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. The Collection does not supply, select, assign, or pay your captain, and is not aboard during your charter.
For safety and insurance, every Collection 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 The Collection 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.
Soulshine is our flagship — meticulously maintained and provisioned the way you'd provision your own.
Our flagship bareboat charter. A 42-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.
Dock to deck — exterior, helm, salon, galley, and onboard amenities.
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.
Hourly rates on Soulshine. Fuel, dockage, and gratuity added at booking.
All The Collection Charters depart on Chicago's lakefront on Chicago's lakefront. Parking, complimentary check-in, and a private boarding lounge are arranged on arrival.
No — the captain is separate. For safety and insurance, every Collection charter must be run by a USCG-licensed captain. You choose your own licensed captain, contract and pay them directly. We can provide a referral list if you need one.
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.
Our yachts are equipped with built-in Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to play your preferred playlist for an enhanced experience.
Once the yacht is anchored, guests are permitted to swim in designated areas. Each yacht is equipped with a minimum of 14 U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for safety.
Guests may cruise the Chicago River, but all vessels must pass through the Chicago Locks, which may take up to an hour each way. This can significantly reduce your charter time if you go on a high-traffic day. To ensure a smooth experience, please notify us and your hired captain in advance. Please note, we do not offer Chicago River cruises on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings due to high boat traffic.
Guests typically choose from three popular options: The Chicago Playpen: Anchor and swim in Chicago's most famous boating spot. Skyline Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along Lake Michigan, taking in Chicago's breathtaking skyline. Chicago River: Experience the beauty of the Chicago River's iconic architecture.
We allow children on board. Please note that they do count toward the total capacity, and children 13 years old 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.
Chicago Licensed captains typically charge between $100-$150 per hour, depending on their experience and availability. Gratuity is not included in their rates but is highly recommended at 15%-20% of the captain's total fee. Payments can be made directly to your captain via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow ample time for parking, walking to the dock, checking in, and getting settled. On holidays or peak summer weekends, guests should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes in advance to accommodate potential traffic or parking delays.
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 The Collection 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 The Collection. Maximum 12 guests.