The Complete Miami Yacht Charter Guide

Miami is one of the world's premier yacht charter destinations, with year-round warm weather, calm turquoise waters, and a coastline that stretches from Key Biscayne to Fort Lauderdale. Whether you're planning a birthday celebration, a corporate retreat, a sunset cruise for two, or a multi-day Bahamas adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know about chartering a yacht in Miami.

This guide is based on real pricing and fleet data from Best Yachting Company, which operates a fleet of 12 vessels ranging from 26-foot sport boats to 105-foot super yachts with all-inclusive pricing (captain, fuel, and crew included).

What Is a Yacht Charter?

A yacht charter is a private rental of a vessel — with a captain and crew — for a set duration. Unlike a group boat tour where you share the vessel with strangers, a charter gives your group exclusive use of the boat, its amenities, and your captain's local expertise.

You control the itinerary: where to go, when to stop, how long to stay at each spot. Your captain provides guidance on the best routes and conditions, but the day is yours.

Charter vs. Boat Tour vs. Boat Rental

Feature	Yacht Charter	Group Boat Tour	Bareboat Rental
Privacy	Your group only	Shared with strangers	Your group only
Captain	Included	Included	You drive (license required)
Itinerary	Fully custom	Fixed route	Fully custom
Vessel Size	26'–105'+	40'–100'+ (shared)	Usually under 30'
Starting Price	From $450 (2 hr)	From $30–60/person	From $150–300

Types of Yacht Charters in Miami

Day Charters (2–8 Hours)

The most popular option. Day charters typically range from 2 to 8 hours and cover Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, Star Island, Haulover Sandbar, and the waters around Miami Beach and Key Biscayne. A 4-hour charter is the most common booking — enough time for cruising, a sandbar stop, and a sunset view.

Sunset Cruises (2–3 Hours)

Departing 1–2 hours before sunset, these shorter charters are popular for couples, proposals, and intimate celebrations. Miami's west-facing skyline provides a dramatic backdrop as the sun sets behind downtown. Pricing starts at $450 for a 2-hour cruise on a sport boat.

Multi-Day Bahamas Cruises

Some vessels can make the crossing to the Bahamas. From Miami, Bimini is approximately 50 nautical miles east — reachable in a long day trip on select vessels. Extended Bahamas trips to the Exumas and beyond require multi-day charters with overnight accommodations.

Occasion Charters

Birthday parties, bachelorette and bachelor parties, corporate events, weddings, and proposals are among the most popular occasions. Add-ons like catering, DJ services, decorations, and water toys transform the vessel into a floating event venue.

Miami Yacht Charter Pricing

Charter prices vary primarily by vessel size and duration. All prices below are from Best Yachting Company's current fleet and include the captain, fuel, and crew — no hidden costs.

Sport Boats (26'–37') — From $450

Ideal for small groups (2–13 guests) seeking a fun, adventurous day on the water. Sport boats are fast, nimble, and perfect for sandbar trips, snorkeling, and cruising around Biscayne Bay.

• 26' Crownline: $450 (2 hr) · $650 (3 hr) · $800 (4 hr) · $1,150 (6 hr) — up to 8 guests
• 2024 Saxdor 32: $1,150 (3 hr) · $1,400 (4 hr) · $1,600 (5 hr) · $1,850 (6 hr) — up to 10 guests
• 2025 Axopar 37: $700 (2 hr) · $1,050 (3 hr) · $1,350 (4 hr) · $1,750 (6 hr) · $4,600 (Bahamas day trip) — up to 13 guests

Cruiser (48') — From $1,600

A step up in comfort with air conditioning, a full bathroom, and a salon. Suitable for longer cruises, dinner outings, and groups wanting more indoor-outdoor flexibility.

• 48' Sea Ray: $1,600 (4 hr) · $1,850 (5 hr) · $2,300 (6 hr) — up to 13 guests

Motor Yachts (50'–70') — From $1,950

The classic "yacht charter" experience. Flybridge decks, multiple outdoor lounging areas, full galleys, and the space to host a celebration. These vessels suit most occasion charters — from birthdays and bachelorettes to corporate events.

