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Our Recent Events

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  St. Patrick’s Day

  All eyes are on the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day and we are one of the only boat operators that can give you access! One of our most popular days, we offer both 90-minute captained Cycleboat cruises for up to 16 passengers, as well as a more intimate captained experience for up to 11 passengers on a Luxury Duffy Boat. Experience the green Chicago River up close as you become part of the excitement on this most epic of Chicago celebration days. As always, all boats are BYOB and all of our St. Patrick’s Day rentals are captained so that everyone on board can partake in the fun.
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  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!
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  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.
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  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.
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  Team Building Activities

  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!
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  Entertaining Clients

  If you’re looking for an upscale and unique way to show your clients how valuable they are to you and your business, then look no further. From a lavish, privately catered dining experience aboard one of our luxurious yachts to an intimate self-captained tour of the Chicago River, we have several options when it comes to entertaining clients. We pride ourselves on keeping our boats clean and pristine, and we love nothing more than showcasing the beauty of Downtown Chicago from the comfort of our fleet.
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  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.
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  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!
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  Valentine’s Day

  February 14th in Chicago may be cold outside, but the River heats up each Valentine’s Day as couples get cozy in a Hot Tub Boat or snuggle up in a Heated Duffy Boat. Float peacefully through the heart of the city as you sip champagne and celebrate your love. The nature of our winter season offerings make this holiday truly memorable!

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