A yacht experience you can afford.
Two 37′ private yachts. Up to 12 people per boat. You hire the captain.
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Two 37′ private yachts. Up to 12 people per boat. You hire the captain.
Send InquiryBoth yachts hold a 4.9-star rating from 139+ verified trips, and we're proud to be recognized as a Top Owner.
Whatever you're celebrating, the lake makes it better. The possibilities are endless.
Anchor up in Chicago's iconic floating party spot.
Send them off in style.
Front-row seats on the water.
Make this one unforgettable.
From proposals to reunions — gather everyone on deck.
Two spacious 37′ Four Winns yachts, centrally docked at Belmont Harbor — three entertaining zones across deck, bow, and cabin, built to host your whole party in comfort.
Centrally docked and fully equipped — comfortable seating across all three zones, plus a large floating pad for the perfect day on Lake Michigan.
Vera's twin — same spacious deck, same easygoing comfort. Charter both yachts together to keep a larger group on the water side by side.
Want to elevate the day? We can help coordinate extras through our trusted partners. Ask us when you book.
Capture proposals, celebrations, and milestones on the water.
Aerial footage of your charter against the Chicago skyline.
Bring the party — a DJ to set the vibe for your cruise.
Pre-arranged beverages so you can step aboard and relax.
Light bites or full spreads for your group.
Themed setups for birthdays, bachelorettes, and more.
Message us to book directly and save on costs.
Send us an inquiry with your date and details, or message us directly to book.
We email forms, details, and captain contacts. Reach out to a captain right away to lock availability.
Let us know once your captain is booked. Captain payment is arranged directly with them.
Arrive at Belmont Harbor, step aboard, and enjoy the ride.
12 guests maximum per boat. The captain and crew do not count toward your total. Charter both yachts together for larger groups.
Yes. These are recreational (bareboat) rentals, so per U.S. Coast Guard rules you hire your own certified captain. We can't book one for you, but we'll share plenty of trusted Chicago captain contacts. Estimated rate is ~$125/hr, paid directly to the captain, plus a suggested ~20% gratuity on the boat rental charge.
Food, drinks, utensils, decorations, and coolers are all welcome. Alcohol is allowed — just note that heavy cleaning from stains could affect your security deposit.
Absolutely. Each boat has a Bluetooth speaker system you can connect to.
We go out in the rain! Your hired captain decides whether conditions are chartable. If the weather isn't safe, we'll do our best to postpone or reschedule your charter.
31+ days before your charter: full refund. 15–30 days: 50% refund. 14 days or fewer: no refund. Contact us if plans change and we'll help where we can.
Belmont Harbor — Dock A, Chicago IL 60613, in the Lakeview neighborhood — close to Wrigley Field, the lakefront beaches, and Lincoln Park Zoo.
Our private yacht charters start at $250/hour on weekdays (3-hour minimum) and $300/hour on weekends (4-hour minimum), with holidays at $350/hour. You hire a licensed captain separately at about $125/hour. Compared to most Chicago yacht rentals, we're one of the more affordable options on Lake Michigan — a private boat experience without the premium price tag.
Absolutely — these are two of our most popular charters. We position on the water for the Navy Pier fireworks (Wednesdays and Saturdays in summer) and for the Chicago Air & Water Show in August. These dates book up fast, so reserve early to claim your spot on the lake.
Yes — bachelorette and bachelor parties are one of our favorite occasions. Each 37′ yacht holds up to 12 guests, with a Bluetooth sound system, a floating pad, and three entertaining zones. Bring your own food and drinks, anchor in the Playpen, and make a day of it. Charter both Vera and Vista together for groups up to 24.
The Playpen (officially "the sandbar") is Chicago's famous spot just off Oak Street Beach where boats anchor together for the day. It's the heart of Chicago summer boating — swimming, music, and the skyline all around you. Your captain can take you there for parties, birthdays, or a relaxed day on the water.
It's one of the most memorable settings in the city. A private sunset cruise with the Chicago skyline behind you makes for an unforgettable proposal, anniversary, or romantic evening. Let us know the occasion when you book and we'll help you plan the timing around golden hour.
Our season runs May 1 through October 31, and weekends — especially around fireworks nights, the Air & Water Show, and holidays — book up quickly. We recommend reserving as early as you can to get your preferred date and time. Weekday charters often have more availability and a lower rate.
Lakeshore Aquatic Charters is a family-owned yacht charter company on Lake Michigan, operating from Belmont Harbor in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. We offer private bareboat charters on two 37-foot Four Winns yachts — Vera and Vista — each accommodating up to 12 guests, at rates from $250–$350/hr. Our season runs May through October.
We moved to Chicago in 2013 and never looked back. The first time we saw the city from the water, we fell for it all over again.
Boat life is a blast — boat ownership isn't. So we started Lakeshore Aquatic Charters to make the experience easy, affordable, and open to everyone. Every charter supports a local, family-owned small business.
Questions or ready to book? Reach us whichever way is easiest — we'll get right back to you.