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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-$1,140
Tours
Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration
$175-$940
Sailboats
Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats
$125-$535
Pontoons
Perfect for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, and parties
$200-$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
Jet Skis
Fast, fun, and easy to operate, these are a guaranteed good time on the water
$150
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
NR
Natalia
Diversey Harbor 36' Sea Ray Floating Oasis for your Unforgettable Celebrations!!
Kevin was awesome, super communicative, friendly, and made sure we were taken care of. There was a change to our departure time and a delay afterward, but he kept us well informed throughout. Captain Justin and his deckhand were fantastic hosts, making the experience fun and relaxing. We celebrated my husband’s birthday and had an absolute blast, even with the chilly May weather in Chicago. Overall, a great experience and highly recommend!
NK
Nitin
Ultimate 52 " Yacht at Diversey Harbor –Perfect for PlayPen!
Had an amazing time on the yacht! Jason was super responsive and made planning really easy. Captain Kevin was great — everything was smooth, on time, and well-coordinated. They really helped us just enjoy the moment. Would definitely recommend this boat to friends!
AI
ANTHONY
Beautiful Yacht 40 LOA 340 Sundancer Searay
Peter is the best. Communication 100, patience- 100 out of 100. He is the best among the rest. I will recommend Peter 100 x out of 100. Look no more, you gat the best among the rest.... thank you Capitano ...
SM
Shanese
Stunning 45’ Sea Ray Yacht
Everything was beautiful. Just as listed and owner was very accommodating.
Nathan
Double Decker 50FT Sea Ray Flybridge Yacht!
We had an awesome time on the boat!
MF
Maddie
Stunning 45’ Sea Ray Yacht
We rented out this yacht for my boyfriend’s birthday party! The boat was spacious and just as described. Our captain Peter and his wife were an amazing crew, thorough with safety, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure that we had an incredible time! Booking with Eugene was a breeze, he was quick to respond, as well as answered every question that I asked! Everyone had a blast, and we will definitely be booking through them again!
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.
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