Host your next event with us
Team Happy Hour
When it comes to building camaraderie with your team, there’s no better place to do it than on a boat! Get out of the four walls of the office and make some team-building memories on the Chicago River. This is a favorite out of office experience for several Chicago-area businesses who have made it an annual event. One favorite team building activity for Chicago businesses is to compete in a photo scavenger hunt on the Chicago River. Multiple teams can participate in this one, with each team competing on board their own Duffy boat. Each boat is given a list of landmarks or items to find and photograph on the River and the first team to check off all of the items in the allotted amount of time wins. We are happy to help facilitate this activity and since multiple teams are split up on to multiple boats, this can be a great option for larger groups. Another favorite team building activity is our spin on the classic work lunch and / or happy hour - aboard a Cycleboat! We can accommodate up to 26 passengers on our Cycleboats where everyone can kick back and relax as they tour the Chicago River on this unique captained cruise. This is a great alternative venue for a celebratory lunch or happy hour! Our docks are conveniently located in the heart of the city and all of our boats are BYOB - coolers and ice are provided. Our crew is happy to help you plan and coordinate details, ensuring that your team building experience is a successful one!
Entertaining Clients
We offer private, customizable onboard experiences that your clients will remember more than a reservation at a restaurant. Duffy Boats - The Classic Chicago River Experience Our self-captained Duffy boats are ideal for smaller client groups or a quick, easy outing. They’re intimate, relaxed, and completely private. A hired captain or sober passenger takes the helm (no license required), leaving everyone else to settle in and enjoy the downtown skyline from the water. Cater in, or BYOB, for a memorable floating lunch or dinner. Best for: 2-12 clients | Chicago River | Self-captained optional Yacht Charters - The Signature Experience When the relationship or the deal calls for something truly exceptional, take it out on Lake Michigan in a luxury yacht. Pathfinder, our vintage 63’ Chris Craft, is a fully restored 1964 classic. It’s the kind of boat that turns heads and can’t help but impress. This is Chicago luxury boating at its finest, and there’s no better backdrop for a conversation or experience you want your clients to remember. If you prefer something a bit more contemporary, then our 52’ Cruiser Yacht offers the same lakefront wow factor with a more modern feel. It’s perfect for summer cocktails and skyline views. Both yachts are captained and accommodate up to 13 passengers. Onboard catering is an option to further elevate the experience. Best for: Up to 13 passengers | Lake Michigan & Chicago River | Captain included
Executive Retreats
If you’re planning an Executive Retreat in Downtown Chicago then it’s an unwritten rule that at least one group activity needs to take place on a boat - and we have just the boat for you! No matter the size of your team, or the mood you want to set, we’re confident that we can help bring the leadership team together in a space that will inspire creative thinking, problem solving and strategy. If you want an intimate, focused setting, then look no further than our Duffy Boats. These self-captained picnic boats seat up to 12 passengers, can be booked by the hour, and give you full control over your route along the Chicago River. Larger groups, or groups that would like to have a captain take the wheel, will feel right at home on our Cycleboat and Party Barge. These unique boats have a set route and can be reserved for 90-min or 120-min cruises on the River or Lakefront. Finally, nothing says C-Suite quite like an evening on one of our luxurious yachts. Enjoy both the Lake and the River as you and your party take a splash in the famous Chicago Play Pen, enjoy a privately catered meal, or watch as the sun sets over the city.
Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
It’s no surprise that Chicago Boat Company consistently ranks on top ten lists for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties! Coordinate those outfits, get your playlist ready and gather your group for a night out on the town. Our boats can accommodate up to 26 passengers on private, BYOB charters, making it the perfect setting to celebrate the bride or groom to be. Cycleboat docks are conveniently located on the Chicago Riverwalk and our Electric Boats are just across the River at Marina City. Both docks are extremely easy locations to get to from downtown hotels and set your party up perfectly to continue the celebration at a number of popular River North area bars and restaurants. Saturdays in the summer months are the most popular times for these parties. We recommend booking in advance so you can get your first choice of boat and time.
