Experience our popular CAFC River Cruise in the early morning light. Capture Chicago's beautiful buildings during an exclusive cruise designed with the photographer in mind. Move freely around the boat and have access to all angles while a highly-trained docent points out architectural highlights along the way. The tour will pause three times to give you prime opportunities to capture that perfect shot! This tour is exclusively offered by the Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago's First Lady Cruises.
Departing at 9am Summer Saturdays May 28 - Oct 10.
We are committed to following the recommendations of public health officials and will continue to adapt as needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team.
Tickets start at $51.96 per person plus applicable tax. Prices subject to change.
Tickets available online through Ticketmaster or in-person at the dock during regular season hours
Upgrade your ticket for $5 (save $9!) and include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center - valid at time of river cruise ticket purchase only
Each person must have a ticket including infants and children
Every ticket is general admission seating
Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time!
Choose "Print at Home" or "Mobile Ticketing" for immediate tickets; choose "US Mail" only if you have enough time to receive prior to your visit
Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number and arrive 30 minutes early to collect your tickets
Advance Reservations Tours can sell out, advance reservations highly recommended
Arrival Time Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure time - allow extra time in summer!
Boarding Time 15 minutes before departure
What to Bring Your sunglasses, cap or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings
Cruises depart rain or shine
Tour Route The tour travels all three branches of the Chicago River. View tour route map. Route subject to change without notice.
Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our Location page for more.
Amenities
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Food & Beverage A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel.
Indoor and Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck and a climate-controlled interior salon for guest comfort.
Restrooms Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel.
Free Stroller Storage Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
Limited Mobility Services Available See our Location page for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.
Photo Gallery
FAQ
What is different about this tour than the daytime tour?
The Capture Chicago Photography Cruise is the same popular tour as our daytime Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise, but in the beautiful morning light and with three dedicated stopping points to capture the perfect shot.
How long is the tour?
90 minutes.
Can I have a tripod?
Yes! Tripods welcome. We ask that you please be considerate of other guests in placement of tripod so as not to compromise guests' view or enjoyment of tour.
The Capture Chicago Photography Cruise is the same popular tour as our daytime Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise, but in the beautiful morning light and with three dedicated stopping points to capture the perfect shot.
90 minutes.
Yes! Tripods welcome. We ask that you please be considerate of other guests in placement of tripod so as not to compromise guests' view or enjoyment of tour.
Location
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