Blackhawk Boat Tours - Chicago, Illinois

Brieanne A.

This boat ride was the perfect way for my coworkers and I to end a stressful week at work! Ken was an amazing navigator and kept us laughing and informed the entire time!!! We love Ken! We will definitely take a ride with him again!

Kassandra C.

Such a unique and fun experience! I learned so much about Chicago and enjoyed an amazing afternoon. I highly recommend Captain Ken, he’s such a fun time and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is getting the most of the tour.

Blaine P.

Captain Ken did a great job accommodating us on a last minute change. I can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism, knowledge, talking to each of us on the tour by first name, taking the time to ensure our tour was 100% perfect. First rate!! An outstanding tour, given by a Veteran that takes pride in what he does. Highly recommend this tour. Our kids rated this tour the best thing they did over the weekend!!

Kristin S.

By far the best experience we have had while visiting Chicago! Captain Ken is such a great guy, full of knowledge and also incredibly experienced around boats and on the water. My 12-year-old daughter and I booked an evening tour on the river/lake. I personally prefer small group tours and with a young daughter, most evening boat tours were party boats and booze cruises. Ken was a wealth of knowledge about everything from the waterways, history, architecture and fun facts about Chicago! On a small tour, you can ask questions and learn about the things that truly interest you! It was awesome to go through the lock from the river to the lake, kids can learn a lot from Ken (he’s a school teacher!). We were able to see the fireworks off Navy Pier from out on the lake, absolutely stunning! Hoping to book another trip with Ken during the daytime to get another perspective of the city and to just get to be on the water with Ken and his super cool boat. If you are looking for a fun intimate experience with friends or family, this is an amazing way to see Chicago from the water!! Highly recommended!! Captain Ken is great with communication and made us feel really special!

Peter Z.

Best Chicago boat tour. Period.

Ken brings a completely unique and unforgettable experience. The tour covered everything, architecture, engineering, history, naval watercraft... As a retired Coast Guardsman and history teacher, Ken's knowledge depth is immense.

His boat is a former U.S. Navy craft that is perfect for the slower pace of the river and also for ripping full throttle in Lake Michigan and for high speed maneuvering. You won't be able to find a more intimate tour of the river or a more exhilarating boating experience anywhere else.

Ken clearly sets the new standard for boat tours in Chicago.

Stephanie D.

I recently had an incredible experience on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River that I can’t recommend enough! Captain Ken provided outstanding service—he was attentive, extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Weather was so perfect!
The scenery was breathtaking, showcasing Chicago’s iconic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Captain Ken was truly amazing!! his knowledge and engaging anecdotes added a personal touch that made the journey even more special….Despite living in Chicago my whole life, he shared insights I had never known! This trip was the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. I can’t wait to do it again! Thank you, Captain Ken!

Preston D.

We loved this small boat/small group tour. Ken is very kind and knowledgeable about the city. He is super easy to be with. Turns out, my wife and I were the only people that booked this Friday night during perfect weather, and we were very glad that he did not cancel on us. Instead, he made it our own private tour when it was obviously less economical for him to do so. It was like having our own boat there, with a friend to tell us all about what we were seeing. Great tour! Highly recommended if you like small groups!

Dan C.

An outstanding boating experience!! Captain Ken is professional, humorous, experienced and very knowledgeable on the history of Chicago. We enjoyed the boat tour from beginning to end. Blackhawk Boat Tours is one of a kind and has created a memory for me and my boys which will last forever!! We highly recommend!! Thank you Captain Ken!!