Fun in the Sun

(1.6k reviews)

The Lake Fireworks tour was excellent. Gabby was our guide and she was excellent and very…read moreknowledgeable. The tour combined fireworks, history, and architectur. The whole family loved it.

Took a quick trip to Chicago and the one thing I heard from everyone was to do an architecture boat…read moretour. Decided on Wendella and absolutely loved it! The tour guide had a good mix information, comedy, and quiet. I showed up a few minutes before boarding and easily got a good seat. 90 minutes was the perfect length!!

KnockOut Charters

(107 reviews)

KnockOut Charters provided such a wonderful and meaningful experience for our family. We booked a…read moreprivate Lake Michigan cruise to scatter my husband Omar's ashes, and the entire experience was handled with kindness, compassion, professionalism, and genuine respect. The captain (Chris) and crew made us feel comfortable and gave us the privacy and peaceful setting we needed to say our final goodbye. They were very accommodating and allowed us to make the ceremony personal to our family. During such a difficult and emotional time, we truly appreciated how thoughtful and caring everyone was. I highly recommend KnockOut Charters to anyone looking for a beautiful, private, and respectful way to honor a loved one. Five stars without hesitation. Thank you, KnockOut Charters, for helping us create such a beautiful final memory for Omar.

Held my Daughter's Bridal Shower on the Nautilus and it was magnificent! Captain Molly skillfully…read moremaneuvered the double decker catamaran through the busy river with ease. The crew was also just amazing - attentive to everyone's wishes. Honestly, a memory both my daughter and I will have forever!! Thanks Chris, Molly and crew!!!

Chicago Sailboat Charters

(207 reviews)

SO MUCH FUN!! How it…read moreworks: You charter a boat along with the captain and crew. The boats are owned by the company. We chartered a boat on Labor Day, with Bill and Nancy. We departed from Montrose Beach. We were able to bring our own drinks and snacks for the sail. There were 7 of us total at ~$100/person. We specifically selected this company because they had a money back guarantee in the event of inclement weather - most other boating companies do not offer this! HUGE PLUS. Fun Fact: All of their boats mean "Lost" in different language, but not to be confused with lost at sea!

We had an excellent charter experience with Captain Bill on a speedboat. Booking the boat was quite…read moreeasy through the website, then you can contact the captain yourself to see who is available (company gives names/contact info). I would definitely rent from CSC again. Prices were also pretty average compared to other companies! Definitely recommend.

Shoreline Sightseeing

4.7

(1.9k reviews)

Captain Wheeler,Deckhand Yosef made my birthday awesome! Helped my family with our super large…read morewagon stroller . WAITED patiently for us to transport our gear down the stairs. VERY friendly and social ,they come highly recommended.

This tour was on the top 10 list of our things to do in Chicago. I researched all the boat…read morecompanies that offered the Chicago architecture boat cruises and Shoreline Sightseeing came out hands down #1 for us in tour length, type of cruises, accessibility and in price for what you got. Best deal. Our tour guide was happy, energetic, and very knowledgeable about Chicago because he was born and raised there. We chose the 75 minute, 4pm Chicago River tour and it covered a lot! We never lost interest and learned about Chicago's history. It is well worth it! Our Architecture River Tour boat departed from the dock at Navy Pier. We learned that their boats are the most accessible at this location. Their boats can accommodate wheelchairs up to 30-inches wide. Your wheelchair must be able to navigate a ramp with a 2-inch step at one end. I needed one that was kind to my knees. Best to call them for more details. They were very helpful whenever we called them. Their boats are both double-decker and single-level boats, and there is generally no protection from the sun, rain, or wind. There is a small bar on the main level. Restrooms are located on the lower deck, which is accessible only via stairs from the upper deck. Enjoy! It's amazing!

Chicago Architecture Center

4.8

(825 reviews)

Definitely one of the must do while visiting Chicago!…read more Great boat tour with excellent docents. I ended up with a much great understanding of the Chicago buildings I was walking around or through.

Great boat tour showcasing all the beauty of the city! Each style was clearly explained by our tour…read moreguide. Highly recommend this specific tour which is run by a non profit .

First Lady

4.6

(501 reviews)

Amazing boat tours. I went for the firework show and everything was awesome. The announcer was well…read moreinformed on the history of the city and was incredibly entertaining. An excellent experience, would highly recommend!

