Chicago Water Taxi Fireworks Cruise

See all the best of Chicago Architecture at busiest part of the River.

Chicago Water Taxi Fireworks Cruise

Gratis

Adults

$25

Kids 12-4

$19

Kids under 4

Free

Take this 45-minute cruise along the Chicago River to catch the Navy Pier fireworks lighting up the sky and reflecting off the water. This is a Chicago experience everyone should do at least once.

Chicago knows how to light up a summer night—and the Chicago Water Taxi puts you right in the middle of it. Our Chicago Water Taxi River Fireworks Cruise offers a front-row seat to the show, allowing you to bypass the lakefront crowds and enjoy the display from the heart of the city. You’ll glide beneath the skyline as Navy Pier’s famous fireworks reflect off the river and skyscrapers in a dazzling display of color.

The cruise departs on Wednesday evenings only from our Michigan Avenue Water Taxi Dock, located at the base of the historic Wrigley Building. You’ll cruise the Chicago River as the city begins to sparkle, eventually pausing in a prime viewing spot to watch the fireworks burst overhead and shimmer in the water below. It’s the kind of Chicago magic that never gets old, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong local.

This is an unguided experience designed for relaxation, so feel free to sit back and soak in the atmosphere. To make the evening even better, there is a bar onboard featuring a selection of beer, seltzer, and soft drinks to toast the occasion. Most guests prefer the open-air upper deck for the best views, but our water taxis also feature comfortable lower-level seating and onboard restrooms.

Cruises depart rain or shine, and our boats are built for it. Just arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, because boarding begins 15 minutes prior (and fireworks wait for no one).

Perfect for date night, friend night, or just treating yourself to a little wonder on the water.

• Front-row seat to the fireworks!
• Open-air and covered seating
• Friendly crew to answer your questions
• Iconic skyline views
• Restrooms on board

We have a concessions stand with beer, hard seltzer and soft drinks available for purchase.

We depart rain or shine; Chicago weather is unpredictable, but our boats are built for it. We recommend arriving at the dock 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time since boarding typically begins 15 minutes prior. All bags are subject to screening, and outside alcohol or weapons are not allowed. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable after the scheduled departure time. Not sure where to go? Head to 400 N Michigan Avenue, right by the historic Wrigley Building at the northwest corner of the DuSable (Michigan Avenue) Bridge to check in with an employee who can direct you to your boarding area. For additional info chat with us, or give us a call.

Your Cruise

Wendella & Chicago Water Taxi Docks

400 N Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

START & END

At our Michigan Ave Dock. If you or anyone in your party has limited mobility or has a wheelchair, please call us (312)337-1446 ahead of your tour.

SIGHTS

  1. Centennial Fountain
  2. Chicago Lock
  3. Navy Pier
  4. Aqua Tower
  5. The Wrigley Building
Cruise map

FAQ

  • Seniors and Persons with Disabilities receive 50 % off one-way tickets. Active Duty Military with valid ID ride free. Discounted tickets must be purchased on site and cannot be purchased online.

  • All guests ages 4 and over require a ticket. Children ages 3 years old and younger do not need a ticket on Chicago Water Taxi.

  • Chicago Water Taxi does have limited weekday wheelchair accessible route options that are subject to availability and must be reserved 5 days in advance. Please call 312-337-1446 to inquire about availability.

  • Yes. Strollers and luggage are allowed; however, all
    items are subject to inspection by security personnel. At most docks, boarding
    requires crossing a boarding plank. For safety reasons, strollers must be
    folded and carried across, and children must be removed from the stroller
    before boarding



  • We do not go to Navy Pier, the Michigan Avenue Stop is one mile west of Navy Pier.