Boat Charters from Diversey Harbor
Lincoln Park's harbor — a tree-lined North Side launch with the city's best southward skyline view.
2601 N Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Diversey Harbor is tucked into Lincoln Park between the Diversey Driving Range and Theater on the Lake. Smaller than Monroe or Burnham, but with character — old trees overhang the slips, and once you clear the harbor mouth, you get one of the best southward views of the Chicago skyline that any harbor offers.
Chartering from Diversey gets you the North Side context: Lincoln Park Zoo is a five-minute walk, North Avenue Beach is a short cruise south, and Theater on the Lake hosts plays and small concerts within walking distance — easy to combine a pre-show charter with theater tickets.
Anchored by Capt. Scott Flavin's *Just for Fun* — a 40-foot Formula powerboat, eleven-passenger capacity, $325/hour with captain.
Best for
- Sunset cruises with the southward skyline view (the best of any Chicago harbor)
- Lincoln Park visitors combining the zoo, conservatory, or Theater on the Lake with a charter
- Mid-size groups (8–12) — Just for Fun's size sweet spot
- Corporate events from North Side hotels
- Family afternoons with kids old enough to go zoo-then-boat
Boats departing from Diversey Harbor
Live availability — every boat below is captained by a USCG-licensed captain we've verified ourselves.
Getting to Diversey Harbor
- Driving: Lake Shore Drive to Fullerton — Cannon Drive metered parking next to the harbor.
- Rideshare: drop-off at the harbor entrance off Cannon Drive.
- Transit: Brown Line / Red Line to Fullerton, then a 10-minute walk east.
- From the Loop: 15–20 minutes by car or rideshare.
Before you arrive
- Cannon Drive parking fills on summer weekends — arrive 30 minutes early or rideshare.
- Lincoln Park Zoo is a five-minute walk; combine pre-charter for kids' groups.
- Pack layers — Lake Michigan runs cooler than shore even in July.
Notable boats from Diversey Harbor
- Just for Fun (Formula 40, 40' powerboat, 11 guests, $325/hr) — operated by Capt. Scott Flavin / Flavin Charters
Frequently asked
Where exactly is Diversey Harbor?
Diversey is on Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park, between Diversey Parkway and the lakefront. The harbor entrance is across the path from the Diversey Driving Range. Look for the boat masts.
Best harbor for skyline photos?
Diversey gives you the southward skyline view — the postcard angle most Chicago photographers shoot from. North Side harbors all have this advantage; Diversey is the most accessible of them.
What boats are based at Diversey?
Just for Fun — a 40-foot Formula powerboat operated by Capt. Scott Flavin / Flavin Charters. Up to 11 guests, $325/hour with captain.
Can we combine the zoo with a charter?
Yes — Lincoln Park Zoo is a 5-minute walk from the harbor. Many charter parties do zoo in the morning, then walk over for an afternoon cruise. The zoo is free, so it's a cheap pre-charter option for groups with kids.
How long is the cruise from Diversey to the Playpen?
About 30 minutes. Diversey is north of the Playpen sandbar by enough distance that you'll spend a portion of your charter cruising there — factor that into a 3-hour booking.
Parking?
Cannon Drive metered parking right next to the harbor. Fills on summer weekends — plan to arrive 30 minutes early or use rideshare.
Popular charter types from Diversey Harbor
Pick a trip type and we'll match you with the right captain and boat.
Scenic Cruises
Chicago's skyline from the best seat in the house — on the water.
$200–$600
Playpen Cruises
Chicago's floating party — the Playpen sandbar experience.
$300–$800
Corporate Events
Team building, client entertainment, and celebrations on the water.
$800–$3,000
Fireworks Cruises
The best seat for Navy Pier fireworks is on the water.
$300–$700