Reviews of Wateriders -- Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals. (Travel Agency) in Chicago (Illinois).

Wateriders -- Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals

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395 Comments

Travel Agency

Canoe & kayak rental service

500 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

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Information of Wateriders -- Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals, Travel Agency in Chicago (Illinois)

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Reviews of Wateriders -- Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals

Sarah Lloyd

Incredible experience! The guides were friendly, informative, and clearly prioritized safety while delivering a fun experience. Helpful info: -Tour lasted two hours from check-in and safety talk to getting out of the kayaks. -Single and double kayaks are available, your choice. There is an age minimum for the single (16?) but kids can go in a double with an older person. -Wear water friendly clothing (no jeans or sneakers) as you'll get damp but no one in our group fell in or got wet. -The tour itself alternates paddling with stopping and listening to the tour guide. Rest breaks are plentiful, the pace is easy, and the route is accessible to those without kayak experience. -Bathrooms and bag storage are provided. No bathroom stops during the tour, so go before you load.

Sam A

We had a blast on the sunset paddle! Beautiful views of the city, bridges, and passing boats. Our tour guide Conner was our favorite! Such a sweet guy. One recommendation I have is to provide more breaks for photo opportunities and to drink water, otherwise the tour was great!

Gary Hirsch

Excellent easy-to-book centrally-located team-building/bonding activity on a nice day in Chicago. Our group of 6 (company team from out of town) had fun getting some air, sun, exercise (lite!!--don't worry), scenery, and city history. Aaron our tour guide has his Chicago stories down pat and delivers as if recanting his own family history. The stops along the river were welcome but most of us would have preferred fewer or shorter stops (esp since we had to stay in single-file formation for the most part), tho the city info was nicely delivered. Overall a unique activity that's fun for everyone and great service team.

RSB Unanimous

Really great! Our tour guide Trevor was fantastic- super positive, entertaining, and great at guiding the kayaking. Was given great instruction before starting, and the Chicago history stories about ghosts and gangsters were really awesome and I learned a lot. I was able to reschedule the tour to the week after due to bad weather from the original date I scheduled, really good customer service.

Monica M

It was indeed one and only experience to kayak through those beautiful buildings. It can takes 2 hours for going through the 2 canals. However it s a busy river, lots of traffic all kind of motorized boats are using the path. Do we careful when crossing. The staff was friendly, taught you some basic kayak techniques, anyone can do it! We got the ticket from group on for deals. Check it out to save $. Enjoy kayaking in the heart of Chicago.

Doug Lawler

This is a total blast. No better way to see the downtown buildings and hear some historical facts. Trevor did a great job. I had never ridden in a kayak but it is super simple and lots of fun. I think next time we will rent a kayak and adventure out on our own. They have sun block and can hold any items you need and there is a club at the building by the River that you can use the bathroom and get snacks prior and after going. I highly recommend.

Zack Minnier

My partner and I signed up for the architecture tour. Process was really easy and the orientation when we arrives was quick and thorough. We'd never kayaked before, but the team (Orien, Will, and Crow) did a good job making us feel comfortable with it. They keep with the group on the water and give tips as you go. Orien led the tour and was great! Definitely worth it if you're interested in seeing the city from a new perspective.

Tito Guerrero

Took my 6 year old daughter on the fireworks tour. We had a blast! Guides were helpful, great workout, cool seeing all the boats, buildings, etc. Warren and Gary were super cool.

Maggie

The staff was very informative and explained safety tips and instructions. My friend and I had a Groupon deal and the process was relatively easy, but don’t forget to make reservations 24hr in advance. We took a tandem kayak. The views were great and weather was perfect. 2 hrs was plenty of time, even with stopping and taking pictures. This is my 2nd time renting through Waterriders and I would recommend them!

Eleanor Jones

A big thanks to Sauce for a great tour! I’ve done a wide variety of architecture tours in Chicago - but this was my first kayak experience. Sauce was an enthusiastic and funny guide, with the added bonus of remembering everyone’s name (teacher-skills!) Definitely worth it and will recommend to others.

holly couling

Absolutely delightful! We felt super safe and cared for with guide Orion, and loved the stories and enriching information he shared. You can’t beat the city views from the river. I would recommend the guided tour over renting to really get the most out of this experience.

Eden Henricks

The Ghosts and Gangsters tour was awesome! After living in Chicago for 6 years, I will be moving out of the city at the end of the month and kayaking the Chicago River was always on my bucket list. This tour did not disappoint! Seeing Chicago from the river's perspective is a spectacular experience. The group was much smaller than other large Kayak tour companies, which I enjoyed because the tour was much more personable. Our guide Trevor really genuine and took the time to talk and get to know everyone (we even passed him giving a tour while we were on the riverwalk the following day and he remembered our names, which is awesome)! Trevor was really knowledgable and tied the history of Chicago and its grimy (but exciting) past in with a little humor, making the stories all the more memorable. I have even more appreciation for this wonderful city. I really enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it!

zoe leon

As a Chicago local, I had an amazing time and learned facts about my home town that i never even knew. We did the firework paddle to navy pier and had some amazing views. I'd like to give a special thanks to my guide, Dan. Not only was he handsome but he was also very informative and knowledgeable. Also loved the fact that my guide was LGBTQ+ ally.

Gracjan Kolodziej

Had a great recent experience with Wateriders on Chicago river downtown Chicago. Great and friendly staff members, great kayak river docking location and good equipment overall. Keep up the good work guys and thank you.

maine8700

This was a great experience from beginning to end. The guys are personable, patient, very knowledgeable, the safety protocols sufficient and very clear. The kayaking tour was beautiful, the buildings, passing boats, music, see people walk along the river walk and partying was awesome. The tour showcased the river and its bustling areas effortlessly. We rested by a few scenic locations along the river, saw a light show, was able to take pics, videos, etc. The river was lively, didn’t imagine it would be this fun and relaxing at night, it was the perfect excursion for us and we live in Chicago. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Kimberly Felix

I visited Chicago for the first time this past week with friends and decided to do the kayak architecture tour. It was the best decision ever! Although I was terrified of the idea of being on the Chicago River the Wateriders team was amazing, they made our safety their priority. The tour on the Chicago river is a great experience for everyone, I would definitely recommend to any locals or tourists that have not done this activity! I will definitely return from California for this tour again! Thank you Wateriders team for the history and the tips of Chicago.

Madeline Bouche

We loved this tour! It was an easy little paddle down the river with lots of interesting facts and tidbits. Trevor was a great tour guide, very personable and fun. It would be a great tour to take with visitors to Chicago looking for a more active way to explore the river. We also felt very safe throughout. Logistics were easy. There was access to nice restrooms where you could change your clothes after the tour (as well as go right before).

KrisKrossy

We went as a group of 7 on a private narrated tour on the Chicago River. The "Greatest Hits" was a wonderful experience in late summer, with the highlights of the Chicago history. We've got to know many new sides of the windy city, its gangster history and details about the downtown architecture. Our guide has been a real Chicago guy, which was a perfect combination with the tour and brought some of the local spirit to us. We would highly recommend this action to all adventurous groups visiting that lovely city and Wateriders will be your perfect partner for a personalized experience. Thanks a lot for that day!

Lisa Nordemo

This was a really lovely and scenic tour during the evening, our favorite for the whole America trip! Lots of nice vistas and great guides to held the group together. Would recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing way of looking at the city from a diffrent perspective!

Shannon Powell

The Navy pier fireworks kayak tour was an incredible experience! This adventure was exciting and gave us a really unique perspective of the beautiful Chicago river walk. All of the tour guides were great at explaining what we were going to do and set us up for success. I knew it was going to be a fun night when the primary leader Orion came up to our group of 3 women saying “what’s up queens”. He was great at explaining, keeping the group engaged, how to use all the equipment and that this is a sober adventure that would require some exercise; exactly what we wanted. The 6 of the tour guides were very patient and Peter did an awesome job explaining the reasoning behind how they were choosing the single riders so nothing was wondering as our group was large. Henry was lovely and friendly getting into the boat and onto the water. Orion was so funny and engaging leading the pack, Connor, Nora, and Tanner did an excellent job keeping all of us close to the right wall and out of large boats way, also encouraging us and saying how great our group was doing. Overall this was a super memorable night and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the Chicago area during the summer :-)

branden mcleod

My family surprised me with the Chicago River Kayak (Architecture Tour) experience for Fathers’ Day! It was a great experience. The weather was perfect. The tour guides, Ben, O’Ryan, and Blake were great (I.e., personable and knowledgeable). I highly recommend CRK.

Ruhid Gillani

Well worth the price in my opinion. We went on a 4pm start and while it was 95 degrees, it didn’t feel very hot while in the kayaks. The crew was super helpful in explaining how the kayak worked, tips on maneuvers, and helped us get settled and kept on track during our tour. The tour itself was good as well. We did the architecture tour, and while the content was somewhat similar to the boat cruise’s version, the Chicago history is so rich you’re almost always going to learn something new and re-appreciate the city we live in. Something to note is to apply sunscreen and even on your legs, half of your leg will be exposed while on the kayak.

Brother Junior

My first time doing kayak. Had a blast. Scenery was absolutely beauty.. And the guide made it fun.

Pat Lawlor

We had an AMAZING Chicago River kayaking adventure yesterday with Derek. He kept us safe and entertained the entire time. The views of Chicago from the river are unforgettable. Be sure to take advantage of Wateriders great experience and knowledge once in your life to enjoy this local gem. Thank you, Derek, for the best 2 hours I have spent in a kayak!

Becky Weissman

Took the fireworks paddle last night. The crew was great, there were just too many people (they had a crew of 6 to coral everyone). It was like a cattle call and the kayaks kept bumping into each other. I’ve seen other complaints here echo the same. Smaller groups would have made for a much better experience. For the price ($75/person), try to find companies that book smaller groups.

Austin Mirmina

We had a fantastic journey with our Wateriders tour guide, Derrick, and his comrade, Daniel. I appreciated Derrick’s depth of knowledge regarding the history of Chicago, and his enthusiasm for teaching others. I also enjoyed his quirky sense of humor. The views of the Chicago River and its surroundings were spectacular. And despite the frequent passings of boats, I felt safe the entire time under Derrick and Daniel’s supervision. I highly recommend a Wateriders kayak tour for anyone visiting Chicago.

Peter Francis

Go visit Trevor and Brian for a fun look into Chicago down town from a chill kayak paddle and get a history thrill! These guys coach you through riding very well and make it a smooth experience!

Peter Gomez

This was by far the best chicago experience I’ve ever had!!!! The tour guides were great and super friendly! He tells you a lot about some cool facts of the buildings which I loved. Seriously, you will not regret booking with them. Not only were they the cheapest I found...the group was small and intimate, and the kayaks were great quality. Also, I’m a bigger guy 5’11” and 260 pounds and had no problem riding! I will be recommending this to everyone. Stop questioning it and book a spot!!

Rebecca Weineck

Friendly, personable staff willing to teach/encourage all abilities. Very enjoyable trip with beautiful scenery.

Shelby Preston

The tour guides made this experience 5 stars! From start to finish they were engaging and had great personalities. We did the Ghosts and Gangsters tour and the view of the city is spectacular. The history stories were interesting and other than the trains and traffic of the city making it hard to hear, very well told! Would definitely recommend just for the view of the city along the river!

Jason Clinton

Great experience! A fantastic way to see the city. Perfect date idea! We had an amazing time going up and down the river on our own then we had a fantastic meal afterwards. Great price and very friendly staff.

Ashley Vallosio

We had a great experience through Wateriders! My husband and I rented a kayak and we spent a few hours out on the water and loved it. They were easy to book through online, gave great instructions on where to park, and included a lesson to make sure we knew what to do out on the River. We would book through them again and recommend Wateriders to others wanting to go on a fun adventure in Chicago!

Olivia Joelle

I had previously kayaked with Wateriders back in 2019 (my first trip to Chicago). As it was one of my favorite parts of my original trip, I absolutely had to go this time around! Tanner and Dalton were a delight and the trip was amazing! We had so much fun, and this was definitely up there for top moments on our trip this time. Be prepared for great company, lots of laughs, and amazing views!

DeLynn

Took the night paddle and it was fantastic. The guides were magnificent and very thorough. They kept everyone safe and entertained. I especially loved the safety demonstration before the paddle. The humor helped me remember what was expected. Top notch tour. I will definitely go again.

Mark Gramer

Really enjoyable experience. The ~2 hour kayaking session is easy, with multiple stops to rest while you hear some details about Chicago and the buildings around you. Trevor gave us a lot of interesting facts, not only about Chicago's architecture but also some of the city's lesser known history. Trevor does a great job keeping things fun and interesting.

Kearey Yashack

I've traveled to Chicago a lot, and renting kayaks from this place is one of the best ideas I've ever had. The location and downtown city views were outstanding, and the service was top-notch. Wateriders staff got us set up with kayaks and paddles, gave us a great lay of the land, and recommended a great route for our two-hour rental. I would do it again. 5 stars for service, scenery, and professionalism. Visit on 09/16/22

Liam Jeske

I have lived in the city for about 20 years now and have always wanted to kayak along the river downtown but was always terrified at the prospect of tipping over in the water. Towards the end of this summer I finally decided it was time. After the thorough instructions given by the group leader, I anxiously awaited in line to board a kayak with my friend Zoe. Associates Dan, Bennett, and Justin (and others) were incredibly helpful throughout this whole experience. Whether it was boarding the kayak, staying out of the way of the large tour boats and private boats that zipped through the river, or staying clear of other hazards the associates were there to ensure safety and a worthwhile experience that I would love to do again. This experience allows you to view downtown Chicago like no other. I have previously done the architecture boat tours and have also walked along the river walk but this experience is far superior than any other.

Eric Gegenheimer

My wife and I took our boys (age 7 and 5) and we had such a blast! Guides were great and kept us safe. Such an incredible way to explore the river and see downtown. Wateriders is fantastic and we'll definitely be coming back!

tracy dereszynski

My husband and I were part of the Architecture tour on a Friday afternoon. What a great experience!! Our guide, Trevor was very knowledgeable. He made sure that everyone felt safe regardless of their paddling experience. Looking forward to booking the ghosts and gangsters tour.

Destiney

My guys, Peter, Ben, Orion (wootwot fellow thespian) and I went cruising on the river last night for my birthday. I say that because these folks were the nicest and coolest guides ever. Orion took away any nerves I had with his warm energy and upbeat intro. Ben kept us safe from all the boats and each other. Peter made sure to compliment everyone on something, like my smooth maneuver through the water jet. Even before getting here, I had trouble (I'm directionally challenged) I didn't get his name, but another sweet soul stayed on the phone with me for 5 minutes to help guide me to the spot, meeting me at the stairs. 10 out of 10 would recommend and I'll definitely be going back!

Amanda Schnitker

Trevor and crew were excellent. They bonded and had fun with our large group. We loved the ghosts and gangsters tour, and many of us already have plans to go back for another tour with our friends and families!

