Frequently Asked Questions

Are reservations required?

• • Reservations are easily made online however they are not required but highly suggested.

  • Our self-serve online reservation agent simple and you can make, pay for and confirm your reservation by clicking on any of the red rental buttons throughout our site. 

  • The benefits of having a reservation is that a jet ski will be available for you when you arrive and if we know of inclement weather you will be contacted in advance so you can make alternative plans.

Do you accept walk-ups?

• • Walk-ups are welcome but there is no guarantee that a jet ski, kayak or paddleboard will be available. 

What do I need to to know about the jet ski check-in process?

• • All renters are required to arrive one hour (60 minutes) prior to reservation time.  This time is used for reading & signing waivers, Q/A, orientation and to process security deposit. 

  • Late arrivals (not arriving 60 minutes prior to departure) are subject to cancellation without a refund.  Be sure to be on time for check in.

• • For your financial security you’ll need to bring the credit card used to make your online reservation and a government issued ID, all names must be the same.

What is your security deposit policy?

• • Each person who rents a jet ski (the operator) is required to cover their own security deposit. 

• • The security deposit is a $500 hold on a major credit card or $1000 on a debit card.  Sorry no cash for security deposits.

When is my security deposit returned?

• • Security deposits are released the same day as long as there is no damage to the jet ski or boat.   The renter assumes 100% responsibility for rental equipment, for any damage and for any lost revenue Chicago Water Sport Rentals incurs for the time the jet ski or boat is unrentable due to repair time.

What’s your cancellation policy?

• • We have a 24 hour cancellation policy for jet skis, kayaks & paddleboards rentals.

• • The boat rental cancellation policy is 36 hours. 

• • If we need to reschedule or cancel due to weather or lake conditions, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss options.

Where are you located?

• • We’re located at 31st Street Harbor, dock J.  Our exact location is at the south end of the harbor opposite of the beach. Dock J next to the boat launch, floating swimming pool, and Salerno’s restaurant.  Use Google Maps and search:  31st Street Harbor, Dock J or Chicago Water Sport Rentals.  We do not have a street address.
    

Where should I park?

• • The best place to park is in the west lot located on the SW corner of 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive.  Weekend parking is limited so give yourself  enough time after you’ve parked your car for an easy 15 minute walk through the park to get to our location.  Consider taking an Uber, Lyft, Divy or your own bike.
    

Are there bike racks / a Divvy station near by?

• • Yes, bike racks are located  around the 31st Street Harbor area and there is a Divvy bike station near by too. Search Fort Dearborn Dr. & 31st Street, bike station TA1307000048 for the exact Divvy dock location.

Do you provide storage while I’m on the water?

• • Yes, for your personal belongings storage is provided in covered totes and it is safe however Chicago Water Sport Rentals does not accept responsibility for any items left in our office.  We suggest leaving valuables at home or in your car.

Do I have to know how to swim?

• • It isn’t required that you know how to swim but you should be comfortable in the water and fit enough to reboard any of our rental products by yourself.

• Can I bring my phone on my jet ski rental or paddleboard or kayak rental?

• • We discourage bringing your cell phone on any rental for the purpose of a photo ops or for facebook live streaming however if you feel for safety reasons you want to bring your phone with you do so at your own risk.  We see it all the time of phones that have fallen in the lake or destroyed by water.
    

Do you supply life jackets or wetsuits?

• • Yes, we provide personal flotation devices (PFDs) / life jackets for every person renting any of our products.  Wetsuits are not provided.

What is your pet policy?

• • For safety pet’s need to stay at home or on shore and they are they are not allowed on our jet skis, boats, kayaks or paddleboards.
    

Is there a place to change?

• • Yes, but we still recommend that you arrive wearing what you plan to wear on the water under your street clothes.
    

Where’s the best place to rent a jet ski, boat, paddleboard / SUP or kayak in Chicago?

• • Chicago Water Sport Rentals, of course! Why even think of going anywhere else?

Can I use a translator for my tutorial?

• • We require that the operator of any our rental products be fluent in English so we can make sure that our tutorials are completely understood.  Translators are not allowed. We must be confident that the correct safety and operational instructions are stated and understood.

Can we take our jet ski or boat to the Chicago River, playpen, or Navy Pier?

• • These areas are outside our permitted area and are not allowed.  Our jet ski are labeled and the USCG, Chicago Marine Police and IDNR marine officers know our equipment and they will cite jet skis that leave our operational boundary area.

Can we switch riders on a tandem jet ski?

• • Yes, but we ask that to return to our dock to switch drivers. It is dangerous to switch on the water and you may cause injury to yourself or damage the jet ski.

Do you offer full day jet ski rentals?

• • Our jet ski rentals are available in 30 minute and 1 hour increments.  We’ve found with most people that our time rental times are perfect for experiencing a jet ski adventure on Lake Michigan.

Do you offer full day boat rentals? 

• • We’re sorry but we have decided to suspend boat rentals at this time.

• • Our standard boat rental period is in 2 or 4 hour increments however longer boat rental periods can be discussed.