Best Chicago Boat Rentals and Yacht Charters

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Top Boat Rentals and Yacht Charters in Chicago, IL

Rent a Regal cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $334+ /hour

Chicago, IL

42FT Regal Commodore Express Cruiser

4 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Trident pontoon in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $700+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (21 bookings)

20 Passenger Captained Party & Event Boat in Chicago, Illinois!

3 hours Captained
Up to 20 passengers
Rent a S2 Yachts by Tiara Yachts cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
$200+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (53 bookings)

Set Sail from Downtown Chicago!

2 - 6 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Mainship cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $301+ /hour

Chicago, IL

4.9 (116 bookings)

40FT Boat w/ HUGE open seating area!

4 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Sea Ray Boats cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
$325+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (29 bookings)

40' Sea Ray Summer Fun with Summer Madness

2 - 8 hours Captain optional
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a FORMULA BY THUNDERBIRD cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
$357+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (23 bookings)

31ft Luxury Formula 310 Sun Sport

2 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 10 passengers
Rent a Carver motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $396+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (190 bookings)

CHICAGO FIVE-0H! The best party boat on the Lake! Captain included!

4 - 6 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Mainship motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $600+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (75 bookings)

Seas the Summer aboard Nauti(cal) Adventures!

3 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 13 passengers
Rent a Sea Ray Boats cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
$350+ /hour

Chicago, IL

4.4 (21 bookings)

Party & Event Boat with upgraded sound system

2 - 4 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Rinker Boats cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
$442+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (92 bookings)

Fun and pleasure on a spacious and luxurious Yacht!

4 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Cruisers motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me
$550+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (124 bookings)

Cruisers Cantius 41 Foot Yacht. Captain Fee Included!

3 - 4 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Sea Ray Boats cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $620+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (123 bookings)

51' Sea Ray Sundancer powerboat in Burnham harbor. Captain included!

4 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Other pontoon in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $600+ /hour

Chicago, IL

4.9 (79 bookings)

14 Passenger Captained Party & Event Boat in Chicago, IL!

3 hours Captained
Up to 14 passengers
Rent a Sea Ray Boats motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $319+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (28 bookings)

39' Spacious Luxury Updated Yacht for your Special Outing

3 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Cruisers Yachts cruiser in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $470+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (98 bookings)

"Beautiful & Spacious" Huge40ft Luxury Yacht! - Great Value!

2 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Sea Ray Boats motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $400+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (86 bookings)

The Exciting Sea Ray 39 Sundancer - ICEMAN

2 - 8 hours Captain optional
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Carver Yachts motor yacht in Chicago, IL near me
$350+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (28 bookings)

Experience of a lifetime on 39 foot double decker luxury yacht.

3 - 8 hours Captain optional
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Pontoon pontoon in Chicago, IL near me
Icon $800+ /hour

Chicago, IL

5.0 (23 bookings)

24 Passenger Captained Party & Event Boat in Chicago, Illinois!

3 hours Captained
Up to 24 passengers

How to rent a boat in Chicago?

1

Find the perfect boat

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

2

Select a captain

Choose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.

3

Book with ease

Connect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.

4

Set sail

Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!


Rent a Boat in Chicago

Chicago boating is unique to any other larger-scale city. The cityscape is hugged by the freshwater of the great Lake Michigan connecting it to three other US states. Even reachable by ocean-going vessels, Chicago’s boating scene is well-loved. Boaters enjoy a variety of boating activities on Lake Michigan, including yachting, kayaking, diving, kite surfing, and jet skiing.

What To Know

The lake is jam packed in the summer season as everyone in the city flocks to Lake Michigan. This is a consequence of the small window of opportunity to enjoy warm days on the water. 

It’s not just on the lake where people gather but along the Chicago River running through the center of the city. Downtown dockage is available but tends to fill up fast so reservations are encouraged. Just like the lake, the boat traffic in the Chicago River gets congested during the season months and does require precautious boating. 


