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Milwaukee Duffy Boat Rentals | Inner Harbor — Kayaking for Kids in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Duffy Boat Rentals | Inner Harbor

4.9(384)4.9 out of 5 stars, 384 reviews Milwaukee, WI

About Milwaukee Duffy Boat Rentals | Inner Harbor

Milwaukee Duffy Boat Rentals offers an exceptionally easy-to-drive, spacious, and comfortable electric boat experience on the Milwaukee River and Inner Harbor. It stands out for its fair pricing for group outings (e.g., 3 hours for up to 12 people), the practical ability to close windows for weather protection, and highly responsive, friendly, and helpful staff, making it ideal for family sightseeing and relaxing cruises.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Relaxing family outings and gatherings with varying age groups.Larger groups (up to 12 people) seeking a comfortable and unique shared experience.Leisurely sightseeing and exploration of Milwaukee's waterways and city views.First-time boat renters looking for an easy and supported experience.Those seeking a unique and memorable way to experience Milwaukee from the water.

Why families love it

  • Boats are easy to drive, even for first-time renters, with clear operating instructions provided by staff.
  • Spacious and comfortable boats can accommodate large groups (up to 11-12 people comfortably).
  • Boats are well-equipped with amenities like speakers, comfortable seats, and a cooler.
  • Ability to close boat windows is a 'lifesaver' for managing chilly conditions on the river.
  • Staff are consistently described as super nice, friendly, helpful (e.g., getting kids situated), and responsive to questions.
  • Booking process is easy online, allowing for convenient reservations.

Insider tips

  • Consider booking a 3-hour tour to fully enjoy the Milwaukee River and reach destinations like Lakefront Brewery.
  • Don't hesitate to rent if you're a first-timer; staff provide excellent, easy-to-understand instructions, and the boats are simple to drive and dock.
  • Utilize the easy online booking for convenience and prompt responses to any questions.
  • Be prepared for potential temperature drops on the river; make sure to use the closable windows for comfort.
  • The dock location is easy to find via Google Maps, simplifying arrival.

Good to know before you go

  • No specific situations or times to avoid were mentioned in the reviews, indicating a consistently positive experience across different visits.
  • It can get chilly quickly on the river, although the boats' closable windows effectively mitigate this potential discomfort.
Crowds
Since it's a private boat rental, crowding is internal to your group. The reviews do not mention issues with crowds at the rental facility itself or on the waterways, implying a generally smooth experience.
Value
Customers consistently describe the rates as 'fair' and a 3-hour tour for a large group (11 people) as 'not that expensive,' suggesting excellent value for the comfort, amenities, and duration of the experience, especially for group outings. No hidden costs were reported.
Food
The presence of a cooler on the boat strongly suggests that customers are permitted and encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the cruise.
Accessibility
No specific accommodations for special needs are explicitly mentioned. However, the spacious and comfortable nature of the boats may generally facilitate easier boarding and movement compared to smaller, less stable vessels. Direct wheelchair accessibility or staff training for specific disabilities is not confirmed.
Safety
Staff (e.g., Joey, dockhands) provide clear and thorough explanations on how to operate the boat, contributing significantly to passenger safety.

What parents say

P. Kahn
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"The Duffy boat option to cruise the Milwaukee river is perfect. The boat was easy to drive, super comfortable, and spacious for a large group (11). A 3 hour tour was not that expensive in my opinion making for a great day with family. Took it all the way up the Lakefront Brewery on a slow cruise and everyone loved it. The guys who rented to us were super nice and took really good care of us. Highly recommend!"

10 months ago

Joanne Marczewski
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Had a wonderful time exploring Milwaukee via the river and inside the breakwater of Lake Michigan!.. Booking easy on line. Staff at check in were friendly and helpful getting our stuff and the kids situated! Highly recommend and look forward to booking again in the future!"

a year ago

C So
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Had a great experience renting a boat for the first time. Thought the rates were fair. Joey did a great job explaining how the boat works and how to operate it. It was easy to drive. The boat was perfect for what we were looking for! Speakers, comfortable seats, ample room, a cooler, and very clean. It could fit 8 people comfortably, and even more people if you wanted. For our purposes, it was just for two people total. The dock location is close to downtown Milwaukee and also easy to locate on Google maps. Would definitely do this again."

2 years ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.