From Chicago beaches to public swimming pools, there are plenty of ways to cool off in the water during the summertime. If you want to relax on (or near) the water, you can hop aboard a Chicago boat tour or dig into a meal at a waterfront restaurant. But for a more intimate and wondrous experience on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, you should consider renting a boat or kayak. Businesses along the river and the lakefront will send you floating throughout the city, whether you want to head out on a solo paddle or join a group led by an experienced captain. You can also rent a yacht, sailboat or motorboat helmed by a captain. No matter your budget, the following options will help you get out on the waters in Chicago.
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The "Airbnb for boats," Getmyboat is the largest platform for boat rentals and charters, offering more than 150,000 listings in 184 countries. You can book luxury yachts, sailboats, kayaks, jet skis and much more. Many rentals include a captain, so you won't have to worry about navigating the waters, and there are even boats dedicated to sightseeing or fishing.
Ever wanted to live your best life on a yacht? Well, Boatsetter can help make that happen. The boat rental service lets you reserve everything from pontoons and party boats to huge luxury yachts helmed by a captain. On a recent excursion, we rented a motorboat and headed out to the Playpen for an afternoon of fun. Led by an experienced captain, our time on the water was one to remember, full of scenic views and good vibes. There are options for every budget, priced by the hour, so gather up a group friends and make some memories.
Ready to be the captain of your own Chicago River tour? The Chicago Electric Boat Company will let you steer the ship yourself—you just need a valid drivers license and the time to watch a 10-minute tutorial. With docks in Avondale, on the Chicago Riverwalk and at Marina City, you can select a time, rent a boat and decide if you'd like to hire a personal tour guide or a captain for your nautical journey. There are various boats available, each with different capacities, so find what works for you and personalize your river tour.
After a few quick lessons covering how to balance and steer your kayak, you'll be able to push off from the dock and start exploring the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Kayak Chicago charges an hourly rate (prorated to the quarter hour after the first hour), so you're able to stay on the water as long as you like—or you can pay a flat fee to rent a kayak for an entire day. Tours are also available and are on the lengthier side (about three hours), with guided excursions that highlight Chicago architecture or simply allow you to navigate the river at night.
Take in the sights while paddling along the Chicago River by renting a kayak or embarking on a tour from this Riverwalk business. Urban Kayaks Riverwalk offers a variety of excursions, including tours that focus on the history of the city, a sunset jaunt and a short paddle for first-timers. You can also rent a kayak and traverse the river on your own, as long as you're able to pass a basic skills assessment. Make a reservation online and show up ready to make use of your upper body strength.
If you're looking for an easy way to get out on the lake, head to the south end of the Columbia Yacht Club at Monroe Harbor and find Urban Kayak's lakefront outpost. You'll be able to rent a kayak, a tandem kayak or a paddleboard by the hour while enjoying the relatively calm waters of Lake Michigan.
Launching from beneath the Kinzie Street Bridge in front of the East Bank Club, Wateriders is one of the originators of Chicago River kayak tours—the local company has been leading paddlers out onto the water since 1997. Conveniently located near the confluence of the river, you can rent a boat and explore the Main Stem, the North Branch or the South Branch. Guests can book a guided tour (architecture and moonlight paddles are popular options) or take out a kayak on their own for a minimum of two hours. You don't need to be an experienced paddler—all rentals and tours are accompanied by free in-the-water lessons to get you up to speed.
If you want to explore the North Branch of the Chicago River without having to paddle all the way back to the Loop, consider renting a boat from Waterider Northwest. Based out of the Rockwell on the River facility (also home to Chicago Electric Boat Company and Metropolis Coffee Co.), Waterider's North Side outpost rents out single or double kayaks and also offers private tours. If you're willing to pay a little extra, you can take a kayak on a one-way trip to Waterider's dock beneath the Kinzie Street Bridge.
At Wateriders' South Side dock, customers can rent a kayak for two hours to explore the nearby Bubbly Creek, a two-mile stretch that offers the opportunity to see great blue herons, painted turtles and other wildlife. Experienced paddlers can embark on a one-way, 5.5-mile trip that concludes at Wateriders' downtown dock or book an immersive maritime historical tour.
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