River + Lake Tour Experience

Fast Boats. Big City. YOUR TOUR.

Blackhawk Boat Tours offers thrilling Chicago River and Lake Michigan adventures aboard military-grade vessels. Experience Chicago from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan on a high-speed tour with skyline views.

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USCG Licensed

Family Friendly

5-Star Rated

Guests and captain aboard a Blackhawk RHIB speeding past the Chicago skyline

10,000+

Happy riders and counting

Captain at the helm of a Blackhawk RHIB with the Chicago skyline behind

What Makes Us Different

This isn't your typical boat tour.

We specialize in small, personal experiences for families and groups who want more than just a view. You'll get:

Up-close skyline views

Get right up to Chicago's iconic skyline for a view you simply can't experience from land.

Stories that bring Chicago's history to life

Hear engaging stories that turn the city's landmarks into moments you'll actually remember.

The thrill of a high-speed adventure on the water

Feel the rush as you speed across the water, adding excitement to every second of your tour.

It's the perfect blend of education, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

What We Offer

Experiences Built for Adventure

Choose your adventure. From high-speed thrills to scenic architectural tours, we have the perfect ride for you.

Featured

Adventure Lake and River Tour

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with high-speed runs on the open waters of Lake Michigan. Feel the power of our Navy-grade vessels.

Lake Adventure Tour

Iconic architecture meets high-speed thrills through downtown.

Private Charters

Exclusive experiences for groups and special celebrations.

Custom Adventure Tours

Tailor your experience, we'll build the perfect tour for you.

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Our Vessels

Military-Grade Performance

Our fleet consists of US Navy-style rigid-hull inflatable boats, the same vessels trusted by military forces worldwide for their unmatched speed, stability, and safety.

Battle-Tested Safety

Designed for extreme conditions, built for your peace of mind.

Incredible Speed

Reach speeds up to 40 MPH on the open water.

Small Group Comfort

Intimate capacity ensures personalized attention and maximum thrills.

Guests cheering aboard a Blackhawk RHIB near downtown Chicago

Explore Our Fleet

From the USS Laboon

Bravo-22

Bravo-22 traces its origins to the USS Laboon, carrying forward a legacy of strength, precision, and performance built in the U.S. Navy.

Originally served on the USS Laboon stationed at Norfolk, VA.

From the USS Leyte Gulf

Hotel-26

Hotel-26 traces its origins to the USS Leyte Gulf, carrying forward a legacy of strength, precision, and mission-ready performance built in the U.S. Navy.

Originally served on the USS Leyte Gulf stationed at Norfolk, VA but is now decommissioned.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide safe, intimate, and unforgettable boating experiences led by highly trained, Coast Guard-licensed captains with Navy RHIB expertise. We pride ourselves on delivering family-friendly adventures in a relaxed, uncrowded setting, where every guest feels welcome and cared for. Through professionalism, local knowledge, and a commitment to safety, we create memorable moments on the water that are both exciting and accessible for all ages.

Our Story

Born from a Love of Adventure

Licensed captains. Coast Guard certified professionals. Expert captains who live for the water and love sharing Chicago's story.

10,000+

Tours. Safe adventures since day one.

This isn't just a tour. It's Chicago, told at full speed.

Meet the Team

Captain Ken aboard the boat with the Chicago skyline behind him

Gallery

Glimpses of the adventure. See what awaits you on a Blackhawk Boat Tour.

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What People Say

Real stories from real adventurers

“This wasn't just a boat tour, it was pure adrenaline! The captain was incredible, and the views of Chicago from the water were breath-taking. Best tour we've ever taken.”