• 50' Azimut: $2,100 (4 hr) · $2,300 (5 hr) · $2,650 (6 hr) — up to 13 guests
• 55' Azimut: $1,950 (4 hr) · $2,300 (5 hr) · $2,650 (6 hr) — up to 13 guests
• 66' Azimut: $2,900 (4 hr) · $3,450 (5 hr) · $4,050 (6 hr) — up to 13 guests
• 2025 Galeon 68: $4,600 (4 hr) · $5,550 (6 hr) · $7,350 (8 hr) — up to 13 guests, water toys included
• 70' Azimut Flybridge: $4,050 (4 hr) · $5,200 (6 hr) · $6,350 (8 hr) — up to 13 guests

Super Yachts (94'–105') — From $8,650

The ultimate Miami charter experience. These vessels feature multiple entertainment areas, full crew, water toys (jet skis, Seabobs, water slides), and the space for truly unforgettable events.

• 94' Azimut S10: $10,950 (4 hr) · $13,800 (6 hr) · $15,550 (8 hr) — up to 13 guests, 5-person crew
• 103' Azimut: $9,800 (4 hr) · $11,500 (6 hr) · $13,250 (8 hr) — up to 13 guests, water slide + pool + 2 jet skis included, gratuity included
• 105' Azimut: $8,650 (4 hr) · $9,900 (5 hr) · $11,150 (6 hr) · $13,250 (8 hr) — up to 13 guests

All prices above are per charter (not per person) and include captain, fuel, and crew. Gratuity is customary at 15–20% and is not included in the rate (exception: 103' Azimut includes gratuity). Prices current as of March 2026.

What's Included in a Charter

At Best Yachting Company, every charter includes:

• USCG-licensed captain — experienced with local waters
• Fuel — no fuel surcharges regardless of itinerary
• Standard crew — mates, stewardesses on larger vessels
• Safety equipment — life jackets, first aid, VHF radio
• Bluetooth sound system — connect your phone, play your music
• Coolers — for your food and drinks (BYOB welcome)

Popular Add-Ons (Additional Cost)

• Professional catering (charcuterie, multi-course meals, sushi)
• DJ and entertainment
• Water toys: jet skis, Seabobs, paddleboards, snorkel gear
• Drone photography and videography
• Custom decorations (birthdays, proposals, celebrations)
• Flowers and champagne packages
• Massage therapist onboard

Popular Charter Routes in Miami

Biscayne Bay Cruise

The classic Miami charter route. Cruise past Star Island (celebrity homes), Fisher Island, the Venetian Islands, and along the Miami skyline. Stops at Haulover Sandbar or Nixon Beach are common. Best for: 2–4 hour charters.

Star Island & Millionaire's Row

Slow cruise past the waterfront mansions on Star Island, including homes associated with Gloria Estefan, P. Diddy, and other celebrities. Your captain provides narration. Best for: 2–3 hour tours.

Haulover Sandbar

Miami's most popular sandbar destination — a shallow, crystal-clear area north of Bal Harbour where dozens of boats gather on weekends. Wade, swim, and socialize in waist-deep water. Best for: 3–6 hour charters, weekend sandbar parties.

Key Biscayne & Stiltsville

Head south from Miami to the waters around Key Biscayne and the historic Stiltsville houses — wooden structures standing on stilts in the middle of the bay. Excellent for snorkeling. Best for: 4–6 hour charters.

Fort Lauderdale & Intracoastal

Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway passes through "the Venice of America" with its canals, mega-yacht docks, and waterfront mansions. Best for: 3–4 hour charters departing from Fort Lauderdale.

Bahamas Day Trip

Bimini is approximately 50 nautical miles from Miami — reachable in a single day on performance vessels like the Axopar 37 (Bahamas day trip: $4,600). Multi-day Bahamas trips to the Exumas are available on larger yachts.

