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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.
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.
While there are many options while boating in Chicago, here is a list of the most visited boating destinations and tours 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chris’ boat was perfect for our afternoon on the lake. We booked only a day in advance, but Chris made sure everything worked out including spending time with us the night before to make sure we were comfortable operating the boat ourselves. Very helpful to get to know the harbor and lake since this was our first time on lake michigan. Great day, great way to view the city!
Chris's boat was as expected minus the table in the front of the boat shown in pictures. Dan was amazing! Our group wanted to extend our 3 hour time slot once we knew our time was running out. Next time , will definitely book for longer than 3 hours ! It goes by so quick ! It takes about 30 minutes to get to the playpen one way.
Highly recommend renting this boat or a boat from Chris. The crew was accommodating and easy to work with. The boat was beautiful and perfect for our group of 6. We were able to celebrate a birthday and engagement with the Chicago skyline as our backdrop. Perfect for seeing the river and enjoying all Chicago has to offer. The weather was iffy the day we rented, and Chris was accommodating and provided multiple updates throughout the day to get us on the water. We felt safe and reassured that the team was on top of it! I would also recommend hiring Captain Dan from their list of captains. He was awesome. Provided a safe and fun journey for us!
FANTASTIC experience! The boat was perfect for our afternoon on the lake with friends - clean, great size, and amazing sound system. Chris and his team were very accommodating and made sure all of our questions were answered. We had the best time, and can't wait to rent again through Chris in the future!
Joe was the best. Super accommodating when we asked to move up our time due to the weather forecast and was extra communicative about what to expect when we got out on the water. The music, water toys, and his chill demeanor made my fiancé’s 30th birthday a blast. Thank you Joe!
What can I say? Joe helped create a magical night on which I proposed to the love of my life. Out of like 20 inquires, he was the only one happily willing to help me out with a few asks. The boat was super clean and homey. He took time to capture the gorgeous city skyline and capture some of our very memorable moments. Moments we will remember forever. It was a beautiful night of fireworks. Do yourself a favor and book with Joe!
Between the iconic river that weaves through the city and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a wonderful destination to spend time on the water. If you’re visiting the Windy City during the summer and looking to experience boating, you can choose from amazing sailing trips, yacht charters, boats for watersports, and so much more.
Chicago is a sprawling city that is home to incredible dining, art, sightseeing opportunities, and outdoor fun. With unique neighborhoods and districts that celebrate an abundance of cultures, there’s something for everyone in Chi Town. Home to the iconic “Cloud Gate” (also known as The Bean) mirrored sculpture, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, and the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, Chicago is a must-see city for adventurous travelers looking to experience a little bit of everything in a bustling urban environment. Explore the riverfront, learn about the history of the city on an architectural tour, or book a boat party and experience the epic “Playpen” area of Lake Michigan.
The average rental duration for GetMyBoat bookings in Chicago — perfect for a sightseeing cruise as part of a day playing tourist.
These two months account for 65% of GetMyBoat trips in Chicago, with June and September rounding out another 30%. Outside of those months, it’s typically too cold to boat.
Summer is the best time to enjoy boating in Chicago! Due to strict city regulations, the official season runs from May 1st to October 31st when the harbors are open.
The busiest weekends on the water in Chicago are the 4th of July weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, and the annual “Chicago Scene Boat Party” weekend, which typically takes place in late July or early August. During the summer you can usually expect sunny and hot conditions, perfect for a day on the lake or the river.
If you’re looking to boat, the best time frame will be peak summer. From June to July, the weather should be warm and pleasant enough for you to enjoy a balmy, sun-filled day on the water.
Lake Michigan never gets all that warm, only reaching an average of 70ºF in August. July and September are similarly warm, around 65ºF — though if you’re used to warm Caribbean waters, it’ll certainly feel a bit bracing. Outside of those summer months, the temperature gets very cold, and of course, parts of the lake ice over in the winter.
Temperature
35 °FWater temp.
36 °FHumidity
76 %Pressure
1018 hPaWind
NNE 19.26 f/secVisibility
15 miCloudiness
100 %Chicago has plenty of different types of boats to rent: everything from pontoons to luxury motor yachts, sailing catamarans, fishing boats, and jet skis are available. Here’s a bit of information on the average prices, and more, for each different option.
Looking to explore the area? Look no further! Thanks to its diverse stretch of over 70 neighborhoods and a rich waterfront area, Chicago is home to a wide array of spots that combine the best of both city life and boating culture. Here are some of the best to add to your list as reasons to visit the Windy City.
Visiting for a special occasion? A corporate retreat? Bachelor or bachelorette party? Whatever your reason, take it to the water! There are all kinds of occasions that are better celebrated on a boat rentals while you’re in the Windy City.
A note: if you’re renting a boat through GetMyBoat, please contact the boat owner before utilizing any of the following services. They may have a preferred provider or the services may be covered through insurance or within your rental agreement.