We took the First Lady architecture tour while visiting Chicago with friends, and it was easily a…read more10/10 experience. The guides do a great job bringing the city's history and architecture to life, and the views from the river are unbeatable. One tip: even in the summer, bring a sweatshirt. It was a cool day, and I ended up heading downstairs for a while to warm up. Also, don't skip the bar. The drinks were surprisingly good and made the cruise even more enjoyable. A must-do if you're visiting Chicago.

Chicago Yachting

Chicago yachting was an amazing experience ! From great communication to great captain suggestions!…read moreWe used captain dan and he was phenomenal! Can't wait to rent from here again!

We had an awesome time on the boat! Captain was great and super helpful, will use this company…read moreagain in the future

North Shore Marine

(16 reviews)

I found this boat charter on Yelp! Spoke with Paul and the process to book was so seamless! He…read moreanswered all my questions promptly when wondering how to tip and if we needed to bring coolers. They supplied ice for our trip which was great! At the end of our time we were already trying to book with them again! With the new adjustment we were able to have 30 with proof of vaccines! Highly recommend them!

Captain Paul and team was AMAZING! We had a post graduation cruise for my daughter and best friend,…read morecruising into the sunset. The most memorable trip for my daughter, friends and family. Captain Paul was extremely flexible in making the most beautiful experience. We cruised on both the river, and saw the sunset on Lake Michigan. The experience of a private yacht for my daughter's celebration was priceless. Thank you Captain Paul for your hospitality!

Chicago Boat Rentals

(114 reviews)

They were Awsome! Our boat trip on the Chicago River was so fun and interesting. Chicago Boat…read moreRentals were perfect. They were so nice and set us up where we were completely comfortable driving this boat!! Also - a must do - is the take our "on the river" with Taco place ... QR code at boat hut where you check in.

This is pure BUCKET LIST material ... where else can you feel like the city is literally on your…read moreshoulders - in a cool way! The scenery is unmatched. Add to this the boats (clean & reliable) and the staff ... oh, and the price (divide it among the passengers, and it's the best bang for your hard earned buck!

Chicago TikiBoat

3.9

(80 reviews)

I had reached out ahead of time to see if they do fancy mocktails so I wouldn't just be stuck…read moredrinking a sprite on board. I quit drinking years ago but still want to have fun and fit in. The beverage manager assured me that they do offer a selection of crafted mocktails - so I was expecting a menu or at least the bartender having some knowledge. I asked and the bartender just pointed out the juices that they have. Now a lot of local establishments have created mocktails that have unique mixes to them that I don't know. So when he was pointing to the different juices I didn't even know what to ask for. He only suggested a Shirley Temple. So all in all, I was stuck drinking a Sprite and didn't feel to fit in. I didn't have much fun.

I really liked this. Captain Steel and Siris were W. I really would recommend this and also those…read morelow reviews are not that real. Boat wasn't cancelled and I really liked it. 9/10

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

4.5

(162 reviews)

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Waterfall Glen is a beautiful display of nature. Trails offer a robust adventure. Two parking lots,…read moreone off of Cass Avenue and the other off of Lemont Road.

East Bank Club

4.0

(354 reviews)

Gorgeous health club!! My friend belongs here and I joined her for dinner at the restaurant/grill…read more The food was tasty and excellent service. I was given a 90 minute pass for dinner and they seem strict on the time. My friend also gave me a tour. It's an impressive space!! About 450,000 square feet, spanning across 2 full city blocks and 5 levels. They have everything you can think of: pools (4 pools!), saunas, restaurants, tennis, golf, basketball, boxing, group glasses, weights, machines, pickleball, spa, hair and nail salon, indoor running track, co-working space, and so much more. Beautiful artwork, pristine locker rooms and restrooms. Wow! High ceilings and so much space overall. Nothing felt crowded. Beautiful design and layout. I was in awe and very impressed.

