Wateriders at Northwest -- Chicago River Kayak Tours and Rentals
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Wateriders offers an engaging kayak experience on the Chicago River, providing a unique opportunity for urban wildlife viewing (turtles and various birds). The experience is enhanced by highly-rated, professional guides who offer helpful paddling lessons and clear safety orientations. Its location also offers convenient access to nearby dining options with river views.
Key Highlights
- ✓Opportunity to see abundant urban wildlife, including 'so many turtles and different kinds of birds along the river'.
- ✓Guides (e.g., Charlie, Nico, Connor) are consistently praised for being 'great help', 'fantastic tour guides', 'professional', and 'fun guys to talk to'.
- ✓A 'short lesson on how best to paddle to stay comfortable' is provided for new kayakers.
- ✓Guides offer 'great recommendation on where to go to see turtles', enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.
- ✓Safety is prioritized with a 'safety tutorial very easy to learn' and 'good orientation to ensure safety on the river'.
- ✓Staff ensures equipment is 'sized correctly for each person'.
- ✓The company 'followed proper procedures regarding COVID-19'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Engaging and knowledgeable guides who provide valuable instruction and enhance the overall experience.
- ⭐Convenient proximity to external dining, such as 'Soul Smoke' with a 'river water view' and 'a brewery next door'.
- ⭐Specific wildlife viewing opportunities (turtles and birds) making the tour more interactive.
- ⭐Inclusion of practical paddle lessons and proper equipment sizing.
- ⭐Clear and easy-to-understand safety tutorials and orientations.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Actively ask your guide for recommendations on 'where to go to see turtles' to maximize wildlife sightings.
- →Be prepared to dine at nearby establishments like 'Soul Smoke' or a 'brewery' as part of your outing.
- →Confirm your appointment vigorously and consider having backup contact methods due to a reported instance of communication failure and no-show.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Significant risk of operational failure: one report of being 'ghosted with zero communication' after money was taken, leading to a missed appointment after waiting 'for a half hour'.
- ⚠Difficulty reaching staff: customer 'called and texted' with no response after a no-show.
- ⚠Perception of being 'overpriced' when service is not rendered.
Price & Value
One customer felt it was 'overpriced' when service was not delivered (ghosted appointment). No specific pricing was mentioned, so value is highly dependent on receiving the booked service and positive experience described in other reviews.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations for special needs were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food policy is not explicitly stated. However, reviews mention dining 'afterwards' at 'Soul Smoke' and 'a brewery next door', suggesting external dining options are commonly used before or after the kayak tour.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information regarding parking availability or costs was mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Reviews did not provide specific details on crowd levels; however, one mentioned guides ensuring 'my group felt included with the other groups also involved', suggesting multiple groups can be on tours simultaneously.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Short paddling lesson provided for comfort and technique.
- •Guides ensure equipment (kayaks, paddles, PFDs) is 'sized correctly for each person'.
- •A 'safety tutorial very easy to learn' is given before the tour.
- •A 'good orientation to ensure safety on the river' is part of the experience.
- •The company 'followed proper procedures regarding COVID-19'.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you have a strict schedule or low tolerance for potential booking and communication issues, due to a severe reported case of being ghosted and having an appointment missed by staff.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Standard Kayak Rental (Northwest & Bridgeport)
$40 per riderDuration: 2 hours
Explore the urban ecosystem of the Chicago River. At Northwest, enjoy an urban forest bath amidst trees, birds, and turtles. At Bridgeport, experience Bubbly Creek, known for great blue herons and painted turtles.
Includes:
- •Single or double kayak (choice upon arrival)
- •Life vest
- •Paddle
One-Way Kayak Rental (Northwest to Downtown or vice versa)
Access via Wateriders Apex Pass holdersDuration: Up to 3 hours
Adventurous paddlers can complete a 5.5-mile paddle from Wateriders Northwest to Downtown (Eastbank Club) or vice versa. Recommended for experienced paddlers looking for a new urban adventure and to enhance paddling skills.