Professional boat towing services in Chicago.
2001 N Mendell St, Chicago, IL 60642 (866) 274-6302
Services include marine salvage, repairs, spill cleanup, towing, and battery jumps up to 50 miles offshore.
(269) 605-9036
Offering marine HVAC, boat detailing, boat towing services, and graphics and stripping services.
35 E Madison St, Waukegan IL, 60085 (833) 737-3467
Marine repair services provider, known for their excellent customer service and knowledgeable mechanics.
5401 N Wolcott Ave #6, Chicago, IL 60640 (877) 649-1858
This boat repair company provides 5-star service in Chicago, offering boat storage, repairs, educational seminars, and is an authorized dealer for boat parts.
13535 S Forest Ave, Chicago, IL 60827 (773) 468-3776
This company provides not only boat and yacht repair, but full-scale yacht management from maintenance to operation. They offer crew services too.
207 E Ohio St #202, Chicago, IL 60611 (219) 743-2556
Crowley’s sells boat and engine parts, and provides services including rigging, mechanical repair, painting, systems services, hauling, and wood refinishing.
3434 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617 (773) 221-9990
This massive marina has over 1000 boat slips, a playground, and clean facilities. It’s operated by the city and often has live music from a DJ. It’s also noted as a good place to fish.
3155 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 225-6464
Right in the heart of downtown Chicago, DuSable has 420 boat slips and stunning views of the Chicago skyline. They offer no-charge waste pump out and a friendly dockmaster to help boaters get in and out.
111 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 742-3577
Burnham Harbor offers fuel and laundry services for boaters, transient slips, an on-site restaurant, and it is the largest of all the marinas in the city with 1,126 wet slips. This harbor is within walking distance of the Shedd Aquarium and other Chicago attractions.
1559 E Waldron Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 747-7009
Located in Lincoln Park, Belmont Harbor has over 800 slips. It is family-friendly and it offers dry storage in addition to wet slips, and transient docking services.
3600 North Recreation Dr, Chicago, IL 60613 (312) 742-7673
GetMyBoat is the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace. We connect more people to boat rental services than any other company. Our mobile app available for iOS and Android makes it possible to find and book boating experiences right on your phone.
You can access thousands of professional boat captains and companies to help plan your perfect day on the water. GetMyBoat’s 24/7 customer service team is always available to help with any step in the booking process. We also enable you to read real user reviews and see photos added from past users, so you can book with confidence that you’re choosing a 5-star boat rental or water experience.
GetMyBoat is committed to taking the lowest booking fees in the industry to save the customer money in pursuit of their perfect day on the water.
A boat charter (vs. a boat rental) includes a professional captain to drive the boat. Frequently, it also includes crew members to provide services to the passengers, like food and beverage, as well as being there to assist the captain. The number of crew members working a boat charter will depend on the size of the vessel and the number of guests onboard.
A boat charter with a licensed, professional captain is the best option for inexperienced boaters or people unfamiliar with the waterways they wish to explore. A captain can provide an amazing experience on a private boat rental and help make the experience safer and more relaxing for boaters.
While half-day and full-day boat rentals are the most commonly booked trip durations on GetMyBoat, some boat owners and operators allow for multi-day or week-long rentals. Some owners and boat rental services offer discounted rates when you book for more than one day. Ask about weekly deals on rentals if you’re hoping to go boating for more than one day.
While it’s common to meet at a marina or public dock, boat captains and owners can often coordinate a drop off at a boat launch or ramp, or another spot if it’s more convenient. Get the exact directions to where you need to meet your boat owner/captain to determine where to pick up the vessel. Send your captain a message to clarify if you’re unsure where to go!
If you need to refuel your boat rental before you return to the dock, ask the boat rental service or owner where they recommend that you refuel. Most waterways will have several fuel stations to choose from, and often the docks that you meet at for your boat rental will also have them. Many captains and owners will take care of this for you, but it’s a good idea to ask what their specific policy is for fueling. Check out local marinas to see if they have a fuel dock.
Dogs are often welcome on boat rentals and charters — but be sure to ask first! Some boat captains do and some don’t allow pets to come along.
It’s also a good idea to do some research to make sure your pet will be okay with boating if they’ve never been before. Check out our guide for boating with your dog, and if you do decide to bring your dog along, make sure you have the appropriate lifejacket and other safety gear for them!
GetMyBoat’s mission is to make boating more accessible and affordable. To do this, we’re constantly growing our team of boat owners, captains, and operators around the world to offer a wider range of boat rentals and services at different price points. We want to provide the joys of boating to everyone - regardless of their budget.
Boat rental costs will vary depending on the size and type of boat you wish to rent. Other factors that impact the price of a boat rental include: trip duration, desired route, and itinerary. A boat rental usually costs between $50 and $150/hour but can range up to over $400/hour. Renting a boat for a few hours is usually less expensive than renting a boat for a whole day, but you can sometimes save money on the hourly rate by renting for longer - some owners and rental services offer discounted rates.