(Kari's Rating 7.5/10)…read more TLDR -Up-to-Date equipment -Work from home spaces -Convenient Healthy Market Came with a friend to hang out on a Wednesday around 5:30pm to see what East Bank Club is all about. After seeing all the crazy amenities which were super cool with a ton of variety, I think the thing that surprised me the most is how up-to-date all of the equipment was and the variety of activities they had for people to enjoy. If you're looking for an all encompassing workout/work space, this is it! They have everything from full-size tennis courts, to a golf simulator-like set up,except you get to hit into an inflatable pillow! They also had plenty of Pickleball courts, and they offer so many different workout group classes.both a wet and dry, sauna, and tons of treadmills and free weights. I was also really impressed that they also had a physical training area. So think something that was my personal favorite and the best thing for Chicago Summers is a beautiful rooftop pool and lounge area. Not only did they have two outdoor pools (one for adults and one for kids) but they also have an indoor pool as well for winter as well as an indoor hot tub! They also had a common area workspace where people can come to take meetings and do their work from home gigs. You could practically move in here haha! As of right now, it is a $750 new membership fee as well as $295 a month, which is a pretty hefty chunk of change if you ask me considering most of the high rises around, have some kind of rooftop pool and workout area. It is cheaper if you join with a domestic partner or if you're between the ages of 16 and 29-see pic for current pricing. They also sometimes host social events which is super fun to meet everyone else in the club, but at the same time I think it is more of an investment in your future and your future health if you can afford it! I will not be joining at the moment, but hey-that could change anytime if I decide I should be on a health kick.

Meadowlark Golf Course

3.8

(24 reviews)

Course was in good shape and staff are friendly. It's unremarkable to play but generally wide open…read moreand easy to walk. Pace was slow. Plenty of carts available. There's a grill setup on hole 4 with all the usuals you'd expect and the porta-potty is accessible from a couple different holes. The clubhouse bathrooms are gross. Price is good.

9-hole course. The staff is very accommodating and nice. No external alcohol allowed, but they do…read moresell snacks and drinks on site. Golf carts available for reservation. The brush around the course is pretty thick because it's located in a forest preserve, making your chances of losing balls higher.

UIC Student Recreation Facility

4.0

(28 reviews)

Great facility open year around BUT CLOSED FOR SCHOOL…read moreHOLIDAYS! Spa and sauna are super nice. The rec app says there is a Pilates reformer but no classes to sign up. Testing to find out if true.

**UIC Swim Classes: A Budget-Friendly Option for Kids**…read more We enrolled in UIC Swim Classes for our 1.5-year-old and found it to be a solid, budget-friendly option. At $22 per session, the classes offer structured swim lessons at a more affordable rate compared to other local options. There is a chill vibe that works great for a 1st learner, but the level of rigor is lower than Goldfish so we switched there once we got off their wait list. Classes are sold in 5 week packages, and reschedules are not typically allowed. The class structure follows a set sequence of exercises. Instructors are friendly, but engagement is inconsistent. While they guide kids through various activities, the level of encouragement and feedback varies, with some instructors mentally checking out after providing initial directions. The UIC facility itself is quite nice - The water is comfortably warm and there are changing areas. Parking is available but paid for a few dollars. Note that your access is restricted to within 15 minutes of class time, so don't go too early. Though there are fewer opportunities for underwater practice and confidence-building dips, the parent/tot classes are primary about getting your kid comfortable in water. Overall, UIC Swim Classes deliver decent value for the price, though parents seeking a more intensive training that will get kids swimming faster may want to explore Goldfish.

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ryan H.

2 years ago

I'm writing to express my extreme disappointment and frustration with this company. Four months ago, they reached out to me after somehow discovering that I was searching for two boats for a weekend in July for my 26 travelers. All of our communication was via email, which I found satisfactory. However, just five days before my scheduled booking, I received a text message informing me that one boat was out of commission for the rest of the season, and the other had malfunctioned that very day. The company suggested that I look for alternatives myself, as they would also be doing. This was an unacceptable burden to place on me, as all of my travelers and I were coming from out of town and had no other connections to secure boats. I spent the next 24 hours diligently searching every boating website in the area, but to no avail - everything was booked for that particular day. The next day, the company texted me again, stating that their mechanic had assessed the boats and would be unable to repair them in time. Again, they suggested that I look at the same websites I had already exhausted. I'm at a loss as to how they thought I would have more success finding boats than they would. This experience greatly inconvenienced my company and put a significant damper on our weekend plans. To add insult to injury, when I had someone call the company the following day to attempt to book for the same day, they were told that all boats were booked at that time. However, they were offered an alternative time slot, which implies that the boats were not actually unavailable, but had instead been rebooked with other customers at a higher rate. I highly advise against doing business with this company. Their lack of reliability, poor communication, and questionable business practices make them an unsatisfactory option for anyone in need of boat rentals. read more

Magda N.

