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Paddle the Chicago River at your own pace and choose your path through the steel and concrete canyons of this beautiful city!

Launching from our dock under the Kinzie St. bridge, Wateriders is wonderfully close to the heart of downtown Chicago and just a few minutes paddling from the main attractions. We are proud to offer the best urban kayaking experience in the city, at the best rates. Single and double (tandem) kayaks are available.

Don’t waste time and energy paddling from far away to where the highlights are! We are right in the middle of the action. Close to the most scenic areas. Close to the El. Close to the Metra. Renting a kayak with us is the easiest way to experience the beautiful Chicago River.

We provide everyone a lesson before you get in the boat on how to correctly paddle, as well as a quick tutorial on how to stay safe on the Chicago River. Then we set you up comfortably in your boat for your ride! All the hard work is taken care of for you by our guides.

Reserve a time or feel free to drop in (call ahead for availability). However, we strongly suggest reservations – especially on weekends – to ensure you will get out on the water at the time you want.

  • Price (first hour)
    Weekdays - $60/two hours per person

    Weekends - $70/two hours per person

  • Duration
    Minimum 2 hour rental. All rentals are pro-rated $7.50 per 15 minutes per person after the scheduled time on weekdays and $8.75 for weekends.

  • Reservations
    Timeslots available every half hour
    Reservations take priority over walk-ups

    Note: Reservations are for seats, not for a single or double kayak. We do our best to allow you a choice of single(s) vs. double(s), but there are times this is not possible.
  • Walk-Ups
    It is a good idea to call ahead for availability!

    Due to COVID-19, pre-booking is the preferred way to reserve a spot. Walk-ups are subject to availability with social distancing measures of a restricted number of people per half hour (10 or less).

  • Group Size
    There is a maximum of 6 total boats per group without a guide.

    If you have a larger group, check out our Group Paddles page!

  • Kayaks
    Single and double kayaks available
  • Weight Limits
    Single kayak - 275 lbs (approx.); Double kayak - 450 lbs (approx.)
  • WayneHFranklin: We are definitely going to be doing this again, especially when we have people visiting Chicago. Great job guys...
  • Gina M.: This was a great trip. The staff was super friendly. The location was great, it was close to all the sights downtown. A 2 hour trip from their location allowed us to spend time seeing all the right sights on the river. Thank you guys!
  • Andrea B.: Location: Easy to find, clean and a variety of kayaks to choose from. Staff: SUPER nice, friendly and very knowledgeable. Price: Prices are the same or very similar all around. Puppies allowed - The staff greeted my pup w love and treats! Pup and I had a blast. Thank you guys! We will be back. (My pup loved it)

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