Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of www.lakefrontboating.com and the charter, rental, and membership services offered by Lakefront Boating. By visiting our website, submitting a reservation, or participating in a charter, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our website or book a charter with us.

Reservations are made through third-party reservation and booking technology. Your reservation is confirmed only when you receive a booking confirmation. Rates, availability, minimum charter durations, and applicable taxes and fees are presented during the booking process.

Payment is processed by third-party payment providers. You are responsible for ensuring that the payment and contact information you provide is accurate and complete.

All charters are bareboat charters and require a USCG-licensed captain. Captains are contracted separately from your vessel reservation and are not employees of Lakefront Boating. Guests should budget approximately $100–$125 per hour for the captain, and a 10-20% tip is customary.

The captain or vessel operator has final authority over the safe operation of the vessel, including the route taken, the conduct of guests aboard, and whether the charter may proceed, continue, or return to the dock.

Guest capacity limits are set for each vessel and may not be exceeded under any circumstances. All guests must follow the instructions of the captain and any applicable safety briefing at all times.

Illegal substances, unsafe behavior, and any conduct that endangers guests, crew, the vessel, or other vessels are strictly prohibited. Guests who are consuming alcohol must be of legal drinking age. The captain may end a charter early, without refund, if guest conduct creates a safety risk or violates applicable law.

Charter time begins at the scheduled departure time and ends at the scheduled return time. Guests should arrive at Diversey Harbor, 2601 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 (Dock i) in advance of departure so the charter can leave on schedule.

Late arrivals reduce the remaining charter time and do not extend the scheduled return time or entitle guests to a refund for unused time.

The safety of our guests is our top priority. The vessel owner or hired operator has the authority to determine whether weather conditions are charterable or uncharterable. If your charter is canceled due to uncharterable weather, we will issue a credit for the full amount of your booking, which can be applied toward a future charter and which does not expire.

Light rain, passing storms, and cooler temperatures are generally considered charterable and do not qualify for a weather credit. Our full weather policy is available on our Weather Policy page.

Cancellation and rescheduling terms are presented at the time of booking and are governed by the policies shown during the reservation process. Guest-initiated cancellations and no-shows may be subject to charges or may be non-refundable.

Lakefront Boating may cancel or reschedule a charter due to weather, mechanical issues, harbor conditions, captain availability, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, guests will be offered a credit toward a future charter or a refund of amounts paid for the affected reservation.

Guests are responsible for loss or damage to the vessel, its equipment, or its furnishings caused by the guest or members of the guest party, including damage resulting from negligence or misuse. Excessive cleaning requirements may result in an additional cleaning charge.

Lakefront Boating is not responsible for personal property that is lost, damaged, or left aboard a vessel.

Boating and other on-water activities involve inherent risks. By participating in a charter, guests acknowledge and accept these risks. Guests may be required to sign a waiver, liability release, or similar agreement before boarding, and any such agreement is in addition to these Terms and Conditions.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the supervision and conduct of minors aboard the vessel at all times.

Membership programs are subject to separate membership agreements that describe the applicable term, season, rates, usage, and booking rules. In the event of a conflict between a membership agreement and these Terms and Conditions, the membership agreement controls for matters it addresses.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Lakefront Boating and its owners, members, employees, and agents are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your use of our website or participation in a charter. Our total liability relating to a reservation will not exceed the amount paid for that reservation.

Nothing in these terms limits any liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

All content on this website, including text, photographs, graphics, and logos, is the property of Lakefront Boating or its licensors and may not be copied, reproduced, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.

You agree not to use our website in any manner that interferes with its operation, attempts unauthorized access, or violates applicable law.

Our website and booking process rely on third-party services, including reservation platforms, payment processors, analytics providers, and independent captains. Those services are governed by their own terms and policies, and Lakefront Boating is not responsible for their content, availability, or practices.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of these terms or our services will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois.

Lakefront Boating reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any revisions will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our website following the posting of changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.