CHICAGO BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Craig Cat Rush: Zip Chicago’s River and Lakefront in a Compact Power Cat
A two-hour, beginner-friendly Craig Cat rental from Kayak Chicago that runs past the city’s signature river, bridges, and skyline—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Craig Cat Rush: Zip Chicago’s River and Lakefront in a Compact Power Cat.
Race across Chicago’s waterways on the Craig Cat, a sleek hybrid craft—part boat, part jet-ski, part go-kart—made for quick, comfortable sightseeing and easy handling; it’s designed for fishing, cruising and leisure and is pitched as an accessible, memorable way to see the river, skyline and hidden sections of the city.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Stunning river and skyline views
Cruise the Chicago River with close-up skyline vistas and passages under historic bridges—an ideal line-of-sight for architecture and cityscape photography.
A compact stretch of city highlights
The route threads past Goose Island, the Wild Mile, the confluence at Wolf Point, Lake Shore Drive, the South Loop and Chinatown, offering a concentrated tour of notable river and neighborhood scenes.
A beginner-friendly, high-performance hybrid
The Craig Cat is a compact power catamaran described as a hybrid between a boat, jet ski, and go-kart—designed to be fun and easy for first-time boaters while still feeling sporty.
What the day feels like
How it Feels on the Water
Over two hours you’ll pilot or ride aboard a sleek Craig Cat, zipping through open-water sections and narrow river channels to sample both broad lakefront sweep and intimate river architecture; the experience emphasizes easy handling and sightseeing over long-distance transit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this rental—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
If you intend to operate and are 16–20 years old, bring a valid license to operate; note that rental operators require compliance with age and licensing rules.
The rental is two hours long.
You must check out in the office with staff when you return so the operator knows you are off the water.
Reservations can be made online; promotional note: Reserve online & Save.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The rental duration is 2 hours.
What are the age requirements to rent or operate?
Renters must be 21 or older to rent; ages 16+ may operate with a valid license to operate; passengers of any age are allowed.
How many people fit on the Craig Cat?
The Craig Cat seats 2 people.
Do I need to check in when I return?
Yes—you must check out in the office with staff when you return so the operator knows you are off the water.
Is this experience suitable for beginners and families?
Yes—the experience is described as beginner-friendly and is noted as good for first-time boaters and families.