To provide the most thrilling, safe, and unforgettable way to experience the beauty and power of Chicago’s waterways, delivering high-speed adventure and creating lasting memories on every ride.
Blackhawk Boat Tours was founded by Chicago locals who believed the city’s incredible waterways deserved an equally incredible way to experience them.
We looked at the existing tour options – slow, crowded, and predictable -and knew we could do better. By bringing authentic military-grade RHIBs to Chicago, we created a unique hybrid experience: the informative sightseeing of a traditional river tour combined with the heart-pounding adrenaline of an offshore powerboat ride.
Today, we’re proud to offer a family-friendly yet thrilling adventure that shows off our beautiful city from a completely new perspective.
Captain Ken served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 20 years. He was a Federal Boarding Officer, Search and Rescue specialist and expert in tactical boat operations. Ken has sailed the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Mediterranean, South China, Bering, and Caribbean Sea. He served with the Harry S. Truman battle group in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Ken has retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and is now a Naval Science Instructor at William Howard Taft High School in Chicago, IL. Ken is a tour captain favorite!
We specialize in small, personal experiences for families and groups who want more than just a view. You’ll get:
We operate with the discipline, precision, safety standards, and equipment of elite forces.
Our captains aren't just drivers; they are passionate Chicagoans who know the city's history well.
We cap our tours at 14 passengers to ensure an intimate, personalized adventure for everyone.
