Ahoy! Boating is a one-of-a-kind experience that provides a thrill all ages can enjoy. You don’t have to own your own boat to experience lake life. These boat rental options give families an opportunity for a day on the water without the hassle of owning your own watercraft. As you feel the wind in your hair and the misty spray of lake water while you speed along, you will be making an unforgettable memory with your family.
When you’re looking for a unique summer adventure, finding a boat rental is a great option. We’ve got information about pontoon, speed boat, jet ski, and other boat rental options that make an exciting day trip. Pack your sunscreen, lifejackets, and snacks for a day on a boat!
Boat Rentals Near Chicago
These boat rentals are all within about 2.5 hours of Chicago
Spring Lake Marina
25125 Grass Lake Road
Antioch, IL
(847) 395-6440
- Approximately 60 miles from Chicago.
- Rentals include deck boats, tri toons and mini pontoons, standard pontoons, and premier pontoons.
- Fuel is not included in the cost of rental; 4 or 6 hour minimum for summer rentals, depending on the time.
Your Boat Club
25837 W, IL-173
Antioch, IL 60002
(612) 208-1800
- Approximately 60 miles from Chicago.
- Rentals include ski boats, pontoon boats, and fishing boats.
- Daily or multi-day rentals are available; their website also allows for boat rentals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida.
Chain O’Lakes Boat Rentals
26050 W. Riverview Place
Antioch, IL 60002
(224) 277-5231
- Approximately 60 miles from Chicago.
- Pontoon boat rentals for half day or full day.
- Closed on Mondays to Wednesdays, except for holidays.
Wakesurf Chicago
2601 N. Cannon Dr.
Chicago, IL 60614
(847) 942-0562
- Rent a boat or have them take you wakesurfing in Chicago on Lake Michigan.
Locations in Fox Valley, Chicago, and Fox Lake, as well as Lauderdale and Lake Geneva, WI
(312) 772-4374
- Leisure boat rental as well as wakeboarding, wake surfing, and tubing.
Pine Lake Marina
908 Pine Lake Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 402-1120
- Approximately 65 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include pontoon boats, tritoons, ski boats, and watersport packages. They also rent water toys including tubes, skis, wakeboards, and kneeboards. Most rentals are for 4 or 8 hours; walk-in options (based on availability) have 2-hour minimums.
- Fuel is not included in rental rates.
Twin Lakes Boat Rental
Lake Elizabeth Location:
3108 E. Lake Shore Drive
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
(888) 251-2628
Lake Mary Location:
503 Wilmot Avenue
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
- Approximately 70 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include pontoon boats, waverunners, a tiki bar pontoon boat, kayaks, and paddleboards.
- 4 hours or full day rentals are available for the pontoons, while other rentals are available for a minimum of 1 hour. If you were born in 1989 or later, you must have a valid Wisconsin Boater Safety Certificate to rent the boat.
- All pontoons are pet friendly.
Boat Elmers
195 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-9952
- Approximately 80 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include pontoon boats, deck boats, speed boats, waverunners, and a catamaran. Water sports packages are available as an add-on.
- Most rentals have a 3-hour minimum.
Heritage Harbor (Starved Rock Area)
111 Harbor View Drive
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-5000
- Approximately 85 miles from Chicago.
- Jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks, and fishing boats are available for rental. Stand-up paddleboards are available to rent for a full-body workout while enjoying the water and the views.
- Rentals are a minimum of 2 hours.
Jerry’s Majestic Marine
352 Lake Street
Fontana, WI 53125
(262) 248-6128
- Approximately 85 miles from Chicago.
- Pontoon boats and rental charters are available to rent for half or full days; waverunners are also available (first come, first served). Tubes are available for an additional fee.
- Fuel prices are included in the cost of boat rental. You must be 25 years or older to rent; if you were born in 1989 or later, you must have a boaters license.
Delavan Lake Marina Boat Rentals
2518 N. Shore Drive
Delavan, WI 53115
(262) 728-5540
- Approximately 95 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include pontoon boats and deck boats, as well as tubes, lilypads, canoes, and paddleboards. Hourly rentals are available on weekdays but not weekends; weekend options are half day or full day. Captains are available for an additional fee.
- Fuel and oil are not included in rental rates. If you were born in 1989 or later, you must have a boaters safety license.
Boat Wranglers (formerly Delavan Boat Rentals)
3542 State Road 50
Delavan, Wisconsin 53115
(262) 725-7007
- Approximately 95 miles from Chicago.
- Pontoon and fishing boats are available to rent, as well as canoes and kayaks; offering daily (half or full day), multi-day, and weekly rentals.
