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Rent a Boat or Yacht in Chicago, Illinois

4.9(Average of 3,459 reviews in this area)
Get set to boat with the GetMyBoat Guide to Chicago
Page 2 of 9 (209 listings)
31' Beautiful Sea Ray Sun Dancer Perfect for any Occasion
Powerboats in Lake Michigan · 10 guests

31' Beautiful Sea Ray Sun Dancer Perfect for any Occasion

4.9
Best of 2022
$275hour
Affordable Sea Ray Bowrider for Experienced Boaters to Drive yourself or hire a captain!
Powerboats in Lake Michigan · 8 guests

Affordable Sea Ray Bowrider for Experienced Boaters to Drive yourself or hire a captain!

4.8
Superowner
Best of 2022
$194hour
25ft Captained party and sightseeing boat!!!
Powerboats in Lake Michigan · 6 guests

25ft Captained party and sightseeing boat!!!

5.0
Superowner
$199hour
Sea Ray Express 390 Luxury Charter in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Sea Ray Express 390 Luxury Charter in Chicago, Illinois

5.0
$300hour
Yamaha FZS Jetski in Chicago Water
Water Sports in Lake Michigan · 3 guests

Yamaha FZS Jetski in Chicago Water

5.0
$199hour
44' Luxury Sundancer Yacht Rental! Includes Floating Island!
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

44' Luxury Sundancer Yacht Rental! Includes Floating Island!

4.7
Superowner
$449hour
54' Luxury Yacht Rental/Party Boat
Powerboats in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

54' Luxury Yacht Rental/Party Boat

5.0
$250hour
Maxum yacht - huge open seating area and bow sunpad! Ready for 2023 summer fun!
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Maxum yacht - huge open seating area and bow sunpad! Ready for 2023 summer fun!

5.0
Superowner
Best of 2022
$300hour
Instant Book
Prestige Flybridge 59ft Luxury Yacht Charter in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 13 guests

Prestige Flybridge 59ft Luxury Yacht Charter in Chicago, Illinois

5.0
$400hour
44' Luxury Sea Ray Express Yacht Rental/Party Boat in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

44' Luxury Sea Ray Express Yacht Rental/Party Boat in Chicago, Illinois

4.8
Superowner
$449hour
Super Spacious Silverton Express Cruiser in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Super Spacious Silverton Express Cruiser in Chicago, Illinois

5.0
Superowner
$350hour
Relax and Enjoy The Sun On An Immaculate Sea Ray SunDancer
Powerboats in Lake Michigan · 10 guests

Relax and Enjoy The Sun On An Immaculate Sea Ray SunDancer

5.0
$225hour
37' Luxury Sailboat with Captain in Chicago, Illinois
Sailing in Lake Michigan · 6 guests

37' Luxury Sailboat with Captain in Chicago, Illinois

5.0
Superowner
$300hour
Private Cruise onboard Hunter Legend Sailboat in Chicago
Sailing in Lake Michigan · 6 guests

Private Cruise onboard Hunter Legend Sailboat in Chicago

5.0
Superowner
$200hour
Beautiful Luxury Cruiser 40' Sea Ray Sundancer for Charter in Chicago
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Beautiful Luxury Cruiser 40' Sea Ray Sundancer for Charter in Chicago

5.0
Superowner
Best of 2022
$238hour
Instant Book
Bayliner 3055 Powerboat for Charter in Chicago
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Bayliner 3055 Powerboat for Charter in Chicago

4.4
$290hour
NEW!!! SPACIOUS 40ft Cruisers Yacht, Power (Captain & Gas may be included)  one of the Cleanest, Largest and Newer LUXURY Yachts on the Lake, Chicago.
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

NEW!!! SPACIOUS 40ft Cruisers Yacht, Power (Captain & Gas may be included) one of the Cleanest, Largest and Newer LUXURY Yachts on the Lake, Chicago.

