Private Cruises

Private Cruises are required to be paid in full 2 weeks prior to the cruise date. If upon the date of the cruise there is a remaining balance, the credit card on file will be charged for any remaining cruise payment, unless another agreement has been made between you (client) and Okoboji Boat Works (OBW). A Hosted Bar Tab must be paid in full before departing the boat, subject to an automatic 18% gratuity to the bartender/barback. Checks are an acceptable form of payment, made payable to "Okoboji Boat Works". Initial down payment will be forfeited if rental is cancelled ​14 or fewer​ days from the date of the cruise. Not applicable to natural disasters. Failure to arrive for the cruise appointment will be charged in full.​  Any requests to change your cruise date/time/boat must be submitted for approval more than 2 weeks prior to your original cruise date, based on availability. Pickup/Drop off locations are not guaranteed. Location pickup requests may be subject to a pickup fee. OBW is not responsible for water levels in the lake which may restrict access for some boats to East Lake Okoboji. OBW will do their best to discuss backup options, however these will not be discounted/complimentary services.

Please do not arrive more than 20 minutes prior to your cruise rental time; if additional time is needed for decorating (subject to setup fees/added rental time) please call to discuss. 712-332-9904

Food Policy: In order to maintain a safe environment, OBW prohibits any kind of outside food and beverage to be brought onto the boat without prior notice and approval. Outside catering is subject to the following non-negotiable fee structure: $25.00 for the Anthony/Debbie/Jezebell. $35 for Barefoot Barge/BigFoot Barge; $50 for KonTiki/Diamond Lady/MissChievious/Fish House. 

Alcoholic Beverages Policy: OBW's alcoholic beverage license requires that OBW staff shall: (i) request proper identification (photo ID) of any person of questionable age and refuse alcoholic beverage service if the person is either under the legal drinking age of 21 or proper identification cannot be produced, and (ii) refuse alcoholic beverage service to any person who, in OBW's judgment, appears intoxicated. OBW shall adhere to all federal and state laws regulating the sale and servicing of alcoholic beverages. No offsite alcohol is allowed.

Damages to Property: Any damages incurred to OBW property will be assessed and charged accordingly to the client. The client agrees that they and their attendees are using and partaking in an OBW event at their own risk and agree to not hold OBW and its staff liable. OBW and OBW staff have sole discretion to end a cruise early if behavior is deemed inappropriate or dangerous at no discount to client for lost cruise time.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to their size and maneuverability, these boats do not accommodate swimming or bar hopping during the cruise.

Severe Weather Cancellation Policy

The cruise will go out rain or shine, but our customers' safety is our first priority in any situation. In the event of inclement weather conditions (i.e. lightning, severe wind, thunderstorm) there are a few options:

(1) We can watch the radar to see if the impending storm will pass in the next 30 minutes (for example) and then cruise for the remainder of your time slot.

(2) If inclement weather is seen on the radar and we are out on the lake we will seek the nearest dock or cove for shelter, or return to Okoboji Boat Works to sit undercover until the storm passes, then cruise for the remainder of the time.

(3) If we (Okoboji Boat Works) cancel the cruise due to inclement weather or otherwise (i.e. mechanical) then we would fully refund the cruise. If it works for you to reschedule the cruise - even better! We could apply the funds to a future booking in the same calendar year. Please note that if there is any catering we would keep that portion of the payment, and the food would be available for you to pick up from Okoboji Boat Works to take to an alternate location to eat. Please note: we do not guarantee an indoor backup location.

(4) If the client decides to cancel the cruise with no intent to reschedule then they would forfeit their deposit as well as any catering payments.