Whether you’re wandering around palatial gardens, meeting animals at the zoo, immersing yourself in art, or just here for the beaches (we’re not judging), there’s undeniable amount of things to do in Miami. But wait! Don’t limit yourself to dry land when planning an itinerary and, instead, get to know the Gold Coast by hiring a boat and hitting the waters.
There’s enough boat rental options to keep a whole ship’s crew happy – from short duration trips to whole day hires, some with their own capitan-and-crew and others without. The subtext is that all make possible some luxury drinks-and-nibbles opportunities – oh, and some nice photo ops too. To help you navigate the wild seas of Florida boat hires, we’ve drawn up a few need-to-knows below, plus a list of our favorites. Grab a bikini (and life jacket) and let’s go!
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Renting a boat in Miami can be a surprisingly cheap ordeal – if you’re going for a rubber dinghy you can steer yourself – or it can get pretty steep if you’re keen on all the bells and whistles. Quarter (two-hour) or half-day (4 hours) rentals can be as little as $20/hour while full-day (eight-hour) trips with a captain can go far beyond $1,000.
Private yacht chartering comes with a full crew and captain and base rates typically starts from $3,000, but can go all the way up to $100,000+ per day. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find one for anything less than a full day’s hire.
If you’re looking to rent a boat in Miami, you’ll need to be over 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have a major credit card at hand. In addition, it’s advised to have completed a boater safety course (or equivalent) as some boat rental companies won’t allow you to rent their boats without one.
No. In most cases, you’ll only have a captain and crew if you charter a private yacht. Some bareboat rentals have the option for a captain, but not usually any additional crew members. It’s best to speak with the boat rental company directly and find out what they can and can’t offer you before putting down a deposit.
Boat rentals in Miami are cheaper hires that usually don’t require a captain. There’s the classic 6-person 16ft speedboat which is ideal for a two-hour family outing, or the 40ft party boats, kitted out to the max with boomboxes and disco balls. Certain bareboat rentals have a ‘captain available’ option if you need a designated driver after one too many Pina Coladas.
The core difference between boat rentals and private yacht charters in Miami is that the latter comes with a captain and crew included, as well as fully-equipped private cabins, fuel, and catering – although this can vary from yacht to yacht. Chartering a yacht in Miami can range from a one-day experience for events such as weddings and birthday parties to a fully-fledged charter that can last up to a week on Florida’s crystal clear waters. The choice is up to you. Chin-chin, darling!
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This 116” mega-yacht oozes opulence and sophisticated luxury. Whether you’re looking to host a unique dinner party or enjoy a romantic date for two, this yacht has it all. Think sundecks, nautical styling, and plush furnishings throughout the five cabins it has to offer up to 12 guests. Catering is available on request.
For a half-day spent in pure luxury, this 38” Sundancer in Miami is well worth the investment. Including fuel and a captain, this boat has capacity for six guests and a cabin-and-shower combo when you need a quick refresh. The half-day rental also includes fun floaties and underwater lighting for a memorable evening on the water.
While the rest of these private yacht charters have a day-rate offering, this stunning 92” Mangusta Open is available for a week-long rental. EVA accommodates up to nine guests overnight (12 guests for day trips) across four cabins and has separate crew quarters. Take a trip around Miami’s vibrant coastline and unwind in luxury on this one-of-a-kind vacation.
This is THE mega yacht for your next event. Catering to 140 guests over 130ft of pure luxury, this custom party boat is the perfect on-water venue for any special occasion. Join partygoers on the top deck for the best views of Miami’s coastline while sipping champagne offered by the world-class crew. From catering to stylized decor, the team is there to assist you every step of the way.
Go cheap and cheerful with this adorable little dinghy available for a half-day rental. Accommodating four guests – including the qualified skipper taking charge – this is a no-frills boat rental that’s ready to get you out on the water in no time.
Party like a pirate, they say, on this unique party boat rental in Miami. Complete with an LED bar, sofas, stools, and a super powerful boombox, Vice Boat 2 is the answer to all of your Miami vices in one. The best part? Top up an extra hour for $100 if the party’s too good to end.
Catering for up to 12 guests in six cabins, the Avanti is a 100” mega-yacht featuring two large indoor decks, and an outdoor deck for soaking up Miami’s glorious sunshine. Grill on deck while the rest relax in the hot tub, or opt for onboard catering at an additional cost with a wide selection of gourmet cuisine to taste.
This private yacht in Miami has five staterooms (three kings, two queens, and a twin cabin) that can accommodate up to 12 guests overnight. Outside, there’s a hot tub and panoramic views across three decks. Need to post on Insta? There’s complimentary wifi throughout the yacht while a Le Cordon Blue chef is available for tantalizing meals across the charter. Bon appétit.
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