Y lieu

My daughter, sister and I had the best time on the architectural kayak tour ! Our guides Orion, Aaron and Quinn were simply amazing!!! Safety came first and their instructions on how to paddle our way through the Chicago River was on point! We had a blast and learned so much from Orion! Great energy from the crew and a highlight of our trip! A definite must with Wateriders!!!

Domingo Salome

Was a great experience. First time using a kajak and the instructions were very helpful and the price for the parking space was great also.

K. Inna Noll

Definitely one of the best way to tour Chicago. Our tour guides were wonderful and full of enthusiasm. They made sure we had a great time and kept us safe! Without a doubt will do it again!

Erika Williams

We were in Chicago to celebrate our 29th and 30th birthdays and kayaking was one of the few things on the agenda for the weekend. This was my first kayaking experience and both Trevor and Ben made it the best one that I'll probably ever have. I would do this again and I definitely recommend this to other people looking to do something outdoors in Chicago!!

Lesie Golub

The experience was fun!! The tour guides Trevor and Henry were very helpful and made the experience enjoyable. My only problem was that the tour itself lacked information with only a few short stories. With how much history is behind the agriculture of Chicago, it is disappointing that this was the weakest aspect.

Volker Mueller

Having worked and walked downtown Chicago especially along the Riverwalk, it still was a different perspective to kayak along the branches of the Chicago River. Wateriders provided a thorough introduction to safety and rules of this busy waterway so that kayaking along it was well manageable. The equipment was well-maintained. If you go, ensure you check with them about parking so you avoid spending more money on parking than necessary.

Wanda Wardlow

We were celebrating our 34 anniversary and we had an amazing experience. I’m not a swimmer and I felt very safe. Brian and team was so supportive. There were many levels of experienced kayakers and I felt very engaged and comfortable. This is a must experience.

Litza Mavrothalasitis

Wow the night-time cruise was amazing. Seeing all the lights and the city from that vantage point was incredible. Also, the crew was great. They made you feel safe out there. Will definitely do this again.

Ereka F.

Absolutely fantastic. We had a mixed group in terms of strength and experience, and the guide regularly checked in to make sure all of us were getting as much out of the experience as possible. The tour itself surpassed expectation, and even our resident Chicago expert learned a ton. Any time we host visitors to Chicago, we now know where to bring them!

Danielle Sell

My husband and I had the greatest time kayaking on the Chicago River with Wateriders. The crew was super friendly, helpful and fun! The experience was 10/10! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to explore the city on the river.

Amy Toczyski

The booking process online was incredibly easy and quick. Their FAQ page is rather extensive and answered all of my questions. There is a safe location for your things as well as validated parking. The staff was full of energy and absolutely great. My friends and I had a wonderful time kayaking two of which never have kayaked before. The staff was helpful and friendly and truly made our experience that much better. I will be coming back to Wateriders in the future. I cannot express how easy, fun, and simple of a process it was to work with Wateriders. I will definitely be back!

Mary V

They were very nice and friendly and make sure to keep us safe from the boat traffic. They're also patient in guiding you when you're having trouble in paddling. I've learned a lot with the architectural tour and overall a great experience for trying it for the first time

Sandy De Lisle

The Ghosts and Gangsters tour was such a fun way to share our last night with our son before sending him to college! We laughed, learned a lot of creepy stuff about the history of Chicago, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way. We look forward to taking another tour with Wateriders soon!

Michael Milligan

A lot of work but well worth it, got a little exercise and got to see a great firework show, the staff of about 6 we’re friendly and kept us safe, gotta watch out for those bully boats 😂 …

Rhonda Duncan

Our 2nd fireworks kayak with these guys in 5 years. Still loved it as much as we did the first time and amazing views.

Matthew Moore

Went to their Bridgeport location & it was an amazing experience. The owner was so nice, the kayaks were in great shape, loved it!!

E C

Great evening moonlight kayaking on the Chicago river. What a unique way to see the city. The wave riderteam was awesome & we had an amazing experience. Definitely will do one of the other kayak tours they offer in the future.

Naveen Devaraj

Our tour guide was Trevor and Aiden. We had a great time with them. Aiden was very helpful in helping my friends with kayak. And he was all fun. Trevor was friendly, knowledgeable and took his time to explain about the city. Complete value for money. I will definitely recommend visiting and supporting them.

Ali Atri

What an amazing experience! Taking a kayak tour seemed like a natural way to enjoy some history and social distance. We took the Chicago Ghosts and Gangsters tour, the story telling was phenomenal and the crew did a great job keeping us safe and together as a group while larger boats cruised up and down the river. Carley was especially helpful getting me into and out of the water in the kayak, I'm not experienced on the water and she helped make everything go smoothly. Our tour was @ 7pm and lasted 2 hours which meant we got the sunset on the river. Can not recommend enough!

Christine Macherey

The staff was so accommodating and professional. The loading dock is located in the perfect spot. Our family enjoyed the excursion with the amazing views of the city. This will become an annual event!

milo boy

Great tour! Guides were friendly and helpful kept everyone safe! Love the hat! 😁❤️ …

Brian Robertson

Excellent tour and experience. Trevor was very knowledgeable, personable and entertaining. He made the trip a success for our friends visiting from CA. Would certainly take the tour again!

Anna Kim

Orion was a fantastic guide and very patient instructor to first-time kayakers! His enthusiasm made all the difference to make it a great, unique way to see the city and learn about its history and architecture.

Emma Couling

Went on a private tour with Orion this week and it was such a joyful experience. You feel the scope of the city in such a different way from the water. We paddled on all three branches of the Chicago river, and though I've lived here for over a decade, I still learned things I didn't know about our wonderful city. Your guide will go at your pace, answer whatever questions you have, and make sure you're safe and taken care of the whole time--from making sure you've got sunscreen on to making sure you know where you're going when you leave. Speaking of your safety--I just can't emphasize enough how important it is to have a guide if you haven't kayaked on a city river before. I'm an experienced kayaker who's paddled rivers and lakes in the mid-west for over 15 years, but I was not prepared to handle the traffic on the Chicago river. There are so many tour boats and other vessels. We saw at least two instances of fellow kayakers who didn't have as good guidance as we did get nearly squashed or capsized by other boats. Be careful out there! And hire Orion and his colleagues to keep you entertained and safe.

Timothy Rabon

Kayaking the Chicago River with Wateriders is a must do activity in Chicago! We did the Moonlight Tour and highly recommend it! We are beginners without any kayaking experience, but the staff gave a very informative tutorial before we got in the water. We had no difficulty at all while we were in the water for almost two hours. We have spent several days in the city, and on this tour we saw the absolute best views of Chicago! The staff is very friendly and accommodating. You will not regret spending your time and money on this amazing adventure!

Ryan Larkin

Awesome experience, and very helpful staff! Would definitely return.

Bonnie Blue

I wish I could give extra stars for the customer service I received. General Manager, Derek, responded to me via 3 different forms ALL DAY and even though I gave up a few times he came through and got me on the tour WITH our groupon. I am just so impressed. We haven't even gotten in the kayak yet. Just Amazing.

Maria Diaz

It was a super fun experience! Seth and all the guys were very helpful, informative, and safety conscious. It was my first time kayaking and they made everyone of all levels feel comfortable. A team of about 4 guys went out with a group of 20-25 of us and made sure we were safe at all times without being too overbearing about the rules. The tour itself (architecture) was very informative and entertaining. Despite Seth having a bit of a sore throat, he was hilarious and very entertaining. I would totally recommend this over a boat tour if you have some downtime and are looking to experience the Chicago River a little differently! The views and pic opportunities are amazing!They also offer kayak rentals that are unguided if you're experienced and just want to check out the river on your own. The prices are totally reasonable for such a cool experience. They give you the option to ride alone or with another person. Being that I was inexperienced, my husband and I took a kayak together. However, Seth and the team were so great that I could have totally taken on my own kayak even though it was my first time. Also, they don't advertise it, but they totally accept tips so if you go, please tip this great team! PS: Our tour included a newly hired kayak guide and over hearing his training showed that this team really knows what they're doing and truly enjoys what they do! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THESE GUYS!!!

Tracie Glumac

Took the history and architecture tour on a beautiful Friday morning. Highly recommended. Our guides Carly and Gabe were friendly and knowledgeable. Interesting tour with stunning views. Reduced parking fees a big plus too. We’re looking forward to doing the fireworks paddle next!

Jonathan Weaver

This is by far the best kayaking tour I've ever taken. They are very good at communication and they can set you up sometimes within a day or two. They offer earlier tours than any of the other boat tours which lets you lazily enjoy the calmer waters. We come every year with a group of 8 people and they always do the BEST tour! Also, Joel is the best tour guide ever!

Da beat be droppin Best believe

My 11 year old son and I had an amazing time kayaking for a couple hours on the river. I got a good workout, he enjoyed himself relaxing and snacking ha! I would def recommend for really any age and skill level.

Melissa Mercieca Ridge

Amazing group of people!! Such a great energy from all the staff. Our tour guide, Derek, was so funny, personable, and knowledgable. He made me feel totally at ease, as I was super nervous being on the water with all those boats. This is the most amazing way to enjoy the city of Chicago. Totally recommend!!!

Kathlene Belanger

Great time kayaking with our awesome tour guide Joel!!! They kept us very safe from boats that were coming by and also got to learn a lot about the history of Chicago.

Sara W

Such a great experience!!! My two sisters and I loved kayaking in the river. Although kinda difficult at times, it was well worth it. The staff were also very friend and held our sweatshirts for us while we were kayaking. They provide small zip lock bags for your phone, but i recommend you bring a larger one because our phones didn’t fit (6s+,8+, and X). Overall, such a wonderful experience. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet!

Anna Padilla

My friends and I were inspired to go Kayaking after seeing a video of people kayaking in the middle of a glacier in Canada. The closest we could get was Water Riders and the Chicago River. While going to Canada would have been an adventure, the Ghost and Gangsters tour we took with Water Riders is a highly recommended substitute. Myself as well as half of our group have never kayaked before, however, our tour leader, Seth, held an informative, quick, and thorough session before we set off on the river. I'd like to say that Seth was a big reason as to why this particular tour was a success. He is a friendly and relatable tour guide that put us at ease while throwing some laughs in between. The equipment we used was well taken care of while the check in process was quick and organized. I would definitely recommend the company and the Ghost and Gangsters tour to anyone looking for a fun weekend activity with friends and family.

TheRealTucker

We had a blast kayaking in downtown Chicago. Wateriders was easy to find and upon arriving we were in the water paddling within 10-15 minutes. We chose to go off on our own but there are tours and groups if you haven't done anything like this before or you want to learn more about the city. The views of the city are phenomenal and if you luck out and go on a sunny 70 degree day like we did you will wish you could stay out there forever. I highly recommend taking in the city this way and if you use Wateriders you wont be disappointed.

Barbara Levin

I surprised my sister with a private architecture kayak tour for her birthday!. We had the most amazing experience with Derek - our paddle guide! Seeing the city from a different angle was lots of fun! We encourage people to take this tour!

Mike Peterson

What a unique and wonderful way to experience Chicago! The staff are very friendly, fun, lively tour guides. I think even a first-time kayaker would have fun and quickly get the hang of it. I will definitely be back and bring my friends and family.

Erlend Bakke

We had an awesome time paddling around downtown Chicago! Staff are helpful let you know everything you need to know the pedal safely around the rivers. It's a much more fun way to see the city then being lazy and sitting on the boat. I also recommend cycling around the city on the city bikes.

Colee Royce

Wateriders is an experience that I will always remember. The instructors are professional and friendly. The paddle down the river is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. You're able to learn a little history of Chicago while getting some exercise and primo scenery. Its a must do and affordable too. The guides have great names, Taco and Baby Shark and they care about your safety and want you to have an incredible experience. Take a trip with Wateriders and you will definitely enjoy your time while getting a little exercise!

Jessi Sheppard

The tour was fun and extremely informative (We took the History & Architectural Tour)! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Got a beautiful view of the city from down on the river, and for those who may not be great kayakers this trip is super accommodating with several stops along the way. If I could change one thing, it would be to go on a tour with a smaller group. We were frequently bumping into, getting bumped into, and having trouble getting going after stops because we were clumped up with so many others. Other than that- could not have asked for a better 2 hours!

LeeAnn P

Trevor and Jake took us out on the evening Ghost and Gangster tour. It was an amazing experience. Trevor was very informative while weaving the tail of debauchery the city is famous for. The tour was a fun way to get a workout in while visiting the city. Also being on the river as the lights went down was beautiful. They made us feel safe on a very congested river. I would recommend it, just don't be afraid to put your hand on an algae covered pad to hold the kayak while you listen to the tales.

Candi Dobbins

These guys were great! Very kind and accommodating. Very attentive to making sure we were safe at all times. My only “complaint” would be that I wish we could’ve heard the guide better. We love hearing about the history and stories and at times we couldn’t hear because of our position in the group of kayaks, which I understand that is unavoidable at times. Other than that, we had a great time! The views at sunset and the lights of the buildings were beautiful!

Mummypraise Ovoh

The tour was interesting, the experience was nice, and Travis and Sauce were great guides! I just wish I had just a little more training before hitting the water but, for my first time, I had a blast!

Seth McGrew

This tour was amazing! The best views I have seen of the city were on the night time ghosts & gangsters kayak tour. Seth was our guide and did an amazing job. (That guy deserves a raise!) All the other guys were very helpful too and kept everyone safe. 12/10 would do it again.

patricia garland

This was a truly great experience from beginning to end. Everyone involved was friendly, helpful and professional. Ben, our guide, and his team were informative and well-spoken. His instructions to keep us safe throughout the tour were clear, concise and comforting. A great experience, with a unique perspective and a change from the larger boat tours. Every bit as informative, more fun and no carbon footprint!

Morgan Garner

I booked a tour with Wateriders on their History & Architecture tour in June as part of a girls weekend in town. This was seriously the highlight of our weekend! Our tour guides were helpful, patient, and most of all, really fun! We had Derek, Seth, Sauce, and one other guide (Sorry, I can't remember your name!) who were all full of jokes and encouragement, making us laugh, while keeping us safe and teaching us about the city. I highly recommend booking a tour with these guys. Its a truly great experience and something so fun and unique right in the middle of the city.

Billy Poetker

Our experience with Wateriders was great! Adam was very friendly and knowledgeable. He made sure that everyone felt comfortable before letting us off on our own. We booked with Wateriders for a bachelor party activity and we had a really great time on the river. Highly recommend!

Chloe Streif

Had a blast on the Sunset Kayaking tour with some awesome tour guides! Orion, Dalton, Lauren and Justin were super helpful and everything went very smoothly. Great views from the river, and would highly recommend this or any of their guided tours!

Chris Crawford

My trip was the sunset tour so expect to be part of a group. During the trip it was very windy out on the water however I am an experienced paddler so I didn't have much of an issue. Others in the group were not so fortunate. If going I would recommend that you stay out in front of the group or behind it. This way you can take pictures without worrying about tangling up with another kayaker. The guides were very patient and allowed me to get way ahead but I had to periodically wait for the others to catch-up. If your into architecture take sometime to study the buildings along the canal front. Since it was dusk and windy I was not able to get very good pictures with my phone. However, once the tour was complete the city lit up and sadly this would have been the best time to be out on the water. The trip itself was about 4.5 miles. If you are not an experienced paddler do not worry. The kayaks they use are very stable. You would have to work very hard to tip one over. I would suggest bringing some water. They have a place where you can change as well as store your personal belongings. They also had sandwich bags to keep your wallet / phones dry. You will get slightly wet however since it was windy we got a-lot more than anticipated from the spray. Don't fret if you do not have the proper attire. Most of the folks in our group were wearing jeans and sneakers. Overall it was well worth it.

Trisha Rowland

We did the late night kayak and it was absolutely beautiful. Sarah was our guide and she was awesome. Highly recommend doing this excursion

Gayle McKeen

This is a professionally-run and friendly outfit. The location is easy to get to, there is parking nearby. It is nice to have the starting point a bit away from the "highway" of the downtown river. On this particular occasion, we did a circuit of Goose Island and did not go downtown. It was really lovely.

Tina Ho

Great architectural tour from Joel and the Wateriders team today! The experience was not only informative but also engaging, thanks to our guide Joel. He had everyone's names memorized once we were on the water, all +25 of us! We even got a picture with him at the end :) This is my 3rd tour with Wateriders and was taking my cousin and parents for the first time. All the guides offered helpful guidance throughout and were very friendly. I hurt my foot on the way to the venue before the tour and they were nice enough to let me use their first aid kit. They also have complementary plastic bags (for phones), sunblock, and hand sanitizer, which was super nice and went a long way (tip: apply sunblock to your legs and wear plastic sandals - the water gets on you and it's stinky.)! My kayak location of choice, hands down. It's a fair price without sacrificing quality.

Kayla Best

Went for my birthday this past Monday! It was a great ride! 2 hours exploring downtown on the river! A great addition to my day! As a first timer the instructors made me fit right in! Great location!

Jason Ruiz

Fantastic location that allows you to get confident before you hit the busiest part of the river -- but not so far out that you are exhausted by the time you get there. I have dealt with some surliness at other companies but the Wateriders staff is ridiculously friendly and nice. A fun summer activity should start with fun people!

clintonvillejwilson

Had a really great time. The staff was super welcoming and helpful. The equipment ws in decent shape. The architectural tour was spectacular. Seth was our guide and he was very peronable and knowledgable. Out only complaints were that we spent a lot of time waiting for some new kayakers and that it was alittle difficult to find.

Caleb Considine

So a group of ours went on the water today and it was a good time. Peter was excellent at keeping us from going overtime and telling us stories that made it interesting. David was there to make sure those in the back were safe and really appreciate both of them for watching out for our group!

Alyson Jordan Tomaszewski

Great time on the Chicago River for the Architecture tour. It's a fun and educational few hours learning about the history of the city and getting a different view of it!

Gabrielle Muratori

The tour was great! Trevor was very knowledgeable, and he made the two hours go by fast. This was a fun way for the whole family to see the city.

Elizabeth Schilling

Booked the history and architecture tour over the Fourth of July weekend with my brother and fiancé who were visiting from out of town. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and learn more about the city’s history! Plus getting a unique perspective of the city being in the water. Our tour guide, Trevor was excellent!!

Abby Post

Great experience! This is the perfect way to get a quick tour of Chicago from the best vantage point in the city. It’s also great if you are a kayaking novice or it’s been a while since you’ve kayaked.

Stanley Chan

Water riders is a really fun kayaking experience. I've never gone urban kayaking before until this adventure and I had a blast! The views of the city are to die for. I think the best way to experience the architecture on water is kind because you're going because you are going slow enough to fully appreciate all of the buildings.

Gabe Flame

Loved the ride with a great tour guide. Our guide-Ben-was very knowledgeable about both architecture and the history of Chicago. Would recommend!

Yasmeen Elayyan

Everyone is so nice and friendly here. My sister and I were having trouble kayaking and one employee even came out and helped in our time of need! Highly recommend for a fun and exciting experience

Kyra Nolen

Ben and Peter were great tour guides! Got to learn a lot I never knew about the architecture and history of Chicago, even having grown up here:) 10/10 very cool

Amanda Clements

Great experience, Tanner was an awesome guide. Everything was explained clearly and the activity was a highlight during our trip. We’ll definitely be back!

J D

My 12 yr old son had fun. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and the trip was well planned and they set you up with parking too.

Antoinette Davis

The staff and tour guides were very friendly, helpful, and experienced. Our tour guides O’Ryan and Delton guided our group through the River with patience, knowledge, and kept every one safe.

Mick Sackett

We had a spectacular tour with Orien. The attention to detail extends from the safety brief to the tour. Excellent experience for my entire family.

Lauren

So! Much! Fun! My sister and I had the best time kayaking this tour! Joel was so much fun to listen to and was very reassuring that none of us would tip over (it was my sisters and I's first time kayaking)! It was our favorite thing we did in all of Chicago, my only regret is that we didn't know how much fun it would be or we would have also booked the night time trip as well! He had stories so interesting to listen to that people on land were coming closer to where we would pull of to hear better. WE WILL BE COMING BACK! THANK YOU JOEL! Edit: ALSO! There is designated parking for Waterriders! Please take advantage of it! Do not park directly under the building/club (EAST BANK CLUB, OR EBC) that Wateriders is behind. The sign that says 'PARKING -->' in front of the building is VERY misleading if you're not familiar with the area (or Chicago level city life, really), you have to be a member there or they will charge you $60 for parking in their lot. EBC was nice enough to let us go for a lesser fee because they could clearly tell we were not from the area, but save yourself the trouble and use the designated parking for Wateriders!

Raechel Karas

Awesome experience! This was my first time ever kayaking and I did the Sunset Tour. We got to catch the firework show by surprise which was the highlight of an incredible experience. The staff was friendly, full of knowledge about the city, and extremely helpful with navigation. Grateful for the adventure and hope to do it again soon!

Tyler Fortin

Absolutely amazing! Will do again next summer! Breathtaking views. I could be out there all night. Tour guides were great!!

BigErn 79

Fantastic! We found a Groupon and decided to try it. The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. Whether you visiting or local it well worth the experience. There is parking garage around corner to park at and Wateriders validates ticket so it's only $5 to park. They offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. We will definitely do it again

Brittney Jasek

Wateriders provided us with a fantastic experience. I've spent the last year watching these kayaks go up and down the river from my apartment window and finally signed up for a tour myself! I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, and Seth was still able to provide me with interesting facts and history that I didn't know. Learning about this city never gets old. I even brought my mini dachshund along for the ride -- highly recommend for both tourists and natives alike. Thanks again guys!

Kathryn Yarnot

The history and architecture tour hosted by Orion was great! We had a lot of fun and would love to try other tours in the future

Cole Rogers

We went on the Kayak Architecture and History tour led by Trevor and it lasted about 90 minutes. It was a great time! Funny side stories, knowledgeable, inclusive, and a unique experience. Highly recommend!

Jim Holcomb

My daughter came to Chicago with a friend and we wanted to introduce them to the city in a different fun way. Seeing it from the river front was such an exciting way for all of us to see Chicago. Our guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this.

Craig Stern

I've gone kayaking with Wateriders twice now, both times on July 4th. It was a great experience each time; downtown Chicago is simply beautiful at night, especially with everything reflecting off the water. Wateriders itself is inexpensive, and their staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is only thing that could be improved upon, and that is...well, the other kayakers. Many of them can't steer their boats to save their lives (even after receiving explicit instructions on how to do so!) and will frequently get in your way...or even collide with you. It's honestly kind of pathetic. This isn't Wateriders's fault, though, so I'm not letting it affect the score here. All in all, this is a great experience. Highly recommended!

blackhawk81

Breathtaking experience. I love kayaking and was finally able to cross an item off my bucket list by doing it on the Chicago River. Highly recommend!

Evan Cook

Awesome experience! The guides were super helpful and entertaining. Derek was an absolute blast...he honestly made the whole experience. Would do it again and definitely recommend!

Michele Stokes

We went on the Architecture and History tour. Our guide, Joel, was AWESOME! The stories he told paired with the great views of downtown made for a truly unique, fun experience. I would recommend to anyone!

Steven Soto

Awesome way to see the city. Does take a bit of work and you will get wet. Some more than others. Couples... Word of warning. Do yourself a favor and get single kayaks. Unless you're experienced the double kayak will test your relationship. Not kidding lol. But overall a really cool and unique experience for everyone to try. The guides were awesome and looked after everyone which was very calming. They didn't leave anyone behind and kept everyone safe. Give it a try. You won't regret it!

Carli Granata

Showed up way late for our reservation but the guy working still let us kayak! He was super cool, told us what to do and sent us on our way. We had a great time! Cheers!

Carter Fitch

Nice staff and a great drop-in location with different sites in each direction. If you kayak often you'll notice the equipment here is nothing crazy, but it doesn't deserve a star off. This place is more or less $30 an hour, the other company Urban Kayaks is $45/hr I prefer the physical location of Water Rider more as well

Paru Vijayann

Very friendly, wonderful staff to begin with. It makes such a difference when you're fairly new to things and the experience turns out great! We did the moonlight paddle and it was incredibly worth it. I just don't know about my sore arms though lol.

Elizabeth Scott

Wow! My nephew and I really enjoyed our tour with Wateriders! The tour guide provided us with a great lesson about operating the kayak and was very focused on safety throughout the tour. My nephew is 15 and had never kayaked but did great and felt super safe. Overall, very informative and fun. We learned a ton about Chicago’s history and architecture! I’ve lived here for about 2 years and highly recommend this tour whether visiting or just looking to explore the city you call home!

Dylan Walker

I went on the sunset kayaking tour with Orion, Justin, Dolton and Lauren and had a great time! Orion had great energy and I felt safe the whole time. Being on the river during sunset was beautiful!

turboteresa1

Excellent way to spend some time on the water and learn about Chicago! Aaron our guide was knowledgeable and fun and I will be repeating the stories he told for a long time. The River was calm until a big boat or tour boat went by then there was fun wake waves. Nothing scary or requires any expertise. I would highly recommend this tour. And I will do it again with family and friends. And they went out of their way to help this suburban girl get around the city. The validated parking was a nice touch!

Dan Maday

I've lived in Chicago for years and always wanted to kayak in the river. The guides at Waterriders did a great job of welcoming in visitors from out of town and locals alike, tying the various historical impacts that are recognizable for all. Felt great to get out on the water and really connected me with how the people and events shaped the city I know (much better now) and love.

Nancy Kruger

We did the Ghosts and Gangsters kayak tour with Trevor and Aidan. It was fantastic. Such interesting stories and colorful tidbits. Was super impressed by the organization of it all. Well run. Didn’t have to worry about not getting to hear Trevor or feel left behind by the group. The river was exciting but not too much. Trevor was professional and made it very fun. Highly recommend.

Jordan Alonzo

My girlfriend and I did the kayak architecture tour on July 1, 2021 and we had a great experience. We chose a tandem kayak and didn't run into any problems with any of the gear. Our guide Derek was awesome. He kept everyone on track and gave clear instructions on where we should be at all times. We also learned a lot about the city and the different buildings that make up downtown. I highly recommend doing this tour!

Korey Kuntz

Definitely get your moneys worth. Peter was great! Had a lot of fun.

Cynthia Rivera

I went on moonlight tour 7/23/21 and it was phenomenal. Derrick was fun! And kept everyone safe. I love our tour group was smaller in comparison to the other kayak companies. It felt like I was in good hands with Derrick and Laurel! Thank you so much for the phenomenal experience! Would love to do this again!

Tom Barone

Fantastic tour on a beautiful summer night. Ask for Ben, the architect. He was terrific.

Megan Kowalski

We had a great time and were able to see the entire path laid out on our map in our 2 hour rental! The staff was friendly and laid back and there was access to bathrooms and a place to leave items you didn't want to take on the river! I can't wait to go again!

Dr. Roxzanne Amos

I enjoyed renting kayaks from Wateriders so much, I went out twice on my short visit to Chicago! My first trip down ( up?!) the Chicago River right into the heart of the city was expertly guided by Trevor and Conner. They not only made me feel comfortable on the trip, they made me laugh and learn lots of interesting details about the beautiful sights on the architectural tour. A bonus feature of the departure area is that apparently it smells like the chocolate factory along the river quite often! The second trip I took, I rented the boats for a self guided tour with my family. They could not have been more helpful or accommodating on either of my experiences. I highly recommend Wateriders kayak rentals as part of a highly enjoyable visit to the " Windy City"!

Melanie Shek

I had a great time kayaking to see the fireworks. Worth it for a different perspective! If I'd had time, I would have gone back for the architecture tour that they offer!

Griffin Clark

Derek is the BEST. He was so friendly and knowledgeable, making for a great experience. If you do only one thing when visiting Chicago, this should be it.

Erika Rutherford

We did the ghosts and gangsters tour on our one day in Chicago and loved it! Derek was great and super knowledgeable. There were thunderstorms as we drove into the city from 9 hours away, but checked in an hour before our tour and they were able to give us a hopeful outlook for our tour. When we came back after dinner for our tour, they checked the weather again, and gave us the option of canceling or going with the understanding it may rain and if it thunders we had to go back. We chose to go and it was great!

Amy N

Booked this as an activity for out-of-towners staying with us. Ended up being the highlight of the trip. Cannot figure out why we didn't do this for ourselves sooner! From booking to kayaking, everything was a breeze, and the experience was incredible. Our highest recommendation!

Rian Shah

Architectural tour lead by an actual architect! Definitely the highlight of our trip.

Shari Ex

Wateriders is the best! The whole team is clearly very organized and Orion was a fantastic guide. His enthusiasm and knowledge made for a fun and unique tour. A can't-miss Chicago experience!

Rochelle Maher

I very very rarely write reviews. But I really want to give a shout out to this group! We had a group of 10 ranging from 16 to almost 80 years and we all enjoyed so much. First and foremost, the crew there was so kind, confident, efficient and fun. What really stood out was how they treated my Mom -- who is getting up there in age and was in 'no-go' mode before we got there. We raised her concerns about getting in/out upon arrival and the team there made it seem like a breeze and said they had it covered and would help in/out - no problem - and DID! She was so close to not going, but was so grateful she did! Such a memorable experience she got to share with her kids and grandkids. She ended up so proud for not backing out, and loved it!. Thanks Team for making it possible!! Aside from that very important part - what a unique and fantastic Chicago experience from the river. Our tour guide was great (can't remember name, sorry), with great historic stories of chicago, the river, important buildings and was fun and funny. The crew made us feel taken care of and safe in the river with much bigger boats around. They discount parking right around the corner - making the driving/parking as simple as possible as well. It was a gorgeous day and totally worth doing. In fact, we're already talking about our 'next time' - maybe still this summer!!

