3rd Coast Charters
3rd Coast Charters
5
About
Climb aboard Chicago's largest sailing catamaran, Latitude Adjustment. 3rd Coast Charters offers private cruises and lessons for all ages and all occasions. You can enjoy your own exclusive experience with our catered Corporate Outings, Bachelor or Bachelorette parties and family gatherings utilizing our optional Yacht Concierge. From morning brunch to moonlight cruises and everything in-between, 3rd Coast Charters give you and your guests an experience that will last a lifetime. Make your special occasion memorable with one of our private cruises. Captain and crew promise a great day or evening out on the water plus concierge and catering options available to make it truly unforgettable!
Chicago, Illinois

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles20 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
2
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Jeff w
Chicago, IL7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Friends
Fall of 2016, a close friend booked a cruise on 3rd Coast Charters and I was one of the dozen people sharing this beautiful, bluebird sky day on Lake Michigan. We went north up the coastline, stopping for a bit in the "play-pen", passing Navy Pier...waving back to all the people with cocktail in hand. We had brought a variety of food & drink, took turns playing our music, I found myself daydreaming of a world where I had my own boat...I could get used to this!

Russell Hackney was our Captain that day, a very safety conscious man with the dry wit of stand-up comedian. This only added to the overall experience that day.

Along comes spring of 2017, we had to get the same cast of characters together and take another trip around the lake. So much fun! Another awesome day, same friends, same Captain...another memorable experience. I can see making this a multiple outing throughout the summers!
Written June 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gus G
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2017 • Family
We went sailing to celebrate my son's graduation on the 3rd Coast Charter's catamaran, Latitude Adjustment. The boat was beautiful, spacious, and captain Russell turned the whole experience in one of the most amazing days of our lives. We had so much fun, we laughed a lot and met new people, all very nice. I can't find enough words to praise 3rd Coast Charter and the crew of Latitude Adjustment for such a memorable experience for me and my child. Thank you so much captain Russell for making this day unforgettable for us
Written June 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John K
Johnsburg, IL6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2016 • Friends
What a fun night cruising downtown Chicago out on Lake Michigan! Eight of us sailed several miles off shore and back, taking in the spectacular view of the skyline, as dusk settled over the city. Latitude Adjustment is a roomy catamaran, with plenty of places to hangout, the trampoline being one of them. There are ample berths, two heads, and a well-equipped salon, where you can eat, drink and be merry. Captain Russell and Brian were very professional, skippering and crewing the boat, and also most accommodating by making sure we had a good time. They let us help out by taking turns at the helm and participating with other aspects of sailing to the extent that we wanted to. We also got to bring our own food and beverages on board, play our own tunes and just kick back and relax. They stowed our gear, served up our food, and cleaned up after us. 3rd Coaster Charters is a class act that will cater to your individual needs, wants and desires. All you need to do is ask, whether it is a special event cruise, or simply having some fun out on the water, they will take care of you. I definitely recommend you check them out!
Written July 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Valjeniece
Chicago, IL7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Friends
I recently returned from a sailing trip with 3rd Coast Charters, we sailed from Key West down to Cuba and back. the experience was beyond memorable! we not only had fun but gained knowledge on sailing a catamaran. From navigation all the way down to working the galley. Everyone was held accountable for actively participating in crew duties. Unlike most cruise ships this was more personal and an all hands on deck effort. If you are looking to learn to sail then this is a perfect opportunity to gain skills as well as enjoy yourself.
The shifts were broken up into 2 teams of about 5 crew members and duty rotated every 4 hours. the time it took to get to Cuba was about an average between 20-24 hours so each team worked 3 shifts while one team worked the other caught up on sleep and used the 4 hour stretch as personal time.
There were a total of 12 of us on the vessel so sharing a bed with someone in one room (bunkmate) was necessary. I am used to living on a ship so the close confines were not an issue for me. I would recommend bringing Dramamine for those who suffer from motion sickness. I did not get sick however, at least 8 of the other crew members did. Even those who were not prone to sea sickness found the waters too choppy on the ride home and ultimately ended up not feeling well.
This made the ride home a little tougher when you have half the crew unable to get out of bed and help out. However, Ulysses and Captain Jim were great! they still managed with a skeleton crew and got us all home safe and sound.
The experience itself was one of the best I have ever had. I travel quite a bit backpacking and country hopping but being on the water has and always will be a passion of mine.
The sunsets were amazing! Cuba itself was a gem frozen in time, and the ability to experience it prior to the tourism boom that's about to hit was a gift that I will always cherish. With all that said my biggest take away from this trip was not the sailing lessons or the ability to see Cuba or the dolphins that decided to come and play with us on our ride back!!!! (which by the way was super awesome!!!) It was the friendships formed; the laughter and amazing conversations and the new family that 3rd coast Charters has introduced to me.

