Miami · Private Boat Tours
Private Boat Tour in Miami
12 private vessels from $450. Your boat, your captain, your route.
12 vessels · Captain & crew included · Fully customizable
Private Tour Experience
Why a Private Tour Changes Everything
Public boat tours in Miami follow the same scripted route every day. You board with 50 strangers, sit through a pre-recorded narration, and have zero say in what you see or how long you stay. The boat stops for no one.
A private boat tour flips that entirely. Your USCG-licensed captain works with you to design the perfect route based on your interests, your group, and the day's conditions. Want to linger at Star Island for photos? Go ahead. Want to skip sightseeing and head straight to the sandbar for swimming? Say the word. Need to adjust mid-trip because the kids are getting restless? Your captain adapts in real time.
The economics often surprise people. A 2-hour private tour on a sport boat starts at $$450 — split between 8 guests, that is about $56 per person. Public sightseeing cruises typically charge $35-$50 per person for a rigid, shared experience. For a few dollars more per head, you get an entirely different level of comfort, flexibility, and privacy.
Private vs. Public Tour Comparison
| Private Tour | Public Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Just your group (2-13) | 30-100 strangers |
| Route | Fully customizable | Fixed, scripted |
| Schedule | Depart when you want | Fixed departure times |
| Swim stops | Anywhere, anytime | Rarely or never |
| Music | Your playlist via Bluetooth | PA system narration |
| Food & drinks | BYOB or catered | None or overpriced bar |
| Per person (group of 8) | From ~$56 | $35-$50 |
Popular Private Tour Routes
- Star Island Celebrity Homes Circuit — Cruise past mansions on Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Venetian Islands (2-3 hours)
- Biscayne Bay Explorer — Stiltsville, sandbars, snorkeling reefs, and the Cape Florida Lighthouse (4-6 hours)
- Sunset Sightseeing — Golden hour cruise with city skyline views, bridge illuminations, and return under the stars (2-3 hours)
- Full-Day Miami Experience — Star Island, sandbar swim, lunch on deck, snorkeling, and sunset finale (6-8 hours)
Our Fleet
Available Tour Vessels
Common Questions
Private Boat Tour Miami — FAQ
What is the difference between a private boat tour and a public tour?
A private tour gives you your own boat and captain with a fully customizable route. You set the pace, choose where to stop, and enjoy the experience with only your group. Public tours run on fixed schedules with 30-100 strangers, rigid routes, and no flexibility to customize. Per person, private tours often cost only slightly more than public tours — especially for groups of 6-13.
How much does a private boat tour in Miami cost?
Private boat tours start from $450 for a 2-hour charter. For a group of 8, that works out to about $56 per person — comparable to many public tour prices. Larger yachts for groups up to 13 start from $1,600 for 4 hours. All prices include captain, fuel, and crew.
Can I customize the route on a private tour?
Yes. Your captain designs the route around your interests. Want to focus on Star Island celebrity homes? Done. Prefer swimming at the sandbar? No problem. Want a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and sunset? Your captain will build the perfect itinerary. Just tell us what matters most to you.
Do I need a boating license for a private boat tour?
No. Every private tour includes a USCG-licensed captain who handles all navigation, anchoring, and safety. You just relax and enjoy the experience. No boating experience is needed.
How many people can join a private boat tour?
Most charter vessels accommodate up to 13 guests per USCG regulations. For groups larger than 13, we coordinate multi-boat packages where your party cruises together as a flotilla. Sport boats (26-37 ft) are perfect for 2-8 guests, while yachts (48-70 ft) comfortably host up to 13.
What should I bring on a private boat tour?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towels, a change of clothes, and a waterproof phone case. We are BYOB — bring your own food and drinks (coolers are available on most vessels). If you prefer a catered experience, we can arrange that as an add-on starting from $49.99 per person.
What is the best time for a private tour in Miami?
Morning tours (9-11 AM) offer calm waters and the best visibility. Afternoon tours are great for sandbar swimming and socializing. Sunset tours (departing 90 minutes before sundown) provide the most dramatic scenery. Year-round, but the best weather is December through April.