Luis Rogel

Great experience with amazing staff. The night kayaking was definitely very memorable and fun, also felt very safe with the guidance of the staff

Abigail Coggins

Had a great time, Interesting and fun, and a different perspective of the city. Loved our guides Ben and….guy from Evanston! A fun afternoon with the family.

Matthew Bigelow

We did the guided group tour for two hours and had an awesome experience. It poured down rain intermittently throughout the tour but our guide was flexible enough to get us through it, adapting the tour to pause under bridges and ensure we all still had a great time. It was such a cool way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history and architecture.

Royce McQuoid

Good kayaks, good staff, good location. It's in a less busy part of the river so launching is less intimidating than some of the other kayak locations downtown, but it's still very close to the wonderful downtown river views.

Promise Mcentee

Great service!!! Staff is friendly and very helpful. Definitely recommend.

Oceanna Valenta

We had an kayak tour, we were able to hear him clearly. He was comedic while explaining the history of the gangster in Chicago. Quite fun and easy for beginners!

Anthony Hoffman

Fun and informative. Took the architecture tour. Tour guide and all other personnel were very helpful with a novice, such as myself. Will do again in the future. Don’t wear jorts!

Ashley Ramirez

I purchased a Groupon with Wateriders, and had a question so I emailed them... very responsive and helpful! I'm looking forward to our moonlight paddle!

Gale Trausch

What a wonderful river experience! We have taken all the Chicago river tours and this completes our choices! Tyler and Jessica were outstanding. Very fun, very safe and very much enjoyed! We are in our 60s and 70s. I have seen kayakers on the river and could never imagine how safe it could be to navigate, BUT Wateriders made it not only extremely safe, but so pleasant as well. I highly recommend this experience for locals and tourists as well. We went on a weekday, I would imagine weekends book fast and require more navigation in the warm months. Will try this again in the fall, should be spectacular to experience.

Keith Bradley

The entire experience was Fabulous and the staff was great. A definite shout out to our instructor / guide Orion!

M. Lomax

So much fun!!! Best way to see the city! Learned so much about the "gangsters and ghost" of Chicago! Would do again! Highly recommend!!!

Audrey Evans

This was such a great tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly! I highly recommend it!

Steven LaKind

Wateriders is awesome. The guides are amazing and the experience is once in a lifetime. I had out of town guests and both my friend and his 10 year old daughter talked about the kayaking all weekend. An amazing way to see the city and learn a bit of history!

Vikki Schultz

We had a great time with Wateriders! It was awesome way to see Chicago and learn so much about the architecture. Ben was super informative, fun and a kayaking beast. I really appreciated the rest of the team and guidance on how to navigate the waters and kayak. A Chicago must do!!

Ivan Blount

I took my better half for a kayak tour for her birthday over the weekend and we both had an AMAZING time. Trevor was our lead guide and did a Terrific job. Throughly explained everything both before and on the water which made the whole experience more enjoyable. I got to Kayak the Chicago river while laughing, learning about different parts of history in Chicago & seeing the City from a completely different view. All and all 10/10 experience & would HIGHLY recommend to any and all interested.

Pablo Reclusa

Spectacular! Went there in a Saturday evening in September and the experience fullfilled all my expectations. The guide as well as the support colleagues that were with us were amazing! Entertaining and at the same time with a good knowledge of the city. I was lukcky enough to end uf the tour with a beautiful view of the sunset. I left Chicago already but I am expecting to go bak next year and I am already looking forward to do the sunset tour. Highly recommended!

Pete Leonard

Derek was very entertaining, personable and has done his research on Chicago history as it relates to what we can see from the river. Tanner did an excellent job keeping the stragglers from straying too far out of line. The whole event was safe and fun and we got to see Chicago from a whole new perspective. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Autumn

This was one of my favorite experiences I’ve done. What could of made it better was less people to a tour. At times I couldn’t hear the tour guide because we were too far back in line due to the amount of people. I would of loved to hear more stories as well. Also please don’t book this tour if you have no idea how to paddle a kayak. It was slightly frustrating getting bumped into constantly or wacked with a paddle. I found myself getting anxious seeing people paddle in the middle of the river or people trailing behind due to not knowing how to kayak. But the view is to die for and the experience is absolutely magical. Definitely do this.

Lady Lyons

Trever was our tour guide- Not only was he professional, but fantastic at guiding us through the motions of kayaking! He was incredibly knowledgeable with Chicago’s amazing history and overall wonderful company! Everything felt organic and easy with his guidance, my family had a wonderful experience.

Amitai Loew

I've rented numerous times from these guys - they're always great, and the location is perfect for wherever you want to explore! You can head East all the way to the locks, or pick between the North and South branch - great urban and architectural views no matter where you go.

Vaishnavi Yellutla

Loved the tour, the tour guide was patient as we struggled to paddle through the waters, the audio was loud and clear for the whole group (believe me we were one of the last ones). Overall a good 2 hr experience. We took the 4 pm tour, it gets sunny please use generous amounts of sunscreen and get a hat! The tour on the water itself wasn’t sunny as the buildings provided some shade.

Natalie Evans

It was a highlight of our trip. We did the moonlight paddle and it was such a unique way to see the beautiful city. The tour guides are amazing too. Thank you!

Angel C

Great experience. Good idea if you're on a 2nd or third date. Derrick was a great tour guide, patient with all of us. Never been on a Kayak and I was a semi pro in minutes thanks to our guide. You will get a little bit wet, but if you were in your wedding tux you'll still be fine as long as you follow the instructions that were given. Great Idea if you're visiting the city and want something to do before having some drinks. My gf loved the ghost story, still looking it up, and I enjoyed all the facts about Chicago gangsters and Chicago history.

M Faraz

The moon light kayaking was on of the best experiences of the river. The team guides were very encouraging and helpful. I would recommend it to others

Dipangi Pandya

Derrick, Dennis, (another D name I can’t remember!) were great! Derrick had great facts about the city that I didn’t even know after growing up here my whole life. We had a group of seven and we all were able to enjoy the kayaking and catching all the sights from a different vantage point. Though the weather didn’t cooperate towards the end, we all felt safe and their direction along the way helped ensure it stayed that way. I would recommend the architecture kayak tour to anyone visiting or anyone just looking to experience this awesome city in a different way!

Nubia -

First time kayaking and took to it right away. The instructor was very detailed on how to paddle. My initial fear faded. The tour was awesome. There is a whole new world to Chicago from a kayakers perspective. I brought my friend from Mexico and he loved it. A great way to experience and remember Chicago.

Karisa Casey

My husband and I have lived in Chicago our whole lives, and this was one of the coolest ways to experience the history of the city (much of which I didn't know). We did the history and architecture tour and would highly recommend it for tourists and locals alike. Aaron and Ben were excellent guides and did a great job keeping us safe while also providing a fun experience. Be sure to bring along some cash to tip; we totally forgot, but these guys definitely deserve it since they really went above and beyond.

Mark Russell

We had a great experience with Waterriders for our Architectural tour down the Chicago River. Our guide was very knowledgable and provided a safe and fun trip. What a cool way to see the city and learn about all the history of this great city. We recommend this company and the tour.

Jane S

We had an AWESOME experience at Wateriders Kayak Rentals! My adult son, my husband and I all rented kayaks on a Sunday. My son had never kayaked before, we had. The staff were all courteous, friendly, and professional. They checked our id, made sure we had paddles that fit us, gave us clear instructions and rules of the water, and made sure that we had lifejackets that fit. We kayaked for two hours and my son (and us) all proclaimed it AWESOME!! VERY FUN! Don't hesitate to to to Wateriders for your kayak rentals. You'll be glad you did!

Kellie Beranek

Trevor was an excellent guide on the History and Architecture Tour. He was very knowledgeable and shared many stories with a twist of humor. I liked that it was a small group (5 kayaks plus 2 guides) compared to the other tours we saw out on the river. This excursion was a gift to my mom and we both had a great time.

Michelle Sou BA

Wateriders was amazing! Derek was an amazing tour guide who gave us pointers when we struggled with kayaking or navigating certain parts of the river. We had a small group so they really took the time to talk through the history and answer any questions.

Evan Kulak

I had a great experience with Wateriders Kayak Tours! The guides were very helpful and entertaining. They kept everybody safe and on time for the fireworks! I highly recommend Wateriders to anyone looking to have a fun time on the river.

Douglas Gordon

We had a great time on the river with Derek. The tour was informative and interesting even for someone who grew up in Chicago. It was so fun to see the city from the vantage of the water without being on a giant boat tour. We would recommend it to anyone looking for an active tour.

Brian Taylor

Very enjoyable experience, and a good value for the ticket price. All the employees that we interacted with were very polite and professional. Kayaking is a great way to experience the Chicago River and its history. My only suggestion would be to have a speaker on each of the guide kayaks - there was one lead kayaker and 2 guides on this tour, and we could not always hear the lead guide's bullhorn. But overall this was a great experience!

Caitlin Raasch

The history/architecture tour with Wateriders was fantastic! The commentary was both educational and entertaining. Our group had some beginners and the guides did a great job with helping them navigate the waters for the first time. I highly recommend Wateriders and would totally paddle with them again.

Jovany Padilla

This was our first kayak experience. Overall was fun however the group size was too large and the history lessons on the water dragged on a bit.

Joseph Vistan

My wife and I celebrated her birthday by taking the History and Architecture Kayak Tour. Derek was our guide and he was an absolute blast! He was very knowledgeable and humorous. We had an awesome time and would recommend the tour to everyone!

Wil Bosbyshell

Awesome kayak tour on the Chicago River. Ben and his team were top notch. Great stories and history of the city's architecture!

Chelsea Williams

I celebrated my 30th birthday by going kayaking with my besties! It was the absolute best experience. Our guide couldn't have been more lovely, the views were incredible, and the weather was ideal. Everyone at Wateriders was super kind and made it a lovely experience. I'll have to do it again one day!

Jessica Johnson

Great activity for our family visiting from out of town to see the city. Guides were friendly and helpful and did well with the whole group which included kids and adults of a wide range of ability levels. Guides were also diligent about safety on the river which made us feel more comfortable around boats. Our visitors, including kids, really enjoyed the kayaking and stories about Chicago history. We were supposed to be on a morning tour that had to be cancelled due to severe storms but the staff worked to get us on a later tour that same day which we really appreciated.

Olivia Henry

This was so much FUN! Wateriders provides everything including a brief lesson prior to the tour starting. Two instructors are on the tour so there’s no need to worry about getting let behind. Getting to see and learn about Chicago and its history from the river is amazing and beautiful! Carly and Aidan were wonderful guides!! I will definitely be doing another tour next time I’m in Chicago.

Dana Johnson

I've done three tours with this company over the years and each one has been great. We just did an architecture one yesterday, and even as a native Chicagoan, I learned a great deal about the city and the architecture as a result of seeing it from a kayak. Highly recommended.

Courtney Cipar

I took their gangsters and ghosts tour and it was a lot of fun. I do however wish they had capped it at a smaller number of participants there were about thirty kayaks mixed singles and doubles. As with all kayaking tours there was a mix of kayaking levels which meant that there were a bunch of people that were literally a danger to themselves and everyone else and the guides did little to help them. The main guide was excellent and her story telling was wonderful. The views were beautiful and the stories were super interesting but the groups need to be smaller or split into experience leve.

Carol Yonan

Absolutely fantastic experience! Carly our guide and her fearless crew on the architectural tour were so fantastic at keeping us safe. It was a very busy day of boat traffic, and Carly still had her vocal cords to handle the amount of information about all of the historical sites, it was impeccable to say the least. I was impressed with the large group of people that kept coming in with how organized and accommodating they were to all of our needs. I also loved how they had the East Bank Club bathroom facilities for us to use Top Notch. Validating your parking excellent! I would definitely come back to Wateriders again, thank you for my adventure I'll never forget it so much fun!!

Lashunia Jones

Did a “Ghost and Gangster” tour last night with Trevor and Josh. Trevor who was the tour guide was amazing. He was very friendly, cracked jokes, and talked to us in between stops which made my experience better. With Josh he kinda stayed to the back making sure everyone was ok. But when we wasn’t he came quickly to assist. He even gave me a “high five” with the paddles. Overall I had a very good time and will do it again!

Michelle Smyth

Beautiful views, expert guides, great stories! So much fun - I highly recommend Wateriders! Thanks Homie, Tanner and Norah!

Courtney J

I was in Chicago for the weekend and decided to do kayaking on the river, the guide Trevor was great, he added good humour to the tour while telling us all about the Architecture of the city.

Jessie Zheng

Wateriders experience was amazing. Trevor was great! He was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and made my team feel not as scared, especially ones without previous experience.

jerry tyson

I decided to do something out of the norm with my 2 sons, we had no regrets the staff was super cool and funny my kids had a ball. May catch the Navy Pier tour next time.

Jo Girmscheid

This tour was an AMAZING experience! The tour guide was so passionate about the city & all the incredible stories that go along with it, he made it so much fun!!! And of course getting to view the Windy City from a totally different perspective was so great. I told ALL of my friends and family about this tour and highly recommended they all go! It was much easier than I thought it would be to kayak by the way as I had only gone once! I plan on going again for sure!!!! It was a safe, unique, exhilarating experience that I'll definitely remember :)

Jocelyn garcia

It was my first time going kayaking... this was my best first experience!! The whole staff makes you feel welcome and excited! Jessica was so sweet and very patience with my friend and I because we were slow lol but she stood with us and have conversations and talked about the history of buildings! The other guys were so sweet and kind as well also they asked everyone to take pictures which was very cool of them! I’m very huge on customer service! I highly recommend this place!!

anne frost

Wateriders was truly easy and fun for all of us. It gave us a different perspective on the magnificent buildings and bridges of Chicago. The Riverwalk is lovely and brings the activity right down to the river level so one doesn't feel isolated and the boat traffic was easily managed, given the instruction from the crew. All of the employees were kind and friendly as well as informative. We all agreed it was well worth the price and will do it again soon.

Preston Roper

Fun tour with a super nice guide. My daughter and I took the tour and learned about the native American origin of Chicago, about various buildings and colorful stories of their owners and events in town, etc. It's a great alternative to the bigger boats, as you get a bit of easy exercise and a unique, more personal experience of the city. Highly recommended!

Caleb Porter

My experience here was bittersweet. Being my first time kayaking along with not knowing how to swim already set me at an overall disadvantage, but with the guidance and confidence instilled into me by the instructors I felt more than ready to jump into the water. Accompanied by a friend, we set sail in a two person kayak along Chicago river. Unlike me, my friend failed to pay attention during our lessons on the proper way to row while in the water. We instantly became uncoordinated as it is critical for both participants to be aligned with all rowing motions. I resentfully had to take lead and rescue us, by single-handedly rowing us back to shore and out of the way of on going water traffic. Once safe, our instructor took it upon his self in reissuing us a full refund, knowing we didn’t get a chance to get the full experience. So all in all it was a cool and exciting experience. Just make sure you go with somebody who can be attentive when being given concrete instructions. S/o to chad for the being a player with the reimbursement. You the realest!

