Boat Charters from Hammond Marina
Indiana's gateway to Lake Michigan dive sites and deep-water fishing — direct access to the lake's biggest wrecks and salmon trolling lanes.
701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN 46320
Hammond Marina sits across the state line from Chicago — about 35 minutes from downtown by car. It's not a Chicago harbor, but it's the closest mainland harbor to the Lake Michigan deep-water wreck zones, which is why dive charters and serious fishing operations base themselves here rather than at any North Side or Loop harbor.
The trade-off: you're outside the city. The benefit: 20–30 minutes closer to the wrecks, the deep-water salmon trolling lanes, and the quiet northern Indiana coastline than any Chicago-side harbor can be. For divers running multiple wreck stops in a day, that time savings matters.
Anchored by Capt. Mike Pedersen's Double Action Dive Charters — running *SeaQuest II*, a 47-foot purpose-built dive vessel with up to 22 divers on board and the gear, lifts, and crew that serious wreck diving requires.
Best for
- Scuba diving — wreck access (the Eastland, Material Service, Dredge No. 6, and others) is closer from Hammond than from any Chicago harbor
- Serious salmon and trout fishing — Chinook, lake trout, steelhead trolling lanes start ~30 minutes off Hammond
- Customers driving from Indiana, the south suburbs, or northwest Indiana
- Multi-day liveaboard trips and certification courses
- Larger groups (up to 22) — SeaQuest II is one of the larger dive vessels on the lake
Boats departing from Hammond Marina
Live availability — every boat below is captained by a USCG-licensed captain we've verified ourselves.
Getting to Hammond Marina
- Driving: I-90 east from Chicago, ~35 minutes from the Loop.
- Transit: Metra South Shore Line stops in Hammond — about 1 mile from the marina.
- From the South Suburbs / NW Indiana: this is the most convenient harbor on Lake Michigan.
- Parking: abundant and free at the marina lot.
Before you arrive
- Bring a passport-quality ID — you're crossing the state line.
- Indiana fishing licenses are required for fishing trips; we handle the paperwork before your charter.
- Wetsuit and gear — confirm with your dive captain whether you're renting or bringing your own.
Notable boats from Hammond Marina
- SeaQuest II (47' purpose-built dive vessel, 22 divers max) — Double Action Dive Charters / Capt. Mike Pedersen
Frequently asked
Why charter from Indiana instead of Chicago?
Hammond is the closest mainland harbor to Lake Michigan's deep-water wreck dive sites and salmon trolling lanes. For dive and fishing trips, the time savings (30+ minutes of cruise time saved each way) matters more than the 35-minute drive from downtown.
How far is Hammond Marina from downtown Chicago?
35 to 40 minutes by car via I-90. Metra South Shore Line is also an option — train to Hammond, then short ride to the marina.
Dive charters specifically?
Yes — this is the dive harbor. SeaQuest II is a purpose-built 47-foot dive vessel with up to 22 divers, dive lifts, and a crew that runs wreck-specific safety briefings. Open Water through Wreck Penetration certifications are all welcome.
Can I fish from Hammond?
Excellent fishing. Chinook salmon, lake trout, and steelhead are all accessible faster from Hammond than from any North Side or Loop harbor. Indiana fishing licenses are required and easy to handle online before your trip.
Indiana vs. Illinois state laws — anything I should know?
Dive permits and fishing licenses are state-specific. We handle the Indiana permits before your trip. Stick on Lake Michigan general — the lake itself is regulated federally and by interstate compact, so the experience on the water doesn't change.
Boats based at Hammond?
SeaQuest II — a 47-foot dive vessel operated by Capt. Mike Pedersen / Double Action Dive Charters. Up to 22 divers. Purpose-built for wreck diving with lifts, gear stations, and crew briefings.
Popular charter types from Hammond Marina
Pick a trip type and we'll match you with the right captain and boat.