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Monroe Harbor
Boat Rental
Anchor just off Grant Park in calm water, with Navy Pier to the north and the full Chicago skyline behind you. Relaxed, beautiful, and effortlessly Chicago.
Calm Water – Golden Hour41°53′ N 87°37′ W
- 4.9★from 1,071+ reviews
- 175,000+guests on the water
- 12,000+charters
- 23 vesselsUp to 13, 49 & 125 guests
What Is
Monroe Harbor?
Monroe Harbor sits just off Grant Park: calm water, sweeping lakefront views, Navy Pier to the north, and the full Chicago skyline behind you. It’s the easiest and most scenic anchorage on the lake.
It offers something the Playpen doesn’t: quiet. The water here is calmer and more protected, the pace slower, and the view arguably more complete. You’re closer to the city’s architectural shoreline, with the lakefront running from Grant Park northward and Navy Pier lit up in the distance.
It’s the charter for groups who want to be on the water without the energy of the Playpen scene. Great for anniversaries, smaller corporate outings, photography, or any occasion where the vibe should be calm and beautiful rather than high-energy.
Where Is Monroe Harbor?
Monroe Harbor is the stretch of Lake Michigan off Grant Park, inside the breakwall between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus.
Burnham Harbor is the closest departure, a short cruise north along the lakefront. Travel time varies with conditions; your captain confirms the route and timing for your departure harbor.
What a Monroe
Harbor Day Looks Like
Your captain gets you out to the harbor, finds a calm spot, and handles the anchor. From there it’s your afternoon: music on the boat’s Bluetooth system, drinks on deck, and the skyline close enough to pick out the buildings.
Sunset trips are particularly special: golden light on the Hancock and the Sears Tower, and the water holding the color longer than anything on land.
Monroe Harbor is also one of the best endings to a full day on the water. Start on the Chicago River, anchor at the Playpen for the afternoon, drift here for golden hour, and stay out for Navy Pier fireworks.
The Details
- Starting rate
- From $285/hour Check live pricing →
- Best time
- Sunset cruises3-hour minimum · Season March–October, subject to weather
- Your group
- Vessels for up to 13 guests 49 guests 125 guests
- Departure
- Burnham Harbor (closest)Also 31st Street Harbor, Burnham Harbor, and River North Marina (600 W Chicago Ave)
- Captain
- Our 13-passenger bareboat charters require guests to hire a separately licensed captain (after checkout, you review our vetted list and pay your captain directly), while all larger yachts include a licensed captain and crew.
- Food & drink
- 13-passenger boats: bring your own. Larger vessels: drinks packages and catering options.
Starting vessel rates are not an all-inclusive total. Captain fees, packages, taxes, and other applicable charges depend on your booking.
Boats for Monroe Harbor
Up to 13 guests37ft · Sea Ray
Sundancer
31st Street Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $285 / hour
Up to 13 guests46ft · Sea Ray
Express
31st Street Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $310 / hour
Up to 13 guests48ft · Sea Ray
Sundancer
31st Street Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $335 / hour
Up to 13 guests50ft · Sea Ray
Sundancer
31st Street Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $350 / hour
Up to 13 guests52ft · Sea Ray
Sundancer
31st Street Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $395 / hour
Up to 13 guests56ft · Sea Ray
Sundancer
31st Street Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $420 / hour
Up to 49 guests57ft · Power Catamaran
Montauk
River North Marina (600 W Chicago Ave)
Ask about swimming when booking
From $1,000 / hour
Up to 49 guests72ft · Chris Craft
Sophisticated Lady
Burnham Harbor
Cruising & socializing · no swimming
From $1,350 / hour
Up to 125 guests78ft · Power Catamaran
Amalfi
Burnham Harbor
Ask about swimming when booking
From $1,600 / hour
How much does a Monroe Harbor boat rental cost?
Vessel rates start at $285 per hour. Your total depends on the vessel, date, duration, captain arrangements, and any required packages or fees. Check live availability and your full booking total at checkout.
Check live pricing →How many people can go on a Monroe Harbor charter?
Choose from vessels with capacities of 13 to 125 guests. Smaller groups are welcome, too. Your group must stay within the booked vessel’s passenger limit.
Browse the fleet →How is Monroe Harbor different from the Playpen?
Monroe Harbor is calmer and more protected, with a slower pace and a closer view of the lakefront from Grant Park north to Navy Pier. The Playpen is the livelier scene, with more boats and more music.
Explore the Playpen →When is the best time to visit Monroe Harbor?
Sunset. Golden light on the skyline is the reason most groups come. Our charter season is March–October; weather and vessel availability determine individual departures.
How long is a Monroe Harbor charter?
Charters start at a three-hour minimum, and most Monroe Harbor groups book 3–4 hours. It also works as the last stop on a full-day charter that starts on the Chicago River.
Where do Monroe Harbor charters depart from?
Burnham Harbor is the closest departure. Charters also leave from 31st Street Harbor, Burnham Harbor, and River North Marina (600 W Chicago Ave), depending on your vessel. Use the departure address in your booking confirmation.
Departure information →Can I bring my own food and drinks?
On 13-passenger boats, bring your own food and drinks. Larger vessels offer drinks packages and catering; outside-beverage and food policies vary by vessel. Check the vessel details before packing.
Explore catering →Is a captain included?
Our 13-passenger bareboat charters require guests to hire a separately licensed captain (after checkout, you review our vetted list and pay your captain directly), while all larger yachts include a licensed captain and crew.
Add to your day at Monroe Harbor
Book your Monroe Harbor boat rental, or plan the day with us.
Let us plan it with you.
Want catering, or a pickup or drop-off somewhere other than our dock? Reach out and we'll plan as much of your day as you like.
- Catering Food and drinks waiting on board
- Custom pickup & drop-off River docks, restaurants, anywhere off our route
- Full-day planning We map the whole day, start to finish