Proposals
Since we opened in 2012, our Duffy Boats have served as Chicago’s best kept secret for intimate and memorable proposals. Pop the question while floating on the Chicago River, surrounded by city lights and energy. If the city of Chicago has played a role in your relationship, then this is one of the most romantic and memorable ways you can take this next step together. Our team loves helping coordinate these special cruises and will work with you to get the setting just right for you.
Engagement Photo Session
Engagement photos are special and will be on display for years to come, make the entire experience even more memorable by taking them on a boat. If the City of Chicago has played an important role in your relationship, then we can think of nothing more meaningful than to include it as a backdrop for your engagement photos. Cruise up and down the Chicago River as your photographer captures your love along with the gorgeous architecture and iconic city views. Keep it intimate and quaint on a Retro Boat, or go big and showcase the entire skyline from Lake Michigan aboard one of our yachts. Either way, these photos are sure to become some of your most cherished and treasured.
Weddings
If you’re looking for an intimate and unique place to say “I do,” our boats are unmatched. Keep it lowkey and intimate on the Chicago River in one of our Duffy Boats, or level up and share your first kiss on one of our luxurious yachts as you admire the skyline from Lake Michigan. Our team is happy to coordinate details, decorations, captains and whatever you need to make your day extra special. If you have a big wedding but still want a fun boat presence on your special day, incorporate a Chicago River cruise in other ways. Share the energy and city lights with out of town wedding guests or create a private yet dramatic setting for romantic wedding or engagement photos. Imagine enjoying a prewedding drink on a Cycleboat with your wedding party as your photographer captures the memory!
Gender Reveal
Celebrate your sweetest surprise in the most unforgettable way — out on the water. A boat gender reveal turns your special moment into a private, scenic experience surrounded by sunshine, fresh air, and your favorite people. You’ll create breathtaking photos, joyful reactions, and memories that last a lifetime. It’s more than a reveal — it’s an experience.
Milestone Celebrations
Are you celebrating a company milestone, work anniversary, or retirement farewell? Our boats offer a fantastic and memorable place to mark the occasion! Show your employees just how valued they are by throwing your next company party on one of our boats. We can accommodate groups up to 26 on a single boat, and are able to reserve several boats for your big celebration!
Corporate Holiday Parties
This holiday season, give your team a celebration they’ll actually remember. Step aboard our luxurious, Heated Duffy boats and cruise the Chicago River in style. Enjoy twinkling skyline views, curated holiday playlists, and the option to bring your own food, music and drinks. Whether it’s a casual holiday happy hour, holiday party or end-of-year celebration, this is Chicago’s most unique holiday heated boat venue — cozy, private, and unforgettable.
Birthday Parties
Skip the boring restaurant reservation and throw a memorable birthday party on the water. We offer one of the most unique and exciting ways to celebrate a birthday in Chicago. Private boats, BYOB, incredible skyline views, and a friendly, helpful crew to make it all go off without a hitch. For smaller groups, our self-captained Duffy boats are a perfect fit. Cozy, private, and an intimate, laid-back choice for groups up to 12 who want to connect, celebrate, and soak in the city vibe. Drive yourself, or hire a captain. If you want to go bigger, then check out our Cycleboat and Party Barge options. Suitable for up to 26 passengers, these larger boats come with a captain and a dedicated crew member to make your party as carefree as possible. And for a truly unforgettable milestone birthday celebration, look no further than one of our luxury yachts on Lake Michigan. Both our vintage 63’ Chris Craft and our 52’ Cruiser Yacht offer an elevated, intimate experience for up to 13 passengers. All Chicago Boat Company birthday parties are BYOB! Bring your own drinks and snacks. No bar minimums, competing for service, or crazy upcharges. Our downtown docks are conveniently located near River North bars, so you can continue the party after your cruise. Saturdays and summer weekends fill up fast; we strongly recommend booking in advance! Fill out the form below, and our team will help you find the right boat and setup for your group. We provide the boat, you bring the party!
