When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Chicago Boat Company
Why Chicago Boat Company is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chicago Boat Company, founded in 2012 by Ron Silvia and Caroline Winter, offers a unique and sustainable way to experience Chicago's stunning architecture and scenic river vistas. With a passion for boating and environmental responsibility, the company initially started with two electric Duffy boats and has since expanded to multiple locations and a diverse fleet including Duffy boats, Donut boats, Retro boats, and Pontoon boats. This makes it an ideal meeting spot for friends seeking a memorable and relaxed gathering on the water. Highlights include private cruises through the city’s iconic skyline, eco-friendly electric boats that provide a smooth and quiet ride, and innovative offerings like the Holiday Hot Tub Boat for a warm, bubbly experience along the Chicago River during colder months. The company also offers flexible boat passes and gift cards, catering to both spontaneous residents and visitors looking for a special outing. Their commitment to sustainability and creating safe, enjoyable experiences ensures that visitors can socialize while appreciating Chicago’s waterways in a responsible and comfortable way.
Here's what people think of Chicago Boat Company
As of recent, Chicago Boat Company holds a 4.9-star rating based on 1718 reviews.
Reviews for Chicago Boat Company are overwhelmingly positive, reflected by its excellent 4.9-star rating from over 1,700 reviews. Many users praised the friendly and helpful staff, the clean and well-maintained boats, and the overall quality of the boating experience. Customers highlighted the unique and relaxing atmosphere, noting that the electric boats offer a peaceful way to explore Chicago’s river and lakefront, perfect for groups of friends or romantic outings. The Holiday Hot Tub Boat in particular received enthusiastic mentions for its novelty and comfort, especially in cold weather. On the other hand, some negative reviews pointed out occasional issues such as limited availability on busy days, the weight limit on the Hot Tub Boat, and the need to arrive early with signed waivers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the quality of the service and the distinctiveness of the experience generally outweighed the negatives. In conclusion, the reviews showcase Chicago Boat Company as a trusted and highly regarded destination for both locals and tourists seeking a unique, environmentally-friendly way to socialize and take in Chicago’s beautiful water views.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cesar-Anthony Batista
This an an amazing experience! I booked with a group of my guys for a bachelor weekend. Our host, Joe, was amazing and kind! He made the ride enjoyable and smooth. The BYOB aspect of this service was great for the occasion. We laughed a ton and got to see the beauty over the River Walk! 10/10-- would highly recommend! Pro Tip: book around the evening to catch the sunset.
Michael Gables
Had a great time with the our rental from Chicago electric boat company. David was great as our crew member guide. We got in our boat fast and enjoyed a relaxing boat drive down the river. Been on the big tour boats this was a lot more fun!
Taylor Shufelt
We rented a boat for 2 hours for a bachelorette party and had SO much fun. It was a great experience and would definitely recommend to others. Our boat crew Avril and Monica did an amazing job. Highlights include: amazing views of downtown Chicago, great photo op with the skyline in the background and the captain took a great group photo for us, getting to play your own music on their boat speaker, small bathroom on board, staff was accommodating when we were running a few minutes late for our boat time.
M. D.
We rented one of the hot tub boats for a 4:30 p.m. cruise. We loved it! Greta was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a small issue while we were cruising but they took care of it quickly and added 15 minutes to our cruise to compensate for down time. I didn't catch the names of the two gentlemen that took care of our issue but they were friendly and swift. Highly recommend this activity. Will definitely do it again.
Lindsey Schreiber
We loved our experience on a boat last night! Getting on/getting set up was so easy thank to the help of Connor and Hyland! Highly recommend doing a sunset time like we did, was so beautiful!
How to reach Chicago Boat Company
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Website: None
Why Chicago Boat Company may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chicago Boat Company with your friends? Because it offers a truly unique and memorable way to experience Chicago’s iconic waterways with those closest to you. With an outstanding 4.9-star rating from over 1,700 reviews, Chicago Boat Company has earned a stellar reputation for exceptional customer experiences. Imagine cruising the Chicago River on a charming retro electric boat, surrounded by the city’s stunning skyline, while enjoying the breeze and the company of friends or family. This setting fosters relaxation, connection, and celebration in an intimate and private environment, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional tourist spots. Whether it’s a casual afternoon getaway or a special occasion like a birthday or reunion, the customizable, easy-to-navigate boats accommodate small groups smoothly, making it ideal for creating lasting memories. Plus, their attentive staff ensures safety and comfort while supporting any special requests, elevating the entire outing into a hassle-free pleasure. Choosing Chicago Boat Company means opting for an experience that blends fun, friendliness, and scenic beauty — exactly what groups seek when they want to rally and unwind together in an unforgettable way.
What activities does Chicago Boat Company offer that make it perfect for a group meetup? The standout activity is the rental of their vintage electric boats, designed for small groups (up to four passengers per boat). These boats are lovingly restored 1950s and 1960s models retrofitted with smooth, eco-friendly electric motors that allow for silent cruising. Renting a retro boat means your group can leisurely explore the Chicago River at your own pace, navigating past famous architecture, bridges, and picturesque city views while chatting, laughing, and snapping photos. The boats come with radios to ensure easy communication with staff, and the harbor master often assists with docking to make the experience seamless. Groups appreciate the ease of booking online, straightforward waiver signing, and staff willingness to accommodate special requests such as particular boat colors or personalized advice. The vibe on the river is relaxed, allowing guests to soak up sunshine or twilight serenity, making it ideal for everything from casual outings to romantic celebrations or family gatherings. This hands-on, self-driven approach encourages group bonding through shared exploration combined with a sense of adventure and freedom.
