Good questions.
Great boat days ahead.

To book online, check yacht availability and rates, choose your preferred date, and select a yacht for your group. For special requests, contact our charter team or call 312-971-0971.

To guarantee your preferred yacht and time slot, we recommend booking your rental months in advance —especially during peak season or for popular events. Planning ahead ensures availability and a smooth, worry-free boating experience. Check availability for your preferred date.

If you experience any issues booking online, please call 312-971-0971 or email contact@knotmyboatcharters.com and our team will be happy to assist.

After booking your charter, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your experience, including your departure time, location, parking info, safety guidelines, and what to bring.

Availability depends on the vessel and departure time. Check live availability; for a last-minute request, call 312-971-0971.

You're welcome to book through third-party websites — just make sure it's one of our verified listings. Booking directly with us usually gives you the best rate and experience!

Charters start at a minimum of three hours, with extended options available based on the vessel and schedule. Check peak-date booking minimums when planning a holiday or popular weekend.

We are open 7 days a week. Chicago's boating season runs from late spring through early fall when conditions are ideal for being on the water, typically April to late October. Availability and peak times may vary depending on weather, special events, and seasonal demand.

All guests are required to sign a quick waiver before boarding. It only takes a minute and helps keep everyone safe and covered. We do encourage guests to do this prior to arrival via their confirmation email.

Peak dates may require 4- or 8-hour booking blocks. Requirements depend on the date and vessel, so check the available blocks when choosing your charter. View your date’s availability before planning your itinerary.

Our fleet offers different yacht sizes, layouts, and service levels. Bareboat rentals suit smaller groups who hire their own captain; COI passenger charters include captain and crew for larger events. Explore the fleet for current vessel details and rates, or see guest capacities.

Our fleet includes Sea Ray yachts and larger passenger vessels, with different seating areas and amenities for your outing. Browse current yachts, photos, capacities, and departure locations.

We're happy to provide video walkthroughs of any of our vessels upon request. Just email us at contact@knotmyboatcharters.com to get started. For in-person walkthroughs, we welcome scheduled visits on our 49-passenger vessels during normal weekday business hours (Please note: Due to high demand and limited access, we're unable to offer in-person walkthroughs on our 13-passenger vessels). Request a vessel walkthrough.

We do not allow overnight rentals of our vessels but you are more than welcome to book for an entire day.

Membership provides seasonal yacht access with docking, fuel, cleaning, maintenance, taxes, insurance, and concierge support included. Food, drinks, and hiring a captain are separate. Explore membership options and current inclusions.

Membership options vary by vessel size and usage allocation. Choose a package based on how often you want to boat and your preferred weekdays or weekends. Compare current memberships with our team to find the right fit.

Members reserve outings against their membership allocation through the member booking portal, where they can view live availability and manage reservations. A one-time charter is booked and paid for individually. Our membership team can also assist by phone, text, or email. Learn about membership.

Pricing depends on the yacht, season, and number of guests. For the most accurate and current rates, check current charter rates or contact our team directly at 312-971-0971. Our Chicago boat rental pricing guide explains the main cost factors.

Our pricing is per boat (not per person) for up to 13 passengers on our bareboat charters and up to 125 passengers on our COI certified passenger charters, depending on the vessel.

We accept all major credit cards, in addition to Zelle, Venmo, ACH, and wire. Please note that we legally cannot accept payment on behalf of your hired Operator/Captain as they are independent contractors that are selected and/or hired by the Charterer. For crew payment, we suggest reaching out to your hired Operator/Captain directly to discuss their preferred mode of payment. See our payment methods and terms.

A booking and payment are required to secure any reservation with Knot My Boat Charters. For Bareboat Charters, 100% payment is due at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. For COI Certified Passenger Charters, we offer deposit schedules and flexible payment plans, allowing you to reserve your date with an initial deposit and pay the remaining balance over time. Please note that reservations are only guaranteed once payment is received and confirmed. Discuss an event-charter payment schedule with our team.

One person will handle payment for the group — it keeps booking simple and secure.

Fuel is included with all Yacht Charters, ensuring a seamless, all-inclusive experience.