5.0
$400hour
46' Azimut Quartano Motor Yacht Rental in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 13 guests

46' Azimut Quartano Motor Yacht Rental in Chicago, Illinois

5.0
$600hour
Wide Body Formula Yacht Ready For Fun
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Wide Body Formula Yacht Ready For Fun

4.8
$275hour
Lets get cruising! Book Cruisers Yachts 3375 Espirit Motor Yacht in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Lets get cruising! Book Cruisers Yachts 3375 Espirit Motor Yacht in Chicago, Illinois

5.0
$300hour
Sea Ray 45' Chicago Burnham Harbor -
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Sea Ray 45' Chicago Burnham Harbor -

5.0
Superowner
$425hour
44' Sea Ray Express Luxury Motor Yacht Rental in Chicago, Illinois
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

44' Sea Ray Express Luxury Motor Yacht Rental in Chicago, Illinois

4.8
Superowner
$449hour
Multi Level Luxury Yacht Rental in Chicago, up to 12 guests. All water toys are included!
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Multi Level Luxury Yacht Rental in Chicago, up to 12 guests. All water toys are included!

4.9
Superowner
$265hour
Instant Book
Private Charters on beautiful 40' Maxum Cruiser Yacht, up to 12 guests!
Events in Lake Michigan · 12 guests

Private Charters on beautiful 40' Maxum Cruiser Yacht, up to 12 guests!

4.6
$350hour
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 boat rentals in Chicago?

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.

Chicago Reviews

  1. CB
    Christine
    Affordable Sea Ray Bowrider for Experienced Boaters to Drive yourself or hire a captain!

    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!

  2. Sky
    Sky
    Affordable Sea Ray Bowrider for Experienced Boaters to Drive yourself or hire a captain!

    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.

  3. JJ
    Jessica
    Affordable Sea Ray Bowrider for Experienced Boaters to Drive yourself or hire a captain!

    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!

  4. MY
    Melissa
    Affordable Sea Ray Bowrider for Experienced Boaters to Drive yourself or hire a captain!

    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!

  5. DS
    Danielle
    25ft Captained party and sightseeing boat!!!

    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!

  6. Ahmed
    Ahmed
    25ft Captained party and sightseeing boat!!!

    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!

The Chicago Boating Guide 2023

  • First Published Sep 15, 2022
  • Last Updated Mar 06, 2023
In This Guide
Chicago Guide

The GetMyBoat Guide to Chicago

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 at a Glance

Chicago Guide

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.

3 Hours

The average rental duration for GetMyBoat bookings in Chicago — perfect for a sightseeing cruise as part of a day playing tourist.

July and August

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.

GetMyBoat Chicago Statistics
As of
Active boat listings
123
People sent boating
45,000+
Average cost per booking
$1,316
Your typical power boat is the most popular boat rental type in Chicago, followed by larger yachts and sailboats.
Power Boats

Boating Season in Chicago

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.

When are the best times to visit?

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.

What’s the water temperature like?

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.

Current Conditions

Temperature

35 °F

Water temp.

36 °F

Humidity

76 %

Pressure

1018 hPa

Wind

NNE 19.26 f/sec

Visibility

15 mi

Cloudiness

100 %

Local Events

What Types of Boats Can I Rent in Chicago?

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.

Where to Eat, Drink, Stay, and More

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.

A map of Chicago

Reasons To Rent a Boat in Chicago

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.

Local Boating Services

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.

Boat Towing Services

Middle River Marine

Professional boat towing services in Chicago.

2001 N Mendell St, Chicago, IL 60642 (866) 274-6302

TowBoatUS Chicago

Services include marine salvage, repairs, spill cleanup, towing, and battery jumps up to 50 miles offshore.

(269) 605-9036

Perfect Imperfection LLC

Offering marine HVAC, boat detailing, boat towing services, and graphics and stripping services.

35 E Madison St, Waukegan IL, 60085 (833) 737-3467

Boat Mechanics & Repair Technicians

Aquaman Marine

Marine repair services provider, known for their excellent customer service and knowledgeable mechanics.