Safety Requirements:

  • Boating License/Education Rules: Valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources or an entity or organization recognized and approved by the Department is required.

  • Life Jacket Requirements: 13 and under must wear a PFD.


For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:

  • DuSable Harbor

  • Belmont Harbor

  • Burnham Harbor

  • Monroe Harbor

  • East Chicago Marina

  • Downtown Docks


Weather Conditions

Ask some Chicago locals, and they’ll tell you summers in Chicago can’t be beat. Temperatures in the Windy City start to warm up around mid-May and last through the end of August into the beginning of September—making the summer season ideal for boaters and sailors.

Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 82°F in July

Avg. Temperature Low: Ranging between 54-61°F during fringe months like May and September

Avg. Water Temperatures in Lake Michigan during the Summer: 

  • 40°F in May

  • 52°F in June

  • 67°F in July

  • 70°F in August

  • 66.7°F in September


Chicago Boating Highlights

Between May and September, life in Chicago centers around Lake Michigan. When planning your next Chicago boat rental trip, be sure to add these popular activities and locations to your itinerary.

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Chicago Boat Rentals

Things to Do in Chicago by Boat

Cruise the Chicago River in Style

Ease your way slowly down the Chicago River and have a little self-guided architectural tour as you make your way around the city. Look up and admire the impressive Chicago skyscrapers from your boat. Along the way, you’ll cruise under Chicago’s 38 bridges connecting the city over the river. Many of Chicago’s historic buildings and sites can be seen from the river and makes for a great sightseeing tour.

  • Moorage: Docktown Docks

  • Wake zone: Yes

  • Pro Tips: Docking reservations at the Downtown Docks, while transient, are only for 2-hour durations. Plan ahead and submit reservation requests 2 weeks or less before your arrival.

  • Hours: Varies by location - see each location for details (Pizzeria Portofino/RPM Seafood, Rockwell on the River, City Winery)

  • Lat/Long: 41.8870° N, 87.6290° W

Google Maps Link

Go Sailing on Lake Michigan

Being that Chicago’s nickname is the windy city it’s no surprise that sailing on Lake Michigan is another favorite form of boating here. Toss the lines and cast your sails into the trade winds for a science sailing experience alongside Chicago’s shoreline. 

  • Moorage: Most, if not all, of Chicago’s Harbors can support sailboat dockage.

  • Wake zone: Yes - in some areas

  • Pro Tips: If you’re in search of a Boatsetter Sailing rental, be sure to check out boats listed near Monroe Harbor or 31st Street Harbor.

  • Seasonality: Sailing season is year-round, but most Chicago sailors stick to a six month period between late spring and early autumn.

  • Lat/Long: 41.8781° N, 87.6298° W

Google Maps Link

Party in the Playpen

The Chicago Playpen is recognized as one of the city’s biggest boat party scenes and summer boating hotspot. Hundreds of boats come to the Playpen and raft-up side-by-side, creating one massive floatopia. The atmosphere is full of music of all genres blaring, smells of BBQ, and the roar of people laughing while enjoying a fun-filled summer day out on the water. 

  • Moorage: The closest marinas to the Playpen are DuSable Harbor to the south, and Belmont Harbor to the north.

  • Wake zone: Yes

  • Pro Tips: The Playpen is the go-to destination during Chicago’s annual Boat Scene Party, with over 10,000 attendees and 500-1000 boats tied up. Secure your boat rental early for this event!

  • Seasonality: Thousands of boat drop anchor in the Playpen each year, with peak season for this location ranging from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

  • Lat/Long: 41°53'53.2"N 87°36'43.1"W

Google Maps Link

Explore

Where to Go Boating in Chicago

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is the epicenter of the Chicago Harbor system. Take your rental in a loop around the pier into the Monroe Harbor and up along the coast of Lake Michigan. Rent a fishing boat to get a great catch during the daytime or rent a sailboat to watch the pier illuminate the water at night.

