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Bad Beaches Only
Bad Beaches Only
About Us
Our Vessel
Gallery
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FAQs
Contact
Bad Beaches Only
Bad Beaches Only
About Us
Our Vessel
Gallery
Book Us
Pricing
FAQs
Contact
About Us
Our Vessel
Gallery
Book Us
Pricing
FAQs
Contact

Frequently asked questions

WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?

A $500 non-refundable security deposit is due to secure your boat rental (date and time-slot). Balance of payment is due via Zelle 48 hours prior to departure time. Captain fees are due at time of departure or the set time arranged with Captain.

What is the refund policy?

You may receive a refund of the payment balance (security deposit not included) within 5 days of reservation. Full refund (security deposit included) is given for coast guard wave warning or other severe weather conditions as determined by your Captain.

What TIme do we have to show up prior to departure?

Make a grand entrance at the D-dock 15 minutes before showtime! One of our crew or your trusty captain will be waiting at the gate to greet you. For a smooth trip, we recommend arriving even earlier to dodge any unexpected bumps. WE WILL DEPART AT YOUR BOOKED CHARTER TIME.

What if I am running late, can I adjust the departure TIme?

Unfortunately, departure TImes are not adjustable. You will be limited to the remainder of your booking TIme. In some instances, you may extend your charter booking if the vessel and Captain are available for an extended TIme. Please contact your captain if you think you are going to be late. Of course your captain will wait for you if you are late, but they may still have to return to the dock at the scheduled time. To completely avoid this issue, we suggest that you plan to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of your charter.

IS THERE A CAPTAIN ON BOARD?

yes, a captain will always be on board. captains are like the vip driver steering the boat. for recreational charters, a uscg captain is handpicked from a pre-approved list of captains.

how do I make a reservation?

book your spot at www.badbeachesonlyboating.com, dial or text us at 312-971-0334, drop us a line at badbeachesonlyboating@gmail.com, or even slide into our dmS FOR THAT EXCLUSIVE VIP EXPERIENCE!

CAN WE BRING FOOD AND DRINKS?

SURE THING! THE KEY TO A HAPPY BOATING EXPERIENCE IS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE. STICK TO EASY-TO-EAT GOODIES LIKE SANDWICHES, FRUITS, AND BITE-SIZED SNACKS THAT WON’T SEND YOU OVERBOARD. OH, AND REMEMBER TO LEAVE THE RED WINE AND GLASS CONTAINERS AT HOME, UNLESS THEY’RE WHITE WINE OR CHAMPAGNE - THOSE ARE BOAT-FRIENDLY!

WHERE WE CAN GO?

YOUR TRUSTY CAPTAIN IS LIKE A WEATHER WIZARD, CRAFTING A BOATING ADVENTURE TAILORED TO YOUR WHIMS AND THE DAY’S MOOD. WHETHER IT’S A LEISURELY SHORELINE CRUISE OR A THRILLING VOYAGE INTO THE OPEN WATERS OR EVEN VENTURING OVER TO THE FAMOUSLY KNOWN PLAYPEN, EACH CHARTER PROMISES A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. WITH THEIR INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR boats and the lake’s quirks, our captains are all set to steer you towards the ultimate lake faring delight, remaining mindful of the waves and wind!

Do you have a bathroom on board?

Yes, our boats have bathrooms.

Should we still show up at the harbor if the forecast is for rain?

Yes, please show up on time unless your captain contacts you asking you to do otherwise. Captains will use the current and predictive radar, as well as the marine forecast to determine if a charter will go out for the day.

Are children allowed on the boat?

Sure thing! Please make sure to note the number of children that will be joining the adventure, just to ensure we're all on the same page. It's all about keeping a good balance of grown-ups to kiddos for a smooth boating experience!

Can I extend the charter if I am having a great time?

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND YOUR CHARTER TIME PLEASE REACH OUT TO US ASAP. IF THE BOAT AND CAPTAIN ARE AVAILABLE TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR GROUP WE WILL CONFIRM AND REQUEST PAYMENT IMMEDIATELY. EXTENSION MUST BE PAID BEFORE ORIGINAL CHARTER TIME ENDS.

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

  • We are located at 31st Street Harbor at 3155 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60616. Guests may arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Taxi, Uber/LyFT, or vehicle drop offs can be done near the 31ST Street Harbor main entrance at 31st & Lake Shore Drive.

  • Guests may park at either the 31st Street Harbor indoor parking lot garage located within the harbor at 3155 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL (click HERE for rates) or at the outdoor parking lot located at 641 East 31st Street Chicago, IL (click HERE for rates). The outdoor parking lot is located on the south side of 31st Street just west of Lake Shore Drive. However, we strongly encourage shared ride services, taxis or drop offs.

items to consider for a successful boat charter

  • Food/snacks

  • Beverages/Liquor

  • Cups, napkins, plates, ice, etc

  • Beach Towel

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat & sunglasses

  • Your favorite music playlist

  • Phone power bank

  • pedicure ahead of time—no shoes on the boat

keep in mind….

  • No shoes on the boat

  • You reserved a block of time. If you are late arriving, that does not extend your block of time.  Your boat rental still ends at the agreed upon time per contract.  

  • No smoking periodT.  

  • Respect your captain at all times.  That means listen to them when they are speaking, follow their instructions and rules.  Do not instruct them on how to drive the boat.  Treat them like you would your most cherished love one!

  • Drink, have fun, and be merry

  • No running on the boat or on the deck - This is not a track and you are not Usain Bolt

  • Get in the water at your own risk

  • You break it, you bought it (e.g. tables, couches, radio, bathroom, floaties, anything that is not in the condition you found it will be charged to the card on file)

  • No Party Pooping (literally and figuratively)  

  • Do not flush anything that is not urine (that includes tampons, pads, and poop)  SEE ABOVE.  

  • For the 3rd time - Put tissue, tampons, pads, etc. in trash can.  NOT in TOILET.  If you flush anything besides pee-pee there will be a $250 fine.  Don’t let your behind cause you a fine!

  • Follow us on social media and tell all your friends.  If they or you book directly through us we will offer a special discount.  

  • Go to the bathroom at the harbor before take-off.  Even if you think you don’t have to go. 

    Go!  Pee before you leave!

  • IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING!

  • Have fun! Come back! Love y’all, ok bye!

Contact us

(312) 971 0334

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Name *
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Thank you for your interest in renting the boat! We will get to get back to you shortly.

Bad beaches only is a Boat Charter Company located in Chicago, IL. Made with Squarespace

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312-971-0334

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