Boat Tours • Water Sports
Downtown / The Loop
Top Boat Rentals in Chicago, IL
Boat Rentals in Chicago
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29 places sorted by traveler favorites
Boat Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
Near North Side
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
North Side
Boat Rentals
Near North Side
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Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
Burnham Park
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City Tours • Boat Tours
Downtown / The Loop
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
Downtown / The Loop
Boat Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
North Side
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
Downtown / The Loop
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Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
Downtown / The Loop
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Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
South Side
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
North Side
Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Boat Rentals
Downtown / The Loop
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Boat Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
Downtown / The Loop
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Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
Burnham Park
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Night Tours • Boat Rentals
Downtown / The Loop
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Boat Rentals
Boat Rentals
Burnham Park
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Boat Rentals
Burnham Park
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Boat Rentals
Hyde Park
Boat Rentals
Near South Side
City Tours • Night Tours
Downtown / The Loop
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Boat Tours • Boat Rentals
What travelers are saying
- PrairieGodmotherFlossmoor, IL18 contributionsWe kayaked down the Chicago River with our guide, Adam, who was entirely entertaining, knowledgeable, humorous, and very dedicated to our safety. His witty and accurate information about the river's skyline as well as some Chicago history was beyond good. I'm a history nut and he was not only right about what he told us but I learned some history along the way.Written August 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Raheeq1 contributionI've done two kayaking adventures with Wateriders in the past couple of months. The first was as a school trip but I also recently did the sunset tour with two of my other friends and we all loved it! We live in Chicago but thought kayaking on the Chicago river would be exciting and it definitely was. It's a unique experience that I'd recommend to anyone from out of town or anyone who just likes kayaking in general. It's great for beginners as well because the guides are super helpful and did a good job explaining how to navigate the river. They also were really knowledgable on the history of the city and had some cool stories they shared. Overall, I'd definitely go back again and 100% would recommend (:Written August 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rachel AChicago, IL4 contributionsWhat a fabulous afternoon on the Nebula with Captain Marty. He is such a professional and we felt super safe on the water! It was such an adventure and he even taught my 14 year old and his friends how to sail. This was the best way to celebrate his birthday! I highly recommend this experience! Worth every dollar! Thank you Edwina and Captain Marty!Written August 22, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Savanna sChicago, IL6 contributionsThe boat was adorable! Everything was sparkling clean, everyone was very nice. Giovanni was amazing to work worth, funny, and super helpful. We brought our own food, enjoyed it while floating around. Celebrated our engagement with some wine and it was a great time. We went towards the end of the evening, we got to see the sun going down and by the end we were able to watch fireworks. Tons of fun!Written May 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Navigate6178731 contributionA must do in downtown Chicago. The pontoon rental lets you enjoy the River Walk on the lake and capture beautiful views of the city. Staff is great and very helpful as well!Written August 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Connector531071 contributionOne of our favorite adventures during our girls trip in Chicago! A must do! Captain Conway was an excellent and experienced host. He was knowledgeable about the area and the best spots to be on the lake. The boat had Bluetooth Bose speakers for our fun play list. All of the instructions were very helpful. A smooth process from booking to docking! Would book again next time in Chicago!Written July 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kim J1 contributionThis was the most fun I've had all summer. I was a little intimidated it would be hard to captain the boat but it was super easy and quite fun! The staff was excellent and did a great job of explaining everything while also not taking long at all to do so. The pizza that comes with the boat was also surprisingly delicious too! I wish I had ordered another from them. Highly recommend this company to anyone in Chicago.Written July 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sarah CZurich, Switzerland73 contributionsOur good friend turned 40 recently and his wife planned an awesome surprise birthday party on Lake Michigan with this crew. The day was amazing! The boat was beautiful, and the crew friendly and accommodating. Would definitely recommend to others planning a fun and relaxing day on the water.Written July 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- artychick7712 contributionsMy husband and I had a great experience on today’s 2hr sailboat ride. Dennis was our captain and was very informative, friendly, and put safety first. I would highly recommend this company and already told my husband that I want to do this again for my birthday with our friends!Written June 27, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Xavier C1 contributionMonica was great , did a awesome job, captain Monica made it a blast , if I ever go again I’m asking for herWritten June 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- selopr2Chicago, IL7 contributionsThis is a great are to see wildlife in the city and a great number of people living here don't even know it exists. I suggest doing one of the early evening cardio kayak classes during the summer and you'll get to see herons, seagulls, and maybe a coyote. If you're an experienced kayaker you don't have to stay with the class. Go early and paddle as far north or south as you can in the first 50 minutes of the 1.5 hour session.Written August 20, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kim BChicago, IL7 contributionsThe river and all the sights speak for themselves and the captain navigated the water way well. We weren't allowed to board until after advertised launch time and were on the boat waiting a while for launch. In the end the advertised 75 minute ride was under 60 minutes, boo! We thought we'd get island music and a fun crew. Couldn't hear music and most of crew only engaged if spoken to. Then there was the bartender, who told us with the first drink she made us how miserable she was and hot and "had" to be there until 1 in the morning and many other statements the entire float about how miserable she is. She also stopped mid-pour, looked at us, looked at the tip cup, looked at us again. Extremely unprofessional and lacking of a service attitude. Our visit was family (all adults) not an option below.Written August 8, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ashley Linda AChicago, IL55 contributionsWhat a FUN TIME we had! My niece had a tight budget for her wedding. She reached out to Greg and his co-captain to have her wedding on his boat in September 2018! EVERYONE HAD A BLAST! He even acted as the wedding officiant for the ceremony since we did not have anyone. My friend and I went a few hours ahead to decorate the boat. Greg was totally willing to help and the wedding was a success!! This was a great budget friendly decision :) Bathroom - Bluetooth - lighted boat and more!.SO MUCH FUN!! THANK YOU :)Written June 29, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ryan L1 contributionTrue professional and first class experience all around. The captain was punctual and very knowledgeable we felt safe and had a wonderful time.Written March 12, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SilverGrey4231 contributionsAnytime I can get a couple of hours on the water that is good day. I was in downtown Chicago on business and managed to get a couple of hours free. My husband and I found Chicago Sailing online and booked a 3 hour charter on a 30ft boat.
We got to the marina a little early and the boat we chartered was still out on a lesson. The team was very friendly and gave great service. They offered to let us take out a different 30ft boat that was available right then or we could wait and take the original when it returned. It was scheduled to return right at our original time. But, we were excited to get out and opted for the available boat. In retrospect we probably should have waited for the original.
The boat we took out was seaworthy and it was decent to sail. As diehard sailors We had fun sailing the lake and taking pics with the Chicago skyline in the back. The engine started when it came time to motor back.
Unfortunately the boat was dirty, old and not well maintained. Below deck was a stripped down mess. The top was grimy with sheets,sails and rigging in poor condition. The sailing was great, the service was wonderful, but the boat was not.
Overall, it was expensive for the boat we took out. We spent more than $300 and had an experience that was probably worth $150-$200.Written August 8, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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