Yes! Our ongoing promotion gives new charter customers $100 off their first Chicago yacht charter when they sign up for the Join the Crew newsletter. Enter your email below to sign up for your Knot My Boat Charters promo code. Check the offer details in your email before booking. You can check charter availability and rates while planning your trip.

Offers vary by date and availability. Ask our team about weekday offers, local discounts, and military discounts before booking. Peak dates and prime time slots may be excluded; check the terms of each promotion. See current rates or contact us. New to Knot My Boat Charters? Sign up for our $100 first-charter promo.

Enter your promo code in the "If you have a promo code, enter it here" section during checkout. If you run into any issues, call 312-971-0971 or email contact@knotmyboatcharters.com

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to contact@knotmyboatcharters.com and include your name and charter date. Refund schedule: -30+ days prior to charter: 10% of total charter is non-refundable -15–29 days prior: 50% of total charter is non-refundable -14 days or fewer: 100% of total charter is non-refundable Read the full cancellation and refund policy.

Email contact@knotmyboatcharters.com with your name, charter date, and requested change. Review our cancellation policy for deadlines and fees.

While it is always our goal to go out on the water for your scheduled charter, this ultimately depends if conditions are deemed charterable (safe) or uncharterable (not safe). To prioritize guest safety, Knot My Boat Charters reserves the right to determine whether weather conditions are charterable or uncharterable for operation. Uncharterable conditions typically include, but are not limited to, severe storms, small craft advisories, gale warnings, high winds, or large waves. Light rain, brief passing storms, and cooler temperatures are considered charterable conditions. If weather conditions are deemed uncharterable, our team will work with the Charterer to postpone or reschedule the trip for a later date. In such cases, Knot My Boat Charters will issue a non-expiring rescheduling credit (exclusive of catering) to the Charterer, redeemable toward a future boat rental of equal or lesser value. Read our weather and rescheduling policy.

Weather-related rescheduling credits do not expire, exclude catering, and apply toward a future rental of equal or lesser value. Credits are issued to the charterer. Contact our team to confirm whether your credit can be transferred before making plans for someone else. Read the weather and cancellation policy and rescheduling information.

For our Bareboat Charters (up to 13 passengers), a captain is hired separately by the Charterer. During checkout, you can choose from a list of approved captains familiar with our vessels. You'll also receive email reminders and booking links to make the process quick and easy. Captains typically charge $100–$125 per hour before gratuity, which is paid directly to your captain. For our COI Certified Passenger Charters (Amalfi, Sophisticated Lady, and Montauk), the licensed captain, professional crew, and crew gratuity are included in the charter cost. Learn more about hiring a captain.

For bareboat charters, captains typically charge $100–$125 per hour before gratuity, paid directly to your captain. Confirm your captain’s rate before hiring. Captain, crew, and gratuity are included on our COI passenger charters (Amalfi, Sophisticated Lady, and Montauk).

Your Captain and Crew costs (including gratuity) are already built into your charter price for Amalfi, Sophisticated Lady, and Montauk. However, captains always appreciate additional tips for exceptional service.

For bareboat charters, the customary gratuity is 10–20% of the boat price, rather than the captain’s hourly rate. Pay your captain directly. On our crewed event vessels (Amalfi, Sophisticated Lady, and Montauk), gratuity is already included in your charter price. Additional tips for exceptional service are optional. See captain fees for the separate hourly cost.

For Bareboat Charters (up to 13 passengers), guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol. Each boat includes a cooler, refrigerator, and kitchen or kitchenette for your use. Please avoid glass containers and staining liquids (like red wine or cranberry juice) to prevent damage fees. For safety, stovetops are disconnected, and microwaves work only while docked and on shore power. For COI Certified Passenger Charters, outside food and beverages are not normally permitted. Contact our team in advance about special outside catering requests and vendor fees. These vessels feature full-service bars, staffed bartenders, and customizable food and beverage packages available through our catering and bar packages.