Neal Jain

Great experience with the Wateriders team taking the night tour to see the fireworks. They were able to setup a private transaction website to enable us to market the event to our club. And most important, they were really mindful of safety when on the river.

Blandine Nothhelfer

Amazing ! I had the best experience, we did the Chicago Architecture and History Tour, the team was awesome, made us feel safe and comfortable, our guide Derek was so amazing, entertaining and engaging. We had a great time, I did so many times the Boat tour but for the first time, with the kayak tour, I had a new and fun point of view of the city and learned so many new things about Chicago that you don't hear on boat tours. I highly recommend it and hope myself to do it again soon.

Kathleen Williams

We were a group of four, two of us were new to kayaking, and nervous. If I could have photographed the look of pure joy on the face of one of the newbies at the end of our hour, I'd post it for you to see. She was so happy to have had this experience, and so clearly delighted at mastering the art of controlling her vessel as we navigated our way through this unique, unparalleled view of the gorgeous city of Chicago. The Wateriders staff were welcoming and thorough in their instructions, which contributed both to our safety and dialed down the fear the neophytes were experiencing. As it happened, we didn't leave on the dot of our reserved time, but we were only charged for the hour we spent on the river. If you have done the Chicago River Architectural Foundation Center tour - and you must! - the Wateriders experience provides an even more intimate view, and a new and different perspective. I cannot recommend kayaking the Chicago River with Wateriders enough, whether you live here or are visiting. We had a wonderful experience! P.S. The Fall season provides optional temperatures and is a great time to go.

Todd Diemer

I've rented kayaks twice from Wateriders. Once at their Rockwell location and headed north towards Lawrence, and once to do their Gangsters and Ghosts tours downtown. Both times the staff were really friendly, engaging, and let us get out in the water quickly. The locations are both great, but definite pluses to both. If you're into something more quiet, a stroll north from the Rockwell location is really pretty, especially in fall. Seeing downtown from the water is particularly cool though, especially if you can book a night tour. Highly recommended to get yourself out on the water!

James Miller

What a great time! Did the sunset tour and had a blast. Very unique way of experiencing the Riverwalk. Our tour guide Trevor was the best! Extremely helpful, knowledgeable and fun! 10 out of 10! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Danielle Borisy

I went on the Ghost and Gangsters tour with some coworkers in my office and had a great experience. Our tour guide Joel was full of unique and interesting tales and facts about Chicago's history and kept us all engaged and entertained. The stories we heard were very interesting and most of them were not typical Chicago stories I've heard a million times already. The kayaking was very fun and despite our group being of different kayaking skill levels, we were all able to stay together as a group and still move along at a good pace. I would recommend Wateriders to anyone who wants a fun and unique way to learn more about Chicago.

raya line

I had such an awesome experience with water riders! The staff were so welcoming and the location is a perfect place to launch from! I will definitely be returning, and parking is so convenient and the cost ride the kayaks is such a great value at 2 hours!

Christine Semanovich

My daughter and I did the moonlight kayak trip during our weekend in Chicago. The staff at Wateriders was great from the start to finish of our trip. Our safety was their number one concern as there are a lot of big boats on the water with you. The views from our kayaks were amazing! Paddling in our little kayaks as the buzz and energy of the big city was going on all around us was surreal and exciting. I'd highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique adventure in Chicago! Something we'll never forget!

Erin Hendrickson

Thanks Trevor and Derek! Our group loved the tour! We were really impressed and enjoyed all the stories and fun facts we especially appreciated all the humor! There was a really good balance of paddling and breaks between stops. Our only complaint was the wood was too thick lol 😂😉 Thanks for a great time!! -Michigan crew

Meagan Watson

Our tour was so fun! Carley was great in providing some Chicago history that I'd never heard of before, despite living in Chicago for 10+ years. They made kayaking fun and we felt super safe with two other guides keeping our group together. Will definitely book with Wateriders again!

Stefan Cudjoe

I had a couple of friends come in from out of town, and they were quite worried about being out in the chicago river on Kayaks but the staff calmed everyone down with the pleasantries and jokes. They gave us great advice on what to do and how to handle different situations. Everyone was so nice! I am definitely going back and would take more friends from out of town on this experience.

August Hacker

Great experience, have already booked my next one. I did the 2-hour rental and the location is perfect, right near where the river splits - you can easily explore whichever branch appeals to you that day. I wondered beforehand if I ought to do a tour first, since I don't go kayaking much and never anywhere quite this busy, but it was actually pretty chill. Would recommend!

Dannielle Givens

My friend had come to visit from Florida and we thought this would be a great way to see the city and learn more about its history. Although we weren’t able to book and earlier time, we were still able to book for the 4:00 tour and had an amazing time with Seth and his team. They were very knowledgeable, funny and took our safety very seriously. Even for those of us towards the back of the group, we didn’t feel pressured to keep up. The staff were strategically about placing themselves among the group so that all participants felt comfortable exploring at a reasonable pace and still coming together as a group at our “checkpoints” to hear the great facts of the city’s history. Now being that this is kayaking.... it was a great deal of work on the arms to rise against the currents created by the tour and pedestrian boats, but all in all a lot of fun. I would highly recommend it.

Nick Cooper

Such a great way to see the city from the water. The session, and our host Trevor, were awesome! Highly recommend

Anthony Minniti

Wateriders is a terrific kayaking experience. We did the architecture and history tour and it was full of awesome information I didn't know about Chicago. Great site seeing as well. The price for the tour was a little expensive since it seemed short (2 hours) but that's Chicago in a nutshell. They did provide Cliff bars at the end of the tour which was a nice surprise bonus!

michelle lancaster

Wateriders was awesome! Seth and Matt were our guides. They were the BEST! They were informative, made certain everyone was safe and comfortable at all times, entertaining, and everything you'd want in guides. We did the architecture and history tour. Can't believe how much we learned while having fun out on the Chicago River. The views are spectacular! I've lived near Chicago for almost 60 years and never saw it from a kayak! Highly recommend. Would definitely go back. Ask for Seth and Matthew!!! Tell them Michelle sent you!

Sarah Doyle

We went to the Waterriders Kayaking tour for our Dad’s birthday and it was a great time! The whole family enjoyed it! Very informative while still being fun for the kids!! Highly Recommend. Derek was great!!

Muriel 20

Amazing experience and staff. They were accommodating to all sizes (I am plus size). When I am in Chicago I will 100% go again.

Leann Rocke

This was a perfect Sunday afternoon activity! We enjoyed the architecture and history guided kayak tour at 4p and then walked to dinner at Siena Tavern, a 15-min walk. Please update the parking info on your website, as the $.50 per hour past 4 hours is no longer valid according to our guide.

Brandii Harris

It was very fun! I'm not going to lie, it was my first time and I went by myself to face my fears; I was very nervous, and I cannot swim..But once the kayak was in the water, it was smooth sailing, especially with the help of Seth and his crew! Seth is really good at remembering names and keeping everyone together. The others were amazing as well with making sure we do not drift away. Communication is spectacular, and they sure make it a fun, safe trip. The views of the sky line are to die for. I'm from Chicago, but city views from the river is absolutely gorgeous. He tells amazing stories and makes it a funny, memorable event. I thank Seth and his crew for making me feel comfortable on my journey for the 1st time. I wish I knew all of their names, because they all are great!! I will be coming back for sure! Now that my anxiety has vanished and will be clear headed on my next journey, I will give a shout out to them individually on my next review! Thanks guys!

Parandis Kazemi

Kayaking with Wateriders was very exciting. Super fun to see the city while kayaking down the Chicago river with the coolest instructors!! Recommend!

vanessa vasquez

This company is awesome! I had already kayaked with them last month and loved it so much that I came back with my family. Even if you have never kayaked before (couple people in my group had not) you will still enjoy this and find it easy. Our instructors Derek was great at explaining everything and made us all feel comfortable. We did the moonlight paddle which I highly recommend. The river is more calm (not as many tour boats or water taxis) and the buildings illuminated make for great photos.

Jenna Stacy

My friends and I all had a great experience with Waterriders! The staff was welcoming and helpful. My group of 3 received a personal lesson on how to properly paddle and kayak, which was great and helped us to feel confidet. The kayaks, paddles, and life jackets all seemed clean too! This is something I will for sure do again!

brandon polk

I went on three different history/architecture tours of Chicago while I was there. Waterriders guided kayak tour was my favorite. Derrick was an excellent guide and while the river cruise tour I went on may have covered more buildings, Derrick displayed a showmanship and depth of knowledge that couldn't be found elsewhere. Moreso than any other tour guide I experienced, he seemed truly passionate and proud of his city's story, and he worked hard to try to pass that love on to us. The combination of Chicago's fascinating history and the fun of actually paddling a kayak up and down the Chicago River instead of just sitting in a chair the whole time made for an unforgettable experience!

Mike Kniola

We booked the Wednesday Fireworks paddle to take our 13 yr old grandson on his first Kayak paddle. This company is great. The location was perfect with nice restrooms available, inexpensive parking, and a wide selection of dining options nearby. What really made this trip exceptional was the friendly, personal service and support provided by Doreen, Erik and the rest of the team. Doreen greeted us, made sure we were taken care of and led us through the entire trip. Safety on the river was paramount. They even made sure the kayaks were assigned by size and adjusted them to make sure you were comfortable. We will definitely be using this company again!!!

Katharine Martin

Great experience! My sons ages 9 and 12 had minimal kayaking experience and they were able to navigate it easily! Excellent info! Such a BETTER way to see the sites on the river than the crowded river boats and went by! I was so glad we were in the water, getting exercise and learning all at the same time! The guides were helpful, knowledgeable and and top notch all the way!

Rachael Rivard

This was an amazing experience. We did the tour at 6:30 which was perfect because we could enjoy some of the sites during the evening and at night when everything was all lit up. The tour guides were great!

Krystina O'Connor

Had a great experience with Wateriders! My friend and I booked kayak rentals for 2 hours the day before and went on a Friday. Booking was easy and the staff was wearing masks and taking proper covid precautions. Everyone else going out onto the water was wearing masks as well. The views of downtown Chicago from the river were incredible. We also each got a free Clifbar at the end. Would definitely recommend!

Juilee Bhosale

We went on an architecture tour with Trevor and Kate and they were the best guides. Kate was extremely patient when I was struggling with paddling. I'm extremely clumsy at sports and was nervous about lagging behind and not being able to enjoy the tour but they made me feel completely comfortable. Would visit again. Definitely recommend.

Monica de Asa

I purchased a Groupon for a 2hr kayak rental. I had trouble redeeming it myself and Wateriders was very responsive and quick to help. I had to reschedule, and again, Wateriders helped me right away. The staff that was there had great energy, were friendly, communicated well, and were knowledgeable. It was a really nice and unique Chicago experience for a good price.

Ronald CAPUTI

Excellent experience with helpful friendly staff!! Really appreciate the reminders we received prior to launching our kayaks. Aaron was very friendly and relaxed and we are definitely coming back, soon. Thanks to all for a GREAT day on the Chicago River!!

Jon Horvath

Great place to rent kayaks. Pretty easy to schedule an appointment or walk up on the day of. Good service and would definitely do this again!

Jen DeMay

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! One of the best date nights my husband and I have ever had! Neither of us had been kayaking before, staff were kind, knowledgeable and safety took top priority. Exceeded expectations by far!. Doreen & Eric were our guides and were wonderful. We did the moonlight kayak. Also of mention is the parking voucher which gives you a discount if you park at West Hubbard St....we paid under $6 to park there.......which is almost unheard of downtown!!! We can't wait to go back!!!!

Holly Hanau

My family and I had a great time on our Wateriders tour! We thought about just renting kayaks but very glad we went with the tour. It was informative and interesting and Derek and Gabe were awesome guides! Definitely recommend for a fun afternoon in Chicago and you get to see the city from a different angle!

Brian W

What a great afternoon on the holiday Monday. I've used this place before and they are very organized. I was able to get started on the river within 10 minutes of showing up. The operator gave me some tips on things to see on the South Branch of the river which is where I wanted to paddle. I just hope I get to go one more time before weather gets too cold

oscar estrada

You all ha ea different to do the Chicago River, by boat, walking or doing by kayak the best of them 👌😎🛶 …

Deanne Eskra

I had a great Ghosts and Gangsters kayak tour. As someone who is terrified of water the staff were excellent. They made everyone feel comfortable even in the midst of a pandemic. They were also super friendly and knowledgeable. I’ll definitely be recommending them to anyone looking for something fun to do in the city!

Jess Ruiz

The fact that from start to finish everything was really simple really convenient and really fun is the reason why I would recommend not only the company but also Trevor and Matt to anyone. Both of these fantastic gentlemen were awesome and they made a first experience kayaker want to return. They were very knowledgeable, of course, on how to maneuver the kayaks and they were very friendly very personable and overall just two great instructors!

lori spielman

I'm used to kayaking in "nature", so this was different in a good way. Awesome to row past the buildings, boats, and people. The tour boat traffic was pretty busy, but as long as you paddle near the wall, everyone shares the river nicely. Super fun date afternoon idea. Since we're from the burbs, we did a self-guided 2 hour rental, not a guided tour. They give you a map so you know exactly where you are and what you're looking at.

Tommy Fiffer

Very informative tour. Our guide was experienced and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this activity.

e wong

We took the Architectural Tour and had a whale of a great time kayaking in the Chicago River. It was fun to have a duck's perspective. Our tour guide was wonderful mindful of winds whipping up and staying together. She was very safety conscience. Would highly recommend!

Amy Douglas-Homolka

We had an awesome experience with Wateriders! We decided to take a sunset tour, and it was definitely worth the money. Our tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable about the city. The views from the river were spectacular as well. If we come back to Chicago we will definitely have to try out another one of the tours offered by Wateriders!

Jeramy Sanford

Carly was our guide and she was great. Super easy to learn from and made the trip more enjoyable. The tour is very interesting, it was our first kayak trip and we had a blast. Definitely recommend doing Chicago architecture this way.

Rene de la Huerta

I definitely recommend this experience. The staff is friendly and so helpful. Their main concern is your safety, listen to their advice, the river traffic can get very busy, it’s important that you know what the river traffic rules are. The rental location is central and ideal for central Chicago River kayaking. I forgot my plastic dry bag so I left my wallet, iPhone and eyeglasses with them. Everything was in place. I truly enjoyed kayaking through downtown Chicago and will do it again with Wateriders.

M S

The entire tour was so informative and fun. Joel was easy going, personable, funny, and had so much wonderful information about the city to share. He knew all of our names which helps you feel more age ease. I felt in good hands the entire time (except for those double kayaks who seemed not to be able to control their boats and would run into mine!) because Joel and the other staff members worked together and communicated well to keep us safe from the Larger boats on the river. I can't wait to get back to Chicago and take another one of their tours!

penny fahrner

It was a great experience and a new perspective of the city. I went out alone and appreciated that I was an experienced kayaker. There was a lot of traffic on the water and it made for larger wakes than normal. I would recommend having been in a kayak before and not making this your first trip. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly also.

