Kayaking near Chicago: Starved Rock tandem tours with eagles

See what hikers miss from the water

Tandem kayak tour on the Illinois River near Chicago through Starved Rock State Park, paddling past towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs, bald eagles, pelicans and lotus flowers. The 2-hour trip starts with a land-based safety lesson before heading out on the water. Tandem kayaks hold up to three people (the third under 70 lbs), and dogs up to 40 lbs can ride as a third passenger for an additional fee. Tours run at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm daily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tandem guided kayak tour experience

• Attend land-based lesson and safety briefing
• Paddle tandem kayak on Illinois River
• Observe St. Peters sandstone bluffs and wildlife
• Enjoy educational and entertaining guide commentary

The experience

Starved Rock State Park sits on the Illinois River with 18 canyons carved into St. Peters sandstone bluffs, and the only way to see them from water level is by kayak. You'll paddle a tandem boat with a guide who knows the area's wildlife and geology. Bald eagles soar overhead, great American pelicans and blue herons work the shoreline, and in season you'll drift through an American lotus flower field. The park draws over 3 million visitors a year, most of them hiking the rim trails. This tour gets you to the views they can't reach.

The 2-hour adventure starts on land with a safety briefing and paddling lesson, then moves to the water for roughly 90 minutes of paddling. Tandem kayaks mean you're paired with either a guide or another paddler, so if you're new to kayaking or prefer not to paddle solo, you're not alone on the boat. Boat, paddles and life jackets (required) are included. The guide handles navigation and stops to point out wildlife and the canyon formations.

Departures run at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm, so you can fit the tour around the rest of your day near Chicago. Dogs up to 40 lbs can ride as a third passenger in a tandem kayak for an additional fee paid at the launch site.

What’s included

• Tandem kayak, paddles and life jacket.
• land-based safety lesson and paddling instruction.
• guide throughout the tour.
• access to Starved Rock State Park's canyons and bluffs on the Illinois River.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tandem guided kayak tour at 11 AMGuide in English · Available from 2 Oct 2027Duration: 2 hours

Tandem guided kayak tour at 2 PMGuide in English · Available from 2 Oct 2027Duration: 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

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (1 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 30

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 accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND

Is this one for you?Tandem kayaks mean you're never paddling alone, so this works for beginners, families with children from age 1, and anyone who prefers shared paddling over solo boats. If you want to paddle independently, ask about single kayak options when you book.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (1 to 12 years).

What wildlife will I actually see on this kayak tour?

Bald eagles soar overhead regularly, and great American pelicans, blue herons and turtles populate the shoreline. In season, you'll paddle through an American lotus flower field on the water.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this tour?

No. The tour starts with a land-based safety briefing and paddling lesson before you head out on the water, and you're paddling a tandem kayak with a guide or another paddler, not solo.

Can I bring my dog on the kayak?

Yes. Dogs up to 40 lbs can ride as a third passenger in a tandem kayak for an additional fee paid in person at the launch site.

How long is the actual paddling part?

The full tour is 2 hours, which includes the land-based lesson and safety briefing. You'll spend roughly 90 minutes paddling on the water.

What's included in the tour price?

Tandem kayak, paddles and life jacket (required to wear) are all included. You just need to bring yourself and wear the PFD.