What are the steps needed to rent a boat in Chicago?

Best Boat Rentals Near Chicago, IL

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Top Boat Rentals and Yacht Charters in Chicago, IL

$207+ /hour

Chicago, IL

4.9 (266 bookings)

26ft – Playpen, Skyline, River & Fireworks - No Captain Fee*

2 - 4 hours Captain optional

Up to 6 passengers

Rent a GODFREY MARINE pontoon in Chicago, IL near me

$141+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (27 bookings)

Pontoon / Tritoon Charter with Licensed Captain

2 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 7 passengers

Rent a Chris Craft deck boat in Chicago, IL near me

$225+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (46 bookings)

27' Chris Craft with Water Toys plus Jet Ski Available

2 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 6 passengers

Rent a Sea Ray Boats motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me

$450+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (178 bookings)

Luxury Yacht - Sun, Music ,Party & Celebrate! 50% OFF 4th HOUR BOOKED!

3 - 6 hours Captain optional

Up to 10 passengers

Rent a Sea Ray Boats deck boat in Chicago, IL near me

$295+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (70 bookings)

New 27' Sea Ray crusier Playpen summertime

2 - 6 hours Captain optional

Up to 8 passengers

$242+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (80 bookings)

Boatschicago - Motor Boat for rent at Downtown Chicago

3 - 8 hours No captain

Up to 9 passengers

$773+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (28 bookings)

Beautiful 45’ Sea Ray Yacht

3 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 12 passengers

Rent a CANADIAN ELECTRIC BOAT classic in Chicago, IL near me

$113+ /hour

Chicago, IL

Private Boat Charter - Classic Electric Boat

2 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 5 passengers

Rent a Cruisers Yachts cruiser in Chicago, IL near me

$475+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (104 bookings)

Welcome to Victory at Sea! Let's cruise!

3 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 12 passengers

$235+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (104 bookings)

Playpen bound on 25' Yamaha Jetboat!

3 - 6 hours No captain

Up to 10 passengers

Rent a Hatteras Yachts motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me

$340+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (4 bookings)

Classic 43ft Hatteras Motor Yacht with USCG Captain Included

2 - 6 hours Captained

Up to 6 passengers

$419+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (1 booking)

Come enjoy fun in the sun on our 30ft Bayliner Ciera 8-10 ppl

2 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 8 passengers

$327+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (16 bookings)

4th Hour is FREE! Life Is Good when it's a party on the lake!

3 - 8 hours Captain optional

Up to 12 passengers

Rent a A&M Manufacturing catamaran in Chicago, IL near me

$1,750+ /hour

Chicago, IL

49 Passenger 57' Power Catamaran - Perfect for Events!

3 - 6 hours Captained

Up to 49 passengers

$1,016+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (13 bookings)

Summer 2025 is Coming!

2 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 13 passengers

Rent a SeaRay cruiser in Chicago, IL near me

$551+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (272 bookings)

50' Luxury Yacht. Playpen, River cruises up to 12. Captain included!

4 hours Captain optional

Up to 12 passengers

$528+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (112 bookings)

This Sea Ray yacht is a 55 foot oasis on the water

3 - 6 hours Captain optional

Up to 12 passengers

$338+ /hour

Chicago, IL

31' Sea Ray Romantic or Family or Fun Getaway Waiting for you !!!

3 - 8 hours Captained

Up to 6 passengers

Top boat rental reviews in Chicago, IL

289,084

Customers Reviews

4.95

Avg. Rating

5/5 stars

New 27' Sea Ray...

sarah

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Pontoon / Tritoon...

James was a great captain. Very responsive. I found the boat to be clean and well-maintained. We took this cruise...

Chelsie

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

New 27' Sea Ray...

William provided a great boat and a great captain. My friends and I had a great experience. I would recommend this...

Mike

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

27' Chris Craft...

Kamala

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Pontoon / Tritoon...

We had an amazing 3-hour ride with James on Lake Michigan! He was incredibly friendly, professional, and...

Suneet

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Come enjoy fun...

We had a great time on Shaun's boat. He was very accommodating and communicative throughout the booking. Thanks again...

Rosaline

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Pontoon / Tritoon...

We had an unforgettable private boat tour on the Chicago River, and Captain James made the whole experience...

Gagan

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Pontoon / Tritoon...

We had a really great time on James’s boat. Would highly recommend it to everyone!

Shaurya

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

26ft – Playpen,...

Our group of 6 had a great day in the Playpen and exploring Navy Pier area by boat. James was very easy to coordinate...

Garrett

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

This Sea Ray...

This was such a spacious and well kept boat. They were easy to coordinate with and communicated effectively. We had...

Ribicca

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Pontoon / Tritoon...

We had an incredible experience thanks to Captain James! He was professional, friendly, and went above and beyond to...

Alec

Jul 2025
5/5 stars

Playpen bound on...

Steph is a top notch host.

Martin

Jul 2025

How to rent a boat in Chicago?

Find the perfect boat

Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, Chicago, IL, United Statess.

Select a captain

Choose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.

Book with ease

Connect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.

Set sail

Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

How much is it to rent a boat for a day in Chicago?

The cost to rent a boat in Chicago starts at $100 per hour, depending on the amount of time that you would like to use the boat.

What is Black Yacht Weekend?

Black Yacht Weekend is a floating boat party on Lake Michigan against the stuning Chicago skyline. In 2025, Black Yacht Weekend is happening from Thu, June 19 to Sun, June 22.

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

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 who operates a powered watercraft of 10hp or more needs a Boater Safety Certificate. If your rental is captained you do not need a safety certificate.

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

Chicago party boat rentals stat at $135 per hour. Party boats can be rented with or without a captain.

What are the top destinations to explore with a Chicago boat rental?

With a Chicago boat rental, top destinations include the Chicago River for stunning views of the city's iconic architecture and skyline. Lake Michigan offers a chance to anchor near Navy Pier or the lively Playpen area for sunbathing and socializing. North Avenue Beach and Montrose Beach are popular spots for swimming and relaxing just offshore. For a quieter cruise, head to Belmont or Burnham Harbor near Museum Campus. Each destination offers a unique way to experience Chicago from the water.

What is Chicago Scene Boat Party?

Chicago Scene Boat Party is an annual boat event on Lake Michigan. In 2025, Chicago Scene Boat Party is happening Fri, Jul 25 to Sun, Jul, 27 at The Playpen.