Skyline Jetski logoSkyline Jetski
Yamaha WaveRunner riding Lake Michigan alongside the Chicago skyline

Open water · Chicago lakefront

Lake Michigan Jet Ski Rental

Lake Michigan is one of the best jet ski playgrounds in the country, and Chicago sits right on it. Launch from Diversey Harbor and ride miles of open lakefront with the downtown skyline in view the whole way.

Riding the lake

What riding Lake Michigan in Chicago is like

From Diversey Harbor you clear the harbor mouth and you are straight into open water. There is no crowded canal or narrow river to pick through — the lake opens up immediately, and Chicago lines the entire western horizon.

Head south along the lakefront and the skyline builds toward Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach, Navy Pier, and finally the museum campus at the Adler Planetarium. Head north and the water gets quieter and wider past Montrose Harbor and up to Foster Beach.

Mornings are usually the flattest water of the day. Afternoons pick up wind and boat wake, which is more fun if you like chop — either way, our staff briefs you on the day's conditions before you leave the dock.

Ride area

Where you can and cannot ride

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.

Lake conditions & weather

We monitor Lake Michigan conditions and decide on the morning of your rental. If it isn't safe to ride, we reschedule or refund.

Landmarks

What you'll see from the water

  • Lincoln Park lakefront

    The green edge of the city right outside the harbor, with the lakefront trail running alongside you.

  • North Avenue Beach

    Chicago's busiest stretch of sand, best viewed from a few hundred yards offshore.

  • The downtown towers

    Willis Tower, the Hancock, and the whole Streeterville wall rising straight out of the lake.

  • Navy Pier

    The Centennial Wheel and the pier's full length — from the lake side, not the tourist side.

  • Museum campus

    The Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium mark the southern end of your ride area.

  • Open Lake Michigan

    Turn east and there is nothing but horizon. It stops feeling like a city lake very quickly.

Rates

Lake Michigan rental options

  • 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.

    Check Availability

  • 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.

    Check Availability

  • 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.

    Check Availability

Longer rentals give you time to run the full lakefront and back. Compare all durations.

FAQ

Lake Michigan riding questions

Get out on Lake Michigan

Reserve a Yamaha WaveRunner at Diversey Harbor and ride the Chicago lakefront.

Check AvailabilityView Pricing

Chicago jet skis
from $100

Check Availability