When to Charter in Miami

Peak Season: December through April

The most popular time for charters. Temperatures range from 70–80°F with low humidity, calm seas, and minimal rain. This is when Miami sees the most tourists and charter demand is highest. Book 2–4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Shoulder Season: May, November

Good weather with fewer crowds and more vessel availability. Temperatures climb into the mid-80s in May. November brings cooling temperatures after hurricane season.

Off-Peak: June through October

Hot, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms (typically brief). Morning charters are popular to avoid afternoon weather. Lower demand means more availability and potential for last-minute bookings. Hurricane season officially runs June 1 – November 30.

How to Book a Yacht Charter in Miami

1. Choose your vessel — Browse the fleet page to compare vessels by size, capacity, and price.
2. Request a quote — Contact us via the booking form, WhatsApp, phone, or email with your date, group size, and occasion.
3. Get your custom quote — We typically respond within 1 hour with a personalized itinerary and final pricing.
4. Confirm and pay deposit — A deposit secures your booking. Balance is due before departure.
5. Add extras — Coordinate catering, decorations, water toys, or other add-ons with your charter coordinator.
6. Board and enjoy — Arrive at the dock, meet your captain and crew, and head out on the water.

Tips for First-Time Charterers

• Start with a 4-hour charter — it's the most popular duration and gives you enough time for cruising, a sandbar stop, and a sunset view without being too long.
• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses — the sun on the water is strong, even on overcast days.
• Wear non-marking shoes — white-soled boat shoes or go barefoot. Dark-soled shoes can mark the deck.
• BYOB is welcome — bring your own food and drinks to save on catering costs.
• Book a weekday — less traffic on the water, more sandbar space, and often easier availability.
• Communicate your must-haves — tell your captain what matters most (sunset photos, sandbar time, exploring, etc.).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Miami?

Yacht charter pricing in Miami ranges from $450 for a 2-hour sport boat to $15,550 for an 8-hour super yacht charter. At Best Yachting Company, all prices include the captain, fuel, and crew — no hidden fees. Sport boats (26'–37') start at $450, motor yachts (50'–70') start at $1,950, and super yachts (94'–105') start at $8,650. See our complete pricing at bestyachtingcompany.com/fleet.

What is included in a Miami yacht charter?

At Best Yachting Company, every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain, fuel, and standard crew at no additional cost. Optional add-ons include catering, DJ services, water toys (jet skis, Seabobs, paddleboards), drone photography, flowers, and custom decorations — all at transparent published rates.

Do I need a boating license to charter a yacht in Miami?

No. All Best Yachting Company charters include a USCG-licensed captain, so no boating license or experience is required. Your captain handles navigation, safety, and local knowledge — you just enjoy the water.

How far in advance should I book a yacht charter in Miami?

For peak season (December through April) and weekends, we recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance. Off-peak weekdays can often be booked with shorter notice. Same-day booking is occasionally available when vessels are open — contact us to check availability.

What is the best time of year for a yacht charter in Miami?

Miami offers year-round chartering. Peak season runs December through April with mild temperatures (70–80°F), low humidity, and calm seas. Summer months (May–September) bring warmer weather and afternoon thunderstorms but also lower prices and fewer crowds. Hurricane season officially runs June through November.

Can I bring food and drinks on a yacht charter?

Yes. You can bring your own food and beverages (including alcohol for guests 21+) on most charters at no extra charge. We also offer professional catering coordination — from charcuterie boards to full multi-course meals — through our trusted local partners.

How many people can fit on a yacht charter in Miami?

Our vessels accommodate 2 to 13 guests per boat (USCG regulations limit charter vessels to 6 or 12–13 passengers depending on vessel class). For larger groups of up to 100 guests, we coordinate multi-vessel charters where your party cruises together in a flotilla.

Where do yacht charters depart from in Miami?

Most charters depart from our primary dock at 1635 N Bayshore Dr Pier 2, Miami, FL 33132. Alternative pickup locations include Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Key Biscayne, and Coconut Grove — subject to vessel availability.