Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Exclusive Yacht Charters website and any charter you book through us. By using our site or booking a charter, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

1. Who We Are

"Exclusive Yacht Charters" (sometimes referred to as "we," "us," or "our") operates yacht charter services out of 31st Street Harbor, Chicago, IL.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to book a charter or sign these Terms. By booking, you confirm you are 18+ and that the information you provide is accurate.

3. Booking, Deposits, and Payment

• A charter is reserved when we receive your 25% non-refundable deposit through our payment partner (FastPayDirect / Stripe).
• Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee, displayed at checkout.
• The remaining balance is due day-of-charter unless we agree otherwise in writing.
• Promotional offers (e.g., early-bird discounts) apply only as displayed at the moment of booking and cannot be combined unless stated.
• All amounts are in U.S. dollars.

4. Cancellations and Rescheduling

• Deposits are non-refundable. Where weather or vessel mechanical issues force cancellation by us, we will work with you to reschedule on a mutually available date.
• If you need to reschedule, contact us as early as possible. Rescheduling availability depends on the calendar and the boat originally booked.
• No-shows forfeit the deposit and any payments made.

5. Captain & Crew

The captain and crew operating your charter are independently contracted and hired by the charterer. Gratuity is not included in the charter rate; 18–20% is customary and goes directly to the captain and crew.

6. Guest Conduct & Safety

• The captain has final authority over all decisions affecting safety, weather, route, and conduct on board.
• Guests must follow lawful instructions from the captain and crew at all times.
• Illegal substances are prohibited. Excessive intoxication, harassment, or behavior the captain deems unsafe may result in early return to dock without refund.
• Guest count cannot exceed the U.S. Coast Guard–permitted capacity for the booked vessel.
• Personal belongings are the responsibility of the charterer; we are not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

7. Weather

Charters operate in normal Lake Michigan conditions. The captain may shorten, delay, or cancel a charter for weather safety. In a captain-initiated weather cancellation we will offer a reschedule on the next mutually available date; refunds outside that are at our sole discretion.

8. SMS / Text Messaging

If you opt in to SMS by checking the (optional) consent box on our booking form, you agree to receive text messages from Exclusive Charter Yacht Inc. about your booking and charter coordination (booking confirmations, deposit reminders, day-of-charter details, schedule or weather updates, and incomplete-booking reminders). Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt out, or HELP for assistance. Opting out of SMS does not cancel your booking; we will still email you booking-related communications.

Carrier Liability Disclaimer. Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Exclusive Charter Yacht Inc. is not responsible for, and the wireless carriers are not liable for, any delays, failures, errors, or omissions in the transmission or delivery of any SMS message, nor for any damages, losses, or costs of any kind arising from such delays, failures, errors, or omissions. We cannot guarantee that messages will be received at any particular time, in any particular order, or at all, and delivery depends on the carrier's network, signal availability, the recipient's device settings, and other factors outside of our control.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on this website (text, photos, design) is owned by Exclusive Yacht Charters or licensed to us. You may not copy, redistribute, or use it for commercial purposes without written permission.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Exclusive Yacht Charters provides the website and booking service "as is" without warranties of any kind.
• Our total liability for any claim related to the website or a booking is limited to the amount you paid for the affected charter.
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages.
• Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited under applicable law (e.g., death, personal injury caused by gross negligence).

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Exclusive Yacht Charters, its captains, crew, contractors, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your conduct on board or your breach of these Terms.

12. Privacy

Your use of our site and services is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date above always reflects the current version. Continued use of the site or booking a charter after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any disputes will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois.

15. Contact

Exclusive Yacht Charters
31st Street Harbor · 3100 S Lake Shore Dr · Chicago, IL
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (773) 888-1133