
Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 129 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays worth booking?
Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays is a 1.3-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $64 per person. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 129 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 41 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (129)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $64 per person
See Chicago the Island Party Way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax and enjoy a beverage. Have questions about the buildings you'll see along the river? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.
What you get
About this experience
See Chicago the Island Party Way. Our floating Tiki Bar offers you the opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds as you relax and enjoy a beverage. Have questions about the buildings you'll see along the river? Our helpful staff will be happy to answer questions.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- River Cruise
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Alcoholic Beverages (available for purchase)
What you'll see and do
Chicago Riverwalk
Board your tiki bar boat right from the Chicago Riverwalk.
Chicago River
Enjoy beverages and listen to island tunes as you take in unique views of Chicago buildings and bascule bridges.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
By Taxi, Uber or Lyft the Riverwalk entrance is the corner of Wacker Drive and Columbus Drive. Proceed down the stairs and make a right when you get to the river. If you are driving, there is street parking is available behind Island Party Hut, enter 355 Sub Lower Wacker, Chicago, IL 60601 in to your GPS (hint, it's near the auto pound.)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
By Taxi, Uber or Lyft the Riverwalk entrance is the corner of Wacker Drive and Columbus Drive. Proceed down the stairs and make a right when you get to the river. If you are driving, there is street parking is available behind Island Party Hut, enter 355 Sub Lower Wacker, Chicago, IL 60601 in to your GPS (hint, it's near the auto pound.)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Island Party Boat
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dogs welcome
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 129 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
129 verified traveler reviews for Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Even in the rain this was fun
Great time at our event and fun bartender Jovahnny!
via Tripadvisor
Nice friendly boat tour
We had a great time , niko was great very friendly and informative with all our questions.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the 5-star review! 🥳🍹 We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time on our Wednesday tiki cruise and that Niko took such good care of your group! 🏙️🛥️ Our crew loves sharing fun facts and answering questions along the river! ⚓✨ We hope to welcome you back on board for another fun trip soon! 🥂🌴 Cheers, Island Party Team 🌴🛥️
via Tripadvisor
10/10 would recommend go see Alondra for drinks
Alondra was excellent. Great service and the neat drinks
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the 5-star review! 🍹✨ We are thrilled to hear you had a 10/10 experience on the river! Alondra is truly awesome, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words about her great service and neat drinks. 🥂⚓ We can't wait to welcome you back on board for another Tiki Bar party cruise soon! 🥳 Cheers, Island Party Team 🌴🛥️
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing experience
Disappointing experience – not worth $40 Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed with this cruise, especially considering the $40 price. My girlfriend and I were literally the only two people who were not part of the same large work group. Everyone else on the boat worked together and was there for a work activity. This made us feel very much like we were in the way rather than actual guests of the cruise. There weren’t enough seats left for us, so we ended up sitting in a corner on a box containing the life jackets. The group had arranged their own food, and the whole setup was clearly centered around their private group. They also had a work speech during the cruise, so everyone had to be quiet for part of the tour. We were also sitting next to a speaker that wasn’t playing the advertised tiki music — we mostly heard country music instead. Overall, there was very little of the fun tiki atmosphere that was advertised. We completely understand that other people can book the same cruise, but if the cruise was essentially going to be taken over by a large private work group, this should have been indicated on the website or we should have been notified that the cruise was effectively full for a private event. We would have chosen something else. We felt clearly out of place throughout the experience, and unfortunately it was not the fun, lively party cruise we expected. For $40 per person, we definitely did not feel it was worth the price.
Response from the operator: We’d like to clarify a few key facts regarding your cruise. Our public trips are open-enrollment events where multiple independent parties and individuals book seats on the same departure. On the day of your cruise, there were only 29 total guests checked in—far below our vessel’s maximum capacity of 90—and there were several other independent parties on board in addition to the company group. Regarding seating, there was ample open seating available across the boat. Our upper deck alone accommodates 40 guests—more than enough for the entire 29-person turnout—and our open bow features additional seating for 16. Guests are always free to move around and enjoy any of the multiple seating areas throughout the vessel.
via Viator
We love Alondra
Alondra was an amazing bar tender 10/10
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 45
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Island Party Boat, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 46.2.
See everything Island Party Boat runsWhy this scores 41
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays cost?
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Prices start at $64 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.
Is Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 41 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 129 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays?
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Around 45 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
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Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
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May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; River Cruise; and On-board restrooms. Not included: Alcoholic Beverages (available for purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays?
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By Taxi, Uber or Lyft the Riverwalk entrance is the corner of Wacker Drive and Columbus Drive. Proceed down the stairs and make a right when you get to the river. If you are driving. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Chicago River Tiki Bar Party Cruise from Chicago River Wednesdays?
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Across 129 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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