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About this Experience

What you’ll do:

From the moment you arrive at Chicago’s best-located marina at Navy Pier, your experience begins as you step aboard one of three stunning luxury yachts, fully crewed and ready for an unforgettable day on the water. From there, the adventure is entirely yours to design—cruise the iconic Chicago River through downtown, anchor at the legendary Party Playpen surrounded by boats and summer energy, capture jaw-dropping skyline and lakefront photos, or enjoy open-water cruising with time to swim, float, and relax in style. Whether you’re here to see and be seen, party hard, or soak up a sunset cruise along the shoreline, this is the ultimate Chicago yacht experience that’s curated, effortless, and unforgettable.

Why we love it for your party:

  • A floating private venue (This isn’t just a boat rental—it’s a fully hosted celebration designed to become a core memory)

  • Your vibe, your rules (Your music, your drinks, and your itinerary with zero crowds or strangers)

  • Perfect for any celebration (Birthdays bachelorettes, graduations, milestones, corporate events, or just because summer deserves it)

  • Professional crew included (A licensed captain and mate handle everything so you can focus on having fun)

  • Luxury without the stress (Elegant when you want it, wild when you want it, and always done right)

About this experience partner:

This experience partner doesn’t just rent boats—they engineer exceptional days on the water. Every detail is intentional, from boarding to docking, creating a seamless, hosted lake experience that guests come back for again and again. With three meticulously maintained luxury yachts, a prime Navy Pier location, and highly reviewed USCG-certified captains, their team knows how to read the room and adjust the vibe. Add in complimentary keepsake photos, thoughtful amenities, and a crew dedicated to pampering, supporting, and protecting your experience, and it’s easy to see why they’re consistently rated among Chicago’s most loved charter operators.

Additional information:

  • Capacity: Maximum of 13 guests per charter in accordance with USCG regulations

  • Crew: Licensed captain and mate required and coordinated for you

  • Food & drinks: BYOB and BYOF with ice coolers, storage, and setup support provided

  • Weather: Charters operate rain or shine, with cancellations for unsafe conditions, including lightning or small craft advisories

  • What’s included: Fuel cleaning, professional crew support, premium amenities, boarding assistance, route planning, and experience management

  • Policies: Standard charter contracts, waivers, and clear cancellation and weather guidelines provided at booking

Book This Experience

Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.

Location

Chicago, IL

797 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a captain included in the charter price?

No. The charter rate covers the vessel only. A captain and any crew are booked and paid separately. But we make that easy for you!

Why do I have to book the captain separately?

U.S. Coast Guard regulations require that the captain be hired directly by the charterer, not provided by the boat owner. This ensures the captain works for you and keeps the charter legally compliant. To make this easy, the boat owner provides a pre-vetted list of USCG-licensed Master Captains who are familiar with the vessel. You choose your captain and coordinate with them directly.

Do you need to hire a licensed captain?

Yes. A USCG-licensed Master Captain is required for all charters. Recreational boating certificates or basic boating licenses do not qualify someone to operate a paid charter.

How much does the captain cost?

In the Chicago market, Master Captains typically charge $125 to $150 per hour, depending on experience and vessel size. Any Boats over 50 feet require a Mate/Stew and their rate is typically $50 per hour.

How is the captain paid?

Captain and crew fees are paid directly to the captain, separate from the boat rental. Most captains accept Venmo, Zelle, cash, and CashApp

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Is gratuity required?

Gratuity is optional but customary. Industry standard is 15–20% of the total charter experience, provided directly to the captain and shared with crew.

Are fuel and cleaning fees included?

Yes. Fuel and standard cleaning are included in the hourly charter rate.

How many guests are allowed?

Charters are limited to 13 total passengers including the Charter Renter, which means no more than 12 guests plus the charterer.

Are there age restrictions for alcohol?

Yes. All guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

What paperwork is required?

A Liability Charter Agreement must be signed by the Charterer before departure. All Guest will be required to sign a waiver once on board.

Is swimming allowed?

Swimming is permitted under approved conditions. There is no lifeguard on duty, and swimming is at your own risk with a signed waiver.

What food and drinks can we bring?

You may bring your own food and beverages. Red wine, colored juices, and staining foods are to be avoided, as they can permanently damage the vessel and result in liability.

Who is responsible for damages?

The charterer is financially responsible for any damage to the vessel during the charter.

What is your weather policy?

If weather conditions are deemed unsafe on the day of your charter, you may reschedule at no charge or receive a full refund. Unsafe conditions may include heavy storms, forecasted waves over 4 feet, Small Craft Advisories, gale warnings, or strong winds. Light rain and passing showers are typically considered safe. Final weather decisions are made on the day of the charter.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Free cancellation up to 7 days prior • 50% refund for cancellations 3–6 days prior • No refunds within 72 hours of departure

What’s included with the charter?

• Full use of the yacht • Fuel • Bluetooth sound system • Cooler and/or refrigerator • Ice • Full onboard bathroom • Complimentary bottled water

What should I bring?

• Food and drinks (no red wine) • Seasickness medication (take 1 hour before departure) • Towels (if swimming) • Sunglasses, hats, soft-soled shoes • Sunscreen (bring extra) • Phone charger • Music playlists (Bluetooth enabled)