Chicago's Lake Michigan Downtown Kayak Rental At Ohio Street Beach

Paddle a kayak on Lake Michigan from Ohio Street Beach with this 1 to 2 hour rental from Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours. You set out from the downtown beach and view the skyline from the water. Rates start from $39.99.

Overview

This rental puts you on Lake Michigan from Ohio Street Beach, half a block from Navy Pier, with the downtown skyline right behind you. You check in at a trailer on the beach to complete registration and a waiver, then the crew helps you carry your kayak to the water and sends you off to paddle on your own. One reviewer described the lake as pretty much yours to explore once you have the kayak.

The operator, Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours, rents single and double kayaks plus stand-up paddleboards, and life jackets are included in the price. Rental slots run one to two hours. Reviewers mention paddling around the point toward Navy Pier, where moored yachts, jet skis and passing boats give the shoreline a lively feel, then turning back for a straight-on view of the city skyline.

Reviewers describe the launch as easy and the staff as hands-on with instructions and gear, and several mention paddling with children as young as six in tandem kayaks. The price is per person, so anyone booking a double kayak selects two passengers at checkout.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Ohio Street BeachArrive at 550 E Grand Ave on Ohio Street Beach, half a block from Navy Pier. Registration and the waiver are handled at a trailer just off the beach.
2. Gear up and launchStaff fit you with a life jacket and help carry the kayak or paddleboard to the water. Several reviewers said the crew gave clear pointers on where to paddle before sending them off.
3. Free paddling on Lake MichiganYou paddle on your own for the rental period, which runs one to two hours. One reviewer paddled around the point to see Navy Pier and described the returning skyline view as stunning.
4. Return to the beachThe activity ends back at the meeting point, where you hand in the equipment. Staff can lock bags while you are on the water, according to one reviewer.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the rental go smoothly, from what to book to what the water is like.

• Booking the right craft. Choose a single kayak, a double kayak or a paddleboard when booking. The listed price is per person, and anyone taking a double kayak should select two passengers at checkout even if only one craft is used.
• Finding the trailer. Check-in happens in a trailer just off the beach rather than at an obvious storefront. One reviewer found the location hidden at first, so it helps to look for the trailer near the sand at 550 E Grand Ave.
• Wind and water. This is open Lake Michigan water, not a river, and one reviewer noted the wind made the surface choppy on their visit. The listing notes the experience requires good weather.
• What to bring or buy. Staff can lock up bags during the paddle, according to one reviewer.
• Family-friendly pace. Several reviewers paddled with children, including a six-year-old and a ten-year-old riding tandem with parents, and described it as smooth and easy.
• Noise on the water. The beach sits among moored boats, and one reviewer joked about a battle of loud music from the yachts. The same reviewer still called the activity an excellent alternative to the crowded avenues.

Common issues. The rental is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing advises against it for anyone with heart problems or serious medical conditions, though most travellers can participate. Weather matters here: the listing says the experience requires good conditions. One Spanish-speaking reviewer reported a late, minimal handover with little instruction. Towels and waterproof phone cases cost extra. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are not refunded.

Common Questions