The swan paddle boats are back at Humboldt Park! Neighbors, myself included, were crushed to hear the swan boats flew the coop in 2025 due to years of slow business. The paddleboats first came on the lagoon in 2018 and will return April 25.
Besides the swans, there are plenty of water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.
On the River
The Water Taxi
Chicago Water Taxi season is officially upon us! Rides run daily through September, and stops include Ogilvie, Michigan Avenue, and Chinatown. It’s $10 for a one-way ticket.
BYOB Boats
Yes, I drifted down the river in one of those floating hot tubs — and it was awesome. Six friends fit into the jacuzzis which coast along the river for 90-minute rides. And although that season is over, rentable party options for the spring and summer include the Cycleboat, the Rockwell Donut Boat, duffy boats, and pontoons.
Architectural Boat Tours
The architectural boat tours are not just for tourists. Trust us. Chicago’s First Lady, which partners with the Chicago Architecture Center, is usually the go-to option. It’s also a perfect family outing for Memorial Day weekend.
Kayak Rentals
Many different companies offer river kayak rentals throughout Chicago. Kayak Chicago, one of the larger competitors, rents from Goose Island in May, with expanded summer hours beginning later that month.
On the North Side, Chicago River Canoe & Kayak offers weekend rentals from Clark Park beginning Memorial Day weekend. Wateriders also offers rentals and tours from Rockwell on the River. Even further north, Forest Preserves of Cook County offers canoe, kayak, and different boat rentals on the Skokie Lagoon with expanded hours starting in May.
On the South Side, in Bridgeport, Wateriders offers kayak rentals along Bubbly Creek.
🛶 Note: REI no longer offers kayak rentals from Ping Tom Park.
A view from a water taxi headed to Chinatown. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
On the Lake
The Seadog at Navy Pier
If you want to get wet, Seadog is the way to go. This speedboat ride, which leaves from Navy Pier, offers 30 fast minutes bouncing around Lake Michigan. Part tour, part thrill ride. Real thrill seekers should try the Seadog Extreme. Both are also BYOB!
Jet Ski Rentals
Jet skis are available to rent at outposts across the city, from Montrose Harbor to Diversey Harbor to 31st Street Harbor but the season hasn't started yet — stay tuned.
👙 Personally, though, I just hang along the ledge, usually near the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, until a passerby jet ski offers me a free ride. Works every time.
Three old friends enjoying Seadog at sunset. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
Editor's Note: A version of this article was originally published May 13, 2025.