Testimonials
D MAC
5
Best Corporate event ever. Boat was first class. We booked a 2 hour cruise on a Wednesday night. Watched fireworks next to Navy Pier at 9 pm. Toured North and South branches of Chicago River. Boat was spotless. Brought our drinks. Reasonable price. Clients loved it!
Lisa
5
We had a ton of fun and enjoyed seeing the Chicago Skyline from the wide open space of the river. I've never driven a boat with a steering wheel before, I'm more of a "steer by turning the motor" kind of gal, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Boat were big and clean and ready for fun!
Tina
5
We booked a couple of pontoons for a company outing and had a great experience from start to finish. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and everything ran smoothly. Our teammates who captained the boats said they were simple to operate, which made the whole outing even more enjoyable. Really appreciated how flexible and professional the team was throughout the process!
Michelle
5
I booked the 120-minute BYOB Cycleboat cruise for my team outing and everyone had a fantastic time. The crew was so attentive, strategically placed the snacks and drinks we brought for easy access, and we felt very safe. I would highly recommend this cruise to others.
Matt
5
Brought my team here during happy hour to take a break from work and let's just say it was amazing! Boat was very clean and everything went smoothly. I highly recommend to other companies for their corporate events. We will be back very soon!
Hillary
5
I took two clients out on a boat, and it was a great way for them to explore Chicago while building a stronger connection. We hired a captain so we could relax, and had food delivered to the marina, which made everything easy. Would do it again!!
Garrett
5
I took out 3 clients on a yacht and it was an unforgettable experience. A great way to show the clients a good time.
Tiffany
5
I rented the Marina City Luxury Duffy Boat for a few clients who were visiting Chicago for the first time, and it ended up being one of the highlights of their trip. We hired a captain, which made a huge difference because we could fully relax and enjoy the experience. It was such a fun, easy, and memorable way to entertain clients—I’d absolutely recommend it.
Sarah
5
We decided to change things up and take 4 clients out on a boat for lunch. We got a captain and had food delivered. The clients really enjoyed and the weather was perfect. Great idea for something new!
Josh
5
A couple of owners and I went on the Yacht and had a private catered meal on the water as the sun was setting. It was a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Will definitely be back!
Heather
5
Would totally do this again! Had a company outing and we booked the 120 minute Cycleboat Crusie and it was so much fun! You do not have to pedal at all the boats are electric and it came with a captain. We really enjoyed being on the water and its BYOB! Such a cool experience
Olivia
5
Such a cool experience! Gliding through the river with the city all around us was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. The boat felt super roomy and well-kept, and everything was set up for a stress-free adventure. It was surprisingly easy to operate—even for someone without much boating experience. Definitely a unique and memorable way to see Chicago!
Matthew
5
We did a corporate outing and everyone was very kind and helpful! We got 2 pontoon boats and our captain colleagues said it was pretty easy to drive! The company was courteous and flexible with accommodations!
Michelle S
5
I booked the 120-minute BYOB Cycleboat cruise for my team outing and everyone had a fantastic time. The crew was so attentive, strategically placed the snacks and drinks we brought for easy access, and we felt very safe. I would highly recommend this cruise to others
@lovingperks
5
The best weekend celebrating the best friend and bride-to-be
Erin
5
Couldn’t have planned a better bachelorette outing. Relaxing but still felt like a party. We’ll definitely be back.
Dawn
5
Such a fun and unique way to celebrate! We had a full boat, great weather, and everyone kept saying it was their favorite part of the trip.
Sean
5
Perfect bachelor party activity. Way more fun than a bar crawl and you still get to bring your own drinks. Staff was great and made everything super smooth.
