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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-$710
Sailboats
Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats
$120-$370
Pontoons
Perfect for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, and parties
$600-$800
Fishing Charters
Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing
$65-$200
Kayaks
Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?
$50-$120
Jet Skis
Fast, fun, and easy to operate, these are a guaranteed good time on the water
$150-$180
Houseboats
All the comforts of home out on the water, for multi-day boat trips
$350-$750
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!
SS
Scarlett
Diversey Harbor 36' Sea Ray Floating Oasis for your Unforgettable Celebrations!!
We had a great time! Kevin was very flexible and helped us reschedule easily when the weather did not cooperate. Highly recommend.
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!
Mardysa
Diversey Harbor 36' Sea Ray Floating Oasis for your Unforgettable Celebrations!!
I had an amazing time! I booked on rather short notice and Kevin came through for me especially with helping to find a captain for such a busy day. The entire process was smooth and Captain Lisa was great! I’d definitely book with him again in the future.
karina
Diversey Harbor 36' Sea Ray Floating Oasis for your Unforgettable Celebrations!!
Kevin was super nice and accommodating. Any question I asked he answered. Was able to provide me a captain on short notice. The boat itself was super clean! Even the bathroom. And it was a full bathroom. Very happy with purchase and experience. Thank you kevin!
Julian
Luxury 31ft Bayliner 3055 Ciera for your Playpen Party
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing this boat trip with Captain Z and I can't say enough about how wonderful it was! From start to finish, Captain Z was an exceptional host, making sure every detail was taken care of. The boat itself equipped with everything we needed for a perfect day on water. They were friendly, attentive, and made everyone on board feel welcome and comfortable. We had so much fun exploring the beautiful scenery, enjoying the water and relaxing on the deck. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable boat trip.
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
