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The Best Boat Rentals in Chicago
Browse, book, and get out onto the water with local captains and boat owners.
Suggested Searches
Types of Boats Popular in Chicago
Yachts
From mid-size to mega yachts, these luxury boats are great for groups and celebrations
$200-$1,000
Tours
Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration
$175-$700
Sailboats
Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats
$120-$370
Pontoons
Perfect for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, and parties
$600-$800
Kayaks
Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?
$50-$280
Houseboats
All the comforts of home out on the water, for multi-day boat trips
$350-$750
Fishing Charters
Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing
$65-$200
Jet Skis
Fast, fun, and easy to operate, these are a guaranteed good time on the water
$150-$180
Fishing Boats
Boats outfitted for fishing, from small inshore angling boats to deep-sea yachts
$65
Recent Reviews in Chicago
JY
Jordan
Diversey Harbor 46 ft Luxury Yacht Perfect Play Pen Boat
Jason and Justin did a great job communicating and coordinating our trip. We did 3 hours and then the rain affected our time so we added another hour. Justin was a fun captain and helped us have the best time possible. We definitely recommend renting Jason’s yacht and having Justin as your captain. Will be back for the next season of boating!
Adam
Diversey Harbor Gorgeous 46' Sea Ray Luxury Yacht
Had an incredible time out on Kevin’s boat. We had Captain Justin and I couldn’t recommend him enough. We were celebrating a bachelor party and this was the highlight of the weekend!
RG
Ravi
Captain Memo's 28 ft. Sea Ray in Chicago
An awesome experience - right from booking the trip, the trip itself, and the warmth and responsiveness of Capt Memo. The boat was awesome - clean and with space up front and in the back of the boat. Capt Memo asked us upfront how we wanted to spend our time and ensured we got exactly what we wanted. He also took some great pictures which he shared promptly. And he engaged with us when we welcomed it but also gave us space when we wanted it. All in all, we loved the experience and will certainly be back
FN
Francis
70' EXCLUSIVE Motor Yacht NEW to Chicago
Damian and Monica (and Jimmy) were a pleasure as captain, staff, and assisting with our trip. Everything was on time and their initial instructions were easy to understand and friendly. Our trip included both the the river and lake and was a beautiful day. Our originally scheduled Saturday had bad weather forecasted and we were lucky enough to reschedule for the day after. This was a surprise for my Mom and when the boat arrived it was huge, clean and ready to go. We brought our own food, drinks, and also had the ability to play our own music. The boat was the biggest on the water and we loved the multiple locations on the boat to hang out to eat and drink. It was an unforgettable day and I would not hesitate to use them again. I highly recommend it!
MM
Melanie
Diversey Harbor 46 ft Luxury Yacht Perfect Play Pen Boat
Jason has very competitive pricing that is well worth it. Communication was very easy. He provided me with a very simple list to find a captain (which was the piece I was most worried about). The boat came with ice and cups which made it so easy for hosting. Had a great time!
KJ
Kaylan
Diversey Harbor 46 ft Luxury Yacht Perfect Play Pen Boat
We had an amazing time on Jason’s boat celebrating a 30th birthday! Our captain Justin was phenomenal. Everything was just as it was on the listing. Boat was clean, as was the bathroom. Ice and coolers were provided as well as kitchen utensils. An amazing deal comparatively. Wouldn’t change a thing! Thank you Jason and Justin!
How To Book on Getmyboat
Browse
Find the right listing for you and your crew, with options for boat types, group size, captained or self-charter, and lots more.
Inquire & Book
Found one you like? Send a rental inquiry with your preferred trip details, and you’ll receive an offer from your captain to book.
Enjoy
Coordinate a pick-up place and time, meet your boat captain, and get out onto the water!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Michigan?
Renting a boat in Chicago starts at $100 an hour for a small powerboat and goes up to $800 an hour for a luxury motor yacht.
How much is it to rent a yacht in Chicago?
A smaller motor yacht rental will cost around $250 an hour, while a larger yacht can cost up to $700 an hour. When getting a quote, inquire if the captain’s fee and gas are included in the price.
What are the best places to go boating in Chicago?
While there are many options while boating in Chicago, here is a list of the most visited boating destinations and tours in Chicago.
- Navy Pier
- Playpen
- Chicago Architecture Tour
- Cruise The River
- Shoreline Tour
When is the boating season in Chicago?
While boating season in Chicago can vary depending on the weather, it usually starts at the beginning of May and can extend through to October.
What is the Playpen in Chicago?
The Playpen is one of the most popular boating destinations in Chicago. It’s a protected area in front of Lake Shore Drive created by a breakwall in front of the water filtration plant. It’s the perfect destination for swimming, boat parties, and floating. Boaters stop here and tie-up with other boats for an on-the-water social affair. In fact, the Playpen hosts the largest annual boat party in all of Chicago, dubbed the Chicago Scene Boat Party.
What is the Chicago Scene Boat Party
The Chicago Scene Boat Party is an annual event held in the Playpen where hundreds of boats tie up for what is now the largest boat party on Lake Michigan. This event is usually held the last weekend of July, but boat rental reservations fill up months in advance. The Chicago Scene Boat Party was started in 2000 by Ted Widen, the publisher of the luxury lifestyle mag Chicago Scene.
Does the boat rental include a captain?
Boats listed on Getmyboat offer boat rentals with or without a captain in Chicago. Before confirming your booking, you can always communicate with the boat owner through Getmyboat to ensure your captain and crew needs are met.
Why choose Getmyboat over Airbnb for Chicago boat rentals?
While Airbnb has a few boats or yachts that you can sleep in overnight at the marina, they do not allow you to go out on the boat. Getmyboat specializes in top-quality boat rentals and yacht charters in Chicago that allow you to leave the dock and experience the water. Don't just sleep on the boat, explore with the boat.
Real reviews from happy Getmyboaters.
4.9 out of 5! 500,000+ reviews
