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PLAN YOUR VISIT

For your next event, bring your friends out for some serious fun aboard our captained boats!  Play your favorite jams, snap incredible pics, enjoy games on board & celebrate life out on the water!

 

400 East Monroe Street

Monroe Harbor, Dock G11

Chicago, IL  60603

 

Email: info@tailgatethelake.com

 

Phone: 833-733-2563

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Tailgate The Lake Boat Charters place picture
4.9
Based on 59 reviews
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Owen Johnson profile pictureOwen Johnson
00:04 22 Sep 24
Absolutely lovely experience! Our crew was wonderful - professional and very welcoming. Had a great time!
Jordan Harvey profile pictureJordan Harvey
02:33 21 Aug 24
Troy was super easy to work with; very communicative, kind and excited about his work. He and the team went over and above for our group. I’d highly recommend booking here!
Amy Jean Saulnier profile pictureAmy Jean Saulnier
21:36 18 Aug 24
The best!!!! Thank you so much. Had drinks & ice & everything
rgracet profile picturergracet
18:05 09 Aug 24
Such a fun boat ride around Chicago! Charles and Matt were awesome! Highly recommend!
Cory Mygrant profile pictureCory Mygrant
18:04 09 Aug 24
Charles and Matt were great !!
Bridgid Regnier profile pictureBridgid Regnier
15:56 03 Aug 24
Our parent night out with Tailgate The Lake (TTL) was fantastic! The captain and crew provided us with beautiful skyline views of the city, we anchored in a great spot where the lake was calmer to swim & float, and TTL had coolers & tables for us to easily set up our spread. We even got to hear some tunes playing at Lolllapalooza. We will definitely be booking again!
Sara Midura Smith profile pictureSara Midura Smith
18:24 27 Jul 24
My friend group has done many different kinds of boat charters around the country and this one was by far the most organized and supportive experience we have ever had! Captain Matt and Captain Charlie were fantastic, fun, and anticipated our every need! Troy was phenomenal with communication from start to finish, and contacted my proactively the week of to confirm all details. We did not have any unanswered questions, including how to get there, knowing that there are coolers and a bathroom on board. This was perfect for our bachelorette party, but would be phenomenal for any large party group! We 100% recommend!
Steven Beno profile pictureSteven Beno
07:46 03 Jun 24
WOW, what a fun day on the water. From start to finish the experience was great. Troy was amazing to work with in booking a charter for my family and some friends. He was quick to respond and made everything seamless, as a day on the water should be. When we arrived at the dock, Captain Jerry and crew were waiting and quick to help us with getting our food and drinks in the coolers. Captain Jerry was funny and very accommodating asking what we would like to do from cruising the harbors for some great city photos or going to the play to anchor and swim, to getting us set up with the blue tooth to play the music of our choice. We did it all. When we did anchor, the crew set up a table for us to play some drinking games and put out food while setting up a swim pad and providing noodles for us to float around with in the water. From start to finish the 3 hours was well worth it for my family and friends. I had 17 people this time but they have bigger boats that can accommodate more and I will definitely make sure I invite more people on my next charter I book with them
Jeff G profile pictureJeff G
18:03 02 Jun 24
Couldn’t ask for a better 40th bday! Such an incredible time and felt like we were in great hands. Just told a few family members who are visiting this summer, that this is a MUST. Cheers to Troy for helping ring in an unforgettable bday while keeping us safe!
Katie Street profile pictureKatie Street
18:42 16 Aug 21
We can’t say enough great things about our boat trip with Troy, Jerry & Steve!! It was our favorite part of our trip to Chicago. They accommodated our trip requests and had the boat stocked with coolers and floats! Will recommend and book again!

ABOUT US

 

Tailgate The Lake Charters is owned and operated by experienced and fun licensed charter captains, and we welcome you and your guests aboard our fleet of charter boats for a safe & fun experience out on the water!

 

We believe boating is a culture ~ it's bringing people together, toasting to good times, singing along to your favorite jams, taking amazing pics & vids and simply celebrating life!

 

Cheers to making memories together!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do all Tailgate The Lake charter boats include a licensed captain?
Absolutely yes! All of our boats come with a licensed captain & a deckhand to ensure everyone is well taken care of! Our boats are inspected and approved for commercial use by the U.S. Coast Guard, and all documentation is on board & renewed each year!
How do I leave gratuity for the crew?
15% – 20% cash tips for the captain and first mate are customary and appreciated! Venmo is also easy and available for tipping!
BYOB?
Yes! We supply coolers & ice ~ you bring the beverages and snacks.
What is included on our charters?
All boats include coolers & ice, beer pong & flip cup table, blue tooth sound system, aqua mat & noodles for swimming, and a bathroom. Also included are cups, ping pong balls, soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels and toilet paper.
How long does each charter last?
3 hours
How do I book a boat?
It’s simple! Right on our home page, click the book now button below the video. You can also call us at 833-733-2563 and we’ll pick a day and and time that works best for your group!
Where do we board?
Click here for a dock map: Our dock location is on the lakefront just north of the Chicago Yacht Club. Simply Uber/LYFT to 400 E Monroe Street (Chicago Yacht Club), then walk north on the bike path around the first set of docks. You’ll see a cement dock that goes straight out with wooden poles on both sides. Our boats depart from that dock.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes! All Tailgate The Lake charter boats have a bathroom.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes! In accordance with the Coast Guard regulations, we carry a life jacket for every passenger on board, along with all required safety equipment.
What if it rains?
No problem at all ~ we will take care of you and your guests! Weather happens, and technically we do operate rain or shine as our boats are fully covered with canvas, but if our captain cancels a charter due to severe weather or high seas, your charter will be rescheduled or refunded.
What is the cancellation policy for other than weather?
We understand things come up, and also please understand that we have to keep a schedule with captains, crews and dock rotations, so we keep it simple and fair for everyone:

30 days out = full refund.

Inside 30 days = no reschedule or refunds.
Are kids allowed to ride?
Yes! All of our boats are private charters and all are welcome!
Is there parking?
We recommend taking an Uber/LYFT, but yes there is convenient parking available at the Millennium Lakeside garage (east exit).
Is smoking allowed?
No smoking on our boats.

For any additional questions, please feel free to
call us at 833-733-2563 or email us at info@tailgatethelake.com

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

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