7 years ago

We had an excellent time on the boat we rented from Fun in the Sun. The yacht was immaculate, and our captain made sure everyone was having fun throughout. We hired them for just 4 hours, and it was good enough for a small beer party with my friends. It was an unforgettable experience as we departed approximately at 7pm, so we got a chance to contemplate a beautiful sunset. I think you should not hesitate to book a small yacht trip with them as it is definitely worth the money. (Pro tip - take your sea sickness tablets not to hurl like I did out on the big waves!). read more

Sophia C.

7 years ago

What a fantastic experience. Probably the best thing we did as during our family meeting in Chicago. I believe renting a boat is a great way to spend couple of hours out on the June summer sun and to see the city from a new perspective. Our captain was very polite, helpful and informative that made us feel safe and comfortable. We had the option of stopping to swim but we mostly chose to relax on boat and take in the scenery. Overall, the trip went smoothly and the scenery was amazing!!! We would highly recommend this company to you all. read more

Christina P.

7 years ago

My friends and I had a great time on the Polish Spirit this past weekend!! Adrian and Paul were very professional, accommodating and experienced in what they were doing. I did not have any trouble reserving the boat, putting down the deposit or signing the contract. I will definitely plan another boat day with Fun in the Sun next summer and would recommend them to anyone looking to rent a boat on Lake Michigan! read more

Sarah K.

7 years ago

My friends and I had an incredible experience with Fun in the Sun! The company was super prompt and reliable throughout the booking process and on the day we went boating; the actual boat was huge and wonderful; and our captains Adrian and Josh were fantastic. I've rented quite a few boats in Chicago and had an amazing experience renting through Fun in the Sun. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Jamie M.

131

7 years ago

We had a great time with Fun in the Sun. Roland and Damian were great! They are both so kind and helpful. They wanted to make sure that we had a great time out on the water. Thank you Captain Roland for making our trip so wonderful. This was for a bachelorette party and our bride to be had the best time and felt so special. Would highly recommend Captain Roland and Fun in the Sun. read more

Steve B.

9 years ago

This was my first time renting a full day party boat with Captain to celebrate my girlfriend's Birthday on April 6. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. My girlfriend was really happy. We had a relaxing, fun and unforgettable experience with Fun in the Sun boat charters and I highly recommend their service to you guys! read more

Enrique M.

8 years ago

This yacht is amazingly beautiful! I booked it to celebrate my birthday with friends and family. I was so impressed of how clean and organized it was kept at all times. The captain was great and the view was even better. Definitely recommending this to everyone. read more

Emily C.

7 years ago

Our group of 12 had a great time with Captain Roland and Damian! The entire process from payment to day of trip logistics was seamless. We all had a wonderful time and will definitely be booking again in the future! Thanks Fun in the Sun! read more

Jeff K.

8 years ago

Captain Roland and his son, Adrian, were fabulous! Already booked them twice and look forward to a third time!

Paola P.

5 years ago

I had so much fun with my family and friends!! Definitely coming back to book for my birthday next month :)

Fun in the Sun - boatcharters - Updated August 2026

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Chicago yachting was an amazing experience ! From great communication to great captain suggestions!…read moreWe used captain dan and he was phenomenal! Can't wait to rent from here again!

We had an awesome time on the boat! Captain was great and super helpful, will use this company…read moreagain in the future

Chicago Motor Yacht

4.8

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Wanted to leave a review even though we weren't able to venture out due to inclemate weather. I…read moreappreciated how easy it was to get all the info I needed leading up to the trip with Grace. Also, I had to make some changes to the plans and they were very quick to assist me in transferring the reservation to a delegate. Overall, giving a high rating for the ease of booking, the assistance in answering all my questions, and also the expedient processing of the deposit reimbursement due to poor weather. Hope to actually go on a boat ride on a future visit if the weather cooperates!

