THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard Nautilus Chicago’s 42' Custom Built Power Catamaran for two- or three-hour private charters along Lake Michigan. Perfect for small events, skyline photography, and sunset cruises, this double-decker craft blends comfort with close-up city views.
Step aboard Nautilus Chicago’s 42' Custom Built Power Catamaran for two- or three-hour private charters along Lake Michigan. Perfect for small events, skyline photography, and sunset cruises, this double-decker craft blends comfort with close-up city views.
Book with BIP Boating
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by BIP Boating · Chicago, Illinois
On a clear summer evening along Chicago’s lakefront, the 42' Custom Built Power Catamaran from Nautilus Chicago cuts a low, elegant silhouette against the city skyline. This double-decker, power catamaran offers spacious upper and lower decks, a covered lower area, an onboard bathroom, Bluetooth stereo, and the creature comforts—coolers, plates, and serving bowls—that turn a boat trip into an event. Operating two- and three-hour charters for up to 44 guests, this vessel is built for easy entertaining, skyline sightseeing, and small private celebrations on Lake Michigan.
Departing from the Chicago lakefront (meeting point varies), the boat places you close enough to feel the breeze off the freshwater and far enough out to watch the arc of the sun disappear behind the city’s towers. Key features are the expansive upper deck—an observatory for skyline photography—and the sheltered lower deck that lets you enjoy the lake in any light. The natural element here is Lake Michigan itself: a vast freshwater basin framed by sandy beaches, limestone outcrops along some parts of the shore, and the city’s hardened shoreline parks. Wildlife sightings can include diving gulls and occasional peregrine falcons that quarter the high-rises.
What makes Nautilus Chicago a stand-out is how the craft bridges party-boat comfort with a low-impact way to experience the lakefront. Unlike larger tour boats, the 42' catamaran’s size keeps trips personal and nimble; the double-decker layout provides both sun and shade for mixed groups. The vessel’s amenities—restroom, Bluetooth stereo, and serving gear—mean you can host an after-work gathering, sunset photo session, or family celebration without hauling extra kit.
Practical tips: charters run two to three hours and can be customized; bring layered clothing for open-water wind, secure cameras on the top deck, and plan food service around coolers and platters provided. Nautilus Chicago’s offering fits into the broader outdoor recreation corridor that includes beaches, piers, and the architecturally dense Loop; it’s especially appealing for visitors who want skyline perspectives without the crowds of larger sightseeing ships.
A small historical note: Chicago’s lakefront has been a public focal point since the early 20th century, with piers and parks shaping how residents and visitors interact with Lake Michigan. Nautilus Chicago adds to that legacy by making the water accessible for celebrations and quiet cruising alike.
If you want a private, comfortable way to drink in the city from the water—music, snacks, and a vantage point that changes with every mile—the 42' Custom Built Power Catamaran is a refined, practical choice for Chicago lakefront time. Book a two or three hour private charter for gatherings, tours, or photo shoots; confirm exact boarding location with Nautilus Chicago when you reserve, and arrive thirty minutes early to load gear and brief your group safely.
The charter accommodates up to 44 guests on two- and three-hour bookings.
Yes, the vessel includes a bathroom on the lower deck for passenger use.
Yes—coolers, plates, cups, and utensils are provided; confirm any catering needs when you book.
Exact boarding location varies by booking—confirm the meeting point with Nautilus Chicago after reservation.
Yes, the upper deck is open-air; bring layers for wind and sun protection.
Charters are available for private bookings; inquire with Nautilus Chicago about group options and availability.
BIP Boating is a Chicago-based charter company offering private boat and yacht experiences on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The company specializes in customizable private charters that cater to relaxing cruises, celebrations, and sightseeing of the Chicago skyline. BIP Boating's fleet includes a 42' Custom Built Power Catamaran operated as Nautilus Chicago, a double-decker vessel with spacious decks designed for entertaining and scenic viewing; the Chez Renée Luxury Yacht Charter, a 36' yacht with a flybridge, sun pads, comfortable interiors, and a powerful sound system suitable for up to 12 guests; and the Victory Lap Yacht Private Charter, which offers three- or four-hour cruises with options to swim at the Playpen, explore the river, and enjoy music and drinks while taking in waterfront views. Each charter is presented as a private reservation suitable for groups seeking an exclusive experience on the water. BIP Boating emphasizes safety and licensed crew operation for its trips, and routes commonly include the Chicago skyline, lakefront vistas, and river passages. Booking options accommodate daytime sightseeing, sunset cruises, and multi-hour private events. Pricing, availability, and exact boarding locations vary per trip and are provided during the reservation process. BIP Boating serves residents and visitors in Chicago, Illinois, and focuses on delivering memorable on-water experiences through well-appointed vessels, attentive service, and routes that showcase the city's iconic waterfront. Reservations can accommodate celebrations, corporate outings, birthdays, and special occasions with customizable itineraries and onboard amenities matched to each vessel. Contact information and booking details are available online.
Book with BIP Boating