Before You Board
Please make sure to save the dock number on your phone before leaving the dock. If immediate help is needed and you’re out on the water, please call the dock first. Your safety is our priority!
Dock Number
This phone goes directly to dock workers who are at the boats. Text or call this number if you are running late on the day of your rental.
Common Questions
Arrival and Check In
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled rental time. This allows enough time for check-in, verification, and a brief safety orientation before your departure.
Who needs to check in?
Only the person who made the reservation may check in. The booking guest must present a valid driver’s license and the credit card used to make the reservation.
Do I need to complete the waiver before arriving?
Yes. All required waivers should be completed before arriving at the dock to help avoid delays during check-in and ensure your rental starts on time.
What if I’m running late?
If you’re running late, please call our dock phone at 224-760-8930 as soon as possible.
Will I lose rental time if I arrive late?
Our boats operate on schedule, so arriving on time is important to receive your full rental period. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled departure time, your rental may be shortened, and the boat must still be returned at the originally scheduled return time to avoid impacting the next reservation.
What time should we get there?
We ask that you please arrive at least 15 minutes early. This will allow our Boat Staff to teach you how to drive the boat safely and answer any questions you may have. If you are late to your rental, it will cut into your time on the water.
Is there a license that I need to drive the pontoon?
We do ask that the person who drives the boat, is at least 21 years old with a valid Photo ID. This could be a driver’s license or a State Issued ID. There is no special boating license that you need to operate these specific pontoons.
BYOB and Food
Guests may bring their own food and drink – one small cooler is allowed. Please dispose of all garbage after the rental.
Waiver
A waiver must be filled out before you board. If you did not fill one out when you booked, you cannot board.
The person who rented the boat MUST sign the waiver.
We do not require a deposit as security. However, The waiver ensures that if there are any damages during your rental, the costs are agreed upon and covered.
Cancellation, Rescheduling & No-Show Policy
All reservations are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend your scheduled reservation, refunds cannot be issued. However, if you notify Chicago Boat Rentals before your scheduled rental time, you may reschedule your reservation, subject to availability and the following rescheduling fees: VIP Members do not incur reschedule fees
- More than 24 hours before your scheduled reservation: $20 rescheduling fee.
- Within 24 hours of your scheduled reservation: $50 rescheduling fee.
- On the day of your reservation (before your scheduled rental time): $100 rescheduling fee.
Rescheduling requests must be made before your scheduled rental time and are subject to boat availability.
No-shows are not eligible for refunds, rescheduling, or gift cards. A reservation is considered a no-show if the reservation holder fails to arrive for the scheduled rental and does not notify Chicago Boat Rentals before the reservation begins.
To ensure fairness and availability for all guests, each reservation may be rescheduled one time only. Any additional changes are at the sole discretion of Chicago Boat Rentals and may not be available.
Because each reservation requires us to reserve a boat, dock space, staffing, and operating resources exclusively for your party, we are unable to offer refunds for canceled or missed reservations.
If Chicago Boat Rentals cancels your rental due to weather, you will be able to reschedule at no additional charge. If you are unable to reschedule, a Chicago Boat Rentals gift card will be issued. The gift card can be used anytime or may be gifted to another person.
Boats will usually go out rain or shine because we have awnings. Only a manager of Chicago Boat Rentals can cancel boat rentals. Oftentimes weather will pass and it may only be a slight drizzle.
No shows or canceling the day of a rental without a manager’s approval forfeits any money paid and forfeits any rescheduling options. In addition, no refunds, credits, or rain checks will be issued.
Please Remember to Sign Your Waiver!
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to sign the waiver.
Completing it ahead of time will save you time at the dock.
Anchor away!
Hungry? Order to Dine in the River!
We’ve partnered up with Taco Rio on the riverwalk to bring you food while on the river. When you check in with us, you’d have the option to place an order after scanning the QR code. Take your river ride and pick up your food in the river. When you arrive at Taco Rio, they’ll lower the food down to your boat.
Nothing says summer more than enjoying tacos on the Chicago River!
We want to make sure you are completely safe during your ride. Please watch the safety video below to save time at the dock and make sure you get the most out of your time on the boat!
