Urban Kayaks on the Chicago River - Chicago, IL

Sandra P.

Went on the sunset tour in a single kayak and loved it! Definitely a busy time of year and lots of boats were on the water but the guides were super strict on safety and helping us navigate where to go. I will say there were a lot of people that had no experience kayaking and were running into others and so forth, which was annoying, but about half way through I decided to hang out in the back. Once I did that, I absolutely loved it and would totally do it again! So peaceful and so darn beautiful!!!!

Phillip

If you think about - go for it. The hole experience is great.
As soon as you aproch ticketing you will be welcome by a lovely crew member getting you in and started. I highly recommend the sunset tour - the lighting is great and not too hot.
You will start on land with a quick "how to" training followed by a safety training. Everything is very safety oriented.
Afterwards you will get you kayak and enter the water. The tour guide will tell you whats going on, how to behave and navigate trough the traffic.
While kayaking your guide will tell you a lot about Chicago and surroundings history.
From my point of view the tour is very family friendly so grab your kids and go. I recommend some drinks. Get cosy clothes on - you will get wet. If you have get a waterproof case or foil for your phone. Use you phone or any action of you likening because the view down there is great,

Cliff D.

Once in a lifetime experience. Only about 75 ppl get to kayak the green river first and Urban Kayaks can make that happen. Now when everyone asks if we've been, we can tell them we were in it.

Nataliia N.

A great way to see downtown Chicago while kayaking. A very interesting experience. Suitable for both beginners and kayaking enthusiasts. There are individual tours, and there are group tours, where the guide leads the tour and tells the story and interesting facts. We have been with my son for 3 years, he is delighted. They also have gift certificates.

Elizabeth C.

Loved our tour in August 2024! Easy to find location, facilities and equipment in great shape, clear directions and safety briefing, interesting history/architecture tour. Our guide Frank was great. My husband & 3 teens all agreed we would do it again!

ismail A. S.

Here’s a review you could use:

"I had an unforgettable experience with Urban Kayaks on their evening tour from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. under the stunning Chicago skyline. Angus and Miles were exceptional tour guides, making the entire journey informative and enjoyable. Their knowledge of Chicago's history, coupled with the breathtaking views, truly made this a standout experience. If you’re visiting Chicago and want a unique perspective on the city’s history, this tour is a must-do. It's so much more engaging and intimate than the typical architectural tours. Highly recommended!"

Adolfo A.

We did the 7p.m tour and had lot of fun paddling on the river surrounded by skyscrapers illuminated by the sunset light.
Endrick (if remember correctly) is a fantastic guide telling us many curiosities and storyes about the city and always making sure that we were navigating safely

Libby S.

What an incredible experience! I visited Chicago for work and saw a group of kayakers on the river and immediately looked into how I could try it out.

Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow for a guided tour, but I did sneak off for a solo kayak session for an hour - and I’m so happy I did!

Thanks all for the safety briefing and good vibes. Can’t wait to come back!