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Yacht Rental in Miami

Private yachts with a captain for your group: skyline, Star Island and sandbar charters on Biscayne Bay, many with jet skis on board.

See also:Yachts & Boats

How to rent a yacht in Miami

What a charter includes

A yacht charter in Miami is a private boat for your group with a licensed captain, usually for three to eight hours. The captain drives, anchors and plans the route with you; larger yachts add a mate who serves drinks and handles the water toys. Fuel for a standard route, ice, water and a cooler are usually included — read the listing, as some charge fuel or a cleaning fee separately.

Jet skis, a floating mat, paddleboards or a banana boat are the common extras, sometimes included and sometimes paid per hour. Food and drinks are mostly BYOB: bring your own (no glass), or ask for catering when you book. The crew's tip is not in the price; 15–20% is customary.

Size, guests and how long

The number of guests decides the boat. Most private yachts in Miami take up to 12 or 13 people — the limit for a boat without a Coast Guard passenger certificate — so a 37–50 ft yacht suits a family or a group of friends, and a 60–70 ft yacht gives the same group more deck, shade and cabins. Larger parties need an inspected party yacht, licensed for dozens of guests.

Charters usually start at three or four hours, with four as the minimum on many yachts at weekends. Four hours is enough for the skyline, Star Island and a swim; six to eight lets you reach a quieter anchorage, have lunch on board and come back at sunset.

Routes and when to go

Classic routes leave Miami Beach, the Miami River or Bayside, pass the cruise port, Fisher Island and the mansions of Star Island and Millionaire's Row, then anchor at the Haulover or Nixon sandbar for a swim. Longer charters head south past Key Biscayne to Stiltsville, the wooden houses on stilts in Biscayne National Park, or out into the ocean along Miami Beach.

From November to April the bay is calm and the weather dry, and weekends book out early, especially around the holidays and Art Basel. In summer, go in the morning: afternoon storms are frequent, and captains move or shorten a charter when lightning is near. Most listings offer a new date or a refund when the weather cancels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to rent a yacht in Miami?

Not with a captain: every yacht on this page comes with a licensed captain who drives it. To drive a boat yourself in Florida, anyone born on or after 1 January 1988 needs a Boating Safety Education ID card or a temporary certificate, which rental companies can help you get.

How many people can go on a yacht?

Most private yachts in Miami take up to 12 or 13 guests. For a larger group you need an inspected passenger yacht — a party boat licensed by the Coast Guard to carry more people — or two boats travelling together.

How long should I rent a yacht for?

Four hours is the usual choice: enough for the skyline, Star Island and a stop at a sandbar. Many yachts have a three- or four-hour minimum; book six to eight hours to reach Stiltsville or spend a full day on the water.

Should I tip the yacht captain?

Yes. The tip is rarely included in the charter price, and 15–20% of the charter is customary for the captain and crew, paid at the end of the trip.