Frequently Asked Questions

All of our boats are located on Dock "i" at Diversey Harbor in Lincoln Park, 2601 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614. You will receive detailed boarding instructions and directions prior to your scheduled charter.

There is free street parking available along Cannon Drive. Paid parking is also available at the Diversey Driving Range. We recommend taking a rideshare when possible, especially on weekends and holidays. Please note that parking availability may be limited on special event days in the area.

We recommend arriving at the dock at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. This allows time for signing liability waivers, completing a safety briefing, and getting everyone settled onboard. Arriving early helps ensure you can maximize your time on the water during your charter.

Your charter time begins at your scheduled reservation time. Late arrivals may result in a shortened rental period, as all charters must return at their scheduled end time to avoid impacting subsequent reservations. We recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for boarding and safety instructions.

Each of our boats is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water. Your boat rental includes: a Bluetooth sound system to play your own music, life jackets for all guests (children under 13 are required to wear one at all times), coolers for your beverages, a refrigerator for keeping drinks and snacks cool, a private onboard restroom, and all safety equipment required by the United States Coast Guard (flares, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.). If you have any specific requests or need additional items, feel free to reach out ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate.

Each boat can accommodate up to 13 guests (including the person renting the boat). Hired captains and crew do not count toward this guest limit, in accordance with regulations set by the United States Coast Guard.

Yes. Fuel is included in the total rental price for normal cruising within the Chicago harbor and Playpen area. Guests are not responsible for fueling the boat before or after their charter.

Yes. Each of our vessels is equipped with at least one private onboard restroom for your convenience during your boat rental in Chicago.

Yes. Each of our boats is equipped with a refrigerator for your convenience. Coolers are also available onboard.

A floating lily pad is available as an optional add-on for $60. This can be added to your reservation at the time of booking or anytime after your booking is confirmed, subject to availability.

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks onboard for your charter. We recommend bringing items that are easy to enjoy while on the water. We also recommend avoiding red wine or other staining beverages or foods to help prevent potential damage to the vessel.

Yes. Guests who are 21 years of age or older are welcome to bring alcohol onboard for personal consumption during your boat rental. We recommend avoiding glass bottles for safety reasons and to help prevent potential damage to the vessel.

Ice is not provided. We recommend bringing your own ice and beverages for your charter. Coolers are available onboard for your convenience.

We recommend bringing: food and beverages, ice, towels, sunscreen, a portable phone charger, and a valid ID.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes. Black-soled shoes or high heels are not recommended as they may mark or damage the vessel.

For safety, cleanliness, and to help prevent potential damage to our vessels, we strongly recommend that guests do not bring the following items onboard: red wine or other staining beverages and foods, fireworks, confetti or glitter, glass bottles, or hookahs. Please note that Chicago Harbors regulations do not allow firearms or weapons of any kind, along with illegal substances, on harbor property. Bringing any of the above items onboard may increase the risk of damage, additional cleaning, or safety concerns during your charter experience.

Pets are not recommended onboard due to safety, space limitations, and the marine environment. If you plan to bring a pet, please contact us in advance to discuss your specific request. Approval may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Approved pets must wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times while onboard. Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable laws. Please notify us in advance if you plan to bring a service animal so we can best prepare for your charter.

Yes. You are welcome to bring small decorations for birthdays or special occasions. We recommend avoiding items that may stain, leave residue, or become difficult to remove such as confetti or glitter.

Yes. During your boat rental, you are welcome to cruise to popular destinations on Lake Michigan such as the Chicago Playpen. The Playpen is one of the most popular boating areas in Chicago for anchoring, relaxing, and enjoying time on the water with friends and family.

Yes. Your charter can explore both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, offering a unique view of the city's iconic architecture and waterfront. Please note that on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays, a minimum 4-hour reservation is required to allow sufficient time to travel through the Chicago Harbor Lock System.

Passing through the Chicago Harbor Lock System typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on boat traffic and lock operations. For this reason, a minimum 4-hour reservation is required on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays to allow sufficient time to travel between Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.

Yes. You are welcome to swim in Lake Michigan when the boat is anchored in a safe area. For safety reasons, please follow all instructions provided during your charter and use proper flotation devices as needed.

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own floats and rafts to use during your boat rental. Please ensure that all personal floatation items can be easily stored while the vessel is underway.

Towing activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing are not permitted during your boat rental.

No. Fishing is not permitted during your boat rental under any circumstances.

Yes. All of our boats are equipped with Bluetooth-enabled sound systems so you can connect your device and play your own music during your boat rental in Chicago.

