Nestled near the picturesque Starved Rock Campground in Ottawa, Illinois, the tandem guided kayak tour offers a thrilling outdoor adventure just a stone’s throw from Chicago. With prices starting at a mere $59, this family-friendly excursion provides participants with all the necessary equipment, including tandem kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. Guided by knowledgeable staff, the tour promises a safe and enjoyable journey through the scenic waterways, accessible to visitors of all skill levels. But what truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region, leaving you eager to discover more.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Illinois.
Key Points
- Starved Rock Campground in Ottawa, Illinois, offers a 4.3-rated tandem kayak tour starting at $59 with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
- The tour provides tandem kayaks, life jackets, and paddles, and accommodates children and dogs for an additional $15 fee.
- The activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
- Positive customer reviews highlight the tour guides and the overall family-friendly experience.
- The tour begins and ends at the Kayak Starved Rock Campground, located approximately 90 minutes from Chicago.
Tour Overview
The tandem guided kayak tour near Chicago offers adventurous visitors a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Starved Rock Campground in Ottawa, Illinois.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 6 reviews, this tour provides an enjoyable experience for participants. Priced from $59.00 and with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, the tour includes a tandem kayak, life jackets, and paddles.
Customers can also bring along a child (70 lbs or less) or a dog (40 lbs or less) for an additional $15. The tour begins and ends at the Kayak Starved Rock Campground, and is accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-bound individuals.
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Included Amenities
For this tandem guided kayak tour, participants are provided with all the necessary equipment.
The tour includes a tandem kayak, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and paddles. Customers can bring along a child (70 lbs or less) or a dog (40 lbs or less) for an additional fee of $15, payable on-site.
The tour is accessible for those in wheelchairs or with strollers, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 30 participants.
Meeting and End Point
Participants meet at the Kayak Starved Rock Campground, located at 1170 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA.
They can check in at the picnic table with a sign. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate.
The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.
Accessibility and Participation
Wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, the tandem guided kayak tour welcomes service animals and allows infants to sit on laps.
Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 30 per tour. The tour accommodates children weighing 70 lbs or less, as well as dogs up to 40 lbs, for an additional $15 fee paid on-site.
The meeting point is at the Kayak Starved Rock Campground, where participants check in at the picnic table with a sign.
The activity ends back at the same location, providing a convenient and inclusive experience for a wide range of adventurers.
Positive Customer Reviews
The six reviews for the Tandem Guided Kayak Tour near Chicago paint a positive picture of the experience.
Reviewers praised the tour guides, Rich and Dave, for their guidance and care during the tour. One reviewer described it as an "awesome Sunday afternoon" while another called it an "awesome family experience."
The reviews highlight the tour’s accessibility, with the activity being wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Booking and Pricing
The Tandem Guided Kayak Tour near Chicago starts at $59.00 per person.
Customers can choose to bring an additional passenger, such as a child (70 lbs or less) or a dog (40 lbs or less), for an extra $15 payable on-site.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, giving travelers the flexibility to adjust their plans.
The meeting point is at the Kayak Starved Rock Campground, where participants check-in at the picnic table with a sign.
The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers, and service animals are allowed.
The activity can accommodate up to 30 travelers per tour.
Directions to the Venue
Typically, the Kayak Starved Rock Campground is located at 1170 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA.
This is the meeting point for the Tandem Guided Kayak Tour near Chicago. Participants should check in at the picnic table with a sign at the campground.
The tour starts and ends at this location, with the activity concluding back at the meeting point.
The campground is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the tour, which has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers.
Preparing for the Tour
To prepare for the Tandem Guided Kayak Tour near Chicago, participants should dress for the weather and bring any personal items they may need during the activity. The tour includes a tandem kayak, life jackets, and paddles, but participants should consider packing the following:
Item | Recommended | Optional |
---|---|---|
Clothing | Lightweight, quick-drying activewear | Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen |
Footwear | Water shoes or sandals | – |
Accessories | Dry bag for personal items | Camera, binoculars |
Food/Drink | Refillable water bottle | Snacks |
Following these simple preparation tips will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable kayaking experience.
Recap
The tandem guided kayak tour near Chicago at Starved Rock Campground in Ottawa, Illinois offers an exciting and accessible adventure for all. With knowledgeable guides, sturdy equipment, and a scenic waterway, it’s the perfect outing for families and groups looking to explore the great outdoors. Positive customer reviews and reasonable pricing make this tour a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable outdoor experience close to the city.
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