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Guided Kayak Tours & Rentals in Chicago

Opening May 2024

Guided Kayak Tours & Rentals in Chicago

Lakefront Rentals

Guided Kayak Tours & Rentals in Chicago

Summer Youth Kayak Class

Guided Kayak Tours & Rentals in Chicago

Lakefront Rentals

Guided Kayak Tours & Rentals in Chicago

Riverwalk Kayak Rentals

About Urban Kayaks

We are brothers, friends, and passionate Chicagoans. We want to show you the city that raised us  from an incredible angle, kayaking in the Chicago River right through the center of downtown. We love Chicago and promise when you join us, you will too.

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Featured kayak activities

Meet our team

Urban Kayaks in Chicago was founded by two brothers and a life long friend to share a unique way to experience the city.

Their outdoors love inspired them to start a business that brings people to the water by renting a kayak or booking a guided tour from two departure locations: Riverwalk and Lakefront.

They now have a team of other adventurous souls with whom you can meet while paddling your way through the city. Learning how to kayak lessons are also available!

Come experience Chicago from a kayak in an unforgettable fun way!

A UNIQUE WAY TO EXPERIENCE CHICAGO!

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Fun morning on the water

My husband I and was looking to do something different in Chicago and saw to the kayakers on the river and since the kayaks clearly display their website we were able to locate the company. It was a fun way to take in the sites and learn some fun facts about Chicago. Our guide (Conned I think) was GREAT. We spent about 1:45 hours on the water, we did not get very wet. I would definitely recommend this activity.

– Annelie J. | TripAdvisor
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I love these tours

Let me begin with the fact that I've lived in Chicago all of my life and I work downtown so some may wonder why. But I love these tours. My family has been on their tours a handful of times. I even booked a private trolley as part of my son's college graduation party. The drivers and guides have always been safe and professional. I recommend them to everyone.

– Melissa R. | Yelp
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Kayaking- Team Event

This was one of the best experience I had recently. I guild took us on the river for a 2 mile stretch and explained the architecture in the best way possible. The tour guide was one of the wonderful person and explanation and stories were exemplary. We would definitely consider this again for our outing.

– Sanjay M. | TripAdvisor
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Go big or go home!

I took a kayak tour of the Chicago River over July 4th weekend. The tour went the length of the main branch and our guide provided some interesting history. It is a very unique way to see the beautiful buildings that line the river. The water is a bit rough and there is a lot of boat traffic but the guides are really good at making sure you keep up and are safe.

– Kim H. | TripAdvisor
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Fabulous experience

Our tour with this company was so good I would call it a fabulous experience. The tour guide, Mike, made kept us paying very close attention to all of the interesting subjects & laughing too, he was also fabulous.

– Debbie M. | Yelp
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Excellent way to see Chicago

Our family chose kayaking rather than the boat tours to see the riverfront. It gave a great perspective of the buildings and a beautiful backdrop and scenery. My only complaint is that you miss out on some of the historical information that is provided on the boat tours. The highlight was paddling past the water cannons at the end of the trip- we got soaked!

– Hayley H. | TripAdvisor