About Us
Wendella launched Chicago Water Taxi in 1962 with a simple idea: to move the city better using the river. Since then, we've connected neighborhoods, eased congestion, and proven that the smartest way through Chicago is often on the water.
NO TRAFFIC. NO STRESS.
A COMMUTE WITH A VIEW
GOOD FOR CHICAGO
THE FAMILY
BEHIND IT ALL
Chicago Water Taxi comes from the same family behind Wendella, the company that launched Chicago's original architecture tour. What started as one boat in 1935 has grown into a full fleet with the city’s widest range of tours and cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Four generations later, we're still proudly part of the city’s story and showing it off from the water.
Our History
Wendella begins its “WWII Water Taxi” service, ferrying U.S. Navy sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and Navy Pier. This service continues until the end of the war.
Wendella launches its Commuter Cruiser service, offering office workers a “five-minute vacation” between Michigan Avenue and the Northwestern Railroad Station (now Ogilvie).
The Chicago Water Taxis see a surge in demand due to the CTA Transit Strike, serving as a lifeline for Chicagoans who need to cross the city.
Captain Bob, second generation owner / operator of Wendella, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Commuter Cruiser.
The service rebrands as Chicago Water Taxi and rolls out its now-iconic yellow and black boats.
The route extends to Chinatown (Ping Tom Park), marking the first expansion beyond its original commuter core.
Chicago Water Taxi provides special Liberty Ship service for the USS Dewert’s port visit, shuttling over 5,000 sailors and civilians to Lake Michigan for the War of 1812 bicentennial.
The route extends to North Avenue, now reaching a total of 8 different neighborhoods along the Chicago River.
Chicago Water Taxi launches The Robert H, named to honor late CEO Bob Borgstrom.
