Lake Michigan Afloat: Private Sea Ray Cruises Out of New Buffalo with a USCG Master Captain

NEW BUFFALO PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE

Lake Michigan Afloat: Private Sea Ray Cruises Out of New Buffalo with a USCG Master Captain

Private charters aboard Sea Ray Express Cruisers or SunDancer boats, helmed by a USCG master captain; options run from two-hour outings to full-day cruises and sunset runs.

Lake Michigan Afloat: Private Sea Ray Cruises Out of New Buffalo with a USCG Master Captain.

Duration
2 Hour - Full Day
Location
New Buffalo
Operator
Oselka Marina
Category
Private
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark from New Buffalo for a private, luxury yacht cruise aboard a Sea Ray Cruiser with a USCG master captain at the helm. The operator offers bookings for intimate groups of friends and family, with outings that range from two-hour excursions to full-day charters or a dedicated sunset cruise on Lake Michigan.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VESSEL

Sea Ray Express Cruisers and SunDancer Boats

The operation advertises luxury yacht cruises aboard Sea Ray Express Cruiser or SunDancer boats, providing the platform for private charters on Lake Michigan.

THE CREW

USCG Master Captain

Each cruise is conducted with a USCG master captain at the helm, offering a guided private experience on the water.

THE OPTIONS

Flexible Durations — Two Hours to a Full Day (Plus Sunset Cruises)

Bookings are available from a two-hour outing up to a full day on the water, with an optional sunset cruise for evening departures.

What the day feels like

What It Feels Like to Be Aboard

The experience centers on a private yacht charter on Lake Michigan: guests board the Sea Ray and spend a curated block of time on the water—whether a brief two-hour cruise, a full-day outing, or a dedicated sunset run—while a USCG master captain manages navigation and safety.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this charter suits — and who it doesn’t.

1
Private GroupsIdeal for small private groups and gatherings: the charter accommodates groups up to the stated passenger capacity.
2
Families with MinorsAppropriate for families, provided that the parent or legal guardian of all minors is present to sign required waivers and any adult members meet operator requirements.
3
Solo RentersNot a fit for single-person pickups intending to collect others later—every adult in the rental party must be present to sign waivers at the time of rental.
4
Groups Near the Capacity LimitSuited to groups comfortable operating within the operator’s passenger limits and safety protocols; organizers should plan accordingly.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Charters can be scheduled from two hours up to a full day; a sunset cruise option is also offered.

What to Bring & Required Forms

All adults in the rental party must be present to sign waivers; the parent or legal guardian of any minors must be present to sign for them.

Extras & Rentals

Tubes, water skis, and wakeboards can be rented and arranged at pick-up (tubes $20–$60, skis $25, wakeboard $30). Note that towing is not allowed with jet ski rentals.

Booking Logistics

The operator enforces security-deposit policies for rentals; expect a pre-authorization hold as part of the booking process.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Can one person show up to rent watercraft and then take it to others at the beach?

No. All people in the rental party at least 18 years old must be present to sign a waiver as well as the parent or legal guardian of all minors under 18.

Is there a security deposit that I'm required to pay?

Yes, a $1,000 security deposit is taken for boat rentals and $500 for jet skis. This is a pre-authorization of a credit card held until the vessel is returned without damage; the operator does not process the card unless necessary.

How far can we take the watercraft?

You are allowed to venture within approximately an 8-mile radius—example limits cited are Michigan City to the west and Lakeside to the east.

Can I rent a tube, water skis, or a wakeboard with the boat?

Yes. Tubes ($20–$60), skis ($25), and wakeboards ($30) can be arranged at the time of pick-up.

Are tubes or skis allowed with the jet ski rentals?

No. Due to safety concerns, there is no towing allowed with jet ski rentals.