Karysa M

We had such a great time on this kayak tour! The staff were so kind and helpful. They also ensured all were safe from the moment we stepped into the kayak until we returned to the dock. I can't say enough good things about the kayak tour and the staff. Such a beautiful Chicago evening and nice to get a different view of downtown Chicago from the river at sunset. I've already highly recommended this to coworkers and customers! Thank you!

Meredith H.

Excellent instruction before our ride. We did a 2 hour ride which was more than enough time. We had 2 adults and 2 teenagers in our group and we all enjoyed kayaking. The views were incredible. TIP: use the restrooms in the East Bank Club before you walk down the stairs to Wateriders. They'll send you back up there to use the restrooms anyway. TIP2: Leave valuables at home or bring on the kayak in a waterproof bag. We were splashed quite a bit from the smaller boats. The big boats weren't an issue. You can leave your belongings in their closet but nothing is locked.

Sudeeksha Murari

Was a great way to take in the city's gorgeous architecture. It was great that we could buy the tickets online and well in advance. The guides were well organized, started the tour on time and were very clear with instructions that even novice kayakers could follow and the tour wasn't at all taxing. The groups were also a small enough size that we all got to interact a bit throughout the tour. Overall, I highly recommend!

Ruhee Wadhwania

I went on the Ghost & Gangsters tour led by Derek and assisted by Jessica and Ava - they were all so awesome and made sure that our safety was prioritized. They clearly knew what they were doing and taught us how to paddle properly before the tour and during the tour so that we could have the most positive experience possible. The story-telling was also super fun! I highly recommend Wateriders. :)

angelina brede

First time Chicago visitor— Derek was our tour guide and we had the absolute best time! The tour was gorgeous, fun, and we learned a lot of fun history about the city! 10/10 would recommend.

Maggie Power

I bought a Groupon and took my daughter and her friends for a tour on the Chicago River. Wateriders and their staff were above and beyond helpful from booking questions (you can text them and when I asked to talk to a person they called me immediately to answer all of my questions). The day of our rental, we encountered a bad accident on our way, this made us 30 mins late. We called Wateriders and they were above and beyond accommodating us and we were still able to rent the kayaks for 2 hours. We had an amazing experience and I will definitely recommend Wateriders!!

Diana Castro

Travis did a great job and speaking about the history of Chicago. Overall a great time

Che Crayton

First time ever kayaking but it definitely won’t be my last. The staff is super friendly and can really read people. Seth (one of the awesome instructors) could tell my nervousness and quickly adjusted my outing so I would feel comfortable. He must have a night gig as a comedian because he’s also hilariously funny when explaining how to kayak. Definitely would recommend them. The views of the city are great as well.

Tania Smith

Our group of 5 ladies went out for the Ghosts and Gangsters Tour and had an amazing time. We received thorough instructions before getting in to the kayaks and felt very safe while out on the water. We enjoyed all the "Crime History" and architectural facts about Chicago. Our guide Derek and assistant Taco made the tour a lot of fun. There are multiple stops along the way so you are not kayaking the whole time, so it would be suitable for many experience and fitness levels. Thank you for a great time Wateriders!

Susan H-A

We decided to do their Shady Chicago: Ghosts and Gangsters tour on our last night in town...and we were so glad we did. It was such a great way to see the city and learn a little bit about it's history. The weather was perfect, the staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and the tour was the perfect length. To be on the water at night with the lights of Chicago all around you is truly worth the price of admission. The fun facts and stories delivered by the delightful Seth only added to the experience. It was the perfect end to our trip. Thanks, guys!!

Autumn McAlpin

Loved this tour! Took my 11yo son and it was very doable and safe. Loved being out on the water at sunset, and found the stories about the ghosts and gangsters fascinating. We're from California and this was my son's first visit to Chicago - thought this was a great way to see the city while being active. Guides Seth, Chip, and Sarah were great.

Douglas MacFarland

We took the 10am architecture tour with Aaron yesterday, I highly recommend! I went with my wife, our two kids (12 and 9) and our mini goldendoodle. It was a great way to see the cityscape, tire the kids out and learn some city history in the few hours we were in Chicago. Aaron was super knowledgeable and funny. We would definitely do another your next time we are in the city.

Kimberly Kim

Totally recommend the Sunset Kayak Trip. Seeing the city as the sun sets and from this POV is amazing.

Tina Simms

I had never kayaked until doing the architecture tour. I took my adult son with me who is an experienced kayaker. I was extremely nervous about kayaking on the river without ever having kayaked before but if you listen to the instructions prior to getting into the kayak (and follow the instructions) you’ll be fine. I will say the boat traffic was intimidating but I had to remind myself to stay calm. Derek was our guide and I felt completely safe and comfortable with him! This tour was such a great experience and I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is even considering it.

Jasmine Sandoval

When we first booked our reservation, we couldn’t make it due to a family emergency. They allowed us to reschedule for a different day instead of loosing the tickets. Me and my boyfriend had a great time. I would totally recommend water riders to anyone.

Susan Taulia

This is a lovely and unique way to see the buildings of Chicago. Our tour guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. I’ve been on the large flat bottom tour boats run by the Chicago Architectural Tour people. For sheer knowledge, that tour is still superior. However for just plain fun—this tour is amazing. I loved paddling down the river with my husband in the kyack. It was physically not difficult if you are in reasonable physical shape. Highly recommend this tour!

Kayla Scales

We signed up for kayaking as a fun “covid friendly” activity for a bachelorette party, and it was sooo much fun! We had a large group, and 2 guides who were extremely professional. The company sanitized the kayaks and life jackets between groups. I highly recommend this company if you want a smooth experience!

Tasneem Ouyoun

The staff here are absolute wonderful. Super funny and chill but also incredibly knowledgable and experienced. The experience is awesome, a totally unique and amazing way to explore the city. So much better than the typical boring, uncomfortable bus rides. You can either quietly explore the city via the Chicago river or have an unforgettable time messing around with friends while still touring. Basically if you have to be a tourist in a city, this is the best way to be one.

Linda Lee

Thanks Wateriders for another great adventure on the Chicago River! I've rented here many times and have always been 100% happy. The staff are friendly and helpful. They provide a brief lesson to keep you safe and sanitize equipment between rides. They provide life vests, sunscreen and plastic bags to hold cell phones if needed. They will also store your backpacks for free. Online booking is easy. Their new launch location is next to Kinzie Street bridge. There is a stairs entrance down to their dock on the bridge directly to the left of East Club Bank's main entrance.

Paramount Lodging Advisors

What a great experience. We had four kids between the age of 3 and 10 and the Water Rider team took great care of us. They were professional, organized, the equipment was great and the guide was charismatic and made it fun for both the adults and kids. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone local or visiting, kids or no kids.

Jenna Reynolds

What a fantastic adventure on the river! A great way to learn about the city and have a ton of fun while doing it! Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Definitely a must while in Chicago!!

Yamini B

The sunset ghosts and gangster tour was amazing! The tour guides were knowledgable. They were very easy to follow. The kayaking itself was quite fun. It was an easy course. Adequate instructions were given prior to the tour. We felt prepared. Definitely recommend it!

Alec Rigik

A ton of fun, and we learned a ton about the city! Our tour guides were fun, helpful, and knowledgable. My fiance and I did the moonlight tour, and it was a nice change of pace to take in so much at once without blocking foot traffic or missing a turn. We loved being able to see not only the beautiful skyline, but also see and learn about the historic foundation below. Very cool contrast between the glowing skyline/riverwalk and the city's infrastructure. Would recommend!

Jake Geihm

We had a great time with wateriders! The crew there were very cool. They were fun to chat with, polite, safety conscious, and very informational for us as first-time kayakers. We enjoyed about 2hrs on the river going at our own pace (we weren't on a tour). The experience in itself was fun; exploring the river and enjoying the sights. We started off up river as to make the return trip easier on our fatigued bodies. The return trip was dope, getting to take in the city skyline. We would recommend this activity to anyone looking to get your daily exercise in, have a little fun, and get your splishity splash on!

Matt Kunze

Had a fantastic time! The whole process was smooth and well coordinated. Everyone was super helpful, especially the woman in the rainbow platform crocs! She was also a great conversationalist, had hilarious jokes, and was very knowledgeable about fonts. Will definitely be back to yak!!

Ellen Hollon

We went 9/8 afternoon on the History and Architecture tour, led by Carly and supported by Doreen. Both were extremely professional and very attentive to the group's safety. Carly's content was very informative and thoroughly explored the city's history and formation as it relates to the influence of the Chicago River. She is engaging and speaks well. We learned a LOT! We'd previously been on one of the boat ride architectural tours, but the focus of this one was stronger combination of architecture AND history.

Christine S

Spent the day yesterday (9/2/2020) out on the river with Aaron as our guide. He shared so many wonderful stories about Chicago’s history in relation to the river. He was so patient and kind to my 9 year old son who went with me making sure to find ways to make the stories relatable to him by referencing Minecraft. 😊 I definitely recommend this company and the tour (and of course Aaron). We had a fabulous time and will certainly be doing it again.

Sarah Garner

Great experience! Tour guide Derrick was amazing! The quick orientation was very helpful. The other two guides (Eva & Jessica) were also great and made sure nobody drifted or got left behind. They all kept eyes on the river traffic and corralled the group when needed, while still being friendly, informative, and funny.

Don Schaffer

My wife and two of my adult children did the architectural tour last Sunday. We had to reschedule twice, and Wateriders couldn't have been more accommodating. Great customer service. The tour had almost 20 people and 3 guides one of whom did all the talking. Very informative without a lot of knowledge that the boat tours don't provide. The tour guide remembered almost everybody's name after just meeting us. 2.5 hour tour including getting everybody in their kayaks, safety briefing, and introductions. Highly recommend.

Katie Gallegos

The whole experience was superb from start to finish. They send you a reminder email about your appointment along with great instructions on where to park, where the restrooms are and how to get to the starting point. The staff was really friendly when we left but the girl who told us our safety tips was less than amused. She was speaking in monotone while describing everything and probably didn't want to be there but that was nothing to take away from the experience. You have 2 hours to be on the water which was plenty of time. My boyfriend and I raced each other through one section and stopped a few times to take photos and never felt rushed. The views and feel was perfect. You are in the heart of the city and get to watch locals walking to work, eating on their lunch break, boat tours taking place and tourists snapping photos. This experience is a must do!!

Barbara Greene

sigh, i had high hopes for lots of architectural info on this tour, but our guide started out by saying he was more into history, so there wouldn't be much at all. (Seth, please drop the word Architectural from the title). We heard the smaller, 3-5 person Urban Kayak groups getting a ton more Architectural info! That being said, Seth was interesting and funny, the two other guides were good at managing the large size of the group, which was too big at 20+ kayaks. I found it best to stay in the way back or keep in the lead to avoid the chaos of the inexperienced masses) Did I enjoy being on the river in a kayak? Yes. But I would not recommend this tour to friends.

Jan M

This tour is so much fun! Joel "the tour guide", Adam and Sarah were awesome. They do an amazing job navigating the river, telling you cool facts about Chicago and its history, and providing a great experience. We couldn't recommend this trip more. Completely worth every penny and so much fun we will absolutely be back again. Thank you Joel for being so entertaining, smart and knowledgeable and to Adam and Sarah for helping to keep us safe!

Emily Zorn

The nighttime paddle was absolutely amazing. Paddling through the river under a sea of city lights was truly stunning, it far exceeded our expectations! Watching fireworks over Navy Pier was an added bonus. The instructors were extremely helpful and kind and made this tour easy for beginners. 10/10 would definitely do this again, it was the best part of our trip!

Nick Bravo

I could not be anymore pleased with my very first Wateriders experience! Not only was the instructor extremely entertaining and personable, but he took his time to ensure myself, and my guest were safe and felt comfortable before ever hitting the water! I recommend Wateriders to anyone who wants to explore the Chicago River at an affordable price, and enjoy a very unique, and one of a kind experience! Thanks Wateriders!

Don Pollard

Great and fun way to spend the morning and learn a little more about Chicago history and architecture. Dereck and Daniel did a great job of instructing and guiding our party of 10, including many "first time" paddlers.

Alyssa Mellott

Had a great experience with Wateriders! I decided to change my reservation due to rain & they made it easy! Pretty laid back place with fun/nice employees. Ben explained the rules very clearly & gave us a tutorial while still keeping it short & sweet. Enjoyed kayaking at our own pace & taking in the great sights on the river. We’ll be back!

Christine Burrell

We had a great time! The staff was friendly, organized and started the tour on time. Great throughout the tour keeping everyone together as well as stopping at key points so people could take pics. Definitely fun and a unique way to see the beauty of the city at night.

Christina Dziuk

We had an amazing time on this tour! Our guide,Trevor was awesome! Loved hearing stories about Chicago's sordid past and floating the river in the heart of downtown at night was such a great experience.

Josalyn Filkins

I can’t say enough amazing things about our 2hr tour with Trevor and Jessica. Trevor was so informative, professional, and funny. They led us down the river and ensured everyone was safe, at all times. I will 100% be going back to paddle again! Don’t hesitate, get the tickets, you definitely will not regret it!

Bob Berrones

It was my first time ever kayaking on the river and I’m glad it was through them. It was a perfect day, whether wise, and not too much boat traffic. I highly recommend using them and I will in the future.

Hania Abdel Jalil

Excellent ride and Trevor is an excellent guide. In this tour you combine have fun kayaking while learning some new facts about Chicago’s history and architecture.

William salgado

Love the night time experience! Tour guides make sure you have a fun experience! Would definitely recommend!

Indhu

It was really fun! I would definitely go again! We were almost an hour late to our reservation but they were super nice about it and we didnt have to wait to get in the water. This was my first time kayaking and I really enjoyed it. We did the two person kayak which was good because when one of us got tired the other person could paddle instead. It was hard to get coordinated though. And the water is gross as it gets and you will get wet. But overall it was a fun time!

Haley Hurford

My husband wanted to go kayaking got his birthday, so we went on the architecture tour, Homie and Derek were our guides for the day, and they were excellent. Very knowledgeable, patient with the super beginners, friendly, and most importantly, FUN! We plan on going again next month when my mom is in town.

Andrea Wuebker

This is one of the best tours of Chicago and the major landscapes and history I've been on. The experience was easy, affordable, fun and entertaining. All levels and ages were on this tour and I highly recommend this group and this tour for anyone who wants a slightly different and more interactive experience.

Sophia Porter

My husband and I had such a fun time with Wateriders. The guides were fun, knowledgable , and helped explain the ins and out of navigating the busy river. I highly recommend the architectural tour. Nothing beats the view of the city from the water!

