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Chicago Boat Tour Deals & Discounts at Wendella Sightseeing

Wendella Sightseeing Co.
4.8
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AI Customer Review Summary

Based on 30 reviews

Wendella's architectural boat tours deliver an engaging journey through Chicago's skyline, anchored by knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides who bring the city's history and buildings to life. Visitors consistently praise guides like Justine, Zack, John, Tess, and Dave for their humor, depth of knowledge, and ability to make the experience memorable for families and first-time visitors alike. The river and lake scenery provides a stunning backdrop, with many noting that nighttime and sunset tours amplify the visual impact. Most tours run 45 minutes to 90 minutes, giving customers flexibility depending on how much architectural detail they want to absorb. A few practical tips emerge from reviews: arriving early secures better deck spots, the right side of the boat offers more sightseeing opportunities, and dressing warmly matters for cooler months. The experience works well for both locals discovering their own city and visitors experiencing Chicago for the first time.
Tour guide knowledge and engagementArchitecture and building historyRiver and lake scenerySeating and viewing locationWeather and temperature conditionsTour duration and pacingBoat amenities and comfortNarration audio quality

Get exclusive discounts on Chicago boat tours. Guests enjoy scenic cruises along the Chicago River with knowledgeable guides, admiring iconic architecture and skyline views from onboard.


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Chicago River Architecture Tour Deals - 90 Minutes

Save on this captivating tour celebrating Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who shaped the city's 130+ year design legacy. This comprehensive discounted tour navigates all three branches of the Chicago River while professionally-trained guides share the story of architectural innovation, style and technique that makes Chicago iconic.

Chicago River Architecture Tour Deals - 45 Minutes

Experience Chicago's energy on this awe-inspiring voyage at special pricing. This casual, family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage delivers discovery and wonder in a brief but impactful experience.

Things To Know

  • These tours depart from Michigan Avenue at 400 North Michigan Avenue. Descend the stairs at the Michigan Avenue bridge to the dock level.
  • All Wendella vessels have full service bars and rest rooms. Most Wendella vessels have climate control.
  • For parking information, please visit : https://www.wendellaboats.com/parking-directions/

What Our Customers Have To Say!

Friendly and prompt service. Scott, the tour guide, is knowledgeable and willing to share it. He's funny and personable, and this helped make a rainy, cold tour warm and engaging. He made himself available for additional questions about other things to see in Chicago after the boat tour, and he is candid about what makes Chicago stand out. The boat seemed well maintained. Drinks and light snacks are offered for a charge. Interior of boat is climate controlled, and it has tables and bathrooms. The upper deck is open to the elements and provides a great view of the sights.

Need To Know Info

Promotional value expires Dec 31, 2026. Subject to availability. All Sales Final. Wendella tickets are transferable, up until the time/date of departure, at which point they are no longer transferable. If Wendella cancels a tour due to weather or other reasons, the tickets will be fully refundable. Limit 8 per person. Children 3 and under are free with paid adults. Boarding begins 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure time. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

Frequently Asked Questions

About Wendella Sightseeing Co.

In 1935, Albert Borgstrom, a Swedish immigrant, and carpenter by trade, set about constructing a 65-foot wooden yacht. He named the ship The Wendella and charged each visitor $0.25 to ride through the city, admire views, and listen to a guide expound on the sights. This simple vessel ended up being a steppingstone, and 75 years later, guests still ride along, now craning their heads back at the jagged opalescent silhouette of Trump Tower in the distance and the beehive curves of Marina City. Beneath the evolving skyline, the fleet has expanded to six vessels, which are now run by Albert's grandson, Michael Borgstrom. Wendella staffs a dedicated, in-house education department to keep the city's history alive and make sure that people continue to believe in water so it doesn’t disappear. On special excursions, the crew stocks the boats with wine for tastings beneath the stars or points the vessel through the verdigris waters of the lake to watch evening fireworks shows.

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Customer Reviews

Updated today
4.8
based on Groupon 5,421 reviews
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.
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Alicia
1 rating|1 review
I had the BEST time. Our host josh, was amazing and made the tour the best time ever! I would go again next time I'm in the area and I am recommending this one specifically to my friends visiting Chicago.
Steph
2 ratings|1 review
A must see. We arrived early and they were super accommodating and changed us to an earlier tour. Guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining
Monica
3 ratings|3 reviews
Our tour guide was amazing! Worth the money!!
Charlotte
2 ratings|2 reviews
One of the best experiences of my life me and my kids and my husband remember this forever. Thank you so much for the discount it made the world of a difference and totally enjoyed all of our time in Chicago and the guy on the boat that did, the presentation was a phenomenal. Talker about the city thankful and blessed
jamie
2 ratings|2 reviews
Love the experience!!

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