There’s no booking obligation at the inquiry stage with GetMyBoat - so you can send an inquiry message to a captain to get a price quote before you commit.
The cost of a boat rental will depend on the duration of your rental, the size of the boat, and the size of your group. Sometimes, specific itineraries (i.e., traveling far distances to get to a famous swimming spot) can add extra costs if they require additional fuel. Typically, a half-day boat rental is 4-hours, and a full-day is 8 hours. Depending on your specific needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to over $1000 for your boat rental.
Boat rentals on the Chicago River start at around $100/hour and can range from there to over $500/hour for a larger yacht. You can find boat tours of the Chicago River for as affordable as $40/person, but this is generally with a larger public group and not an individual boat rental.
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.
Yacht rentals in Chicago start at around $250/hour and go up to over $1,000/hour depending on the size of the vessel, capacity, and special features.
A boat rental on Lake Michigan typically costs between $150-300/hour, but it can vary depending on the size of the boat, the day it is rented (weekdays are typically more affordable, and holiday weekends are very expensive), as well as other factors that impact cost. Expect to pay between $500-800 for a half-day boat rental on Lake Michigan.
When a captain and crew provide excellent service on the water, leaving a gratuity as a show of appreciation is a common custom. In many places, 10-20% of the rental cost is standard, but this can vary depending on where you are using boat rental services. GetMyBoat does not handle tips or gratuity payments, so please bring cash with you to tip, or many boat captains also have the option of CashApp or Venmo for leaving a tip after your boat charter.
Sometimes the boat owner/captain you are renting from will include fuel costs in the total fee charged, while others will charge on a usage basis - so depending on how much you use on your boat day. Inquire with the boat owner/captain about the typical fuel costs for your boat rental duration.
Costs for your boat rental will vary from owner to owner, so be sure to inquire about any extra costs that might not be covered in the listed price - like fuel, captain’s fees, or additional charges for unique itineraries. Your captain will let you know what to expect if there is any deviation from the price on the boat listing.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent with GetMyBoat. To operate a boat without a captain, you will need to ensure you meet the correct boating safety requirements. Boat owners and operators on GetMyBoat sometimes have their own individual age requirements for renting, so inquire with them on their minimum age when you send a booking inquiry.
To rent a jet ski independently, you have to be at least 18 years old. Often 16 & 17 year olds can operate a jet ski rental if they have a guardian present to sign a waiver for them. No one under the age of 16 should operate a jet ski without being in direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
The boat's capacity will vary depending on the captain’s licensing rules, size of the boat, style of the boat, and the location you’re renting in. Every boat listing on GetMyBoat indicates the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, so you’ll know before inquiring if it will suit your group’s size.
Whether or not you rent a boat with a captain will depend on many factors. If you do not have boating experience - it is recommended that you book a boat rental with a captain service for safety. Some locations require that renters have a licensed captain onboard operating the boat at all times. If you do have boating experience and want to rent a boat without a captain, in most locations you are able to rent it bareboat to go on your own. Ask the boat rental service provider for information on renting a boat without a captain and let them know information about your boating experience.
When you rent a boat, it’s a great idea to do some research on your own or ask the boat owner/company for recommendations if you’re not from the area. With a boat rental, popular places to venture to include sandbars, islands, beaches, coves, and waterfront restaurants. It’s a good idea to inquire with the boat owner for recommendations on what to do and advice on navigating there safely.
You do not need your own insurance to rent a boat.
Most boat owners and boat rental services will include all lifejackets and safety equipment within the price of your listing. It’s always a good idea to ask where the equipment is located onboard before you leave the dock. Your captain or the owner should give you a briefing at the beginning of your rental experience, so you’re aware of all safety features and equipment on the boat.
To rent a boat in Chicago you must be 18 years of age and have completed a boater safety education course. If you have a boating license from another state, this can apply to the requirements to rent a boat in Chicago.
Many boat safety courses are offered online and you can earn a certificate that will qualify you to rent a boat on your own. You can also often take in-person boating lessons which will teach you the necessary hands-on skills to operate a boat independently. Check out BoatEd for more information on local boating safety requirements and courses. You can also check out our Top Boating Safety Tips resources.
Boat license rules depend on your age. If you were born after 1988 you will need to complete a boat safety education course and receive a safety identification card. Check out BoatEd for more information on earning a boat safety card so you can rent a boat in Chicago. For more information please check out our Boating Laws and Regulations by State Guide and download our Boating Safety Checklist.
A Boater Education Card will cost anywhere from $0-$50 depending on the type of test you take and if you want your ID card professionally printed.
A Boating Safety Education Identification Card has no expiration date, however, the temporary safety course certificate (proof of online course completion that you can print out and use before the ID card comes) expires after 90 days.
GetMyBoat has 209 listings for boating experiences in Chicago with 3,459 reviews.
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