Self-drive pontoon on the Chicago River with Navy Pier fireworks
2 Hours
Up to 10 people
Fuel, life jackets, pontoon
Cruise the Chicago River on a self-driven pontoon during the Navy Pier fireworks window. Choose your boat size and enjoy a 2-hour evening on the water.
Driver must have a standard driver’s license. Fireworks timing and availability are set by the City of Chicago and are not guaranteed. This rental is offered Wednesday and Saturday nights, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
This booking is for the whole experience, which fits up to 10 guests.
There are no refunds for any reason. Reschedules for pontoons must be made 48 hours prior to avoid reschedule charges.
Product ID: NHGHGQ
Yes. The driver must have a standard driver’s license.
Have the person renting and the person driving fill out the waiver.
The credit card holder must be present at check-in with a valid ID.
1177 North Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
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.
Loved being able to drive the boat without a captain! We left at 8 on a Wednesday and had the perfect amount of time to see the fireworks and get back
Payton Turner
September 2, 2026
Loved being able to drive the boat without a captain! We left at 8 on a Wednesday and had the perfect amount of time to see the fireworks and get back
Payton Turner
September 2, 2026
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