Amanda
5
Booked this for my best friend’s bachelorette and it was hands down the highlight of the weekend. Super easy to drive, amazing views, and we could play our own music. 10/10 recommend.
Griffen
5
So much fun! Monica and Chris did a great job! Would do this trip again! The view from the water was great! One of the highlights from our bachelorette trip
Andrea
5
we had the BEST time with Monica and Paris on our boat cruise through the city! they were so informative and kind and helped us throw an amazing bachelorette boat cruise!!! 10/10 would recommend
Jennifer
5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had the best time on our bachelorette boat ride along the Chicago River! Captain Monica and Maria brought the energy, the vibes, and the party—we couldn’t have asked for a better crew. From the moment we stepped on board, they made sure we felt safe, hyped, and totally celebrated. The views of the skyline were stunning, but honestly, it was Monica and Maria who made the experience unforgettable. Music was on point, drinks were flowing, and the bride felt like an absolute queen. If you’re thinking about booking a boat ride for a special occasion—do it—and ask for Monica and Maria. They were the highlight of our Chi-town trip!
Maria
5
We had an amazing Bachelorette party cruise on the Party Barge with Nicole and Maria this weekend! The service was excellent — organized, professional, we all had so much fun. Huge thanks to Chicago Boat Co. for making it all so easy and unforgettable for us.
Abby
5
Went on the 2 hour party barge cruise for my bachelorette party and it was such an incredible experience from start to finish! I reached out to figure out the best option for our group and preferences, they were even able to add a time slot that they don’t normally do in order to accomodate our itinerary. The party barge is a MUST if you’re in chicago for any type of celebration
@koralangelle
5
DREAM weekend celebrating our dream girl !!
Lenny
5
Everything went smoothly from booking to the actual proposal. It felt really special and not crowded like other spots in the city.
Andrew
5
If you’re thinking about proposing.. do it here. It felt private, romantic, and the skyline views made it unforgettable.
Mark
5
I proposed on the boat and it couldn’t have gone more perfectly. The team was helpful with timing and the setting was unreal. She said yes!
Justyna Serowik
5
My photography clients used this company to rent a boat for an engagement session and it was a great experience! The boats are great and the customer service was excellent.
adeereebphotography
5
this is your sign to rent a retro boat✨ thank you so much Emily & Paul for flying to Chicago and trusting me with documenting your engagement photos
Lauren
5
Super easy experience and the photos came out stunning. It made the whole session feel relaxed and fun instead of posed.
Molly
5
Our photographer loved the setting and the lighting on the water was perfect. So glad we chose this instead of a park.
Vicki
5
We did our engagement photos on the boat and they turned out AMAZING. Such a unique backdrop compared to typical city spots.
Erik Anderson-Photography
5
So, an engagement session on a cute turquoise boat in the Chicago River with an adorable couple equals the best Monday of my life and the craziest session I have ever photographed. Seriously... who wants to photograph on a boat in the Chicago River? I do! For real, though, check out these photos! Massive shoutout to Chicago Boat Company!
Erik Anderson-Photography
5
THIS. ENGAGEMENT. SESSION. WAS. EPIC. So, an engagement session on a cute turquoise boat in the Chicago River with an adorable couple equals the best Monday of my life and the craziest session I have ever photographed. Seriously... who wants to photograph on a boat in the Chicago River? I do! For real, though, check out these photos!
Sarah & Dylan
5
We rented a boat as part of our wedding weekend and it was such a hit with our guests. Something totally different and memorable.
Erin
5
Used this for a small wedding celebration and it was perfect. Intimate, beautiful, and stress-free.
Libby
5
Our guests are still talking about this. It added such a unique touch to our wedding and the views were incredible.
Courtney
5
Thank your team for making this work for our amazing gender reveal. We had the best experience!!
Katie
5
This was a surprise to me, my best friend planned this gender reveal because she knows I love being on the water and it was a beautiful experience.
