Kayak for Conservation FAQs

Kayak for Conservation is a stewardship program in which participants hop in kayaks, paddle down the North Branch Canal and visit Shedd’s River Islands in the “Wild Mile.” Along the way, paddlers will learn about the larger Chicago River ecosystem, discover the native flora and fauna above and below the water’s surface and learn how human-made islands benefit ecosystem health. Kayakers taking the River Explorers and River Monitors programs will also take part in stewardship and community science activities by removing and tracking litter, conducting wildlife monitoring and contributing to Shedd Aquarium’s biodiversity survey of the Wild Mile.

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 underappreciated but important body of water with the intent to spark conservation for the aquatic animal world and Chicago’s eponymous river.

Shedd is currently offering pay-what-you-can registration for this program, with ticket options ranging from $20 to $100. Your generosity beyond the base cost of $35 per person for operating the program makes it possible for Shedd Aquarium to continue our critical animal care and conservation work and help offset the financial impact of COVID-19 on the aquarium. We thank you for your support.

Tickets are fully refundable or may be rescheduled up to 12 hours before your Kayak for Conservation session. Call 312-692-3123 or email [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 change your registration to another date up to 14-days before your scheduled program. Email us at [email protected] or call 312-939-2438 to reschedule or cancel your session.

Your Kayak for Conservation registration is for this off-site program only. Entry to the aquarium can be purchased separately online at www.sheddaquarium.org when we reopen. 

Shedd offers group kayaking experiences for groups of up to eight for a flat rate of $250 or groups from 9-15 people for $525. 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.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Quick-dry fabrics are recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Make sure you have a waterproof case or bag for cameras and phones, as they can get wet.

Kayaks will be supplied by Kayak Chicago through an arrangement with Shedd Aquarium. You do not need to bring your own kayak.

Because there is no public kayak launch in the area, it is preferred that you use the kayaks supplied by Kayak Chicago.

It’s possible! Your pants/shorts will most likely get wet from water coming off the paddle, so bring an extra pair and/or a towel to use after the kayak.

Programs take place rain or shine. 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.

Free street parking is readily available; the North & Clybourn/Halsted CTA redline stop is about a half-mile away. For directions using public transportation, visit transitchicago.com.

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

Paid lockers (quarter operated) are available for storing items you do not want to take in the kayak.

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.

Absolutely! The River Explorers program is accessible for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You’ll receive basic kayak instructions before going out on the river.

The water at this location in the Chicago River is generally calm and slow-moving, which typically makes for a smooth and low-difficulty paddle. The River Monitor program is the more strenuous of the two, so if you are concerned about the difficulty of the paddle, River Explorers is a more appropriate option.

It takes 10 to 15 minutes to paddle to the island, allowing for stops along the way to point out natural and man-made features.

Swimming is not required for this program. All participants will wear life jackets while on the river. At no point will participants be exiting kayaks between launch at the beginning of the program and disembarking at the end of the program.

Through monitoring activities, participants are likely to see painted and red-eared slider turtles, multiple species of herons and ducks, honeybees and butterflies, and more.

Yes! In fact, we welcome repeat paddlers. 

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 a Great Lakes Action Day. Activities take place at beaches, forest preserves and parks, where participants help with habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and litter removal.

Please email [email protected] with additional questions.

Protecting our participants’ health and safety is the utmost priority at Shedd Aquarium. All staff members and participants will be required to wear masks or face coverings on land but may remove their masks or face coverings while on the river provided they are at least 6 feet from participants outside of their household. Minimum distances of 6 feet will be maintained throughout the program except for staff assistance in and out of the kayaks. All equipment and materials, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, pens, trash grabbers, etc., will be sanitized prior to use. Hand sanitizer will be available as needed throughout the program.

All participants will be required to wear a mask or face covering when they are on land. Participants may remove their mask or face covering on the water provided they are at least 6 feet away from those outside of their household.

Participants must be 16 or older to participate in the River Explorers and River Monitors programs, 12 or older to participate in the River Discovery Tour, and 8 or older to participate in a 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.

If you are feeling sick or short of breath, have a fever or cough, or have been around others who have these symptoms, please do not attend your Kayak for Conservation session. Contact Shedd at 312-692-3123 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 a partial or the full amount to help us mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on the aquarium.

Programs that are canceled due to weather will be refunded and credited to your original method of payment within 30 days after the date of the canceled program.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before 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, we will not be able to reschedule you for a later trip. Be sure to check traffic alerts.

No. There is no tax deduction for your registration payment.