Where Can You Ride a Jet Ski in Chicago?

Skyline Jetski riders launch from Diversey Harbor — A Dock and ride the open Chicago lakefront between Foster Beach to the north and the Adler Planetarium to the south. That is miles of Lake Michigan with the skyline in view the entire time.

Your ride area

Clear the harbor mouth and you are immediately in open water. Riding south takes you past Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach, Streeterville, and Navy Pier before the museum campus marks the southern boundary. Riding north opens into quieter, wider water past Montrose Harbor.

Where you cannot ride

The Playpen (between Oak Street and Ohio Street beaches) and the Chicago River are completely off limits.

Those areas are congested with boat traffic and are off limits for everyone's safety. Riding outside the briefed area can end your rental without a refund.

Reading the lake

• Mornings are usually the calmest water of the day.
• Afternoon wind and boat wake build chop — fun, but more work.
• Skyline Jetski staff brief the day's conditions before you leave the dock and make the final safety call.