How is the environment and setting at Chicago Boat Company friendly for groups and meetups? The setting itself is designed to foster connection and socializing, with boats small enough for intimate group interaction but large enough to be comfortable. Many reviews mention the friendly and helpful staff, like Kevin and Evelyn, who go out of their way to ensure groups have everything they need to feel comfortable throughout the outing. The dock area serves as a welcoming, well-organized hub where guests receive clear instructions, safety briefings, and assistance with boarding. Because the boats are electric and quiet, the atmosphere on the river is peaceful rather than chaotic, enabling genuine conversations and enjoyment of natural surroundings. Being on the river, rather than a busy restaurant or crowded venue, the space feels more private and special — perfect for toasting with friends or sharing stories without interruptions. Groups value this blend of serenity and vibrancy, where the city’s dynamic skyline meets calming water, making it an outstanding backdrop for any meetup.
What makes Chicago Boat Company stand out in terms of convenience and customer service for hosting group events? From start to finish, this company prioritizes a smooth and enjoyable experience. Booking can be done entirely online, with clear options and straightforward payment processes that reduce stress for group organizers. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for a relaxed check-in, where staff walk through all safety details and instructions, ensuring everyone on board feels confident in handling the boat. During the cruise, communication is always open via radios, and a harbor master is always on call to assist with docking and navigation challenges. The company’s team members are frequently highlighted in reviews for their friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to personalize experiences — answering questions, sharing local tips, and accommodating unique requests. Having such dependable service means groups can focus fully on enjoyment without worrying about logistics or safety, which is essential when coordinating meetups with multiple people. This reliable and supportive customer care distinguishes Chicago Boat Company as the clear choice to host effortless yet memorable group outings.
Why is the Chicago River cruise experience itself so appealing for groups? Cruising the Chicago River grants a one-of-a-kind way to appreciate the city’s architectural splendor and riverfront beauty from an exclusive vantage point. The gentle pace of the electric boats gives passengers ample time to admire historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and famous landmarks like the Wrigley Building or Marina City, all while floating on calm water. This immersive experience encourages sight-seeing shared among friends, sparking conversation about the city and providing countless photo opportunities. For many, being on the water delivers a refreshing break from the typical urban environment, reducing stress and enhancing mood. The ability to choose specific routes or adjust time on the water adds flexible appeal, allowing groups to customize their experience to fit their preferences, whether that means a quick, scenic hour or a more leisurely, extended cruise. This combination of visual wonder, relaxed travel, and social intimacy is why Chicago River cruises are a standout choice for group meetups.
How does Chicago Boat Company cater to special occasions and make them special for groups? Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just the joy of being together, Chicago Boat Company has the tools to turn simple gatherings into cherished memories. The retro boats themselves exude vintage charm that sets the tone for something unique and festive. Staff members are known for accommodating special requests, such as specific boat colors or particular routes, and for making photo opportunities a priority by snapping pictures before departure. The personalized approach ensures that small gestures of care add up to an extraordinary overall experience. Groups have recounted remarkable moments on these boats—singing along to favorite tunes, sharing drinks and snacks they bring on board, or simply soaking in sunset views in perfect companionship. Because the rentals are private, there is freedom to celebrate without distractions or strangers nearby. All these elements combine to create a truly special environment where groups can honor moments worth remembering on the water.
What practical tips should groups know to make the most of their time at Chicago Boat Company? Arrive about 30 minutes early to handle check-in formalities and receive a thorough safety briefing that will boost everyone’s confidence on the water. Be sure to book online ahead of time since popular times and special boats can fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Dressing for the weather is important — layers are advisable as temperatures can shift with the breeze on the river. Bringing along your own snacks and beverages is encouraged to enhance the experience and create a picnic-like vibe onboard. Remember to keep safety rules in mind, including careful navigation and respecting other river traffic, to ensure fun for all. Lastly, take advantage of the staff’s friendliness and knowledge—don’t hesitate to ask questions or request help at any time. Following these tips will help the group focus solely on enjoying this unique and charming Chicago adventure.
Why do repeat visitors highly recommend Chicago Boat Company for group meetups? Many reviewers mention returning to the company multiple times, emphasizing the consistently excellent experience and customer care. The relaxing and scenic nature of the boat rides means every visit feels like a mini getaway, ideal for breaking routine and reconnecting with friends or family. The variety of boats and the flexibility of rental times allow returning groups to choose new ways to enjoy the river, keeping the experience fresh. Repeat customers also appreciate that the company remembers their preferences or goes the extra mile to make their outings better. Based on this enthusiastic repeat patronage, Chicago Boat Company offers a proven and trusted venue for groups seeking memorable, hassle-free, and fun gatherings in the heart of Chicago’s waterfront.
In summary, Chicago Boat Company is a superb place to rally friends and family because it combines unique retro boat rentals, scenic city river views, outstanding customer service, and an accommodating environment tailored for groups. Whether it’s a casual outing or a special celebration, the company’s delightful boats, knowledgeable staff, and beautiful river setting provide a perfect platform for connection, fun, and unforgettable memories. Choosing Chicago Boat Company guarantees your group an experience that stands out from typical meetups, blending leisure, adventure, and the charm of Chicago’s historic waterway.