Cycle chick 610

This adventure was amazing. Our tour guide Ben was very knowledgeable about Chicago. This was my birthday gift from my husband and I highly recommend it for fun in the city!

Daniel DeLuna

This was my first time kayaking and BEN went out with me (separately) to give me pointers and this made my experience amazing!!! Another incredible way to view the city and enjoy the Riverwalk. Don’t hesitate, enjoy yourself, this was a great purchase. Will be back soon.

Chad Tapp

We did the night ride for ghosts and gangsters on the night of 4th of July. Most kayakers we’re doing the fireworks tours so we had a private tour. Derrick was funny and energetic right when we met so we knew we were going to have a great time. 2 of the 4 of us had never kayaked and the other 2 hadn’t in years so he went over a tutorial to get us acclimated. We loaded up and took the tour. We stayed dry save for when one boat violated the no wake zone and sent some stronger waves our way. The sun set while we were on the tour so we got some excellent views and pictures. You can tell Derrick really enjoyed the subject of the tours because he was really well versed in the stories and was able to answer any questions we threw at him. I’d highly recommend using wateriders to anyone and everyone. It was definitely an amazing experience!

Samantha T

Awesome experience overall! I originally purchased a Groupon but it wasn't good for the date or type of tour I was interested in. The team was wonderful at accommodating me and I just had to pay the difference since the sunset tour was more expensive than what the Groupon was for. The staff was extremely helpful and did a great job of keeping us safe. They were all so friendly and gave us informative instructions. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking them out. This was my first time and I was terrible at it and they were all so patient. Thanks for everything!

Greg

We live in McHenry and were looking for a place to launch our new kayak to paddle around downtown. Wateriders is in a great location, a little north of where the Chicago river tees into the north and south branches, but I couldn't see how my wife and I could carry our 16 foot tandem down the long flight of stairs from street level. No problem they said--just call them when we get there and they'll give us a hand. And for $5 in, $5 out or 50% off tours using our own kayak plus discounted parking, we'll be heading back as soon as it warms up.

Gil Danieli

A great, unique way to spend 2 hours. The guide was excellent and the views of iconic Chicago buildings are wonderful. Instead of sitting on a crowded tourist barge listening passively to a canned history lesson, you actually experience the Chicago waterways actively. Oh, and don't worry - the guides are very concerned about safety, so you won't need to be concerned about the traffic on the river.

Richard Lisby

My wife an I went to Water riders on Kingsbury in Chicago. The staff were amazing and friendly. The ride down the river into downtown was spectacular, the views the architecture were fantastic. Next time we will bring our 2 Pomeranian’s, this dog friendly business is a must do for both Chicagoans and tourists.

Elizabeth Miller Floyd

My two young- adult kids and I had such a great time kayaking with this outfit! Seth, our guide, was so much fun, and his sidekicks, Aaron, and Peter, kept our large group in line. We did the sunset Ghosts and Gangsters tour, and it afforded us fantastic and unique views of the city at dusk and after dark, plus Seth regaled us with some great facts on Chicago's checkered past. This kayak tour was one a big hit with all three of us. A definite favorite! I highly recommend Wateriders.

Emily Danca

Wateriders was EXCELLENT! Customer service was top notch - when I called with a few questions, they called me back almost immediately and were friendly and helpful over the phone. The day before our kayaking trip, they sent me a reminder email which I appreciated. When we arrived for kayaking, they were friendly, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. The equipment worked well and they made everything about our trip very easy and fun! The only thing I would suggest is under "Things To Bring" adding that you need to bring photo ID - we only brought ours at the last minute since we live within walking distance and you needed to provide it for the rental.

Alex “MUFC ARMY8” Acosta

My wife and I decided to go kayaking for our 5th anniversary something that we had never done. So we chose to go with Wateriders and boy we didn't regret it!! The whole staff was amazing so friendly, so calm and down to earth!! My wife was nervous well they made her feel confident and with a few jokes made her feel right at home. Parking was so easy, so convenient and only a walk away. Our experience was amazing!!! I highly recommend Wateriders!! Will definitely be booking another trip soon!!

Pam Anderson

Beautiful way to view the city at night and learn a little bit about Chicago history. The tour guides were knowledgeable and did a great job keeping our group safe and together on a very busy river! We are so glad we decided to do this tour and would definitely recommend it.

Danny Baxter

Today was my first day ever and it was the most amazing thing I’ve done in my life. I’m most definitely coming back. I can’t wait! The lady who instructed us was absolutely amazing and the man who checked us in and held our bag was absolutely wonderful as well. Everyone was so kind and helpful. It was truly an amazing venture!

Debra Stouffer

Great job to staff who were very fun and it was easy to learn where/how to navigate the river!

Patricia Glassman

Seth, our main guide was PHENOMENAL! Was my first time ever kayaking and was terrified with it being on the Chicago river, but he gave amazing instructions and kept us safe the entire time. Carly was another guide on our tour who was super sweet and encouraging the entire time. Dont miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime!

S Queen

Great experience. The people that work there are super chill. Definitely try this

Sara Organ

Trevor was an awesome tour guide. Very informative yet fun and laid back. He also recommended some places to visit while we are here. We would definitely do this tour again with this group.

Lisa Johannson

We were in Chicago July 9 for a private tour Ghosts and Gangsters with Derek. We had an amazing trip!! Was so fun to go down the river in the evening and see all then city lights and hear the history and sordid stories! Our guide Derek was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history!! Thank you for such a fun experience. Would highly recommend a private tour with Derek! Thank you from that crazy Canadian family travelling from Alberta to the east coast!

Jacob Farley

Had an absolute lovely time doing the 2 hour rental with my girlfriend. They kept the intro quick and simple and let us go do our thing. Felt like we could see the best sightseeing parts of the city in a 2 hour span. Already recommended to my brother!

Tara Aggarwal

We went to Waterriders for my father's birthday and they did not disappoint. We were really excited to get into the water and do our own thing and with a quick safety briefing, they really allowed the freedom to do so. All the people there were high energy and you can tell they love what they do. Definitely interested to take one of their guided tours, like the Ghost and Gangster, given that Chicago has much history about that!

Molly Freedman

My friend and I used Wateriders because we wanted to check kayaking on the Chicago River off our bucket list. The employees that helped us get started were very helpful providing tips to make sure we stayed safe on the water. The pricing was very reasonable and we had an amazing time. Try to make a reservation if possible before you go so you can have your choice if a single or double kayak as well as no wait for kayaks. I would definitely kayak with Wateriders again!

Nancy Lipschutz

Absolutely fantastic! Company is people oriented. Seth the manager bounded up the stairs to show us where to park and made us feel like we were family. Thanks to the girls for lifting 70 year olds out of the kayaks! It was a very enjoyable two hours. Keep up the good work.

Mahroo Safa

It was the most amazing experience. The best money I have ever spend. The crew were awesome, knowledgeable about the city and attractions. Sas was great, Taco was wonderful, Kelly (?) was so patient with us. I am not experienced with Kayaking. I leaved in this city for forty years, I never seen Chicago from this side. The crew showed me Chicago that I never forget. It was great. I really recommend it to every body, and I am going again to take my friends with me.

Carrie Ackerman

The History and Architecture tour was fascinating and unbelievable. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, funny, energetic, and really nice. This is such an incredible way to see Chicago. I recommend this tour and this company to everyone. I know I will definitely do it again!

Ellen Lustig

The staff was efficient, friendly, and professional. Since we were experienced kayakers, they gave us a brief review and set us up for the full 2 hour kayaking on the river. We highly recommend Waterriders.

Allyson Jenkins

Affordable. Easy to rent. Friendly and helpful staff. Perfect location to catch some great views!

Samantha Moyes

The experience was incredible and super fun, we took the Chicago Architecture and History tour with Seth and Connor. Seth was funny and informative. It was my first time in a kayak and the instruction was thorough. I would definitely recommend this tour, these guides, and this company!

Tianna Carrington

Staff are great! First time kayaking and I had a blasted. Aver is awesome she help us to start of with then we had some much confidence and knowledge to go off and kayak around the city our selfs. I would definitely do it again and recommend anyone who is new to kayaking to go with Wateriders. Great company. Great staff.

Chad Simons

To be honest, I was not optimistic that Kayaking the Chicago river would be fun. Chicago is always cold, and the river is green, and who knows what else is going on there! However, I could not have been more wrong. This was such a fun experience it has become a "must do" for me. I plan to kayak the river again on my next visit. Wateriders specifically was a perfect company. Our guide was knowledgable and entertaining and made the overall experience very much worth it. You do not need to be an experienced kayaker, as I took my young daughter along. She loved it. The new perspective of the architecture of the city from the river view point was unique as well. Our guide, Seth, was perfect for our group. I highly recommend taking a ride on the Chicago River with Wateriders!

Karinna San Agustin

We booked a moonlight paddle. Weather was amazing no traffic in the water was a great help. I can not recall the name of the two gentleman instructors/guides on 09/03/2020. They made sure to make us feel safe before getting in the water. We practiced paddling both on land and once we were on the water. It was an amazing experience I would definitely recommend.

Jason Amato

Awesome experience. We had a party of 10 that wanted to go kayaking. My wife called and spoke to a representative at Waveriders. She said he was so helpful and so accommodating as far as planning for the 10 of us to all go at the same time. The enter team at Waveriders was so helpful to everyone in other party. They answered all of our questions and made sure we had everything we needed to have a safe and enjoyable day. We highly recommend Waveriders for your Chicago river kayaking adventures!

Laura Hertz

2020.08.09: I looked at a few companies to do a sunset kayak on the Chicago river, and Wateriders had the best price without compromising any quality that I could tell. The guides (Carly, Jessie, Laura, & Nathan?) were lovely & friendly. I can't wait for more friends to visit me so I can go again.

John Bonney

My wife and I signed up for an evening tout at the end of the summer. It was a really fun experience. Seth and Anna (our guides) did a great job of helping us navigate the river, and the city looks really beautiful at night from the river. We hope to come back soon.

E J

Great tour! I had recently done a kayak tour with another company and decided to try Wateriders with some family coming in town - the Wateriders architecture tour was far superior in both information presented and energy of the guides! Thanks again!

Julie Winz

We had a great time. There was only 6 on the tour which really was perfect!! Derrick did an awesome job with the history and made it very entertaining too!! So worth the money!!

A. T.

Loved our experience! Joel was our tour guide and you could tell he loves the history of the city. They kept us safe and it was cool seeing the city from a different point of view. Recommend it to both residents and nonresident alike!

Nichole Sykes

We had a great time. We were able to keep our belongings checked in the boathouse with an attendant instead of chancing that they would get wet. After a quick safety and equipment demo we were out on the water. Everyone was super friendly and definitely had our safety and convenience in mind. I would definitely go back.

Chelsea Satchell

Amazing experience the weather was nice the river was as clean as if could possibly be! Thank you Wateriders for the adventure. Seth was the tour guide he had memorable and relatable stories about Chicago and its architecture. I’m so glad I decided to do Wateriders the whole staff was kind and helpful I’ve never done this before and before it was over I felt like a pro! Thank you all so much!

Kimberly Edwards

It was my first time kayaking and the staff was super professional and very fun ! They made the experience worth it ! I highly recommend!

Mandi Ballard

Recommend! The tour guide was very knowledgable of Chicago history and made the experience informative and interesting. The whole crew was obviously experienced and put the group's safety first as the river is a high traffic area with water taxis, tour boats and other water vehicles. Although my husband and I are from here and thought we knew most of the history around the buildings and architecture, we still learned many interesting facts!

Brooke McFarland

We absolutely loved the history and architecture tour. Informative, interesting and a lot of fun. Also, as this was my first time kayaking, it was a good pace. It was great for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Nate

Great experience. Super kid friendly. We had 4,8 & 11 yr old kids spread out with my wife and I across two double kayaks. Best way to see the architecture and buildings at your own pace. Adam went above and beyond getting us a replacement parking ticket as my wife got ours wet. Will be back for sure!!

Denise Amundson

Had a great evening kayak with Seth, Taco and Sauce. We did the Ghosts and Gangsters tour and had a great time. Felt safety of the guests was a top priority and they were knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend this to anyone, even if you have never kayaked before!

Melissa Pamperin

This was an awesome experience! Joel was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable about Chicago and kayaking. The two other workers (I can't remember one of their names, one was Sara, the other might have been Matt) were great as well. I would definitely recommend!

Sonia Lima

Where to start. From the moment you come down the stairs to begin the tour to the moment you climb out of the kayak when the tour is done is perfect and professional. It was my husband’s first time ever on a kayak and my birthday! I’ve gone before several times (not on a tour) and knew what to expect but man... my husband was taken care of by those keeping us safe on separate kayaks next to us which allowed me to kayak and keep up with rest of the tour. Joel was loud enough for everyone to hear. Also, Joel remembers your name. That’s special! The brief paddle lesson before starting was clear and concise as well! The best part of the whole thing is the fact that no one is left behind. Joel does what he loves; it’s evident and that’s what brings this whole thing together. Will be back for sure!! That’s for a great start to my birthday last week. I will definitely remember it. :)

margaret sheridan

Our tour guide, Joel, was terrific. Well informed on history of Chicago, and all matters of water safety. The two guides who accompanied us were equally professional. The tour on a recent Sunday afternoon included 20 guests; we were of varying degrees of experience. The waters were choppy, and the river, teeming with boats. Understandable, the weather was awesome. My wish, next time, would be for a smaller group, easier to manage and connect with. Joel and colleagues certainly has their hands, and eyes, full.

Jamie I

The tours are so much fun! While there are several other companies that offer the same kayak tour and rentals, I'm glad I chose Wateriders. All of the staff I encountered are great people. I brought a Groupon for a tour with them and even though it was my fault for waiting so long to book a date, the staff member I emailed was nice enough to extend my voucher! The day of the tour the guide waited as long as he could to ensure every person who had signed up was present. I took my family on the tour and the staff that came with us on the tour were very considerate of my parents, checking on them as often as possible, talking them through what to do, even helping them out of the kayaks. Our tour guide was so present in the moment, he immediately memorized everyone's name, while on the water he would talk to everyone, by their name. Even after the tour ended he didnt just disappear, he stayed around and spoke with everyone. The other two staff members that came on the tour were also very considerate, making sure everyone was safe to cross and checking the surroundings. As soon as I saw how well and considerate they were with my family and that my parents enjoyed it, I immediately booked another tour. I highly recommend these guys!

Dawn Rawley

This was an amazing night of kayaking! The guides were very helpful and made it easy for even a beginner! It is so nice on the water at night although it can be a little nerve wracking to have boats coming in the other lane. I will be doing this every time I come to Chicago!

Isra Omar

What an amazing experience. (I did the ghosts and gangsters tour), who knew Chicago had so much scary history? It was my first time kayaking and the tour guides were extremely patient and such great listeners. I was a bit scared at first but they were extremely helpful. Highly recommended!!!!

