Best Charter Boats 2022
Knock Out Charters
Knock Out Charters is a boat cruise and rental service in Chicago specializing in tourism and special events. Captain Chris Connor is a licensed Master Captain and has over 40 years of boating experience. Packages offered are concert tailgating, marriage proposal, sunbathing, swimming, and casino boat specials. Customers can also rent a private charter any day of the week. Former customers speak highly of their friendliness and knowledge of Chicago’s history.
Playin’ Hooky Charters
Playin’ Hooky Charters provides fishing charters for residents and tourists in the Chicago metro area. Captain John Wagner is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and has more than 30 years of fishing experience on Lake Michigan. All necessary equipment is provided and full or half day trips are available. Playin’ Hooky Charters carries all Coast Guard approved safety equipment and life preservers for ultimate security and comfort.
Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Anita Dee Yacht Charters has specialized in customized “private and exclusive” yacht charter services for over 30 years. Their fully equipped boats can accommodate up to 135 or 400 guests and also provide catering and entertainment. Anita Dee Yacht Charters has hosted corporate events, wedding celebrations, social and school events, and special event dates. Former customers speak highly of their friendly and accommodating staff, and catering service.
Fairwind Sail Charters
Fairwind Sail Charters is one of Chicago’s oldest American Sailing Associated schools with almost four decades of experience. Fairwind Sail Charters provides award-winning ASA sailing lessons for students at any level. They also feature a Sailing Yacht Lease Share Program where members can sail their yacht all season long at a fraction of what it costs to rent or own. Former customers speak highly of their dedication to safety, spotless boats, and patience.
Two Brothers Sailing Adventures
Two Brothers Sailing Adventures specializes in boat charters, rentals, and sailing lessons for residents and tourists in the Chicago metro area. Captains Lynda Stephens and Jeff Harris are both U.S. Coast Guard licensed with extensive sailing experience. Packages include cityscape, sunset, off-shore, party, romance, and team building cruises. Former customers speak highly of their knowledge, sense of humor, and competitive prices.
Free Spirit Yacht Cruises
Free Spirit Yacht Cruises provides private yacht charters on Lake Michigan for residents and tourists in the Chicago metro area. This family owned business offers two luxury yachts, one smaller for intimate parties, wedding proposals, and meetings, and the larger yacht which accommodates up to 120 people. Select charter cruises are also available - fireworks, air and water shows, 4th of July, and more. Former customers speak highly of their informative tours, spacious boats, and customer service.
Chicago Sailboat Charters
Chicago Sailboat Charters provides a variety of sailing experiences in the Chicago area. They offer night sailing, firework shows, historical cruises, and swimming and sunbathing sailing trips. Also, weekday daytime sailboat rentals receive a 20 to 30 percent discount. Former customers speak highly of their professionalism and accommodating staff. They provide private sailing, semi-private sails are also available and power boat rentals.
Island Party Boat
Island Party Boat is a charter and rental boat service for residents and tourists in the Chicago metro area. They have six tiki party themed boats which can accommodate groups of 2 to 90 people. Sailboat and Powerboat rentals are also available. Their ticketed cruises offer an up-close view of firework shows or relaxing rides down the Chicago River with a cocktail in hand. Former customers speak highly of their professionalism and friendly crew.
Vantage Yacht Club
Vantage Yacht Club is a boat rental company available for tourists and residents in the Chicago metro area with over five years of experience. Their fleet consists of 7 different boats which can accommodate up to 12 guests. Also, a Vantage Boat Club program is available where members have priority reservations at special rates without long term commitments. Former customers speak highly of their scenic tours, accommodating staff, and spotless boats.
Chicago Line Cruises
Chicago Line Cruises specializes in boat tours throughout Chicago’s historical and architectural sites for over three decades. Owner Terry Johnson and Paul McCarthy are former lawyers who purchased their first boat in 1981 and turned their small business idea into an awarding-winning company. Now they have over ten staff members and have been praised in Time Out Chicago as one of the most engaging tours in the city. Charter boat services are also available which offers a full-service bar, a professional sound system, and more. Former customers speak highly of their knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Party on Boats
Party on Boats specializes in fully customizable events aboard one of their three private luxury yachts for residents and tourists in the Chicago metro area. Owner and captain Greg is licensed by the United States Coast Guard and has 40 years of sailing experience. Party on Boats offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and architectural sightseeing from their outdoor observation decks. They currently hold a five-star rating on Yelp! where customers speak highly of their spotless boats, accommodating staff, and flexibility.
Adventure Sea Tours, Inc.
With nearly three decades of service to the Chicagoland area, Adventure Sea Tours, Inc., offers full-service yacht cruises for private celebrations. The company specializes in hosting events that can include wedding cruises, birthday celebrations, family events, or corporate entertainment cruises. It can accommodate as few as 30 guests or as many as 149 for three to five hours on the water. Guests enjoy views of the Chicago skyline while the celebration is ongoing.
Expert Answers To Common Questions:
- Introduction
- What is a charter boat?
- What does it mean to charter a boat?
- What is the difference between renting and chartering?
- When is the charter yacht season?
- How long does a yacht charter season last?
- How do I charter a yacht?
- How long does a yacht get chartered for?
- How much does it cost to charter a yacht for a day?
- How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Italy?
- How much does it cost to charter a Below Deck yacht?
- Why don\'t you wear shoes on a yacht?
- How much should you tip a charter boat crew?
- How do you charter your own boat?
- Is owning a charter boat worth it?
- How much is insurance for a charter boat?
- Is owning a yacht for charter profitable?
