What To Expect

  • After you book your charter experience with Meridian Private Yachts, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.

    This will include: 

    • Charter Time

    • Location

    • Safety protocols

    • Waiver that will need to be signed by charterer

    You will also receive a list of our experienced captains, along with vessels they are approved to operate. Contact information will be provided.

    The yacht and crew will be at your service for the duration of your rental, allowing to fully enjoy your time on the water.

  • When planning your charter we recommend bringing the following items for a safe and enjoyable experience:

    • A complimentary cooler and refrigerator are on board

    • Sunscreen, protective clothing, change of clothing, hats and sunglasses

    • Towels

    • Phone charger

    • Food, beverages and most importantly water!

    • Plates, cups, utensils

    • Ice for beverages as well as to stock your onboard cooler

    • If bringing children or a service animal it is required for you to provide a proper fitting life jacket

    • It is also advisable to consult with the captain regarding any specific items you may need for your charter

    • Your favorite yacht playlist! All yachts come with blue tooth capable sound systems to enjoy your own music

    1. In accordance with USCG regulations and recreational charter guidelines, our charters can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests + charterer. Please be aware that the captain and crew hired for charter are not included in this passenger count.

    2. All Meridian Vessels are equipped with a bathroom for your convenience.

    3. While we appreciate our furry friends, we kindly ask that only service animals are permitted on board for safety reasons. All service animals must wear a life jacket during the trip.

    4. Children aged 13 years and younger are required to wear life jackets at all times for their safety.

    5. Our yachts feature outstanding sound systems, allowing guests to connect their mobile devices via Bluetooth and enjoy their own music.

    6. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages. We provide a complimentary cooler, full refrigerator/freezer, kitchen utensils, bottle opener, disposable cups, napkins, and plates for your use during the charter.

    7. We are docked at 31st Street Harbor for your convenience.

    We kindly request that you refrain from bringing the following items:

    • No red wine or other beverages containing red coloring.

    • No silly string, glitter, confetti or feathered boas.

    • No glass containers.

    Prohibited by the Chicago Harbor:

    • No drugs, weapons, or other hazardous items, including knives or firearms.

    • No items that utilize open flames, gas, propane, or similar materials.

  • Our Refund/Cancellation policy is as follows:

    100 % Refund - Canceled within (30) days or more of your scheduled charter date. 

    85% Refund if canceled within (14) days of your scheduled charter date.  

    50% Refund if canceled within (7) days of your scheduled charter date. 

    0% Refund if canceled (6) days or less prior to your scheduled charter date.

    All cancellations must be documented via e-mail. 

    To cancel, the charterer must call or e-mail and provide the following information:

    • Charterer’s Full Name

    • Scheduled Date and Time

    • Request for cancellation

    • Reason for cancellation

    In the event Meridian yachts cannot provide charter service for any reason we will work with you to reschedule your charter date.

    Inclement Weather Policy

    Uncharterable weather conditions are generally the following: heavy storms, high winds,  small craft advisories, gale storms, and high waves. It is to be noted that light rain and passing storms will generally be considered charterable. For a more detailed breakdown of our weather policy please visit the weather section of our Terms and Conditions page. 

    Should your charter be postponed due to weather you will be rescheduled to another day at no charge. If you choose to not reschedule you will receive a credit to be used at another time.

    All cancellation and change requests must be submitted in writing via email to contact@meridianprivateyachts.com by the charterer. Please include the following information:

    • Charterer’s Full Name

    • Scheduled Date and Time

    • Written Request for Cancellation

    • Reason for Cancellation

    For further information, please review our Cancellation Policy guidelines.

Curated Questions & ANSWERS

  • View our pricing here

  • View our dock locations here

  • Per the USCG, a bareboat charter is a demise charter where the charterer (renter) takes temporary ownership of a vessel during the chartered time. As the temporary owner, The charterer is responsible for the vessel, their passengers, selecting a capable Operator/Captain, and furnishing his own supplies such as food, beverages and fuel.

    A recreational chartered vessel may not exceed 1 Charterer + 12 Passengers, before a hired crew, regardless while moored, underway or anchored.