5401 N Wolcott Ave #6, Chicago, IL 60640 (877) 649-1858

Rentner Marine Services

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

Elite Yacht Services

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 Yacht Yard LLC

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

Marinas & Harbors in Chicago

31st Street Harbor

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

DuSable Harbor

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

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

Belmont Harbor

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

Safety, Preparation, and Navigation

What to Bring on Your Boat Rental

Bringing the right stuff can make or break your boat day, so get together a checklist of what you’ll want well ahead of time so that you don’t forget on the day of.

What to bring will depend on your itinerary and weather conditions, but that being said — it’s always a good idea to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towels, a warm extra layer of clothing (in case it gets chilly), as well as boat shoes. Your boat captain or owner that you rent from can give you more ideas on necessary essentials to bring.

And while most boat captains, owners, and boat rental services should include lifejackets and safety gear, if you have a personal lifejacket that you prefer to wear while enjoying watersports or other activities, it’s a good idea to bring it along.

It might feel like overkill for a casual day on the water, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Safety, Preparation, and Navigation
Boating at Night

Visibility is reduced at night, so it’s essential to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Chartplotters and marine radars are beneficial tools to use in the dark and help you feel more confident when navigating the waters at night. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise or during times of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze), recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights.

Wake Zones

“Wake” are the waves that form as your watercraft moves through the water. It’s important to be on the lookout for a “no-wake zone” - an area where a vessel must operate at a slow speed that doesn’t create a wake. You can usually identify a no-wake zone by white and orange floating markers or a row of markers.

Boating Emergency Services

Dial 911 from any land or cellular phone.

US Coast Guard Station Chicago

Address: 4001 E 98th St, Chicago, IL 60617
Phone: (773) 768-4093

Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)

Address: 1411 W Madison St #4, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: (312) 746-9111

Chicago Boat Rental FAQ

Boat Rental Basics

What makes GetMyBoat different from other boat rental apps?

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.

What is a boat charter?

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.

Can I rent a boat for a week?

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.

Where do I pick up the boat rental?

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!

Where do I refuel the boat?

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.

Can I bring my dog on my boat rental?

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!

Services, Costs, & Fees

How much does it cost to rent a boat near me?

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.

How much is a boat rental near me for a day?

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.

How much does it cost to rent a boat on the Chicago River?

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.

How much does it cost to rent a party boat in Chicago?

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 a yacht rental in Chicago?

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.

How much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Michigan?

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.

How much should I tip the boat captain?

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.

How much does fuel cost for a boat rental?

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.

Are there additional costs for renting a boat near me?

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.

Safety, Laws, and Regulations

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

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.

How old do you have to be to rent a jet ski?

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.

How many people can I bring on my boat rental?

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.

Do I have to rent a boat with a captain?

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.

Where should I go with my boat rental?

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.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?

You do not need your own insurance to rent a boat.

Are lifejackets Included in the price of a boat rental?

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.

Boating Licenses

Can anyone rent a boat in Chicago?

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.

Where can I take a boating safety course?

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.

Do you need a boat license to rent a boat in Chicago?

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.

Boating Safety Education Identification Card

Yes, You Need a Boater Education Card if You:
  • Were born after 1/1/88
  • Failed to complete an approved boating safety course in your state
  • Operate a 10+ horsepower boat
  • Operate in state or federal waters
  • Did not complete an approved boating safety course out of state
  • Are not accompanied by a person who is 18+ years old with a Boating Safety Education Identification Card
  • Are not accompanied by a person who was born before 1/1/88
No, You Don’t Need a Boater Education Card if You:
  • Were born before 1/1/88
  • Obtained a Boating Safety Education Identification Card
  • Completed an approved boater safety course in another state
  • Operate a less than 10 horsepower motor boat
  • Operate on a private lake or pond
  • Accompanied by a person who is 18+ years old who has a Boating Safety Education Identification Card
  • Accompanied by a person who was born before 1/1/88
  • Accompanied by a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard
How much is a Boater Education Card?

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.

How long is a Boater Education Card good for?

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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