Fresh air, adventure, exercise and the best summer activity in Chicago!

You make it fun, we keep it safe. Our first priority is your safety!  We have the safest launch zone on the river, with out the stress of being surrounded by tour boats and on-coming boat traffic.  Your experience begins on flat, calm water, with no boats speeding by.

The team at Kayak Chicago is here to make your paddling experience with us, the most memorable adventure you have this summer!  Our crew and guides love the water and want to share their passion and teach you the skills and techniques to grow you as a paddler.  Whether it is your first time in a kayak, or you are a seasoned paddler, we are here for you to learn, grow and enjoy many more adventures to come!

Chicago River rentals and tours

Our Chicago River location is the perfect location to give you the best of both worlds.  You will begin in the calm waters of the wild mile, with floating gardens, turtles and no boat traffic!  You will then paddle into downtown through the North entrance to experience the amazing canyons of glass and steel, as you paddle under towering skyscrapers and past the riverwalk.  Starting downtown, surrounded by boats, is dangerous for beginners.  From our location, you get to relax with a peaceful paddle and hone your skills, before deciding to go down the main branch with heavy boat traffic and tour boats.  Enjoy your kayak rental with pro-rated time frames, so you don’t have to rush back.  Most guests go out between 1 – 2 hrs, but however long you decide to paddle, you will only pay for the time you are out!

Never kayaked before?  Every guest/group gets a personal lesson with an instructor, teaching you paddle strokes, safety, boat control, balance and  rules of the water!

If you are a seasoned pro, you can still join in on the lesson and we will share our tips for more efficient paddling!

We look forward to seeing you on the water soon!

If you are not ready to rent on your own, join a guided tour with our certified guides and instructors, and let us give you the best on-water experience in Chicago!

When you join us for a guided tour, a class or rent kayaks/paddleboards on your own, all the equipment is provided.  You just need to come prepared for fun, sun and an experience of a lifetime.

Enjoy summer in Chicago, stay active and participate in the best summer activity there is, paddling!