How much does a jet ski rental cost in Chicago?

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.

Do I need to book in advance?

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

How old do I have to be to rent?

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

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

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

Do I need previous experience?

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

Is there a weight limit?

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

Yes, fuel is covered in your rental.

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

Free and paid parking options are available nearby Diversey Harbor.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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.

Skyline Jetski Yamaha WaveRunner on Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline

Chicago · Lake Michigan

Jet Ski Rental Chicago

Premium Yamaha WaveRunner rentals launching from Diversey Harbor. Ride the Chicago lakefront and downtown skyline on Lake Michigan — book your time slot online in under two minutes.

From $100 / 30 min
Diversey Harbor, Lincoln Park
Fuel & life jackets included
Training before you ride

Check Availability View Pricing

Diversey Harbor
Yamaha WaveRunners
Fuel Included
Beginner Friendly
Online Booking

Chicago jet ski rentals

Rent a jet ski in Chicago, straight from the harbor

Skyline Jetski rents brand new Yamaha VX WaveRunners at Diversey Harbor — A Dock in Lincoln Park. Your jet ski is already fueled and in the water when you arrive — no trailer, no launch ramp, no waiting around. Check in, get your training, and head out onto Lake Michigan.

Rentals run from 30 minutes up to 3 hours, seven days a week during the Chicago season, with weekday and weekend rates published below so there are no surprises at the dock.

Choose your rental

Chicago jet ski rental rates

Prices are per jet ski and include fuel, PFDs, and in-person training. Up to two riders, 375 lbs combined.

30 Minutes
Weekday
$100
Weekend
$115
A quick, high-energy blast off Diversey Harbor.
Per jet ski. Fuel and life jackets included. Up to 2 riders, 375 lbs total.
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1 Hour
Popular
Weekday
$150
Weekend
$175
Our most popular ride — enough time to reach the skyline and back.
Per jet ski. Fuel and life jackets included. Up to 2 riders, 375 lbs total.
Book This Rental
2 Hours
Weekday
$275
Weekend
$325
Cruise the lakefront at your own pace with time to stop for photos.
Per jet ski. Fuel and life jackets included. Up to 2 riders, 375 lbs total.
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3 Hours
Weekday
$400
Weekend
$475
The full Lake Michigan day — Foster Beach to the Adler Planetarium.
Per jet ski. Fuel and life jackets included. Up to 2 riders, 375 lbs total.
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Ride Lake Michigan

What the ride is actually like

Lake Michigan off Chicago is big, open water — and that is exactly what makes it fun. You leave Diversey Harbor heading east, clear the harbor mouth, and the entire city lines up on your right shoulder.

Ride south and the skyline grows until Navy Pier, the Hancock and Willis towers, and the museum campus are stacked in front of you. Ride north and it opens up into quieter water past Montrose and Foster Beach.

Conditions change through the day, so we brief you on the lake before you leave the dock and we make the final call on safety every morning.

More about riding Lake Michigan

First time on a jet ski?

No experience and no boating license required. Our staff gives every operator in-person training at the dock: how to start and steer the WaveRunner, how to re-board, the ride area boundaries, and the rules of the lake. Operators must be 18 or older with a physical government-issued ID.

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Where you'll ride

Chicago skyline views, Foster Beach to the Adler

The Skyline Jetski ride area runs along the Chicago lakefront from Foster Beach in the north down to the Adler Planetarium in the south — which means the entire downtown skyline stretch is yours to ride.

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

North limit: Foster Beach
South limit: Adler Planetarium
Off limits: The Playpen & Chicago River

Skyline Jetski ride area map showing the permitted Lake Michigan zone from Foster Beach south to the Adler Planetarium, with the Playpen and Chicago River marked off limits — Official Skyline Jetski ride area on Lake Michigan.

What to bring

Be ready to ride

To keep check-in smooth, every rider must arrive prepared with the following. These are rental requirements, not suggestions.