- Gas is included in pontoon rentals; if you were born in 1989 or later, you must have a boaters safety license.
Lake Lawn Resort
2400 E. Geneva Street
Delavan, Wisconsin 53115
(262) 728-7950
- Approximately 95 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include power boats, tritoons, waverunners, paddleboats, paddle boards, and kayaks. Water toys are also available to rent.
- There is a 10% fuel surcharge for motorized rentals; all prices are also subjected to a 10% increase on weekends and holidays. If you were born in 1989 or later, you must have a boaters safety license.
Blue Water Boat Rentals
Woodland Harbor Marina
525 Kentucky Avenue
South Haven, MI 49090
(888) 426-2864
Anchors Way Marina
143 Anchors Way
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(888) 426-2864
- Approximately 95 miles (St. Joseph) & 120 miles (South Haven) from Chicago.
- Available rentals include speed boats, pontoons, kayaks, and paddle boats.
- 2 to 4 hour rental blocks are available to book online. You must be 25 years or older to rent.
Pontoons on the Move (Lake Country Area)
1045 Hickory Street
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 370-7377
- Lake Pewaukee is approximately 105 miles from Chicago, but they deliver to multiple lakes. See their website for details.
- Pontoon boat rentals are offered for daily, weekly, monthly or seasonal rentals (within a three hour radius from Pewaukee, WI); tubes and drivers are available to rent for an additional fee.
- Fuel and tax are not included in rental rates; if you’re under 30 years old, you must have a boaters safety certificate.
Park Shore Marina
22230 Maple Street
Cassopolis, MI 49031
(269) 362-2237
- About 110 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include pontoons, speedboats, fishing boats, and paddleboards, as well as kayaks and water trampolines.
- Offering hourly, daily, or weekly rates; there is a 2 hour minimum rental for all boats.
Lake Shafer Boat Rentals
2419 N. West Shafer Drive
Monticello, IN 47960
(574) 583-5238
- Approximately 115 miles from Chicago.
- Available rentals include Yamaha waverunners, pontoon boats, runabouts, deck boats, and ski boats.
- Rates do not include fuel. Scroll to the bottom of their home page for a discount code; check individual boat pages for early bird morning specials.
You can also rent boats through Boatsetter, which is similar to Airbnb, but for boats.
Tips to Make Your Boat Rental a Success
What questions should I ask before the rental?
Before you book, asking these questions can help you get a handle on what’s included and avoid unexpected fees:
- Ask if tax, gas, and oil are included in the price or if you have to pay extra for those.
- Ask if the boat has enough life jackets for the children and adults in your party. Please note that life jackets are required for anyone under the age of 13 years old so responsible rental companies will provide these.
- Ask about cancellation charges, deposit rates, and weather impact to understand what you’re signing up for.
- If you’re planning to bring a dog, ask if that’s allowed; if it is, ask if there is an additional fee.
- Do they educate the renters on the rules of the waterway, such as buoys, channels, and no wake zones? If you are not familiar with the rules of the waterways, you will be responsible for reading up on it so you can navigate safely and respectfully.
What should we wear on the water?
Expect warm summer days, but know that it can get chilly when you pick up speed on the water. Layers are a great idea! Swim shirts with built-in SPF guards are highly recommended; the longer the sleeves, the more sun protection and the less sunscreen you will need.
The reflection of the sun off the lake is very intense, so think about sunglasses, as well as hats that tie under the chin so they won’t fly off.
How can we avoid sunburn?
In addition to hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved SPF guards, remember to reapply sunscreen often. It’s easy to float around and forget how time has passed; be sure to get out of the water to dry off and let the new layer soak in before jumping back in the water.
What kind of toys are good for a boat rental day?
The best toys for your boat day are things your don’t mind losing! Pool noodles, floats, balls, and sand toys (if you’ll stop by a beach) are all great ideas. For older kids, check out water package options that may be of interest to them.
What kind of food and drinks should we pack?
If you’ll be on the boat all day, be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks. One cooler for food and one for beverages (including plenty of water) and ice is the way to go. Good foods for the boat include sandwiches, cheese and crackers, veggie trays, and chips. Keep it simple!
What else is good to bring along when we rent a boat?
A package of baby wipes, Ziploc bags, and a roll of paper towels are a must. Make sure you bring your own garbage bag for trash from snacks and drinks. Depending on your kids’ ages, you may also want to bring along a travel potty.
For more fun on the water, check out our kayak, paddleboat, and canoe rentals. Our Ultimate Summer Guide is full of other ways to beat the heat, too!
