Knock Out Charters

Chicago Boat Tours and Trips

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Frequently Asked Questions Prior to Cruising

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Information regarding booking, our cancellation policy, weather policy, payments, what to bring on board, bring your own food and beverage policies, what is allowed while cruising and some general recommendations.
To review and book inline, please click here. For special requests, please contact our office or send us an email.
  • 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.
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.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, ACH and wire, as well as cash.
Gratuity is not included. Industry standard is 15-25% of the total cost of the 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.
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.
Yes, our boats are equipped with restrooms for your convenience.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age to rent our boats. Must have a valid credit card.
Yes, all cruises are BYOB/F.
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.
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.
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.