Includes:
- •Kayak
- •Trackers
Wateriders Maritime/Historical Tour (Bridgeport)
Adult: ~$55, Child (under 16): ~$45 (Pricing identical to downtown tours, estimated based on Moonlight Paddle)Duration: 2 hours (on-water) + Museum visit
A guided Creek/River paddle exploring Chicago's maritime history, in conjunction with the adjacent Chicago Maritime Museum. Offers an opportunity to view historical boats and exhibits.
Includes:
- •Kayaks
- •Guides
- •Museum visit
Camp Bokililas (Bridgeport, Package of 3 visits)
Adult (18+): $45/session, Child (younger than 18): $35/sessionDuration: 2 hours per session
A camp experience closer to home, starting with a 2-hour outing in a kayak or other watercraft, followed by games and other camp classics. Sessions are offered as packages of three visits.
Includes:
- •Kayaks
- •Guides
- •Camp experience (games, classics)
Moonlight Paddle (Downtown)
Adult: $55, Child (under 16): $45, Children (usually 2-4 years old) in child seat: FreeDuration: On-water: ~1.5 hours, Orientation/Launch: ~25 minutes (Total ~1.9 hours)
Experience the Chicago River at its calmest and most beautiful after sunset, illuminated by city lights reflecting off the water. The river is generally less trafficked at night.
Includes:
- •Single or double kayak (choice upon arrival)
- •Life vest
- •Paddle
- •Guide(s)
- •Safety orientation
- •Paddling lesson
Private Non-Narrated Guided Downtown Paddle
Inquire for custom pricingDuration: 2 hours
A guided excursion along the north, south, and main branches of the Chicago River, experiencing the Riverwalk and architecture from a sea kayak. Available for groups of 6 to 48.
Includes:
- •Choice of sit on top/sit in kayaks
- •Single/double boats
- •Guide
Private Architectural Historical Tour (Downtown)
Inquire for custom pricingDuration: Not specified (typically 2 hours for tours)
Wateriders’ 'OG' narrated architectural and historical kayak tour, updated annually. Available for groups of 6-28.
Includes:
- •Narrated tour
- •Guide
- •Kayak equipment
Private Paddle Party (Bridgeport)
Inquire for custom pricingDuration: 3 hours
A three-hour event combining river access for paddling/electric boating with the adjacent WitWorx event space (2,500 sq ft indoor/outdoor party space with kitchen, bathroom, TVs, Bluetooth speakers). For groups of 6 to 50. BYO allowed; platters from Hewn bakers can be ordered.
Includes:
- •Kayaks and/or electric boats
- •Access to WitWorx event space
Private Bridgeport Non-Narrated Guided Paddle for Groups
Inquire for custom pricingDuration: 2 hours
An exploration of Bubbly Creek and the turning basin, endorsed by Shedd Aquarium for its biodiversity. Ideal for groups of 6 to 50, including camps, corporate teams, and eco-explorers.
Includes:
- •Kayaks
- •Guides
Private Rockwell Guided Group Paddle (Northwest)
Inquire for custom pricingDuration: Not specified (typically 2 hours for group paddles)
An incredible exploration of a diverse wildlife habitat at Rockwell. Suitable for groups of 6-50 for birthday parties, field trips, bachelor/bachelorette celebrations, or corporate teams. Can be combined with dining and distillery options at Rockwell on the River.
Includes:
- •Kayaks
- •Guides
- •Opportunity to combine with local dining/refreshments
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Private Group Paddles and Events
Customizable, inquire for availability
Custom pricing, inquire for details
Tailored group outings for weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate teams, field trips, or birthday parties. Available at Downtown, Bridgeport (including Paddle Parties with event space), and Northwest locations. Customized private events beyond listed options are available.
🍎Food Policy
- • No alcohol allowed before or during any experiences. Guests must show up in an appropriate state to operate a vessel.
