CHICAGO BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Own the Lake: Private Bareboat Charter Aboard Soulshine off Chicago’s Waterfront
A customizable 4–8 hour private charter aboard a 2003 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer for up to 12 guests, run with a USCG‑licensed captain you select and pay directly.
Own the Lake: Private Bareboat Charter Aboard Soulshine off Chicago’s Waterfront.
From a sun‑soaked cockpit to a full cabin and premium marine audio, Soulshine is a private Sea Ray that puts Chicago’s skyline and the open lake within your control. Rent the boat for a 4–8 hour term, choose and contract directly with a USCG‑licensed captain, provision and fuel per your agreement, and direct the day as if the vessel were yours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
2003 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer — comfort and sound
Soulshine features a sun‑soaked cockpit, a full cabin and premium marine audio, configured to accommodate up to 12 guests for a private day on the water.
Bareboat freedom with a licensed captain you choose
This is a bareboat charter: during your booked term the vessel is yours to command. For safety, every charter must be operated by a USCG‑licensed captain whom you select and hire directly; Lakeside Chicago does not supply or pay your captain.
Lakefront skyline and open‑water views
Your day centers on Chicago’s lakefront — cruising out from your slip onto the open lake with skyline vistas as the backdrop for a personalized itinerary and on‑board comforts.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You arrive at the designated Chicago lakefront slip, board Soulshine with your group and the USCG‑licensed captain you arranged, and take possession of the vessel for the term you booked. Over a 4–8 hour charter you set the pace — cruising close to the skyline, heading into open water, and arranging fuel and provisions according to your agreement — while the captain you engaged handles the helm and safety.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits — and when it’s less ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You must arrange and bring a USCG‑licensed captain (or hire one from Lakeside’s list of independent captains) and plan fuel and provisioning per your agreement; payment to the captain is arranged directly between you and the captain.
Reserve your term and sign the bareboat charter agreement; slip location and arrival instructions are sent with booking confirmation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a typical charter?
Charters run between 4 and 8 hours.
How many guests can Soulshine accommodate?
The vessel accommodates up to 12 guests.
Do you provide the captain?
No. Every charter is operated by a USCG‑licensed captain whom you select and engage directly; Lakeside can provide a list of independent licensed captains, but does not supply, assign, or pay them.
Who handles fuel and provisioning?
Fuel and provisioning are arranged per your agreement and are the charterer’s responsibility.
Where do I meet for boarding?
Boarding is at a Chicago lakefront slip; your specific slip location and arrival details are sent with your booking confirmation.
What does 'bareboat charter' mean for this trip?
A bareboat charter means that for the term you book the vessel is yours to direct; you decide how the day runs while a USCG‑licensed captain you hired operates the helm.