About this Experience
What you'll do:
Grab your crew and hit the open water of Lake Michigan on your own jet ski, with the entire Chicago skyline stretched out in front of you. You'll launch right from North Avenue Beach — minutes from downtown — where our Ski Watch team gets you geared up and gives a quick, no-stress safety rundown. Then it's all throttle: carve the waves, ride side by side with your group, and grab the kind of skyline shots you can't get anywhere else in the city. Total beginners and seasoned riders fit right in — the lake is wide open and the energy is contagious. Life jackets, fuel, and your full safety briefing are all handled, so the only thing your party has to do is show up ready to ride. Eighteen seasons on the lakefront means we've got the whole experience dialed, start to finish.
Why we love it for your party:
That skyline backdrop makes for the best photos and content of the entire trip — it's the shot everyone fights over posting first.
Zero experience needed. We get first-timers comfortable in minutes, so the whole crew rides together and nobody sits out.
Prime lakefront spot, steps from downtown bars and restaurants — make it the centerpiece of the day and keep the celebration rolling after.
Pure shared adrenaline. It's the moment the bachelor party, birthday, or friends' trip keeps talking about long after.
Big-group friendly with our expanded fleet, so your whole party gets on the water at once instead of waiting around in shifts.
About this experience partner:
Jet Ski Chicago has been a fixture on the North Avenue Beach lakefront for nearly two decades, and we're entering our 19th season as the city's go-to personal watercraft rental. We're a locally owned, owner-operated outfit — not a faceless chain — and we've built our reputation on getting groups out on the water safely and sending them home with the best story of the trip. Our Ski Watch team is on the beach and on the water the entire time you ride, so beginners feel confident and everyone stays safe. From bachelor and bachelorette parties to birthdays, company outings, and out-of-town crews chasing that perfect Chicago day, we've dialed in everything it takes to turn a few hours on Lake Michigan into the highlight of your celebration.
Additional information:
All riders receive a full safety orientation before launch — no prior experience required.
Life jackets and fuel are included.
We ride right off North Avenue Beach, just north of downtown and easy to pair with food and drinks before or after.
Weather and lake conditions can affect availability; our team monitors conditions and will work with you on timing if Lake Michigan doesn't cooperate.
Book This Experience
Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.
LocationChicago, IL
1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USAChicago, IL
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking
North Avenue Beach has its own paid parking lot on-site. Public parking is also available at Lincoln Park, approximately a 15-minute walk from the check-in booth.
Storing your belongings
We have cubbies available at our check-in booth for you to store your belongings during your ride. There is no locker fee. Please note we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Waivers
Please complete your waiver before arriving. When you receive your booking confirmation email, you'll find a QR code you can share with everyone in your group so they can sign in advance.
Peak Times
Summertime Chicago is magical — and on weekends and major holidays, the entire beach is at peak volume. Parking is extremely limited on these days. We strongly recommend using public transit or rideshare. If driving, plan to arrive at the check-in booth 30–45 minutes before your reservation to allow enough time to park and get through check-in.
Ride Zones & Rental Policy
Our jet skis operate exclusively within our designated riding zones near North Avenue Beach. We offer 30-minute rentals only — we do not offer hourly or full-day rentals. Our skis do not travel to the Playpen or south of North Avenue Beach.
+ View 1 More- View Less
Location / How to Find Us
1603 N Lake Shore Drive (Castaways Beach Club). Jet Ski Chicago is located on the south side of the Castaways Beach Club building, along the beach walkway.













