Rent A Boat In Chicago, Illinois

rent a boat in chicago
Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 2 min read

The Windy City, Chicago, is one of the most populated and most popular cities in the U.S. With a rich history, beautiful geographic location and a culturally diverse population, Chicago attracts thousands of visitors each year. Museums, award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, bars, nightclubs, parks, sports arenas, shopping outlets, aquariums, art galleries and a ton of other attractions are on offer here. Whether you are in the city to check out The Magnificent Mile, take the Architecture River Cruise or take in panoramic views of the city from SkyDeck Chicago, you need a comfortable place to rest your head at the end of the day. Stay at a unique accommodation in the form of a houseboat and experience life on the water. To know more, check out our suggestions to rent a boat in Chicago, Illinois.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 05, 2024.

1. Compact houseboat close to downtown (from USD 235)

Experience a unique lodging experience in downtown Chicago’s Montrose Harbor on board this compact houseboat on the water. The houseboat has a cosy living area, comfortable bedroom, kitchenette, and half bath. Private bathrooms with showers can be accessed just four docks away. Views of the city skyline can be enjoyed from the boat. A seating area and barbecue grill on the dock are available to guests too. Navy Pier is at a short driving distance from the boat.

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2. Classic sailboat with a lake view

Enjoy living the boat life on board this classic sailboat berthed in a well-protected marina in Chicago. The highlight of your stay will be the fantastic lake views that can be enjoyed from the deck. Additional salient features of the sailboat are a v-shaped berth that easily sleeps two guests and additional sleeping space in the living area. A bathroom is available on the boat, but guests will be provided with bathroom and shower codes that can be accessed off the dock, on land. The River Walk, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and several restaurants and shops are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Stayed at this property?
Chicago, Illinois, United States
1.01 km (0.7 mi) from Millennium Park
Boat 3 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
space heater took care of any chill at night
Cleanliness:
private for the harbor it was very clean and spacious with good hot water
Host:
charles was great host and very attentive to any issues
Location:
very quiet and safe location
uber pickup location a couple minutes walk for easy rides
Read more reviews

3. Beautiful sailboat offering sunset and skyline views

Hop aboard this beautiful boat that has everything you would expect in a classic sailboat. The interior of the boat has an elegant sailboat-style decor with a spacious living-cum-dining area, kitchen, two private cabins with plush bedding and two bathrooms. The outdoor cockpit area has plenty of deck space to experience breathtaking sunset and skyline views. Guests can also hire the boat for chartered cruises. Downtown Chicago, Navy Pier and other such attractions are at just a few minutes’ drive from the boat.

Stayed at this property?
Chicago, Illinois, United States
5.39 km (3.4 mi) from Millennium Park
Boat 2 Beds 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

4. Cosy sailboat with gorgeous skyline views

Experience the boat life in this compact sailboat moored in a quiet harbour next to Chicago’s Museum Campus. The sailboat has all the amenities required for a comfortable vacation including a lounging and dining area, a functional kitchen, a half bath and cosy bedrooms. The best feature of the boat is the deck where you can relax and lounge about enjoying gorgeous skyline views. Bike paths, beaches, restaurants, bars, bike rentals, and showers are close by. The Field Museum is a mere 10-minute walk away.

Stayed at this property?
Chicago, Illinois, United States
2.47 km (1.6 mi) from Millennium Park
52 reviews  
Boat 3 Beds 0 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we appreciated the breakfasts and the waters
sleeping on a boat is a great alternative to a conventional apartment
Cleanliness:
nice boat very clean and great location
the neighbors were friendly and the boat was clean and had a nice stereo system
Host:
great hosts
the boat and host were both great
barbara is a great host
barb was a great host
barb and carlos were excellent hosts
Location:
it was a perfect location for the game
it's an easy fun walk to restaurants and breakfast joints museums millennium park etc
super unique stay great location for mccormick place or soldier field
unique experience perfect location fun fun fun
loved the boat and location
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5. Well-furnished cruiser near McCormick Place Convention Center

Aboard this 33-feet (10-metre) cruiser harboured on Lake Michigan, guests can live the marina life! The cruiser is tastefully furnished and comfortably sleeps four guests. There is a well-furnished salon, galley, full bath and sleeping berths with privacy curtains. Guests can take in the Chicago skyline views from the aft cockpit which converts to a sun pad. Access to grill, pool, picnic area, playground and members-only restrooms/showers is also provided to renters. The boat is a short walk to bike rentals and lakefront trails. McCormick Place Convention Center is just five minutes away.

Stayed at this property?
Chicago, Illinois, United States
6.1 km (3.8 mi) from Millennium Park
22 reviews  
Boat 2 Beds 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there’s free washer/dryer on the facilities
Host:
joseph is so welcoming and kind
joseph is very friendly and helpful
joseph was very accommodating and provided a great opportunity for a unique stay in chicago
Location:
beautiful setting and convenient location
perfect place- secluded but close to downtown
my week in chicago was great you can not get a better location than this boat
thank you very much best experience and location
great boat in a great location
Read more reviews

Experience Chicago from the water!

Get a unique perspective and view of Chicago with a stay on a boat. With its convenient location right next to Lake Michigan and the availability of plenty of protected marinas, renting a boat for your stay in Chicago is very easy. On your next trip to the Windy City, be sure to check out our ‘Rent A Boat’ options in Chicago, Illinois.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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