- How do I become a charter boat captain?
- How do I become a first mate on a charter boat?
- Q: Introduction
- A: For those looking to enjoy maximum freedom and luxury on their vacation, boat charters are a perfect choice. With plenty of space onboard to relax and unwind, a wide selection of water sports to choose from, and a number of charter options available, chartering a boat offers one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time on the water. And with a diverse selection of boats available worldwide, clients can explore in the regions they prefer.From sailing around the idyllic harbors in the Mediterranean to island-hopping in the sun-drenched Caribbean, a luxury charter vacation provides a wealth of exciting possibilities.
- Q: What is a charter boat?
- A: A charter boat offers an unbeatable opportunity to experience a luxury yacht without owning a vessel. There are a number of ways to enjoy the charter experience, from chartering with a professional crew to arranging a bareboat charter that allows you to take charge of the craft and hone your sailing skills.
- Q: What does it mean to charter a boat?
- A: Chartering a boat is the practice of hiring a motor or sailing yacht to travel around various island or coastal destinations. While chartering is usually a vacation activity, it's also a great way to host a business or party event. Charter clients can choose between a bareboat charter or skippered charter.
- Q: What is the difference between renting and chartering?
- A: Boat rentals typically last one day and get you just the boat, but chartering a boat gets you an unforgettable experience that lasts anywhere from three days to two weeks or more. Chartered boats are usually larger vessels, such as motor or sailing yachts, and experiences can be customized to suit your needs.
- Q: When is the charter yacht season?
- A: There are two charter yacht seasons: winter and summer. The summer charter season runs from May to October, and the winter season lasts from November to April. These seasons are dictated by the weather. Mediterranean destinations are popular in the summer season, while destinations in the Caribbean, Florida and the Indian Ocean are popular in winter.
- Q: How long does a yacht charter season last?
- A: Yachts can be chartered year-round, and the summer and winter seasons each last for six months. There are also peak and off-peak seasons to consider when planning a charter. During the winter, Christmas and New Years are peak times. During the summer season, July and August are the busiest charter months.
- Q: How do I charter a yacht?
- A: Most charter yacht experiences are arranged through a charter broker. Working with a charter broker provides a truly tailormade experience where clients can customize everything, from requesting a beach party for a special celebration to ordering specific foods and cocktails.
- Q: How long does a yacht get chartered for?
- A: Most people charter a yacht for one or two weeks, with some opting to stay on board for the entire charter season. Shorter charters are also available lasting for three to four days. Charter brokers usually list pricing per week but can give a tailored price quote for charter durations outside of this time frame.
- Q: How much does it cost to charter a yacht for a day?
- A: There are a number of factors that affect the cost of chartering a yacht, such as the size of the vessel, the season, the number of guests and what type of charter you seek. For example, chartering a bareboat yacht will cost significantly less than chartering a crewed yacht. For a luxury superyacht, it's not unheard of to pay $150,000 for one-week charter.
- Q: How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Italy?
- A: The cost to charter a crewed yacht in Italy can range from $6,000 for a smaller vessel to $120,000 for a luxury superyacht. You can expect to pay an advanced provisioning allowance (APA) as well, which can average 30-35% of the charter fee.
- Q: How much does it cost to charter a Below Deck yacht?
- A: Fans of the hit Bravo TV show, Below Deck, may wonder how much it costs to charter one of the superyachts featured on the show. While some of the vessels have changed ownership since the show aired, the typical cost to charter one of these motor yachts is $150,000 per week.
- Q: Why don\'t you wear shoes on a yacht?
- A: When boarding a charter yacht, guests will usually be respectfully asked to take off their shoes before stepping onto the deck. There's a good reason for this. Dirty soles and heels can damage the teak deck of a yacht and leave unsightly marks. Guests may be allowed to wear soft-soled deck shoes.
- Q: How much should you tip a charter boat crew?
- A: While the crew on a charter boat receives a basic wage, they look forward to receiving a tip at the end of each charter. It's typically advised to tip the crew 5-20% of the charter cost.
- Q: How do you charter your own boat?
- A: The most common way to charter your own boat is to lease it to a charter agent company. You may also charter your boat through peer-to-peer lending where you list your boat and rent it privately to other owners. Both methods will involve fees or a commission.
- Q: Is owning a charter boat worth it?
- A: A charter boat can be a worthwhile investment. Owning a boat allows you get out the water whenever the whim takes you. You can also charter your boat through a charter agent and make money during the summer and winter seasons and defray some of the costs of ownership.
- Q: How much is insurance for a charter boat?
- A: To charter your yacht, you need to have a number of policies in place: private insurance, pleasure insurance, and also a bareboat charter extension that provides coverage for you and your clients. The cost of this insurance will depend on the age and size of your boat, where it's moored and other factors.
- Q: Is owning a yacht for charter profitable?
- A: Owning a yacht can be an expensive venture, but when owners turn it into a business opportunity, it can be profitable. Chartering your yacht can help offset the cost of owning it and bring you a profit if you get a lot of bookings during the season.
- Q: How do I become a charter boat captain?
- A: To become a charter boat captain, individuals must have years of relevant maritime experience and extensive training. They will have risen through the ranks to gain captain status. They must also have hands-on experience operating a motor or sailing yacht.
- Q: How do I become a first mate on a charter boat?
- A: The first officer or mate on a yacht is the captain's right-hand person and must have an excellent knowledge of bridge, navigation, and deck procedures. They must also have a thorough knowledge of safety procedures. This role requires at least five years of experience and an Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) license at a minimum.