Paddle the Chicago River after dark with city lights and stories from your guide
3 Hours
Kayak, safety lesson, guide
Explore the Chicago River after dark as city lights reflect from the water and surrounding buildings. Learn the basics before paddling toward downtown with stories of Chicago's past, present, and future.
Cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled time for a refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are not refundable but can be rescheduled for a $25 per-person fee.
Product ID: DH9ZZZ
No experience is required, though some athletic ability is recommended. Your City Lights Night Paddle begins with instruction in paddle strokes, safety, and rules of the water.
Check out with the office staff when you return so they know you are off the water.
1220 West Le Moyne Street, Chicago, IL 60642
Kayaking through downtown Chicago with this crew is genuinely hard to beat. Guides like Adam, Matt, and Antonio consistently earn praise for being knowledgeable, funny, and attentive, and the routes themselves are spectacular, whether you're paddling through calm wake-free zones around Goose Island or catching the river turn green on a seasonal tour. First-timers especially seem to feel well looked after, with solid instruction before hitting the water and staff who go out of their way to make sure everyone's comfortable. The experience itself is the star here. Calm water options make it approachable for beginners, while more adventurous paddlers can venture into the busier stretches of the Chicago River. A couple of negative reviews flag some concerning situations around safety response and customer service, so it's worth keeping that in mind. That said, those experiences appear to be outliers in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive track record. Overall, this is a well-run operation with genuinely passionate guides and a product that delivers a pretty unforgettable perspective on the city.
Amazing experience! Great people and great instructor, very patient, friendly and funny! Totally recommend it! Chicago at night is magical! Definitely the highlight of my trip!
Rebeca Lisboa
August 30, 2026
Amazing experience! Great people and great instructor, very patient, friendly and funny! Totally recommend it! Chicago at night is magical! Definitely the highlight of my trip!
Rebeca Lisboa
August 30, 2026
Paddle the Chicago River past the Wild Mile and downtown skyline
Cruise Chicago by private 47 ft yacht with space for up to 12 guests
Meet Farm Animals and Native Wildlife Across Five Acres
Paddle the Chicago River and learn downtown architecture in 3 hours
Private 1962 vintage motorboat cruise on the Chicago River for up to 6 guests
Taste international dough-based treats while exploring Wynwood’s art district