Patricia Vile

My husband and I took 8 family members on the 8:15pm kayak tour on a beautiful Saturday night. We ranged in age from 11 to 75. The evening was wonderful. Chicago never looked more beautiful than from the Chicago River and the fireworks at Navy Pier were great fun. The crew of young men were professional and very helpful. We all had a wonderful time and highly recommend this experience

Mallory Smith

This is how you take full advantage of all that Chicago Summer has to offer. I would absolutely recommend doing the firework night kayaking - it was absolutely breath taking! Besides the iconic views of the illuminating city from the river, we were able to see Art on the Mart which was an added bonus and then the fireworks from navy pier- no better spot than the river to see the firework display. The whole team at Wateriders were top notch! If you’re looking for a fun summer activity- look no further!

Miguel Morales

Good guys that care about the group having fun. Would recommend this to beginners and all levels to have fun on the Chicago River and learn about Chicago's gangsters and ghost stories. Our tour guide Joel was awesome and kept things lively and entertaining. Can't wait to try this again.

jared c

Aaron and Trevor led a great tour. Excellent moonlit paddle of the downtown on the river. They made it fun and exciting .

Abbi Bellatti

Our tour guides, Sauce and Trevor, were incredibly accommodating and entertaining. There was a deaf woman in our tour group and the guides even knew sign language and were able to communicate perfectly. Support a small business and take a tour with them!

Megan Nelligan

Our kayaking experience was a lot of fun. All of the workers were incredibly personable and outgoing which made us feel very comfortable from the get-go! It is a very organized set up, and I would recommend everyone do it! Prices are extremely do-able as well!

Hilaria Atayde

The staff was professional and easy-going. I was nervous to kayak in the Chicago river, but the staff was welcoming and very knowledgeable - helping me calm my nerves. I went as a walk-in and had no problem renting a kayak. I now made reservations for father's day. Hope they enjoy it as much as I did.

Betsy Buckley

Very different than a guided tour and we loved it! My teenagers are experienced kayakers and we all enjoyed being able to look at the city at our own pace and two hours was plenty of time to do that. A wonderful way to see the city and the gorgeous architecture from the river!

Maria Fernanda Wetzel

We had a great time Kayaking down the river. The people working there are super friendly and helpful, took the time to go over safety tips in the river, how to hold paddle correctly, how to make turns and also gave us a nice map of where to go and what to look for. They also jumped in the water with us to make sure we knew what to do and how to paddle. I totally recommend it!!

Mari Miller

They were awesome. Staff was friendly and laid-back but took our safety seriously. Gave us a good paddling lesson and tons of safety tips. All the equipment seemed like it was in good condition. The only thing I can think of that could've been better was if the life jackets had clearly marked sizes.

A “Anetusi” S

Great tour with Trevor, Justin & Britney (hope I got it right lol). I would do it again!

Edith a7Elias

First time kayaking. I'm not much of a swimmer but the Chicago skyline never gets old. The team was very good at explaining how to start and very detailed. It was so much fun. We got a double so we had to do a lot of team work. I would definitely recommend this. We will be doing this again hopefully soon.

Daniel Goldwin

I took my 11 year old daughter for a two hour tour on the river. The staff was fun, friendly and on the ball in getting us set-up and on the water on time. We did a short run up the north branch, went south as far as Congress Parkway and east to Lake Shore Drive. Our round trip was almost exactly 2 hours and it was great.

Mauricio Alexander

Experienced 'city' kayakers visiting from out of town, I recently booked 1-2 hr. self-guided 2 person kayak on a Sunday morning. The rates were very fair and affordable. Booked the day before with ease using their online website, and confirmation and instructions were prompt and clear. Upon arrival we received a valuable, helpful and entertaining 10-15 minute safety review by staff! Kayaks and equipment were in very good shape. What Wateriders clearly wants is for you and family to have ample time and instructions to have a SAFE, FUN and MEMORABLE experience on the Chicago River and for that they get my strong recommendation to book with anytime you plan on renting kayaks in Chi-town. Some of the river traffic can be intense with lots of tour boats, water taxis and private speedboats out on a beautiful day in a great city, but if you're a responsible and alert kayaker, it's not a problem. It was awesome to explore the city's architecture and marina community from the water while getting a workout and a tan on a nice summer day and I'm glad to have booked with Wateriders!

Kimberly Parker

Great experience with this company! They were very helpful with setting up my private tour (even giving me a refund for one kayaker 2 days before the tour). Adam was extremely helpful through email and Ethan was an awesome guide! Ethan made us feel comfortable on the river and provided excellent directions. I would definitely recommend Wateriders to all of my friends!

Kevin Miller

We had a gorgeous ride in a kayak on the Chicago River. Our guide was Joel with his trusty sidekick “Sauce” (???). Joel was a font of Chicago history, told in a hilariously snarky fashion. Both guides were extremely aware of our safety. I highly recommend this adventure in this great city. The views of Chicago’s iconic architecture along the river are breathtaking.

C Rob

The employees were very nice and helpful. We went on a weekday as walk-ins and had no problems renting a kayak for a afternoon ride. They offered free bottled water, provided baggies or hard cases for our cell phones and a place to leave other belongings we didn't want to take with us. The pricing was one of, of not the lowest in the area. Great employees, very helpful. I will definitely be returning.

Steven Savich

Wateriders does a fantastic job getting you into and out of the river. They are first and foremost about your safety in one of the most heavily traveled rivers around. Once you are in the river they do a great job making the trip fun, informative and easy for paddlers of all ages and abilities. Was a great experience.

Don Cronin

We had an excellent time kayaking on the Chicago River w Wateriders on Sept 4 2019. Aaron was our guide and was full of enthusiastic friendly information on the history of the Chicago River and Chicago in general. We highly recommend this as a way to see this beautiful city from a different viewpoint and get a little exercise at the same time.

Joseph Hudson

One of the best tours I've experienced in Chicago! Being down in the water at night, surrounded by all the buildings and lights was pretty surreal. The staff were incredible! Very fun, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Recommend this company to anyone looking for a little bit of adventure.

Shawn Bennett

The ghost and gangsters tour was certainly a highlight of our trip to Chicago over Labor Day weekend. The City if beautiful on the water at night. The ride is not difficult at all. My 12 year old son and I enjoyed this together. I will certainly make this a priority when I return to Chicago!

Donald Cummings

Wonderful from start to finish! A perfect day on the Chicago River. Great service from a well-informed team. A quick lesson on how to paddle and a life vest is all you'll need, then you're given the freedom to explore the river at your own leisure from an unforgettable perspective. They even provided water, sunscreen, and plastic bags for your phones! We'll definitely go back.

jypsy norman-bain

It was definitely a highlight of our 1st visit to Chicago! My son & I went out for the moonlight paddle after he ran the Chicago Marathon. Originally planned for Friday night, the weather forced cancellation until Sunday night. Communication was great when the cancellation/rescheduling happened. We had a great guide, adding to many of the stories we had heard on other tours (Hop on Hop Off & the Architectural Boar Cruise) I'm used to paddling in wilderness so this moonlight paddle in the big city, big building lights was quite an experience! One I'll be doing again if I'm ever back in town. Thanks so much!

Stacey Salman

A really great way to enjoy Chicago on a nice day. I enjoyed it so much, I went back a few weeks later. The staff was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They were also masked and working to reduce any covid related risks (equipment cleaned, separated, ect) so it felt comfortable.

Sai

Amazing tour! The guide was very knowledgeable. The entire experience was enjoyable for both kayaking beginners as well as experts.

Julie Minton

Tour guide Joel was awesome! Upon meeting our group he had everyone's name memorized and engaged us all in great conversation. He had great stories to share and made sure we all were comfortable in our kayaks. Highly recommend Wateriders!!

Kristen Snyder-Hernandez

Bought this off Groupon for something fun to do and turned out to be an awesome experience! The staff are friendly, very knowledgeable about the history of Chicago, and have a top priority of keeping you safe while on the water. Groupon price was reasonable and affordable, plenty of gear, only down side is it was a short (distance wise) tour. The time was sufficient, approximately 2 hours. Will definitely be going back to rent their kayaks for personal use on the river!

Kristen Purcell

Had a great time. Very informative. Very funny tour guides. It was really easy - you don’t have to have kayaking experience to keep up and follow along. They offer single and double kayaks.

Chris Hauser

This was a lot of fun -- my mom came out to visit & wanted to kayak along the river. We did not do the tour. The staff was efficient and knowledgeable. Once they gave us some rowing basics, they had us go out on our own. It took about an hour to go from Wolf Point to DuSable Bridge and back at a leisurely pace. Highly recommended if you want to get a little exercise & sightsee at the same time.

M. Diaz

Fantastic 5-star experience! Everything went smoothly from start to finish (booking, parking, getting into the kayaks, the tour, returning the kayaks). *Excellent* customer service and such a fun tour. Aaron was a wonderful kayak tour guide. Definitely looking forward to kayaking again through Wateriders.

Rachel Day Smith

If you’re searching places to kayak at, you’ve found the right place! If you get the privilege to go on a tour with Mays, you will surely enjoy her energy and knowledge of the city! Have a blast and go! Great time.

Ana Quevedo

Trevor and Laurel were amazing!! We had so much fun, Trevor made the tour very informative and entertaining at the same time. Definitely recommend!

Heather Lorenca

Kind and funny tour guides that made my first kayak trip very comfortable and fun. I would love to take another trip with this company

Joslyn Almirall

We went on the classic Chicago tour. Joel was the guide and he was very nice. The trip was casual and even though it was around 5 miles, you didn't feel spent. The company was great and I would recommend the tour to others.

Melissa Arostegui

Awesome experience and the people guiding you on the tour were lovely so patient, kind and polite loved it!

Chris Brickhouse

The best way to see the city and the best crew to show it to you. We went for a friend's birthday and when we arrived our instructor, Connor, was friendly and informative. Not only was the checking-in process easy, but they gave us a great explanation on river rules and safety and let us on our way. The location, service and information makes it the DEFINITIVE Chicago Kayak experience.

Bones

Another great time at Water Riders Chicago. This is our second time doing an event with him and they did an awesome job. We did the fireworks at Navy Pier tour. There were about 60 people for this event but they did a great job at getting everybody organized and ready to go on to the river. I guess my only small complaint which is a good complaint, it is I wish that they had a tip jar to tip them since they did a very good job.

Julie Sigler

We had a great time and the guides were professional, knew their job and made it fun for the kayakers. Safety was primary for all of the people on the tour while still maintaining the fun atmosphere. Would recommend.

Athena Plevritis

The staff was wonderful. Part of our group didn't feel 100% comfortable kayaking - the staff got into a kayak and followed them, until they felt confident to go out alone. It was great, would definitely do it again!

Skylar Davis

My friends and I did a architecture tour at 10:00 am on a Sunday. The river wasn't too crowded and our group was under 20 people! PERFECT! The guide Joel was awesome! He had about 8-10 stops where we would describe events, buildings and even some old school Chicago history! I am not an experienced Cayaker but this tour was real easy and a ton of fun!! If you have 3 hours to spend on the river this is the BEST way to do it! Ask for Joel when making reservations! That man deserves a raise! THANKS WATERRIDERS!!!! I'll be back!

Kristin Walerowicz

Well kept boats, which were very easy to use. The laminated maps are great if you are just renting and want to mill about looking at things at your own pace. Staff was very friendly and definitely kept safety in mind (it was very impressive how fast they could get a boat in the water and get out to someone struggling). Safety presentation was pretty mind blowing.

Mitchell Wilson

Wateriders was a fantastic entry point for a first timer. They make sure you understand the ins and outs and then stick with you for a hands on tutorial. My friend and I were a little nervous going on our own, so they offered us a double! Fantastic for the price since after the tutorial, you get free control of where to go and what to see! An awesome team delivering an exhilarating experience.

James Burch

Every feature of the service was congenial and well done. All staff members were pleasant, attentive, assuring and helpful. The 2 hour mid-day paddle was superb. We look forward too the highly touted moonlight downtown Chicago guided river kayak experience.

Natassia Koch

I was so thrilled with the ghost and gangsters tour, that I returned the next night for the sunset paddle. The staff was helpful, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable of the architecture and history of the city. Shout outs to Seth, Derek, Matt, and Sauce. Thank you for making my birthday memorable!

Kara Plante

I brought 2 friends with me to kayak. Making reservations was easy, the information provided to find where to meet (and park) were clear and precise, and the staff was friendly and helpful. It was a great way to spend a few hours seeing Chicago from a new point of view. Thank you!

Gregory House

We had a private tour with Seth and it was unreal. He had an incredible amount of enthusiam for his city and its history. I would recommend it to anyone, especially setting up a private tour as it's the same price as a group but way more personal! Keep up the good work guys.

Ellie Erickson

This was the best Chicago tour I've ever taken! The tour guides were knowledgable about Chicago history and also kept the group safe kayaking up and down the river. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is interested in learning more about the city!

Alina L

This is an EXCELLENT tour!!! Such a different perspective of the river and the sites around it. Derek was wonderful! Fun, knowledgeable and patient. It was not rushed at all and we got plenty of water time! I'm coming back to do this again with my husband.

Laurel O'Sullivan

We had a great experience kayaking with our two kids. The location and parking was very convenient. The staff was helpful and responsive. Two of us were new kayakers and felt very comfortable and equipped to navigate the fairly busy River on a Friday afternoon after being guided and taught by the staff.

Alison Godar

100% recommend making a reservation online as they cannot guarantee they will have kayaks on hand. I would also recommend early in the morning if you are planning on going out on a weekend. Once on the water you have complete freedom to do as you please. I enjoy seeing Chicago from an angle that it rarely gets observed from.

wes Bratton

Great trip on the Chicago River with very knowledgeable guides. learned a lot about the history and architecture of downtown Chicago.

Laura Dawson

Totally different view of the city and a beautiful location. Very friendly and helpful people. Nice equipment. Awesome experience!

Jim Cleary

Had a great time on the sunset kayak. Matt & Ben were great guides.

J Kantor

Excellent tour and excellent guides! A special shout out to Rachel. She led our group on a Moonlight Paddle and took great care to make sure we were safe but even more so made sure we had fun. Thanks Wateriders and Rachel. We'll be back and be telling our friends!

L.L.

Great kayak trip on an absolutely perfect evening in Chicago! Wateriders staff...all mid to late 20 something's (I believe) were totally professional in their attitude and up to the task of getting us safely to and fro on the very busy Chicago River! I'm an experienced kayaker and the staff had a big group to monitor on Tuesday evening. They made the trip fun, informative and a great experience no matter the skill level. I would and already have, recommended the trip and the Wateriders outfitters to numerous friends and social media.

Scott Hildebrand

The folks at Wateriders at the East Bank Club were off the charts cool. Had a great day on the River! Easy to get to, felt safe and comfortable and fun!

Greg Probst

Did the night tour with the fireworks at Navy Pier. Didn't really know how the river would be at night but it was a lot of fun. Staff is great at guiding you with all the boat traffic on the water. We had a great time glad we did this!!

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