Yes. You are welcome to enjoy the Chicago fireworks display during your boat rental, depending on your reservation time and location on the water. Fireworks are scheduled from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Wednesdays at 9:00 PM and Saturdays at 10:00 PM by Navy Pier. We recommend booking an evening time slot on scheduled fireworks dates for the best viewing experience.

A bareboat charter is a type of boat rental where the charterer temporarily assumes control of the vessel and responsibility for the vessel for the duration of the charter. As part of this arrangement, you may operate the vessel yourself if qualified or choose to hire a captain separately for your trip. If you choose to hire a captain, you will contract with and pay them directly.

No. A boating license is not required to rent a boat in Chicago. Most guests choose to hire a qualified captain to operate the vessel for their charter so they can relax and enjoy their time on the water. If you would like to operate the vessel yourself, please contact us in advance and provide a summary of your boating experience and any relevant certifications so we can review your qualifications prior to your charter. If you choose to hire a captain, you will contract with and pay them directly. After your booking is confirmed, we can email you a list of qualified, independent captains for your convenience.

After your booking is confirmed, we can provide you with a list of qualified, independent captains for your convenience. You may contact any captain directly to discuss availability, pricing, and any specific requests you may have for your charter. You are not required to select from this list and may choose any qualified captain. In accordance with regulations set by the United States Coast Guard, the captain must be hired directly by the charterer. We are unable to assign or provide a captain for your charter.

The cost of hiring a captain for your charter typically ranges from $100 to $125 per hour. It is customary to tip the captain 10 to 20 percent of the charter cost. This gratuity is separate from the captain's hourly rate. If you choose to hire a captain, you will contract with and pay them directly on the day of your charter. After your booking is confirmed, we can provide a list of qualified, independent captains for your convenience.

Tipping the captain is appreciated but not required. If you feel the captain provided excellent service and contributed to a memorable experience, a tip is a kind way to show your appreciation. The standard gratuity for captains is typically 10 to 20 percent of the total charter cost and is separate from the captain's hourly rate. The gratuity amount is entirely up to you.

Yes. Children and infants are welcome onboard. For safety reasons, anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on the boat. Children and infants are included in the total guest count. Please let us know in advance if you will be bringing young children so we can ensure the appropriate safety equipment is available for your charter.

The primary renter must be at least 21 years old with a valid government-issued ID.

Boat rental pricing in Chicago varies depending on the vessel, date, and time of day. Our most affordable boats start at $180 per hour. Exact pricing will be shown when you select your preferred boat and reservation date during the booking process. As a bareboat charter, the cost of hiring a captain is separate from the boat rental. If you choose to hire a captain, you will contract with and pay them directly. Optional add-ons, such as a floating lily pad ($60), are also available and can be added at the time of booking or after your reservation is confirmed, subject to availability.

No. We do not require a security deposit to rent a boat in Chicago. However, the primary charterer is responsible for any damage to the vessel or excessive cleaning that may be required during the rental period, as outlined in your rental agreement.

To secure your reservation, simply complete your booking through our online reservation system by selecting your preferred boat, date, and time. Your date is confirmed once your booking is completed and you receive a confirmation email with your reservation details.

We recommend booking your boat rental as early as possible, especially for weekends and special event dates during the summer season. For holiday weekends and events such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, the Chicago Air and Water Show, and Labor Day, we recommend booking 3 to 6 weeks in advance. Evening time slots on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day are also in high demand due to fireworks scheduled by Navy Pier.

Yes. Weekday boat rentals are available and often provide greater flexibility in scheduling and availability compared to weekends.

We recommend booking your boat rental for at least 4 hours to allow enough time to cruise on Lake Michigan, visit the Chicago Playpen, and relax on the water. Longer reservations provide more flexibility to enjoy your time without feeling rushed, especially on weekends or special event days.

Yes. All guests are required to sign a liability waiver prior to departure. The waiver must be completed before boarding and will be provided to you electronically in advance of your scheduled charter. Failure to complete the required waiver may result in a delay or cancellation of your reservation.

Charters may be rescheduled in the event of unsafe weather conditions such as high winds, lightning, or small craft advisories, as determined on the day of your charter. Light rain or overcast conditions do not typically qualify for rescheduling.

Smoking and vaping are at the captain's discretion due to safety considerations and the potential for damage to the vessel. Please contact us in advance if you have any questions regarding this policy.

We do not charge a standard cleaning fee, and our team will take care of normal trash removal after your charter. However, excessive cleaning resulting from spills, stains, or unusual messes may result in an additional cleaning charge.

No. We do not provide motion sickness medication. We recommend bringing any necessary over-the-counter remedies with you prior to your boat rental. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is best to take medication 30 to 60 minutes before boarding.