Bareboat charters on Chicago's lakefront. For your charter term the vessel is yours, the same as if you owned her. Every charter is run by a USCG-licensed captain whom you select and engage directly.
A bareboat charter is a lease of the vessel itself. For your charter term you hold full possession and control of the boat, the same as if you owned her, and you decide how the day runs. For safety, every charter must be operated by a USCG-licensed captain. You choose which captain, hire them directly, and pay them directly. Lakeside does not supply, select, assign, or pay your captain, and is not aboard during your charter.
For safety and insurance, every Lakeside charter is run by a USCG-licensed captain. Which captain is entirely your call. Bring your own licensed captain, or ask us for a list of USCG-licensed captains who work the area. They are independent operators, not Lakeside employees or agents. You select your captain, contract and pay them directly, and may release them at your discretion. We require the license. You pick the person.
Each boat is hand-selected, captained by a vetted Lakeside skipper, and provisioned the way you'd provision your own.
Our flagship bareboat charter. A 38-foot Sundancer with a sun-soaked cockpit, full cabin, and premium marine audio, available to charter for your chosen term. For the duration she's under your command, run by the USCG-licensed captain you've engaged independently.
Modern Italian flybridge for guests who want a top deck, more square footage, and a galley that handles a real dinner service.
Mahogany interiors, brass fittings, and a salon that feels more lake house than charter boat. Built for slow evenings.
Choose your date and hours and sign your bareboat charter agreement.
The vessel is delivered ready at the slip; you take full possession and control for your charter term. Fuel and provisioning are arranged per your agreement.
You direct the day; the licensed captain you engaged runs the helm. The lake, the skyline, and the open water are yours.
Starting rates on Soulshine. Lumière and Northwind quoted on inquiry. Fuel, dockage, and gratuity added at booking.
All Lakeside Charters depart from Navy Pier Marina on Chicago's lakefront. Parking, complimentary check-in, and a private boarding lounge are arranged on arrival.
Yes. Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain and, on most vessels, a first mate. Bareboat charters are not offered.
Absolutely. You may bring your own provisioning, or we can arrange catering, bar service, florals, and music through our concierge.
Safety calls are made by the captain the morning of the charter. If we cancel for weather, you receive a full refund or a no-fee reschedule to any open date.
Summer Saturdays and sunset slots fill four to six weeks ahead. For peak weekends in July and August, we recommend booking by April.
Every bareboat charter is priced to your date, duration, and party size, up to 12 guests. Send the details and we'll come back with terms and availability within the day.
All Lakeside Charters bookings are bareboat (demise) charters under a written charter agreement. The charterer takes full possession and control of the vessel for the charter term. Operation requires a USCG-licensed captain, selected, engaged, and paid by the charterer. Captains are independent operators and not employees or agents of Lakeside. Maximum 12 guests.