Food and drinks are not automatically included, but we offer great options depending on your charter type. On our COI Certified Passenger Charters, we provide a full food and beverage catering menu with curated options for any occasion — explore our food and beverage menu. On our Bareboat Charters, food and beverages are optional, and we're also BYOB-friendly (we encourage guests to avoid glass containers and staining liquids like red wine to help protect the vessel's flooring and upholstery).

Yes — we partner with a trusted caterer that handles all food and beverage orders for both Bareboat and COI Certified Passenger Charters. They're familiar with our vessels and can provide dockside delivery for Bareboat Charters, as well as full-service catering and bar packages for COI Certified Passenger Charters. View charter catering options.

Our private yacht catering services are fully customizable to accommodate dietary restrictions, preferences, and themed menus. Whether it's vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, or other special requests, our team works closely with top chefs to ensure a premium dining experience for all guests.

We pride ourselves on having our own in house catering options including sandwiches, platters, hors d'oeuvres, stationed buffets, and desserts. For special outside catering requests we do charge an outside vendor fee. Please contact our team at contact@knotmyboatcharters.com for more information.

Drink packages are priced per person, per hour. See current beverage packages or email our events team for a quote.

All of our yachts feature upgraded Bluetooth sound systems, restrooms, and comfortable seating areas. Bareboat Charters include guest-accessible kitchens or kitchenettes private coolers, and optional add-ons like lily pads, available during checkout. COI Certified Passenger Charters come with fully staffed crews, bartenders, full-service bars, and food & beverage options for a complete, all-inclusive experience.

A bathroom is available onboard for guests to use while the boat is underway.

Bareboat rentals include a cooler and refrigerator; please bring your own ice for drinks and snacks. Ice and water are provided on COI passenger charters.

Our Bareboat Charter vessels feature a well-equipped kitchen or kitchenette, allowing you to prepare and enjoy your own meals onboard. Each yacht includes convenient amenities designed for comfort and ease during your Chicago boating experience (Please note: stovetops are disconnected for safety, and microwaves are only available while connected to shore power or using generator power.) Our COI Certified Passenger Charters, however, do not include guest-accessible kitchens, as these vessels are designed for catered, full-service experiences. For these charters, we offer a comprehensive food and beverage catering menu for dining on the water.

All of our vessels are equipped with premium, upgraded bluetooth sound systems for guests to connect to and enjoy while underway.

Some of our boats have USB ports and chargers — though we recommend bringing a portable charger just in case.

We recommend everyone bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a phone for photos and music. For Bareboat Charters, you're welcome to bring your own drinks, ice, and snacks—we're BYOB-friendly. Each boat has a cooler, fridge, and restroom, but please avoid glass and staining liquids like red wine. For COI Certified Passenger Charters, BYOB is not allowed; ice and water are provided, and catering options are available. We do not provide luggage lockers. Bring only the personal belongings you need for your outing; storage space is available onboard.

Certain items aren't allowed onboard to keep the vessel safe and clean. Avoid bringing red wine, glitter, feather boas, silly string, or anything that can stain or shed. Glass containers are also not permitted. Per Chicago Harbor rules, drugs, weapons, and anything with open flames, gas, or propane are strictly prohibited.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best for your boating experience. Light layers, non-slip shoes, and sun protection like hats or sunglasses are recommended. Swimwear is perfect if you plan to take a dip, and for evening cruises, bring a light jacket as it can get cooler on the water.

Our highest priority is providing a safe boat rental experience for all of our guests. Consisting of industry professionals, our team will educate you on water safety essentials from the time of booking to your departure. All vessels meet and exceed USCG safety equipment standards, undergo regular preventative maintenance, and are disinfected between uses.

Children 13 years and younger are required to wear a life jacket at all times.

We provide insurance that extends to the charterer, so you're covered during your outing. If you'd like additional coverage, you're welcome to arrange your own policy.

For everyone's comfort, safety, and to protect the vessel's flooring and finishes, smoking is highly discouraged on our Bareboat Charters and not permitted on our COI Certified Passenger Charters.