- • Alcohol use will not be tolerated on the water under any circumstances. Refunds will not be given if removed due to intoxication.
- • Downtown East Bank Club store equipped with food, water, and provisions.
- • Bridgeport WitWorx event space (for group Paddle Parties) allows BYO anything and offers platters from Hewn bakers.
- • Rockwell on the River complex (Northwest) offers dining options (Soul and Smoke barbecue) and a distillery (Judson and Moore).
🛡️Safety Policy
- • All tours and rentals include a paddling and safety orientation.
- • Staff will provide on-water training to those who need it (free lessons).
- • Guests may be removed from the river for unacceptable competence levels to ensure safety.
- • Comfortable, water-friendly clothing and shoes are suggested. Denim, khakis, or long cotton pants are not recommended. Quick-dry materials (nylon/swimwear/fleece) are advised. Footwear that can get wet is recommended.
- • Shirts must be worn underneath lifejackets at all times.
- • A personal flotation device (PFD) is required by law AT ALL TIMES while in a boat or on the dock. No exceptions.
- • Personal life jackets must be US Coast Guard approved for weight class; inflatable life jackets are not permitted in Wateriders boats.
- • Single kayak weight limit: ~275 lbs. Double kayak weight limit: ~475 lbs.
- • One-way rentals: Guests must have at least one cell phone in a Ziploc or drybag with a registered number.
- • One-way rentals: Kayaks are equipped with trackers; guests must stay on the river and only exit at designated locations. No kayak may be taken off the river except for emergencies.
- • The Chicago River is busy with commercial, industrial, and private watercraft; alcohol impairment is dangerous.
- • Dogs are permitted with owners; a leash is required. Bringing a dog life jacket is highly advised. Owners are responsible for nuisances. No extra charge for dogs.
- • Canoes, paddle boards (SUPs), motorboats, and racing shells are not permitted for launch on the busy Chicago River due to safety concerns (easy to flip/fall off, dangerous with river traffic).
📅Booking Policy
- • All rentals must be pre-booked (Northwest).
- • Reservations always take priority over walk-ups; online booking ensures a place.
- • Walk-ups may be accommodated if space is available with guides.
- • Guided activities (tours) must be reserved beforehand to ensure appropriate staffing.
- • Email in advance for private tours and group details.
- • Rental groups without a guide have a maximum limit of 6 boats (up to 12 people in double kayaks); more require a guide.
🚗Parking Information
- • Downtown (Eastbank Club): Validated parking available in the garage at 360 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, 60654. Use the left entrance.
- • Validated parking rate: $4 + $0.50 per additional hour (up to 4 hours).
- • To validate: Take original ticket upon entry, ask for a 'chaser' ticket after activity, insert original then chaser at pay station. Keep ticket dry.
- • East Bank Club is a minute's walk from the validated parking garage.
What People Say
What's Great
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 4 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Carmen Zhen
2 years agoTook my boy kayaking before school starts. We saw so many turtles and different kinds of birds along the river. It was a lot of fun! We ate at Soul Smoke afterwards, such a nice outdoor patio with river water view. The girl working for Waterriders is a nice & professional. 5 stars!!
Tom Schultz
3 months agoGarbage overpriced company took my money and ghosted me with zero communication. I waited for a half hour and no one showed up to my appointment, and I called and texted.
Chris James
a year agoCharlie was a great help with a short lesson on how best to paddle to stay comfortable. He made sure everything was sized correctly for each person and gave a great recommendation on where to go to see turtles. It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon and it doesn't hurt that there's a brewery next door.
Tania Gallegos
a year agoNico and Connor were fantastic tour guides for our sunset kayak experience. They did a great job making sure my group felt included with the other groups also involved. They made the safety tutorial very easy to learn and got us moving !
Eric Y
4 years agoHad a great experience renting kayaks here. They followed proper procedures regarding COVID-19 and gave a good orientation to ensure safety on the river. Fun guys to talk to as well.