exploring, with plenty of attractions and things to see while you’re downtown.

Arrive Early for Your Cruise

I recommend arriving about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you enough time to find the correct dock, get in line, and prepare for boarding. Depending on the time of day, the line can become quite long, especially while passengers from the previous cruise are getting off the boat, so be prepared to wait for a little while.

Once you’re on board, the wait is well worth it! You’ll be treated to beautiful views of Chicago’s shoreline, impressive architecture, and the downtown skyline as you cruise along the river. Keep your camera or phone ready because there are plenty of opportunities to capture some amazing photos and create memorable moments from your Chicago adventure.

Wendella Tours and Cruises Prices

Let’s talk about the Wendella tour and pricing. When I visited, the cost for two people was approximately $90, which included a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River, travelling from the Goose Island area down toward Chinatown. For the amount of time spent on the water and the incredible views along the route, I thought it was a great way to experience Chicago from a different perspective.

The boat has both upper and lower deck seating, so you can choose how you want to enjoy the cruise. The upper deck is ideal for taking in the views and snapping photos, with plenty of seating and room for passengers to observe the city as you cruise along the river. It can accommodate up to approximately 100 people.

The lower deck also offers comfortable seating and provides some shelter if you want a break from the sun or cooler weather. There is also a small onboard bar serving drinks and snacks, which is convenient if you want something to enjoy during the cruise.

One thing I did notice was that the alcoholic drinks were on the pricier side, so keep that in mind if you plan on purchasing drinks onboard. Don’t expect to find many options under $5 unless you’re choosing a soft drink. I personally recommend enjoying the views, taking plenty of photos, and soaking in the Chicago River experience—you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained throughout the cruise!

My Wendella Boat Tours Recommendation

With more than 90 years of experience, Wendella Tours and Cruises has clearly established itself as one of Chicago’s memorable sightseeing experiences, and after taking the cruise myself, I can understand why it has remained so popular for so long.

I genuinely loved every moment of my Wendella boat tour and would recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago. The entire experience was well organized, from boarding to the cruise itself, and the staff were friendly and welcoming throughout the tour.

The breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline, combined with the fascinating stories and historical information from our guide, made the experience even more enjoyable. Seeing Chicago’s incredible architecture from the Chicago River gave me a different appreciation for the city.

My final rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10!

Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or returning to explore more of the city, I highly recommend adding a Wendella Chicago River cruise to your itinerary. It’s an experience I would happily do all over again!

 

Boat tour company started in 1935, offering river and lake cruises plus private boat rentals.

Address: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Phone: +1 312-337-1446

Hours: Saturday9 a.m.–10:30 p.m.Sunday9 a.m.–10 p.m.Monday9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.Tuesday9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.Wednesday9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.Thursday9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.Friday9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.