You don't need a boating license or permit to rent or be a passenger on one of our boats—our team handles all of that so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. For bareboat charters, the Charterer hires their own licensed captain. We make this easy by providing access to a list of 25+ qualified captains who are familiar with our vessels. For COI Certified Passenger Charters, the captain and crew are included in the charter cost and assigned by our team as part of our U.S. Coast Guard–inspected operations.

Please bring a valid photo ID if you're the one renting the vessel.

We allow children on board. Please note that they do count toward the total capacity, and ages 13 or younger must wear a life jacket at all times. We encourage parents to bring infant-sized or appropriately fitted life jackets; if you would like to use ours, please let us know beforehand so we can have them ready. The charterer must be at least 21, but passengers have no minimum age. Strollers are welcome; allow for the space they take up onboard.

All of our charters are private. You will only be with your own group of friends and family.

We love animals, however, to ensure their safety, we do not allow them on board unless they are service animals. All service animals need to have a life jacket worn on board.

If you are pregnant, injured, or have a medical condition, consult your doctor about whether a charter is suitable for you. Contact our team before booking to discuss boarding, mobility, and comfort needs.

Some guests experience motion sickness. If you are concerned, ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist about suitable options before your trip. Let your captain know if you feel unwell onboard.

Our facilities are accessible, and while boats can be challenging for wheelchairs or mobility devices, our team always does its best to assist and make boarding as smooth as possible. Please note that we do not have ADA accessible ramps for boarding. Discuss your boarding and accessibility needs with our team before booking.

The hired Captain/Crew underneath the charterer are not considered passengers.

For our Bareboat Charters, the maximum capacity is 13 people - that's 1 Charterer (the renter) + up to 12 passengers. The hired captain and crew do not count toward this limit. This includes all of our Sea Rays at 31st Street Harbor. For our COI Certified Passenger Charters, the maximum capacity is up to 125 passengers plus crew, depending on the vessel. This includes vessels at Burnham Harbor, including our 57′ Power Catamaran and 72′ Classic Chris-Craft, both certified for larger private and corporate events. Compare yacht capacities and layouts to choose a vessel for your group.

31st Street Harbor is our lakefront departure location for 13-guest bareboat rentals, at 3155 S. Lake Shore Drive. Check your confirmation for meeting instructions, and allow extra time for parking and the walk to the dock.

Burnham Harbor is a lakefront departure location near the Museum Campus, at 1559 S. Lake Shore Drive. Check your vessel’s confirmation for the meeting point and arrival instructions.

We highly recommend using ride-sharing or car services due to limited and/or costly parking. Traffic around the harbors can be significant, especially on holidays or summer weekends. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure (45 minutes on holidays) to allow ample time to walk from drop-off or parking to our dock, check in, get settled, and depart on time.

Yes — public parking options are available at both of our harbors. For Bareboat Charters (31st Street Harbor, 3155 S. Lake Shore Dr.), public parking is located across the street at 641 E. 31st Street. For COI Certified Passenger Charters (Burnham Harbor, 1559 S. Lake Shore Dr.), paid parking is available in the South Lot inside the harbor cul-de-sac, except during concerts, special events, or game days. We strongly encourage ride-share or car services for all guests to avoid parking delays and ensure easy drop-off and pickup.

If you're running late for your charter, please first contact your captain, then call 312-971-0971 as soon as possible so our team can assist and advise on next steps.

Some passenger charters depart from 600 W Chicago Ave on the Chicago River. This is a different departure point from our lakefront harbors. Check your booking confirmation for your vessel’s exact meeting location before arranging transportation.

We cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, offering a mix of skyline views and calm waterways. Popular destinations on Lake Michigan include the Chicago Playpen, Navy Pier, Monroe Harbor, and Buckingham Fountain to name a few.

Chicago's most popular boating destinations include the lively Playpen, scenic Monroe Harbor, and the iconic Chicago River. Each offers a unique experience, from social gatherings and skyline views to sightseeing among the city's famous architecture. Please note that the Chicago River can be busy Friday through Sunday, which may cause about an hour's wait at the lock.

