Charters and Rates
Our private charter services cover both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, with a variety of options available, including day charters, night charters, firework night charters, sunset/golden hour charters, and more. If you have any specific requests, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Day Trips
We offer various day trips throughout Lake Michigan providing a great opportunity to explore vibrant nearby states and cities such as:
Milwaukee, WI
New Buffalo, MI
Michigan City, IN
St. Joes, MI
and more!
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Overnight Trips
Looking to spend an evening on the water? We offer various overnight trips that include trips to the casinos in Hammond, Indiana and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Special Events
Do you have a special event coming up soon? We can offer our charter services to cater to your needs, be it for corporate events, professional photo or product shoots, influencer footage, transportation to concerts or special venues, and much more!
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Luxury On The Lake
Charter Rates
Please refer to the pricing details provided in the tabs below. Also note that there are minimum time requirements for all reservations.
- Standard
- Wednesdays & Fridays Evenings
- Weekends (Sat & Sun)
- Premium (Holidays)
- Add-ons
Standard rates apply to Monday to Friday daytimes, along with Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights
$500 per hour, 3-hour minimum reservation.
Additional Fees:
Captain rate
Fuel
Tip (optional)
$600 per hour, 3-hour minimum reservation.
Additional Fees:
Captain rate
Fuel
Tip (optional)
Weekened rates apply to Saturday and Sunday, all day and night
$750 per hour, 3-hour minimum reservation on weekends.
Additional Fees:
Captain rate
Fuel
Tip (optional)
Premium rates apply on all US holidays and popular Chicago event days, all day and night
$1,000 – $1,250 per hour, 3-hour minimum reservation.
Additional Fees:
Captain rate
Fuel
Tip (optional)
Concierge services available
Inflatable floating island (10ft diameter) $100
Paddle Board $100
Use of onboard grill $25 cleaning fee
OWN THE WATER
Yachting in Style
Charter
FAQ
If you have any inquiries, please refer to our list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) provided below. In case you cannot find the answer you seek, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
A bareboat charter, as defined by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), is an arrangement granting the Charterer (the individual renting the yacht) temporary ownership and use of a vessel for a specified duration. Under this agreement, the Charterer assumes responsibility for the vessel, their guests, hiring their own Crew, and providing their own food and beverages.
It is important to note that the Charterer may either operate the vessel themselves if they possess the required credentials or choose to hire their own Captain and Crew.
However, it is crucial to adhere to the maximum passenger limit of 12 individuals for a bareboat chartered vessel.
To prioritize the safety of our guests, Chi City Charters reserves the right to assess weather conditions and determine whether they are suitable for chartering. Weather conditions that are considered “uncharterable” generally include heavy storms, small craft advisory warnings, gale storms, strong winds, and large waves. On the other hand, conditions such as light rain, passing storms, and cooler temperatures are typically deemed as “charterable.”
In the event that conditions are deemed uncharterable, Chi City Charters will collaborate with the Charterer to find a suitable solution. This may involve temporarily postponing the charter to a later time or rescheduling it for a future date. If a reschedule is necessary, Chi City Charters will issue a rescheduling credit to the Charterer, which can be used within one year towards a charter of equal or lesser value.
By implementing these measures, we strive to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our guests while offering flexibility in case of unforeseen weather conditions.
For bareboat charters, the maximum capacity is 12 passengers, excluding the Captain and Crew.
The hired Captain and Crew are not counted as passengers. So, to clarify, the Charterer can bring a maximum of 11 guests.
Please keep in mind that infants and children are included in the total capacity count. Additionally, your Captain will be an additional person, and the Crew can range from 1 to 2 people, depending on your specific requirements.
Once your booking is confirmed, Chi City Charters will provide you with a selection of qualified and approved Captains who have extensive knowledge of the yacht.
Our Captains can offer valuable recommendations regarding the number of Crew members you may require, depending on your specific charter plan. They have a network of experienced Crew members who are familiar with the yacht, and they can enhance your charter experience by providing additional safety, assistance, and service throughout your journey.
Alternatively, Charterers are welcome to provide their own certified Captain. It’s important to note that Captains are independent contractors hired directly by the Charterer and are not affiliated with or employed by Chi City Charters.
The rate for Captains typically ranges from $80 to $250 per hour, depending on their skills, experience, and qualifications, and this does not include gratuity.
It is customary to show appreciation to your hired Captain and Crew by leaving a gratuity of 18-25% of the total charter price (excluding the Captain’s hourly rate). Payment and gratuity should be made directly to your hired Captain.
Captains usually accept cash or payment through peer-to-peer platforms such as ApplePay, Venmo, Zelle, and others.
You’re welcome to bring everything you desire for an amazing trip on the water! From bottled water and ice to delicious food and refreshing drinks.
Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, and towel for a complete experience. Rest assured, the yacht offers ample space for your bags and is equipped with refrigerators and coolers to keep your provisions cool throughout the journey.
Of course! We gladly welcome guests to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol. The yacht is thoughtfully furnished with a microwave, refrigerators, and coolers to conveniently store your provisions, and there’s ample table space available for you to lay out a delightful feast.
For those who enjoy grilling, we have two electric grills on board that you are free to use, although please be aware that there is an additional cleaning fee of $25 associated with their use.
We kindly advise against bringing glassware or liquids that may stain, such as red wine or cranberry juice, as they could potentially damage the upholstery and boat interiors, which may result in a damage fee.
If you opt to hire a Crew, they will be delighted to serve your guests throughout the trip.
Absolutely! Chi City Charters collaborates with trusted food and beverage suppliers to provide you with a range of catering options.
Visit our Concierge page for inspiration and ideas, and feel free to contact us directly to discuss and make arrangements that suit your preferences.
Certainly! We happily welcome infants and children aboard, provided they are under the supervision of a parent or responsible guardian throughout the charter. Please keep in mind that infants and children are included in the total capacity count for safety reasons.
For the safety of all passengers, children aged 13 years and younger are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on the yacht. We kindly request parents to bring their own infant-size life jackets for babies and infants to ensure a proper fit and optimal safety.