  • Moorage: Closest dockage is at DuSable Harbor or Monroe Harbor

  • Wake zone: Yes

  • Pro Tips: Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier are every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

  • Hours: Opens daily at 10am, but closing times vary by season.

  • Lat/Long: 41.8919° N, 87.6051° W

Google Maps Link

Jackson Park

There's a good chance you pick up your rental boat from the marina at Jackson Park, and if not, it's still worth going down to this area of Chicago's waterfront to cruise around and take in the breathtaking views. It's one of the best spots for sailing in Lake Michigan.

  • Moorage: Closest dockage is at Jackson Park Inner Harbor

  • Wake zone: Yes

  • Pro Tips: There are 192 slips, mooring cans, and star docks, and the harbor can accommodates boats measuring 25’ to 40’ in length.

  • Hours: May 1-Oct. 31 - Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm; Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

  • Lat/Long: 41.7833° N, 87.5783° W

Google Maps Link

Lake Michigan Dive Site

Much of Chicago’s history lies under the waters of Lake Michigan, resting just off the shores of the city's popular lakeside beaches. Chicago has over a dozen shipwreck locations that are active dive sites for avid scuba divers. Many of the wreck sites date back to the 1800’s when Chicago was one of the busiest shipping ports in the country.

  • Moorage: Depending on which dive site you’re interested in, there are a variety of Chicago marinas to choose to depart from. When at the dive site, you’ll want to anchor or look for local mooring balls.

  • Wake zone: Yes

  • Pro Tips: Four of the most popular wreck sites include the Wells Burt, the Straits of Mackinac, the Thomas Hume, and the Wings of the Wind.

  • Hours: While it is possible to dive year-round, Lake Michigan peak recreational dive season falls between May and ends in early November. Visibility varies, but divers can generally expect 35 to 40 feet—or on clear days up to 100 feet.

  • Lat/Long: Wells Burt (42° 2.748' N, 87° 37.082' W); Straits of Mackinac (45°48′51’ N 84°44′56’ W); Wings of the Wind (41°56.089’ N 87°33.391’ W)

Google Maps Link



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 $75 per hour, depending on the amount of time that you would like to use the boat.

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

The cost to rent a boat on the Chicago River starts at $75 per hour, depending on the amount of time that you would like to use the boat. Rent jet skis, sailboats, yachts, and more along the Chicago River.

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 a yacht rental cost Chicago?

The cost to rent a yacht in Chicago starts at $275 per hour. The cost varies depending on the boat size and length of the trip.

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.


Top boat rental reviews in Chicago, IL

Verified full
205,398
Customers Reviews
4.95
Avg. Rating

  • Ian

    Jan 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    Troy was great with setting up the reservation and answering questions. Very easy communication. The captain and crew...

    D

    Oct 2023

  • What a special evening we had!! Couldn’t recommend this charter more. Best way to take in the Windy City and with...

    Diana

    Sep 2023

  • We absolutely loved our time out on the lake. Great experience & I would highly recommend

    Kaitlyn

    Sep 2023
  • 5/5 stars

    Captain J and Captain Derek made our boating experience truly exceptional. They were professional, responded in a...

    Alexa

    Sep 2023
  • 5/5 stars

    Better than advertised. First time going out in Chicago so a little skeptical and didn’t know what to expect. Captain...

    Blaine

    Sep 2023

  • Parvathi

    Sep 2023

  • We had a great time! Boat was perfect size for 12 people. The boat was clean, music worked, overall a great...

    Crystal

    Sep 2023
  • 5/5 stars

    Had an amazing time as a first timer. Captain Ray was our sailor, he’s awesome, great guy, I do recommend getting...

    Omar

    Sep 2023
  • 5/5 stars

    Brian

    Sep 2023

  • Ted is fantastic. Boat was clean and enjoyable - speakers are fantastic - and zero problems along the whole way. Will...

    Jake

    Sep 2023

  • Captain Ray showed us an amazing time! The boat was perfect for our group of 6. Do it, you won’t be sorry!

    Sydney

    Aug 2023

Boat rentals in Chicago, IL



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