  • You must be 21 or older to charter.

  • Upon booking you will receive a captains list via e-mail. These captains are all familiar with Meridian’s vessels. You will then reach out to the captain via phone/email or text and provide them with the time of your charter as well as the name of the vessel. You will pay the captain directly.

  • Captains can range from $100.00 - $150.00 per hour. 

    Gratuity is customary to leave for your crew and is generally 20% of the charter cost. Payment and gratuity is to be handled directly with the Captain and crew.

  • Per USCG law, maximum capacity for a bareboat charter is (1) charterer + 12 passengers. 

    The hired captain and any additional crew compensated by the Charterer are not considered passengers and do not count towards the 12 passenger capacity while under charter. 

  • Payment in full is due upon confirmation of booking of the scheduled charter. 

    You will receive an invoice via email once complete. 

    We accept Cash, all major credit cards, in addition to cashapp, zelle, and venmo.

    **If a credit card is used for payment you must present a photo ID and the credit card used  prior to departing on the day of your booked charter.

    **Meridian Yachts cannot accept payment on behalf of your hired Captain. The captains are independent contractors not employed by or affiliated with Meridian yachts that are selected and hired by the charterer.

  • Our Refund/Cancellation policy is as follows:

    100 % Refund - Canceled within (30) days or more of your scheduled charter date. 

    85% Refund if canceled within (14) days of your scheduled charter date.  

    50% Refund if canceled within (7) days of your scheduled charter date. 

    0% Refund if canceled (6) days or less prior to your scheduled charter date.

    All cancellations must be documented via e-mail. 

    To cancel, the charterer, must e-mail: mpy.help@gmail.com

    Please include the following information

    In the event Meridian Yachts cannot provide charter service for any reason you will be refunded 100% of your payment. 

    Inclement Weather Policy

    Uncharterable weather conditions are generally the following: heavy storms, high winds,  small craft advisories, gale storms, and high waves. It is to be noted that light rain and passing storms will generally be considered charterable. For a more detailed breakdown of our weather policy please visit the weather section of our Terms and Conditions page. 

    Should your charter be postponed due to weather you will be rescheduled to another day at no charge. If you choose to not reschedule you will receive a credit to be used at another time.

  • It is recommended to arrive at your charter 30-45 minutes prior to allow for travel time to the yacht, load in and safety talks. If you are running late please contact us to let us know. The captain will not depart unless instructed by the Charterer. Shortened trips due to tardiness will not be extended, prorated, discounted or refunded. 

    Tardiness does not mean that the captain will extend the trip.

  • Meridian Yachts is located at 31st Harbor 3155 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL. 

    While 31st Harbor has parking options it does get quite busy Thursday-Sunday and it is recommended to utilize rideshare or taxi services. 

    Rideshare and vehicle drop offs are done near the 31s Street Harbor main entrance at the intersection of 31st Street & Lake Shore Drive.

    Guests may park at the 31st Street Harbor outdoor parking lot located at 641 East 31st Street Chicago, IL The outdoor parking lot is located on the south side of 31st Street just west of Lake Shore Drive. Paid public parking is also available. See here for map.

  • Yes. Children are welcome aboard on our yachts. Children will count towards your capacity total. All children 13 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times. If you are bringing children please communicate with us prior. Meridian cannot guarantee that we will have life jackets for small children and infants and it is recommended you provide your own.

  • Food and Beverage

    Water 

    Ice

    Cups

    Cutlery 

    Bathing Suit

    Change of clothes

    Sunscreen

    Sunglasses

    Towels

  • Each yacht comes with a cooler as well as a refrigerator to help keep your refreshments cool while on board.

  • Ice is not provided on the yachts. However, Ice can be purchased at the harbor at two locations:

    Salerno’s dockside - located one dock over.

    31st harbor boat shop - located 150 feet north of dock I.

  • You are allowed to swim, however, it is at your own risk. There is no lifeguard present. Swimming is not permitted past sunset or in rough waters. 

  • We do not allow tie ups to other yachts. If you are looking to boat with more than 12 people it is suggested to book two yachts and anchor near each other.

  • See payment methods here.

Reserve