Chicago’s original kayak and paddleboard outfitter. Our kayak shops have everything you need for your urban adventure on the Chicago River, family outings at Montrose, or catching some sunshine at North Ave Beach.
Rentals include your boat & paddle, personal flotation device, and introductory orientation to kayaking; we teach paddle strokes, safety, and rules of the water. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult on a double kayak. Walk ups are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are still subject to short wait times on busy days due to high demand.
Rental Types
Single Kayak
$30 / hour or $90 / day
Available at Chicago River, Montrose Beach, & North Ave Beach
Experience: All experience levels welcome for recreational kayaks; Sea Kayaks are available for those with previous kayaking experience and have completed our sea Kayaking courses or have the equivalent rescue skills.
Electric Boats
$85 / hour
Available at Chicago River Location
Experience: All experience levels welcome
The CraigCat electric boats are perfect for a lazy afternoon on the water. After an introduction to boating and navigation, head out on the Chicago River in style.
Double Kayak
$40 / hour or $120 / day
Available at Chicago River, Montrose Beach, & North Ave Beach
Experience: All experience levels welcome
All rentals are pro-rated after the first hour, by the quarter hour, so you only pay for the time you are out
Stand-Up Paddleboards
$30 / hour or $90 / day
Available at Montrose Beach
Experience: All experiences levels welcome
All rentals are pro-rated after the first hour, by the quarter hour, so you only pay for the time you are out.
Book a Reservation
Book your reservation on-line, pick your boats and your start time and you are set to go! Your reservation pays for your first hour. When you arrive, we walk you through an orientation, teaching paddle strokes, safety and rules of the water. Once on the water, your time starts and you can stay out as long as you like. When you return your equipment, your time stops and you will just pay for what ever time you went out past the first hour. Rentals are pro-rated after the first hour, so you only pay for the time you are out!
Locations
1220 W. Le Moyne St., Chicago, IL
Located on the north branch of the Chicago River, we have the largest fleet of Single & Double Kayaks in Chicago. Explore Goose Island and the Wild Mile before making your way to the confluence of the river at Wolf Point. Head east toward Lake Shore Drive or continue paddling south toward the South Loop and Chinatown. Looking for a less physical way to see the city? Enjoy a cruise on our 2-person electric boats.
We are open for the 2022 season!
October hours: Friday through Sunday
Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm
We will be closed October 3rd through October 11th for our annual staff trip!
200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago, IL
The gem of Uptown! We have kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available all day, every day. Explore the shoreline from the Bird Sanctuary, past the dog beach and up to the lighthouse at Foster Beach. We are next to the beach house, east of the Dock restaurant, in the bright blue building with the white dome roof.
Closed for the season. We will re-open May 27th, 2023!
1603 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL
Chillin’ on the beach, just south of Castaways (the big blue and white boat building), look for our hut and Kayak Mural. Soak in the sun on a single or double kayak, play beach volleyball, and make sure to gets lots of pics of the breathtaking skyline.
Closed for the season. We will re-open May 27th, 2023!