The Sophisticated Lady Yacht Charters

We got married on the Sophisticated Lady at the end of September 2025 with just our respective kids…read more(his 4, my 2) and siblings/spouses on board...a total of 17 people...most from out of state. I contacted Taylor for all the arrangements early summer and my fiance and I went to the city overnight to see the boat. (We live in Western Suburbs) My kids have always loved our overnights in Chicago and a sunset cruise the second time around seemed like the perfect wedding. We prayed the weather would cooperate! Booking was easy, selecting food options and drink packages was not necessarily cheap but they had a great selection with the premium beverage package that was good for all. The 3 person crew were great...they went with the flow. We got married on Lake Michigan (bartender said it was the first wedding they'd ever had ON the boat.) We are bikers so most of our kids dressed accordingly (as did we). The Captain stopped the boat in a protected harbor for the 20 minute ceremony so no one would get pitched over. Everyone had a fantastic cruise and the sunset did NOT disappoint! We absolutely LOVED this unique wedding experience!

Sophisticated lady is a gorgeous boat, I really like the myriad of spaces where you can sit down…read moreand talk or dance or just take in the view. The food on the boat is excellent and the crew is very attentive. Overall, highly recommended.

3rd Coast Charters

Captain Brian, Russell, and Ulysses were amazing! We rented both the Catamaran and the Monohull…read moreboats for 3 hours on a sunny Saturday in June and filled the boats with a bachelorette and her friends. I cannot say enough about the experience! So much fun! The Catamaran boat is nicer than I was expecting. There is a bathroom and indoor cabin area to relax if you get too hot in the sun and don't want to cool off with a swim. The captain and crew took care of us the whole time. They have a giant cooler filled with ice and packed the cooler with our goodies so we could relax. They then waited on us, putting on our music, bringing us our drink requests and snacks. That part was so luxurious and absolutely unexpected! We had too many people to fit on one boat so we rented the Monohull as well and the experience was seamless. They made sure the group was together as much as possible. We boarded the boats while the boats were parked next to each other, then both sailed to the playpen and tied up together. We were allowed to hop between the boats so that the whole crew could mingle. It was perfect! The Monohull is also a very nice boat with room for 6 people to sit comfortably in the back or on the front to sunbath. I highly recommend! The only thing I regret is not booking this for a longer time slot.

My friends and I chartered the catamaran in August 2021 and it was the highlight of our summer! It…read morewas such a great way to enjoy the Chicago skyline and swim in the lake. The boat was spacious and comfortable. Can't wait to go again this year!

North Shore Marine

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Jet Ski

3.3

(40 reviews)

Amazing location! Gorgeous view of Chicago! Right on the…read morebeach..Get there early for parking if it matters.

Great Jet Skis, But Watch Your Credit Card Statement! The…read morerental experience was actually perfect--the jet skis were fast, comfortable, and 30 minutes was plenty of time. However, I'm rating this 3 stars because of highly questionable deposit practices. They held a $500 incidental deposit for both me and my friend and never refunded it. Luckily, my buddy caught the missing refunds on his statement. While they fixed the issue quickly once confronted, it's alarming that they just kept the money until we said something. $500 would have slipped through the cracks if we hadn't been vigilant.

Next Wave Watersports

4.1

(7 reviews)

EXCELLENT experience at Next Wave!!!…read more Amazing company with employees who truly care about their customers. Thanks Next Wave! Keep up the amazing work!

Don't go here unless you want to have a $500 charge on your credit card just to ride a jet skiread more

Captain Larry

(13 reviews)

I had a rather disappointing experience with Captain Larry's boating service. From the start, there…read morewas a noticeable lack of warmth or welcoming vibes. The staff seemed disinterested in providing a pleasant customer experience. When we had questions about the safety procedures and tour details, their responses were curt and lacked empathy. The boat itself was fine, but the overall experience was dampened by the staff's indifferent attitude. Even when we expressed some concerns about the route due to weather conditions, our worries were dismissed without proper consideration. It's unfortunate because the potential for a great boating experience in Chicago is there, but the customer service left a lot to be desired It's interesting that I see a review mentioning discrimination because I couldn't help wondering if the treatment we experienced was related to fact that my partner was with me. We are not ones to display affection in public but our body language is obvious Not recommending this service if you care about equality and not supporting a biased business

I would not return. We were recommended by someone we trust so we had our hearts open. My…read moregirlfriend (who is a strong woman of color) felt patronized and, dare I say, discriminated. We will not recommend Captain Larry services to anyone who values respect

Epic Cruise Chicago