Mariah
5
Such a fun, memorable experience finding out the gender of my baby. They were able to have a pink and blue retro boat available for my reveal, I would highly recommend!
Yog
5
Connor was amazing, the heated boat ride was sooo much fun we celebrated my friends birthday on it. Connor was sooo sweet and nice and explained everything soo easily!
GSTarheel
5
I retired last week and wanted to celebrate with friends on the river. We booked the cycleboats to celebrate. We had Monica and Maria leading the way and had a FANTASTIC time!!! I so appreciate their hospitality, professionalism and kindness.
James
5
My family and I got together to celebrate my birthday with a boat ride. We hired one of their staff to captain the boat so we could all hang out together. John did an amazing job. It was a wonderful experience. We spent a couple hours on the river and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.. The view from the river is unique. Some of the photos we took are iconic
Ivaylo
5
Celebrated me and my gfs 5 year anniversary by renting Flo (the blue 1950s small boat). We had an incredible time this is a must try experience. The views are absolutely amazing and this experience is great for getting the best pictures in Chicago. Big Thank you to the team for making our experience unforgettable!
Mike
5
We rented the Party Barge for my sister's 40th birthday, and Monica and Amanda did such a fantastic job at making us feel welcome. They were practically a part of the party, but also incredibly diligent and professional to ensure everyone was safe. Unlike some other boating companies on the river, there was no secret fees or hassles to get on the boat - and they even got a wonderful group shot of us all. I honestly have zero reason to try any other boating rental company on the river after this.
Hope
5
I rented a hot tub boat for a belated birthday gift to myself. I went with 5 of my girlfriends and we had the best time!!! Tony and Devonte took care of us. They were so friendly and helpful. They made sure all of our belongings were safe and that we got on and off of the boat okay. The entire staff was so professional. This was SUCH a fun activity. The city looks magical at night and it's so cool to hang out on the river. I highly recommend it!
Maeve
5
OMG we seriously had the most fun with this place! My friends and I celebrated my 21st bday and we are quite clumsy, but they were able to handle us and give us a great experience!!! Totally recommend!! Will the boat guy was so great!!
Rajeev D.
5
This was a beautiful way to spend a friend’s birthday. Great views and a great time. Monica and Maria were absolutely incredible - kind, fun, and overall ideal captain and co-captain. Will be requesting them for the next time we do a cruise.
Wendy T.
5
Chicago Boat was amazing! We came to visit our daughter for her birthday and rented a boat. The training video was clear and simple. Nick was our customer service agent and he was super helpful and funny! We picked up burgers from Small Cheval and provisions from Target. It was the most perfect night. By the way, you don't need to be a sailor to drive these super easy boats. Driving through the canal was like maneuvering on a Disney ride. Tizzy Lizzy was our boat name and she brought us to see the beautiful views of the Riverwalk area and down to the Navy Pier. 2 hours was perfect for us weekend warriors.
joannginger1
5
The boat rental was a birthday celebration and our first on the Chicago River. I absolutely loved it! The booking was very easy and all the people I spoke with gave good information and very knowledgeable since we had never rented here on the Chicago River. All of the people were extremely customer service oriented. I explained our cruisers ranged in age from a 1-1/2 year old to 76 years old with a walker. Carston took us to our boat and got us all situated, he was kind enough to deal with the walker while we were cruising and helped us with the Bluetooth. I highly recommend this company if renting a boat. I had to change our date twice and they were very accommodating. We will definitely rent with them again, hopefully soon!!! This experience with Chicago Boat Company was absolutely wonderful, I highly recommend it.
Susan D
5
Had so much fun for my birthday cruising down the river walk. Mitch and the crew were awesome! Definitely booking again soon! Didn’t realize the entire strip was such a vibe.
Angela D.
5
Loved my birthday trip down the Chicago River on Miss Mistie! can't wait to come back again next week w a group of friends!
