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 man-made islands benefit ecosystem health. Then kayakers will take part in stewardship and citizen science activities by removing litter, conducting wildlife monitoring and contributing to Shedd Aquarium’s biodiversity survey of the Wild Mile.

Our goals through this program are to

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.

The cost for River Explorers is $40 per person. The cost for River Monitors is $50 per person. The cost for Shedd members is $34 and $42 respectively.

Tickets are refundable up to 14 days before the program date. 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.

You may change your registration to another date up until 14 days before your scheduled program. To do so, email us at [email protected] or call 312-939-2438.

Your Kayak for Conservation registration is for this off-site program only. Entry to the aquarium can be purchased separately if you plan to visit the same day or on a later date.

The River Explorers option is available for groups of up to 15 for a flat rate of $600. Discounted rates available for not-for-profit organizations and schools. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information or call 312-939-2438 to register.

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.

Portable toilets are available at the kayak launch.

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.