Flagship Charter · Lake Madison
55 feet of South Dakota's most-requested party boat.
Why The BluMana
Two decks. Thirty-eight friends. One lake. The BluMana is the only 38-person charter boat on Lake Madison — built for sunset cruises, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and any night you want the dock to come to you.
Pricing
$500 · 2-hour minimum charter
Then $200 / additional hour
Captain, bartender, and fuel included. Cash bar is private — you don't pre-buy alcohol.
Included with every charter
Why "BluMana" — and why the Big Kahuna Burger.
In the summer of 2019, The Hillside Resort's flagship touring boat — The Big Kahuna — was destroyed in a violent storm on Lake Madison. The BluMana was commissioned to replace her, and set her maiden voyage on July 1, 2020. The Big Kahuna lives on in the burger that bears her name. Order one. Toast the old boat. Then go cruise on the new one.
Pick Your Trip
2 hours · 6:30pm departure
The classic. Board at 6:30, cruise both lakes, watch the sun drop from the upper deck, dock at 8:30. Public seats available; charter for your group.
$35 / person · public · or private charter from $500
4 hours · pick your start
Your soundtrack, your bar, your crew. We provide the boat, the captain, and the cooler. Customizable food + drink add-ons from Hemingway's kitchen.
$900 · 4-hour charter ($500 + 2 hrs)
8 hours · full day
Morning meeting on the upper deck, lunch from the Steakhouse delivered to the boat, afternoon on the water. We handle catering, AV, dock-to-conference-room transitions.
$1,700 · 8-hour charter ($500 + 6 hrs)
Reserve Your Date
The BluMana books out 4-6 weeks for prime summer weekends. Send us your date + group size and our captain crew will lock it in within a few hours.
Charter FAQ
Sunset cruises fill 2-3 weeks out in peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Private charters: 4-6 weeks out for weekends. We can sometimes squeeze in same-week — call (605) 838-7953.
We cancel for lightning, sustained winds over 25 mph, or small-craft advisories. If we call it, you get a full refund or first-pick reschedule. If you cancel for personal reasons, see our 48-hour policy below.
Drinks: yes, BYOB welcome. We stock the cooler with ice. Food: yes, or order from Hemingway's kitchen for dockside loading. The Steakhouse can pre-package a charcuterie or hot-bar setup for an add-on fee.
Yes — 50% at booking, 50% on the day of charter. Both refundable up to 48 hours before. Damage deposit ($500) is authorized on your card and released on safe return.
No age limit. Kids under 8 must wear life jackets at all times; ages 8+ when the boat is moving. Booster seats / car seats available with 48-hour notice.
Yes — a full climate-controlled head with sink and mirror. No external dock stops needed.
On Lake Madison: yes, $200 reposition fee. Long Lake: yes if you're on the no-wake side, $300 fee. Off-lake: not at this time.
Gratuity is at your discretion. 15-20% on the charter total is industry standard for excellent service. Add to your final invoice or cash on the day.