Photo ID
Current government-issued ID required for all riders.
Every rider must bring a current, valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport. Bring the physical card: digital copies and photos of an ID are not accepted at check-in.
Credit Card
Bring a valid credit card for incidentals.
Bring the credit card used to make the reservation, with a name matching the operator. No hold is placed when you book online — we keep the card at the dock while you ride and return it once the jet ski comes back undamaged. One card per jet ski; the card cannot be split across riders.
Signed Waivers
Complete all required waivers before riding.
All required waivers must be signed before anyone rides. Waivers are handled through our online booking system — complete yours ahead of time using the link in your reservation confirmation. A reservation on its own does not satisfy the waiver requirement.
Arrive 45 Min Early
Required for check-in, safety briefing, operating instructions, and life vest fitting.
Please arrive 45 minutes before your reservation time. This window is required — not optional — and covers check-in, ID and waiver verification, the credit card requirement, life vest fitting, the safety briefing, jet ski operating instructions, and rider orientation so you can depart on time. Plan your travel and parking accordingly; arriving late may result in cancellation without a refund.

Please arrive 45 minutes before your reservation time

This is a rental requirement, not a suggestion. The 45 minutes cover check-in, ID and waiver verification, the credit card requirement, life vest fitting, the safety briefing, jet ski operating instructions, and rider orientation — so plan your travel and parking accordingly.

Arrival

What happens when you arrive?

Here's exactly how your 45 minutes at the dock are used before you head out onto Lake Michigan.

1
Check In
Arrive at Skyline Jetski at Diversey Harbor 45 minutes before your scheduled reservation time.
2
Verify Documents
Our staff verifies required identification, completed waivers, and the credit card / incidental requirements.
3
Get Fitted For Your Life Vest
Each rider is properly fitted with the appropriate life vest before entering the water.
4
Safety Briefing
All riders take part in the required safety briefing — safety procedures, Lake Michigan riding rules, and prohibited riding areas.
5
Jet Ski Operating Instructions
Staff explain how to safely operate the Yamaha WaveRunner, including the controls and basic operating procedures. No prior jet ski experience is required.
6
Ready To Ride
Once check-in, life vest fitting, the safety briefing, and operating instructions are complete, you're ready to start your scheduled rental.

First-time riders are welcome — no prior jet ski experience and no boating license are required. Our staff walks every operator through the WaveRunner controls, the ride area boundaries, and the rules of the lake before you leave A Dock.

Before You Arrive

Current government-issued photo ID for all riders
Valid credit card for incidentals
All required waivers completed
Arrive 45 minutes before your reservation

Please allow enough time for parking, check-in, life vest fitting, the required safety briefing, and jet ski operating instructions before your scheduled departure.

Diversey Harbor

Where you check in

A Dock at Diversey Harbor — arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure time.

Where to meet us
Diversey Harbor — A Dock
248 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Arrive 45 minutes early
All renters check in at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Arriving late may result in cancellation without a refund.
Parking
Free and paid parking options are available nearby. See directions & parking.

Get Directions Parking Guide

Full Diversey Harbor arrival guide

Requirements

Rental requirements at a glance

Operator age: 18 or older
Passenger height: At least 42 inches tall
Boating license: Not required
ID: Physical government-issued ID — digital copies or photos are not accepted
Payment: Bring the card used for the reservation (name must match the operator). We hold it while you ride and return it when the jet ski comes back undamaged.
Capacity: 1 operator + 1 passenger, 375 lbs total per jet ski. No one in front of the driver.
Language: Operators and passengers must be fluent in English
Check-in: Arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure time
Alcohol & drugs: No rentals to anyone under the influence. Booking fee is not refunded.

What's included

What comes with every rental

Yamaha VX WaveRunner, in the water and ready to ride
Fuel included in your rental
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all riders
In-person training before your ride
Shared dock box for your things (not liable for lost or damaged items)

Reviews

Chicago riders on Skyline Jetski