Life’s Better, Riding Lakesider

BOAT LAKESIDE IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON UNTIL SPRING 2027. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SUMMER!

Boat Lakeside is a small family owned charter operating out of St. Joseph, Michigan. You book the whole boat for your group, up to six guests, and a USCG licensed captain handles the rest. Whether you want a quick one hour cruise or extra time to explore on a two hour trip, you get a relaxed, private experience on the water with no crowds and no strangers. Boat Lakeside is Proud to be Featured on KAYAK Guides.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 74 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   B R 
 September 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Boat Lakeside was amazing! We went with on the boat with 3 of are kids (the oldest being 4) and they had so much fun. The captain was very helpful the whole time. We will use them every time we come back to St Joseph. There is a reason they have so many 5 star reviews. It's because they go above and beyond.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Javier Farias (Javi) 
 September 7, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had one of the smoothest sunset boat rides ever. It was such a great way to end the day and celebrate our anniversary. We would love to do it again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ray Stanley 
 August 29, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our first trip to Lake MI area and we booked the Sunset Cruise for 4 with Boat Lakeside. Capt. Jon gave detailed information as to where to meet at the hotel dock in town. He cheerfully greeted our group at the dock accompanied by his partner Capt. Mike.
We loaded up and were off through the river channel to the lake. We luckily picked a pristine evening and had calm water the entire trip. Along the way and entire trip Jon & Mike told us about the various sites and history of the area and related stories about their extensive time there.
Both were very engaging and fun to chat with.
We found the trip very comfortable sitting in padded deck chairs and the sunset and coastline were beautiful.

The boat, a restored 1988 Marinette with lots of Teak trim and in the cabin, was comfortable with plenty of room.

In summary, this is an easy and comfortable way to see the sunset on the water and learn some history about the port, lake and general area. Jon and Mike were great guys and hosts making you feel right at home.
A very good evening for our foursome!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erin Engman 
 August 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful sunset with a great crew, highly recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jimmy Musial 
 July 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joan and Mike were phenomenal. We enjoyed every bit of the ride especially being th first for our 4 year old boys.  Absolute 10/10 experience would do it again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jori Jennings 
 July 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Took a sunset tour with the family. It was beautiful and so fun! The brothers were great hosts. I found this boat tour by a Google search so if that’s how you found it, don’t hesitate.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lauren Daugherty 
 July 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Me and my bridesmaids had the best time on this boat tour! John and Jeff were so amazing! They spent time getting to know us, let us connect to the speaker, offered us so many snacks and constantly offered to take our pictures with the beautiful sunset! They shared stories with us and showed us some beautiful spots on the water! We truly had the best time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   SARA Dust 
 July 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome!! Perfect sunset cruise
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michala Mather 
 July 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This boat ride was amazing! We went for a bachelorette outing and they made sure we had all of the refreshments. The captain and first mate were so kind and funny. The boat was the perfect size and super clean. The views were amazing too!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lauren Ford 
 July 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John and Jeff were the best guides. They took the time to get to know us girls. They had snacks, a speaker, gave us a brief history lesson, took pictures for us, and more! Truly the best and we couldn’t recommend them more! Best brother duo!!

1 Hour Ride

$299 Daytime & Sunset — Up to 6 Passengers

Family Favorite: Our Captain’s Recommend the One Hour Ride for those with Younger Children

2 Hour Ride

$499 Daytime — Up to 6 Passengers

Couple’s Favorite: Our Captain’s Recommend the Two Hour Ride for Couples, Seasoned Boaters, and Work Outings

Step aboard a classic 28 foot Marinette Sportsman for a private cruise departing the Saint Joseph River and venturing out to Lake Michigan. Up to 6 guests, one boat, your own captain. BYO — Drinks and Food, Children Welcome!

Enjoy cruising the St. Joseph River and venturing out onto Lake Michigan for a safe and memorable experience.

Take a Look Inside the “Lakesider”

Life’s Better, Riding Lakesider

Easy Parking

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Our guests have access to free and easy parking just steps away from our dock.

Coast Guard Certified

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Our Captains, crew and vessels are US Coast Guard certified and regularly inspected to provide a safe and fun boating experience.

Private Charters

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Scenic engagements, family outings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette parties & more! Boat Lakeside offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your special occasion!

Depart from The Inn @ Harbor Shores

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Boat Lakeside is located on the Water at The Inn @ Harbor Shores, who offers 92 luxury guest rooms, a selection of dining options, full service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and wedding venues for up to 300 guests.

***All Excursions are Weather Permitting: In the event of unexpected weather and mother nature, when Lake Michigan is not a safe or comfortable ride, Boat Lakeside will communicate options such as a river ride, refund, or reschedule.

BYOB, food, and whatever else you’d like to have a party on the water! None of our excursions permit swimming or leaving the vessel during the trip, NO EXCEPTIONS! Any attempt to leave the vessel, swim, dive, etc. will result in the immediate end to your trip.