Question 1

Do I need to book in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reservations are highly recommended — walk-ins are not guaranteed.

Question 2

How do I reserve a jet ski?

Accepted Answer

Book online right here on skylinejetski.com. Choose your date and duration, and you'll get a confirmation number.

Question 3

How much does a jet ski rental cost in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Rentals start at $100 for 30 minutes on a weekday. Weekend rates are higher, and 1, 2, and 3 hour rentals are available. See our pricing page for every rate.

Question 4

Is fuel included?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fuel is covered in your rental.

Question 5

Are there additional fees?

Accepted Answer

Late returns are charged $5 per minute after your scheduled return time. Any other taxes or booking fees are shown at checkout during the reservation.

Question 6

Can I rent more than one jet ski?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reserve one jet ski per operator during checkout. Only one card per jet ski may be used — the deposit card cannot be split across cards.

Question 7

How old do I have to be to rent?

Accepted Answer

Operators must be 18 or older and present a valid government-issued ID.

Question 8

Do I need a driver's license or boating license?

Accepted Answer

No boating license is required. You do need a physical, government-issued photo ID at check-in — digital copies or photos are not accepted.

Question 9

Do I need previous experience?

Accepted Answer

No. Our staff provides in-person training before your ride, so first-time riders are welcome.

Question 10

Can I bring a passenger?

Accepted Answer

Yes — one operator and one passenger per jet ski. Even on models that seat three, only two riders are allowed, and no one may sit in front of the driver.

Question 11

Is there a weight limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The combined weight of both riders cannot exceed 375 lbs.

Question 12

Can kids ride along?

Accepted Answer

Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall. No one may sit in front of the driver.

Question 13

Are life jackets included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all riders.

Question 14

Can riders swap during the rental?

Accepted Answer

No. Only two drivers/passengers total per rental, with no switching mid-ride.

Question 15

What do I need to bring to my jet ski rental?

Accepted Answer

All riders must bring a current government-issued photo ID. A valid credit card is also required for incidentals, and all required waivers must be completed before riding.

Question 16

Do all riders need identification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All riders must have a current government-issued photo ID. Bring the physical ID — digital copies and photos are not accepted.

Question 17

Do I need to complete a waiver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All required waivers must be signed before riding. Complete your waivers before arriving whenever possible — a reservation alone does not satisfy the waiver requirement.

Question 18

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Required: a physical photo ID and the credit/debit card used to make the reservation, matching the operator's name. Recommended: sunscreen, a towel, and water.

Question 19

Is there somewhere to leave my things?

Accepted Answer

A shared dock box is available, but we are not liable for lost or damaged items. Leave valuables in your car.

Question 20

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

[NEEDS REVIEW] The current website does not state a dress requirement. Riders typically wear a swimsuit and secure footwear — confirm Skyline's recommendation before publishing.

Question 21

Where can I ride?

Accepted Answer

The Skyline Jetski ride area runs from Foster Beach in the north to the Adler Planetarium in the south.

Question 22

Where can't I ride?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

Do I need a trailer or tow vehicle?

Accepted Answer

No. Our jet skis are ready in the water at Diversey Harbor.

Question 24

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

We monitor conditions and decide on the morning of your rental. If it isn't safe, we will reschedule or refund. We also reserve the right to adjust or cancel reservations based on current or expected weather and lake conditions.

Question 25

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Email contact@skylinejetski.com with your full name, booking number, and reservation date at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made 48+ hours ahead are refunded; within 48 hours there are no refunds unless approved by management. Rescheduling requires 48+ hours' notice. [NEEDS REVIEW] The current website states "full refund" on the policies page and "90% refund" on the FAQ page for 48+ hour cancellations — confirm which is correct.

Question 26

Is there a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

No hold is placed on your card when you book. Bring the card used for the reservation to the dock — we hold it while you ride and return it once the jet ski comes back undamaged.

Question 27

What is the late return policy?

Accepted Answer

Late fees apply at $5 per minute after your scheduled return time.

Question 28

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Diversey Harbor — A Dock, 248 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614.

Question 29

How early should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled reservation time. This allows time for check-in, document verification, life vest fitting, the required safety briefing, and jet ski operating instructions.

Question 30

Why do I need to arrive 45 minutes early?

Accepted Answer

The additional time is required to complete check-in, verify documents and waivers, fit life vests, review safety rules, and explain proper jet ski operation so your rental can depart on schedule.

Question 31

When should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Check in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. Arriving late may result in cancellation without a refund.

Question 32

Where do I park?

Accepted Answer

Free and paid parking options are available nearby Diversey Harbor.

Chicago Jet Ski Rental FAQ

Be ready to ride

Photo ID

Credit Card

Signed Waivers

Arrive 45 Min Early

Booking & Pricing

Requirements

Passengers & Safety

What to Bring

Where You Can Ride

Weather & Cancellation

Location & Parking

Get in touch

Ready to ride Chicago?