Kayak for Conservation FAQs

No, your Kayak for Conservation registration is for this off-site program only. Entry to the aquarium can be purchased separately.

No, kayaks will be supplied by Kayak Chicago through an arrangement with Shedd Aquarium. You do not need to bring your own kayak.

Absolutely! The River Discovery Tour is accessible for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You’ll receive basic kayaking instructions before going out on the river. Shedd staff will assist you with getting in and out of the kayak. Previous successful kayaking experience is recommended for the River Exploration tour.

Both single and double kayaks are available. You can choose to paddle on your own or with another participant. A single kayak, however, is strongly encouraged for the best experience and is the best option for novice paddlers.

Absolutely! The River Discovery Tour is accessible for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You’ll receive basic kayaking instructions before going out on the river. Shedd staff will assist you with getting in and out of the kayak. Previous successful kayaking experience is required for the River Exploration tour.

Absolutely! Swimming is not required for this program. All participants are required to wear life jackets while on the river and are assisted by staff in entering and exiting the kayak. At no point will participants be exiting kayaks between launch at the beginning of the program and disembarking at the end of the program.

Participants must be 14 or older to participate in the River Exploration Tour, 12 or older to participate in the River Discovery Tour, and 6 or older to participate in a private group session. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and anyone under 12 years of age must paddle with an adult in a tandem kayak.

We do not have a minimum height or weight requirement to attend a Kayak for Conservation tour. The kayak equipment we use does have weight limitations to be aware of – a single kayak has a weight capacity of up to 250lbs. A tandem kayak has space for two people and has a capacity of 425lbs. For participants who may need extra length in their kayak or more support, a tandem kayak can be converted to be used by one person. We have a diverse range of life vest sizes to ensure proper fit for all guests.

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. There is little to no shade when kayaking on the river. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics are recommended; there are no changing facilities on site. Shedd will have a limited number of waterproof cell phone cases available to guests if you choose to bring your phone on the water. Shedd provides shared, locked storage containers for any belongings you do not wish to bring with you in the kayaks.

Porta-potties are available at Kayak Chicago. There are no flush toilets or changing room facilities on site.

Shedd provides shared, locked storage containers for any belongings you do not wish to bring with you in the kayaks. We encourage participants to remove any valuables from their vehicle. Shedd is not responsible for any theft or damage to property.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled program time to get signed in and store your belongings, if needed. The program will begin promptly at the time indicated. If you miss the group’s departure, you will not be able to reschedule for a later trip. Be sure to check traffic alerts.

Parking is not allowed on the Kayak Chicago lot. Free street parking is available; the North & Clybourn/Halsted CTA redline stop is about a half-mile away. For directions using public transportation, visit transitchicago.com.

Kayak for Conservation is an off-site program that departs from Kayak Chicago at 1220 W. LeMoyne, Chicago, IL 60642.

It’s possible! Your pants/shorts will most likely get wet from water coming off the paddle, so wear clothing you don’t mind getting wet and bring an extra pair and/or a towel to use after the kayak. There are no changing facilities on site.

Programs take place rain or shine, but not in the case of a thunderstorm or extreme weather. Programs are subject to cancellation at any point leading up to the program if signs of severe weather are present or predicted. If we cancel due to weather, you will receive an opportunity to reschedule for another pre-scheduled date of your choice. If you choose not to reschedule, Shedd will provide a full refund. We will request a phone number to best contact you in the event that we need to cancel due to weather, as cancellations can sometimes happen up until the scheduled time of the paddle.

The route for the River Discovery Tour and private group tours is generally calm and slow-moving with little boat traffic, which typically makes for a smooth and low-difficulty paddle. The River Exploration Tour is a longer distance and will encounter boat and possibly barge traffic. If you have never kayaked before and are unsure if you will be able to paddle for the complete length of the program, the River Discovery Tour or private group tour is the appropriate option.

While seeing wildlife is not guaranteed, participants may see painted and red-eared slider turtles, common snapping turtles, great blue heron, hawks, monarch butterflies and more.

It takes 15 to 20 minutes to paddle to the Wild Mile from the launch point, allowing for stops along the way to point out natural and man-made features.

Every participant will be provided and personally fitted with a life jacket. Shedd’s kayak guides are trained in water safety and rescue to ensure a safe and enjoyable kayak experience.Registering with friends, families or groups

Shedd offers private group kayaking experiences for groups for a flat rate of $400 for groups up to 8 people or $750 for groups of 9 to 15. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information or call 312-692-3123.

We are only offering this program at the specified dates and times.

Individual tickets are fully refundable or may be rescheduled up to 48 hours prior to your Kayak for Conservation tour. Group tours are fully refundable or may be rescheduled up to two weeks prior to your Kayak for Conservation tour. Contact Shedd at 312-692-3355or [email protected] to cancel or reschedule your ticket. Refunds will be credited to your original method of payment within 30 days after the date of your cancellation.

You may reschedule your program for individual tickets within 48 hours of your kayaking tour and two weeks for your group kayaking tour. To do so, email us at [email protected] or call 312-692-3355.

If you are feeling sick or short of breath, have a fever or cough, please do not attend your Kayak for Conservation tour. Contact Shedd at 312-692-3355 or [email protected] at least 12 hours before the start of your program to cancel or reschedule your ticket for another date. Please let us know if you would like the full amount of your refund or if you would be willing to donate partial or the full amount to the aquarium.

If we cancel your program, you will receive an opportunity to reschedule for another pre-scheduled date of your choice. If you choose not to reschedule, Shedd will provide a full refund within 30 days of the canceled event.

Yes! In fact, we welcome repeat paddlers. Every program is slightly different and offers a unique experience.

We are always looking to improve our programming, so we want to hear about your experience. This information will be used to evaluate and design future programs. We appreciate your time and thoughts.

We have many opportunities to participate in Shedd’s mission. If you enjoy being outdoors, consider signing up for one of our Action Days. Volunteer activities take place at beaches, forest preserves and parks, where participants help with habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and litter removal.

Kayak for Conservation is a stewardship program in which participants hop in kayaks, paddle the Chicago River and visit Shedd’s floating wetlands in the “Wild Mile.” Along the way, paddlers will learn about the larger Chicago River ecosystem and its history, discover the native flora and fauna above and below the water’s surface and learn how human-made islands benefit ecosystem health and will help Shedd guides to monitor and keep record of wildlife observations. River Exploration kayakers will paddle around Goose Island and take part in stewardship and community science activities by assisting with fish monitoring and optional litter cleanup. Please note that each program begins with a half-hour introduction to the river and paddle safety talk.

Our goals through this program are

1. Create new, high-quality aquatic habitat and increase biodiversity on the Chicago River.
2. Collect critical conservation data to inform and advance restoration of the Chicago River.
3. Bring people out to nature and introduce them to an important body of water with the intent to spark conservation for the aquatic animal world and Chicago’s eponymous river.

For help with reservations, call 312-692-3355

For questions about the program, contact us by email or call 312-692-2737

No, there is no tax deduction for your registration payment.

These protocols and policies are subject to change. For updated information, please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-2737.