Kayaking near Chicago: Starved Rock Area with guide

You paddle through towering bluffs while eagles circle overhead

A guided kayaking activity in the Starved Rock Area near Chicago where you paddle a single kayak through St. Peters sandstone bluffs, spotting bald eagles, great American pelicans, blue herons and lotus flowers on the water. The 2-hour trip starts with a land-based safety briefing, then moves onto the water with a live guide in English. Life jacket and paddle are included. Children from age 12 are welcome, and the activity is suitable for all fitness levels.

The experience

The kayak sits low on the water as you move through the Starved Rock Area, where towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs rise on either side. Bald eagles soar overhead while great American pelicans, blue herons and turtles populate the shallows. Your guide handles the navigation and points out wildlife. You handle the paddle. The trip includes a land-based lesson and safety briefing before you leave shore, so even if you've never paddled before, you'll know what to expect when you push off.

The route takes you through an American lotus flower field on the water: a detail most kayakers don't encounter on typical paddles. The 2-hour window gives you time to move at a steady pace without rushing through the bluffs. A live guide in English stays with the group throughout, educating and entertaining as you go. Life jacket and paddle come with the booking. You bring yourself and show up ready to paddle.

Four departure times run daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm, so you can fit the kayak into the rest of your day near Chicago. The activity is wheelchair accessible on land, and infants can ride along in tandem kayaks for an additional fee. A detail worth knowing if you're traveling with young children or pets. Dogs are welcome in tandem kayaks as well.

What’s included

• Single kayak, personal flotation device (life jacket) and paddle.
• land-based safety briefing and lesson.
• live guide in English throughout the 2-hour paddle.

Options for this experience

2 options

Single guided kayak tour at 11 AMGuide in English · Available from 2 Oct 2027Lasts 2 hours

Single guided kayak tour at 2 PMGuide in English · Available from 2 Oct 2027Lasts 2 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Oct 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND

Is this one for you?Pick a departure time that works with the rest of your day (10am, 11am, 1pm or 2pm), since the guide handles the route and you focus on paddling at your own pace through the bluffs.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife will I actually see while paddling in the Starved Rock Area?

Bald eagles soar overhead regularly, and great American pelicans, blue herons and turtles inhabit the water and shoreline. The route passes through an American lotus flower field, so you'll see the plants on the water as well.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this trip?

No. The 2-hour activity includes a land-based safety briefing and lesson before you paddle, so beginners are welcome. The guide stays with the group throughout and handles navigation while you focus on paddling.

What's included in the kayaking trip?

A single kayak, personal flotation device (life jacket) and paddle are all included. The guide and the land-based safety briefing are part of the booking as well.

Can I bring my dog on the kayak?

Yes, dogs are welcome in tandem kayaks for an additional fee. Infants can also ride in tandem kayaks if you're traveling with young children.

What time should I arrive, and how long does the whole thing take?

The kayaking itself lasts 2 hours. Departures run at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm, so you can choose the time that fits your schedule. Plan to arrive a few minutes early for the land-based briefing before you paddle.

Is this activity accessible if I use a wheelchair?

The land-based portion and the area where you board are wheelchair accessible. Children from age 12 are welcome, and the activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels.