Lake Michigan Kayak & SUP Rental: Downtown Chicago at Ohio Street Beach
Paddle Lake Michigan steps from Navy Pier, no experience needed
You pick your kayak or paddleboard, get fitted with a life jacket, and paddle Lake Michigan's calm waters at your own pace for 1–2 hours. The protected zone inside the breakwall keeps things beginner-friendly, but you can venture farther toward the Playpen or nearby beaches if you want. Tandem kayaks work for families with younger kids; single kayaks and SUPs suit anyone paddling solo. You're steps from Navy Pier and the downtown skyline the whole time.
1h–2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Kayak and paddleboard rental at Ohio Beach
- Arrive at Ohio Street Beach
- Rent kayak or paddleboard
- Wear provided life jacket
- Paddle in calm Lake Michigan waters
- Explore protected waters inside breakwall
- Visit nearby beaches and sand
- Enjoy Chicago skyline views
- Extend rental time if desired
The Experience
The rental shack at Ohio Street Beach sits maybe fifty yards from Navy Pier, and the first thing you notice is how close the downtown skyline actually is when you're on the water instead of looking at it from the street. A staff member hands you a life jacket and walks you through the basics—single kayak, tandem kayak, or paddleboard, depending on what you want. The water inside the breakwall is genuinely calm and clear, the kind of turquoise that looks almost unreal for a Great Lakes beach in the middle of a city. You can stay right there in the protected zone if you want, just paddling and soaking in the view, or push out a bit farther if you're feeling it.
Most people rent for one or two hours, though you can extend if the day's working out and you want to stay longer. The tandem kayak is the move if you're bringing someone less confident—one person can paddle while the other just enjoys the ride, and kids as young as four can come along if there's an adult in the boat. Single kayaks are straightforward if you've paddled before or want to go at your own pace. The paddleboards are there too if you'd rather stand and balance instead of sit. Everything comes with a life jacket, so that's one less thing to figure out.
You can pull off at one of the nearby beaches and walk around for a bit, or if you're curious, paddle over toward the Playpen—that's where all the boats cluster on weekends, kind of a floating social scene. The whole thing is beginner-friendly because the water doesn't move much and you're never far from shore, but it doesn't feel like you're stuck in a kiddie pool either. You're actually on Lake Michigan, actually seeing Chicago from the water, and the rental spot is so close to everything downtown that you can be paddling within five minutes of arriving.
What’s included
- Kayak rental (single or tandem).
- SUP and paddleboard rental.
- life jacket for each person.
- 1–2 hours of paddling time with the option to extend.
Operated by Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours - Chicago
Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Chicago from the water without arranging a guided tour or committing to a full-day excursion—you show up, grab a kayak or board, and paddle on your own schedule in calm, protected waters steps from downtown.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Do I need kayaking experience to rent here?
No. The water inside the breakwall is calm and protected, making it beginner-friendly. Tandem kayaks are recommended if you're less confident, so you can paddle with a more experienced partner.
What's included in the rental?
Life jacket, kayak or paddleboard, and access to the water for 1–2 hours. You can extend your time if you want to stay longer.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. Children ages 4 and up can ride in a tandem kayak with an adult. Kids 13 and older can paddle a single kayak alone if an adult (18+) rents the equipment and supervises.
How far can I paddle?
You can stay in the calm, protected waters inside the breakwall, or venture farther to nearby beaches and the Playpen, where boats gather. It's your pace.
What if I've never paddled before?
The staff will walk you through the basics before you launch. A tandem kayak with an experienced paddler is the easiest way to start.
Is there parking nearby?
Public transportation options are available near Ohio Street Beach. The rental location is in downtown Chicago, steps from Navy Pier.
What if the weather turns bad?
Check conditions before you go. The rental staff can advise on water safety for the day.
Can I rent a paddleboard instead of a kayak?
Yes. SUP and paddleboard rentals are available alongside kayaks, and they're included in the same rental rates.
Lake Michigan Kayak & SUP Rental: Downtown Chicago at Ohio Street Beach
1h–2h
from US$ 40 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8126 reviews
