Chicago Boat Tours and Trips
About
Our History
Knock Out Charters was born in 2007 when Captain Chris Connor realized that there wasn’t a Boat Charter company in Chicago that treated customers in the way he felt they should. It’s a philosophy that has made Knock Out Charters an award winning company that continues to be the best at what it does in Chicago.
Your Experience
From the moment you first discover us until you step onto the docks and are greeted by our friendly staff you will understand that we want your Charter to be the best day of the summer for you and your guests. We want you to be as happy as we are to be enjoying Lake Michigan and the spectacular views of Chicago from both the Lake and The Chicago River.
The Captain
With over 55 years of boating experience and a deep connection to Lake Michigan, Captain Chris is more than just a navigator- he’s a storyteller, a steward of the water, and a passionate host. His love for boating is evident in every cruise, from the way he expertly guides the vessel to the enthusiasm he shares with every guest on board. Whether on the lake or in the Chicago River, Captain Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, a warm personality, and a commitment to unforgettable experiences on the water.
How do I book a charter?
To review and book inline, please click here. For special requests, please contact our office or send us an email.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
- Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance, deposit will not be refunded.
- Cancellations more than 24 hours, deposit will be refunded.
- In the case of weather-related cancellations by Knock Out Charters, customers will be offered opportunity to re-schedule or be refunded their deposit.
How do I hire a captain and how much does it cost?
There is never a captain’s fee with Knockout Charters. Pricing for the captain and first mate are included in the listing for each vessel.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, ACH and wire, as well as cash.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuity is not included. Industry standard is 15-25% of the total cost of the cruise.
What’s included for each cruise?
Each cruise includes the boat, captain and crew. Our vessels have life vests, floats, complimentary bottled water, ice, coolers, bluetooth stereo system, restroom, cutlery, plates and cups for use as needed. If you have any specific needs or requests, please contact us prior to or let us know while booking for consideration.
What should I bring on board?
All cruises are BYOB/F. Please bring any drinks, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses or any personal items you’d like to enjoy during your cruise. If you plan on swimming, please bring towels.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, our boats are equipped with restrooms for your convenience.
How long should we book our cruise for?
Knockout Charters has a 2 hour minimum for custom cruises, most cruises are booked between 2-4 hours. For River cruises we typically recommend at least 3 hours as we have to pass through the Chicago Locks to get there. If you have any specific needs regarding duration please contact us directly so we can ensure the best experience.
Where do cruises depart from?
Our cruises depart from DuSable Harbor. Please click here for a map view and address of our dock. Custom pick up and drop offs are available for an additional charge, please contact us for more information.
What happens if the weather is unfavorable?
We monitor weather conditions closely and will keep you informed. As they say in Chicago, if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it’ll change. We strive to give you as much notice as possible, final safety calls are made 2 hours before departure. If the weather conditions are deemed unsafe for the cruise to take place, we offer hassle free cancellations or rescheduling.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age to rent our boats. Must have a valid credit card.
Can I bring my own food/beverages?
Yes, all cruises are BYOB/F.
Do you offer food and beverage catering?
We do work with several third-party caterers that are familiar with both food and beverage catering for pick-up and delivery orders. Please reach out to the Knockout Charters team to learn more about our preferred caterers.
Can I bring my pet?
Knockout Charters is pet friendly. Please let us know in advance so we can ensure proper accommodations for your fur family. Please note that unless your pet has been on a boat before, it’s probably not a good idea. Not all pets respond well to being on the water or in a busy environment and we want to ensure you are able to enjoy your cruising experience.
What should I wear for the cruise?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and time of day. For evening cruises, you might want to bring a jacket or sweater as it can get cooler on the water. During the day, think light layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you’re planning on dining or having drinks on board, feel free to dress up for a more formal experience. Additionally, flat shoes or sandals are ideal for walking on the boat. We will ask you to remove heels prior to boarding for your safety.