Wateriders -- Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals

Key Highlights

• ✓Staff (e.g., Charlie and his team) are very accommodating, allowing flexibility like switching from a rental to a public tour (with an upcharge).
• ✓Tour guides (e.g., Phil, Jim, Charlie) are highly knowledgeable about Chicago architecture, history, ghost stories, and local wildlife, providing fascinating details.
• ✓Guides are caring, safety-focused, and ensure proper guidance, even helping participants like an 82-year-old mother in and out of kayaks.
• ✓Ability to experience rare city events, such as sailboats going through the city and drawbridges lifting, which adds a unique element to the tour.
• ✓Tours can have small group sizes (e.g., one reported with only 4 people), ensuring a less crowded experience.
• ✓Guides effectively manage groups with different skill levels, ensuring everyone can keep moving and enjoy the paddle.
• ✓Offers diverse tour themes beyond standard architecture, including 'Chicago Ghost and Gangster' and 'Sunrise' trips.
• ✓High re-book intent, with multiple reviewers stating they would 'definitely book it again' or 'do this again'.

Standout Features

• ⭐Knowledgeable and caring tour guides who enhance the experience with historical facts, architectural details, and local stories.
• ⭐Variety of tour themes available, including Architectural, Ghost & Gangster, and Sunrise trips, catering to different interests.
• ⭐Multiple types of kayaks offered, including single, tandem, and sit-on-tops, providing options for different preferences and skill levels.
• ⭐All gear provided is reported to be in good condition and clean.
• ⭐Opportunity to spot local wildlife, as guides actively point out 'cool animals'.
• ⭐Flexibility to accommodate varying kayaking skill levels within the same group.
• ⭐Located on the Chicago River, providing a distinct and 'different view of Chicago' compared to land-based tours.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • No alcohol allowed before or during any experiences.
• • Guests must show up in an appropriate state to operate a vessel on a commercial waterway; intoxication will result in being turned away without refund.
• • Alcohol use will not be tolerated on the water under any circumstances.
• • Paddle Party (Bridgeport): BYO anything for event space; kitchen stocked with seltzer, Mexican soda, coffee, tea; options to order platters from Hewn bakers.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • All tours and rentals preceded by a paddling and safety orientation; additional on-water training provided if needed.
• • Wateriders reserves the right to remove guests from the river who do not display an acceptable level of competence.
• • Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is required by law at all times while in a boat or on the dock; no exceptions.
• • Customer-provided life jackets must be US Coast Guard approved for weight class; inflatable life jackets not permitted.
• • Attire: Comfortable, water-friendly clothing and shoes recommended. Denim, khakis, or long cotton pants not recommended. Nylon/swimwear/fleece and other quick-dry materials are best. Footwear that can get wet is advised. Shirts must be worn under life jackets at all times. Dress for the weather, hat and sunglasses are good.
• • Single kayak weight limit: ~275 lbs; Double kayak weight limit: ~475 lbs.
• • One-way rentals require guests to have at least one cell phone in a Ziploc or drybag with a registered number.
• • One-way rentals: kayaks are equipped with trackers, guests must stay on the river and only exit at designated locations. No kayak may be taken off the river except for emergencies.
• • No canoes, paddleboards (SUPs), or racing shells rented or launched due to safety concerns on a busy river.
• • Dogs are allowed with owners (no extra charge); leash required, dog life jacket highly advised.
• • No sharks in the Chicago River.

📅Booking Policy

• • Online booking is simple and quick and ensures a place.
• • All rentals must be pre-booked.
• • Reservations are highly recommended, especially for tours and weekends, and take priority over walk-ups.
• • Walk-ups may be accommodated if space and guides are available.
• • Private tours and groups should email in advance for details; customized plans can often be accommodated.
• • Maximum of 6 boats per group (up to 12 people in double kayaks) allowed for rentals without a guide; larger groups require a guide.

🚗Parking Information

• • Validated parking garage available at 360 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, 60654 (left entrance).
• • Validated rate: $4 + 50 cents per hour (up to 4 hours).
• • To validate: Take original ticket upon entry, get a 'chaser' ticket from Wateriders, insert original ticket then chaser ticket at pay station. Keep ticket dry.
• • Also accessible by bike (Divvy station, bike racks), train (Brown/Purple Line at Merchandise Mart; Red Line at Grand Ave; Blue/Green/Pink Line at Clinton; Metra at Ogilvie/Union Station), bus (65 Grand Ave, 37 Sedgwick, 125 Water Tower Express, 56 Milwaukee), rideshare, or foot.