Yes — all of our boats except the 72' Classic Chris Craft (COI Certified Passenger Charter) can travel on the Chicago River. This includes all Bareboat Charters (up to 13 passengers) and our 49-passenger 57' Power Catamaran. Please note that passing through the Chicago Locks may take up to 45 minutes each way during busy times, which may reduce your time on the water. If you plan to visit the river, please notify Knot My Boat Charters and your Captain in advance so your itinerary can be adjusted accordingly. Explore our Chicago River charter guide to plan your route.

All boats except our 72ft Classic Chris Craft are able to drop off on the river. Please contact our team to schedule a Downtown Docks reservation at contact@knotmyboatcharters.com.

All boats except our 72ft Classic CHris Craft are able to drop off at Navy Pier. Please contact our team to schedule a Downtown Docks reservation at contact@knotmyboatcharters.com.

Travel time from the harbor to Navy Pier or The Playpen is typically between 30–40 minutes, depending on boat traffic.

Passing through the locks can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on boat traffic and lock operations. See our Chicago River cruising guide for itinerary planning.

Yes — swimming is allowed on all of our boats except the 72′ Classic Chris-Craft. Guests may swim during daylight hours when water conditions are safe. Swimming is not allowed after sunset or in unsafe conditions, and we ask that you always follow your captain's instructions for swimming instructions & safety.

Under U.S. Coast Guard bareboat charter regulations, it's unlawful for vessels to exceed the 13-passenger capacity, and tying up multiple boats can increase the risk of violating those limits while also voiding our insurance coverage. For larger groups, we recommend booking either a COI passenger charter for larger groups or multiple Bareboat Charter vessels (and anchoring at least 75 ft away guests can swim or float between boats, but not board another chartered vessel). This approach keeps everyone safe and ensures full compliance with Coast Guard requirements.

Our experiences are all about cruising and relaxing — fishing isn't permitted on our charters due to permitting restrictions in the state of Illinois.

Lily pads are available to rent for our 13-person bareboat charters — they're a guest favorite for lounging in the water.

Yes, including Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Holiday dates are popular, so reserve early and check the available booking blocks for your chosen vessel. Check holiday availability.

We're open and celebrating all 4th of July weekend with unforgettable boating experiences on Lake Michigan. Enjoy Chicago's Independence Day fireworks from the best seat in the city—aboard a private yacht surrounded by skyline views and music. Read our Fourth of July boat rental guide and check holiday availability.

Fireworks charters are available during the summer fireworks season. Schedules can change, so check your date before booking. Explore Navy Pier fireworks cruises.

You can absolutely celebrate your birthday onboard with a private yacht party in Chicago. Enjoy skyline views, customized itineraries, and a personalized setup for an unforgettable experience. Check birthday charter availability.

Our bachelorette party boat rentals are perfect for celebrating on the water in style. Dance, toast, and cruise with your crew while enjoying Chicago's skyline and premium onboard amenities. Check bachelorette charter availability. Plan a bachelorette yacht party.

Our luxury yachts are a unique venue for weddings — from intimate ceremonies to full receptions on Lake Michigan. We offer customizable wedding yacht packages including catering, music, and decorations. Our experienced staff will work with you to create a magical day, whether it's a sunset cruise or a daytime celebration. Explore our event yacht options and ask our team about your wedding plans.

Yes. We host client entertainment, team-building outings, and company celebrations, with larger event vessels and catering options. Capacity varies by yacht; our team can help plan the right setup for your group. Explore corporate charters and request a proposal.

We do not provide a microphone. If you'd like to address your group with a speech, please bring a Bluetooth-compatible device for connection.

Please submit a list of any decorations for approval prior to your charter. Items such as glitter, confetti, feathered boas, or open flame items (fireworks, sparklers, candles) are not allowed. Balloons, cakes, costumes, props, watertoys, and flowers are welcome. Depending on other bookings, we cannot always guarantee early boarding to set up decorations before your start time.

If you've misplaced an item during your charter, please call 312-971-0971 or email contact@knotmyboatcharters.com for assistance. Contact our team about a lost item.

We'd love to hear from you — leave us a review on Google or share your experience on social media!

We do not provide photography services. Guests are welcome to bring their own cameras.

Yes, guests are welcome to bring a camera or phone to capture their outing.