I highly recommend sailing with 3rd coast charters if you are looking for a great hands on adventure look no further you will find it all right here at 3rd coast charters.

See you this summer in Chicago!!
Vannessa Flores
Written March 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah C
Zurich, Switzerland72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Friends
Our good friend turned 40 recently and his wife planned an awesome surprise birthday party on Lake Michigan with this crew. The day was amazing! The boat was beautiful, and the crew friendly and accommodating. Would definitely recommend to others planning a fun and relaxing day on the water.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dee Dee Wolfe
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Friends
I booked the 13 person catamaran to surprise my husband on his 40th birthday and it was soo worth it! 3rd Coast Charters were incredibly helpful with booking, answering questions and making sure that we were well taken care of during the cruise. We sailed for a little bit and then went to the Play-Pen where Captain Brian grilled and set up the food that we brought on board. The boat is very comfortable and well kept as well!

I have previously gone on a cruise out of Chicago very similar to this on a pontoon, and I will never do the pontoon option again! The experience with the catamaran and 3rd Coast Charters was sooo much better than the pontoon! I highly recommend this experience and this company!
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

triciastout2
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Friends
Wow, what a great time overall! 3rd Coast Charters is incredible. Their friendliness, knowledge and hospitality is top notch. They made sure we could relax and have a fun day. They even grilled our lunch so we soak up the sun. I highly recommend them and would love to book them again. Next time for a full day! They make it hard to leave their catamaran.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Taylor A
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Friends
Captain Brian was everything and more!!! I was looking for the perfect way to spend our short weekend in Chicago for my sister's bachelorette weekend and this experience was incredible! From booking to cruising on the water to having our snacks and drinks served up, everything was so easy and SO fun! Booking a boat ride with Captain Brian is a no brainer, it was the highlight of our weekend and everybody can't stop talking about it!
Written June 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tina r
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017 • Couples
On August 9 I had the most AH-Mazing birthday celebration aboard this beautiful catamaran! Honestly, it was the best birthday surprise and a night I will always remember. Captain Russell and Captain Brian greeted us with smiles and were both incredibly attentive from the moment we arrived. They are fun, professional, experienced, lovely, thoughtful and really great guys. Attending to the smallest and largest want/need we had, it was one special evening. The spacious boat has everything you need and various locations to sit and enjoy the Chicago skyline. We sailed to Northerly Island, dropped anchor and enjoyed Foreigner and Cheap Trick while being mesmerized with the Navy Pier fireworks! We enjoyed champagne and sushi we had picked up for the celebration - YES you can bring your own food and drinks! By the end of this memorable 3-hour cruise, we became good friends with the other group also celebrating a birthday! I honestly cannot wait to go back and book for a longer trip. No matter the occasion, it is a promising night to remember aboard this gorgeous catamaran. Grateful to the love in my life and the captains for an unforgettable evening!
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrew H
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Solo
I recently had the pleasure of sailing with Captain Jim as well as a few members of 3rd Coast Charters and some other first timers. I had not sailed in several years and have been looking to get back into the sport for quite some time. I had two excellent afternoons over the weekend sailing and relearning many things I had forgotten with time. The rates are reasonable and the website is easy to navigate. In my opinion, there is much more availability and flexibility at 3rd Coast in comparison to the other sailing organizations I looked into in Chicago. I will certainly be back for additional sails in the months to come.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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