- most popular!
- Downtown
- 2 hours
- All ages
Kayak Chicago with Wateriders, Chicagoland’s original urban kayaks. Kayak through Chicago at your own pace, and choose your own path through the steel and concrete canyons of this beautiful city.
Choose Your Location
Our Featured Kayak Rentals & Tours
- most popular!
Kayak Chicago with Wateriders, Chicagoland’s original urban kayaks. Kayak through Chicago at your own pace, and choose your own path through the steel and concrete canyons of this beautiful city.
- Downtown
- 2 hours
- All ages
ABOUT
US
ABOUT US
Founded in 1997, Wateriders created the first Chicago River kayaking tour and started a phenomenon. Since then, we have led tens of thousands of adventurous people from all over the globe on recreational kayak tours that reveal the history and magnificent architecture of Chicago. We can not wait to show you our incredible city on a Chicago River kayak tour.
Kayak With Wateriders
PRIME LOCATION
Our launch at the East Bank Club is only a few minutes’ paddle into the heart of downtown Chicago. We are located right next to Wolf Point where the three branches of the city meet. The views are unmatchable!
EASY PARKING
Just a minute’s walk from the river, our validated parking garage is conveniently located and offers the best deal in the area: $4 + 50 cents per hour. We are also easy to reach by bike, train (Metra or L), bus, rideshare, or foot.
BEST VALUE
You will not get a more affordable kayak trip at such a prime location on the Chicago River. Maximize your time on the water time by launching with us in the downtown area with our central location near the Loop, River North, West Loop, and River West.
FREE LESSONS
Do you feel like you might need some coaching? While everyone receives an on-land lesson, we’ll give additional on-water training to those who need it.
LOCAL PIONEERS
Locally owned and operated, Wateriders was the first company to host kayak tours on the Chicago River in the downtown area. Since 1997, we have hosted over 100,000 urban adventurers on our waterway!
HIGH QUALITY
For over twenty-two years, we have taken pride in our tours. Our personable and experienced guides have the knowledge and dedication to ensure you have a memorable, safe, and entertaining journey with us.
What Our Guests Are Saying!
★★★★★
So much fun and absolutely gorgeous views! Tour guides were a lot of fun! Firework show was amazing! Highly recommended!
– Alisha S • Tripadvisor
Even as someone who only kayaked 1 other time in their life this activity wasn’t bad at all! The instructor took their time with everyone and If some got too behind we would wait for everyone to catch up before continuing. I did the sunset tour and it was beautiful!
– Lizbeth I • Tripadvisor
If you’re a beginner or you’re not confident about kayaking, this is totally fine for you. There will be two PIC guiding us which way to paddle all the way. Clear instructions was given and the details about the architecture were delivered well too.
– See Yun • Tripadvisor
We did the moonlight paddle on 9/9/22 - I cannot say enough how enjoyable this was. The scenery was gorgeous, the guides (Peter & Will) were informative, helpful, and friendly! I would highly recommend!
– T B • Tripadvisor
Everyone was super friendly and helpful! The one who lead the tour was a tall guy with orange hair (sorry I don't remember the name but his paddle looked like a witch's broom which I thought was cool.) The sunset kayaking was a wonderful experience, 10/10 I have already recommended it to several people :)
– Sumaya A • TripadvisorRECOMMENDED BY
