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    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Chicago…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Boat Rentals
    5. /Drive a 22' Pontoon Boat on the Chicago River
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    Drive a 22' Pontoon Boat on the Chicago River

    Take the wheel on a 22 ft pontoon cruise on the Chicago River

    4.6 stars• 116 reviews
    From$396incl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    2 Hours

    Ideal For

    Up to 10 people

    Includes

    2-hr cruise, pontoon, vests

    Highlights

    Cruise the Chicago River for 2 hours on a spacious 22 ft pontoon, with your group driving after a quick lesson. Bring your own drinks and snacks or choose optional catering.

    • Drive a gas-powered, automatic pontoon after an on-arrival lesson
    • Relax with space for up to 10 people including children
    • Set out snacks and drinks on the onboard table
    • Bring your own drinks and food, or opt for catering
    • Play your own music and consider bringing a speaker

    What's Included

    • Two-hour self-driven Chicago River cruise
    • 22 ft pontoon boat with table
    • Fuel
    • Life vests

    Things to know

    An additional fuel charge, dock fee, booking fee, and Chicago tax will be added at checkout. Capacity is up to 10 people total, including children. Driver must have a standard driver’s license; children under 13 must wear a life vest at all times.

    Split the cost with your group

    This booking is for the whole experience, which fits up to 10 guests.

    From$39per person
    Split with

    Cancellation Policy

    No refunds for any reason. Reschedules for pontoons must be made 48 hours prior to avoid reschedule charges.

    FAQs

    Yes. The driver must have a standard driver’s license. Your crew will give you or someone in your group a lesson when you arrive.

    Yes. Life vests are provided, and children under 13 must wear a life vest at all times.

    Expect additional charges at checkout: a fuel charge, a dock fee, a booking fee, and Chicago tax.

    Meeting details

    1177 North Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60642

    Experience provided by Chicago Boat Rentals

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #F4CZJM

    2 Hour Private Boat

    $396.44

    Fits up to 10 guests · 2 Hours

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.6
    Excellent
    116 reviews•Google Maps
    99
    3
    2
    1
    9

    Pontoon rentals on the Chicago River with genuinely friendly staff and clean, well-maintained boats seem to be the consistent experience here. Reviewers regularly highlight how smooth and beginner-friendly the whole process is, with easy instructions and a crew that keeps things stress-free from start to finish. The location is accessible by metro and has on-site parking, which is a nice bonus for city outings. A few customers have raised concerns about communication when trying to reschedule or handle weather cancellations, which is worth keeping in mind if your plans might need flexibility. That said, the large majority of guests come away raving, many saying they've booked multiple times and keep coming back. For a few hours on the water with sweeping views of the city skyline, this seems like a genuinely fun summer activity for families, friend groups, or anyone looking to see Chicago from a different angle. Just make sure to do a quick equipment check with staff before you head out, and if flexibility matters to your group, it may be worth confirming their change and cancellation policies upfront.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 3
    5/5

    This was one of the best thing I ever did in my life! I always love Chicago architecture and Riverwalk and then renting a pontoon to explore these was absolutely the best! The pontoon was nice and pretty new. No fault or error throughout the service. Check in was easy and briefing was easy to follow. The staff were nice. Everything perfect. I will definitely come back again to rent.

    Photo of Salsabila Ab Jalil

    Salsabila Ab Jalil

    June 22, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    This was one of the best thing I ever did in my life! I always love Chicago architecture and Riverwalk and then renting a pontoon to explore these was absolutely the best! The pontoon was nice and pretty new. No fault or error throughout the service. Check in was easy and briefing was easy to follow. The staff were nice. Everything perfect. I will definitely come back again to rent.

    Photo of Salsabila Ab Jalil

    Salsabila Ab Jalil

    June 22, 2026

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