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The Best Boat Rentals in Chicago
Browse, book, and get out onto the water with local captains and boat owners.
Suggested Searches
Types of Boats Popular in Chicago
Yachts
From mid-size to mega yachts, these luxury boats are great for groups and celebrations
$200-$1,100
Tours
Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration
$165-$940
Sailboats
Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats
$180-$450
Pontoons
Perfect for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, and parties
$250-$800
Fishing Charters
Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing
$65-$350
Fishing Boats
Boats outfitted for fishing, from small inshore angling boats to deep-sea yachts
$65-$350
Houseboats
All the comforts of home out on the water, for multi-day boat trips
$275
Kayaks
Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?
$120
Recent Reviews in Chicago
RA
Rachel
Captained charter on 40' Sea Ray Sundancer with all amenities in Chicago
The best so far I love their flexibility and care: they it’s also bigger than I thought
BM
Bridget
38-ft Party Pontoon for Up to 20 Guests in Chicago
We had an incredible experience. We booked for a co-ed bachelorette party. The captain and other staff on board were SO friendly and accommodating. The cooler was plenty big, the bathroom was clean, and we had a nice space to set up our sandwiches. Great experience!
CARLNICE
Diversey Harbor Gorgeous 46' Sea Ray Luxury Yacht
We had a great time! Would definitely book again!
SB
Shannon
20 Passenger Captained Party & Event Boat in Chicago
We had so much fun with Captain Jerry and Steve! We rented the boat for a bachelorette and the boat was perfect for moving around and hanging out. It was raining a bit and we were able to be under cover for that time. Steve and Jerry were so attentive and wonderful to ride with. I will definitely be looking to rent with them again!
EB
Emmie
20 Passenger Captained Party & Event Boat in Chicago
10/10!!!!Captain Troy was amazing from the start. He communicated so well and had so much energy and excitement about us booking. Day of our captain’s Jerry and Steve were amazing!!!! They were so kind and helpful from start to Beginning. We had such an amazing time!! 5 stars all the way book these guys!!!😁😁
NS
Nishi
20 Passenger Captained Party & Event Boat in Chicago
Thank you so much for an absolutely fantastic time. TROY was amazing to set everything up. Captain Laura and Megan were so unbelievably hospitable. The fireworks were spectacular! Grandpa had an incredible time celebrating his 85th birthday with the whole family!! Definitelu will be back!!
How To Book on Getmyboat
Browse
Find the right listing for you and your crew, with options for boat types, group size, captained or self-charter, and lots more.
Inquire & Book
Found one you like? Send a rental inquiry with your preferred trip details, and you’ll receive an offer from your captain to book.
Enjoy
Coordinate a pick-up place and time, meet your boat captain, and get out onto the water!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Michigan?
Renting a boat in Chicago starts at $100 an hour for a small powerboat and goes up to $800 an hour for a luxury motor yacht.
How much is it to rent a yacht in Chicago?
A smaller motor yacht rental will cost around $250 an hour, while a larger yacht can cost up to $700 an hour. When getting a quote, inquire if the captain’s fee and gas are included in the price.
What are the best places to go boating in Chicago?
While there are many options while boating in Chicago, here is a list of the most visited boating destinations and tours in Chicago.
- Navy Pier
- Playpen
- Chicago Architecture Tour
- Cruise The River
- Shoreline Tour
When is the boating season in Chicago?
While boating season in Chicago can vary depending on the weather, it usually starts at the beginning of May and can extend through to October.
What is the Playpen in Chicago?
The Playpen is one of the most popular boating destinations in Chicago. It’s a protected area in front of Lake Shore Drive created by a breakwall in front of the water filtration plant. It’s the perfect destination for swimming, boat parties, and floating. Boaters stop here and tie-up with other boats for an on-the-water social affair. In fact, the Playpen hosts the largest annual boat party in all of Chicago, dubbed the Chicago Scene Boat Party.
What is the Chicago Scene Boat Party
The Chicago Scene Boat Party is an annual event held in the Playpen where hundreds of boats tie up for what is now the largest boat party on Lake Michigan. This event is usually held the last weekend of July, but boat rental reservations fill up months in advance. The Chicago Scene Boat Party was started in 2000 by Ted Widen, the publisher of the luxury lifestyle mag Chicago Scene.
Does the boat rental include a captain?
Boats listed on Getmyboat offer boat rentals with or without a captain in Chicago. Before confirming your booking, you can always communicate with the boat owner through Getmyboat to ensure your captain and crew needs are met.
Why choose Getmyboat over Airbnb for Chicago boat rentals?
While Airbnb has a few boats or yachts that you can sleep in overnight at the marina, they do not allow you to go out on the boat. Getmyboat specializes in top-quality boat rentals and yacht charters in Chicago that allow you to leave the dock and experience the water. Don't just sleep on the boat, explore with the boat.
Real reviews from happy Getmyboaters.
4.9 out of 5! 500,000+ reviews
