Miami and its surrounding waters draw huge numbers of yachting enthusiasts each year, as well as being a popular jumping-off point for boating excursions in the wider Florida region.
A motorboat moored in Miami (Photo: Thank You 22 Millions+ views via FLickr / CC BY 2.0)
Nestled at the state’s southeastern tip, the city’s pristine coastal waters and year-round sunshine have ensured its status as one of the world’s most enticing yachting destinations. With prestigious yacht events taking place in and around the city each year, there’s already a well-established yachting infrastructure here. As a result, those shopping around for a Miami charter are often spoilt for choice. To help you dig through the (sea)weeds, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to and picked out three companies that we’d recommend for boat charter in Miami.
Boatbookings
Boatbookings have a total of 61 yachts available in Miami, 54 of which are motorboats and 7 catamarans – although surprisingly no sailboats were among them. If you’re a fan of motor-fuelled power, then the smallest motor yacht on offer is 11 metres, with shorter options available in the catamaran category. As for price, the cheapest charter we could find was for a 12-metre motoryacht available for $3,456 per week. This vessel was also one of only 7 bareboats listed during our search. Other notable website features are a comprehensive section dedicated to comments and star ratings from previous charter guests. The search function also allows you to specify yachts with specific on-board amenities such as fishing and scuba gear.
Sailo
Sailo are a global company specialising in short term yacht crewed and bareboat rentals., with their inventory spanning 3 continents, over 50 countries and 500 locations across the globe. Prospective guests can search for vessels on their seamless, secure and easy to use platform by selecting from a huge number of yachts based on date, location, price, size, guest testimonials, and other trip requirements. When we conducted searches for boat charters in Miami, we found over 700 available, including cats, sailboats, and motoryachts. The cheapest we unearthed was a 16ft motoryacht available as bareboat for either 2, 4, 7 o 8-hour rentals, with prices starting at $78 for a 2-hour hire.
Atlantic Yacht Charters
This company specialises in tailored itineraries for day or half-day luxury yacht rental charters, with a focus on special occasions and celebrations, and has access to a large fleet of vessels ranging from speedy but comfy 39ft cruisers through to ultra-lavish 104ft superyachts. However, term charters for several days or even weeks are also available for those seeking a more extended ocean adventure. Experienced crew including licensed Coast Guard Certified captains and experienced first mates are offered as part of some yacht packages. Optional extras also include high-spec water toys such as luxury jet skis, paddle boards, wakeboards, inflatable islands, seabobs, trampoline slides and snorkel gear.
CharterLux
This Miami-based company is ideal for those seeking a day charter off the coast of Miami. They have an extensive fleet of 30 yachts available for 4 or 8 hour day charters in the area, most of which can be booked for a term charter of a week or more. Prices start around $2,200 for 4 hours on a 43-foot motor yacht. Whether you’re looking to charter a vessel for a party, a romantic dinner cruise, or a family vacation, Charterlux prides themselves on taking the time to get to know clients in order to deliver the perfect yachting adventure. The company also curates custom itineraries for clients based on their intimate knowledge of the world’s best yachting destinations. So whether its basking in the hot Florida sun, exploring tropical islands, or embarking on a fishing excursion, they’ll know exactly how to make your Miami dreams come true.
American Yacht
Founded in 1998, American Yacht offers offer crewed yacht charters on luxury motor yachts, or sailing catamarans and mono-hulls and a wide variety of affordable captain charter vessels from over 36 carefully selected, reliable bareboat operating companies worldwide. They are focussed on helping discerning travellers find the right yacht paired with the best crew and the perfect destination. For Miami charters, there are over 100 yachts listed on their platform, with prices starting at $1,000 per week for a 42ft motoryacht that accommodates 4 guests and 2 crew. The website also provides inspiration through comprehensive destination, activities and trip-planning sections.
CHARTER FAQS – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Miami?
The cost of chartering a yacht in Miami depends on the type of vessel and the length of your charter, but starting prices for yachts of around 12-20ft (accommodating 5-8 people) tend to be around $175 for a two or three-hour charter.
What are the most popular Miami charters in terms of length of time?
Anything from half-day and full-day charters through to 2-day trips are the most popular options. for Miami charters.
What size yachts are your most popular for Miami charters?
Most charterers opt for yachts ranging from around 50ft through to 70ft.
Do you have to be qualified to helm a bareboat yacht yourself?
Anyone can helm a vessel in Miami, as long as it is under 9 metres in length and motoryachts must be no more than 15 HP. For smaller boats outside these parametres, skippers require a Small Vessel Certificate of Competence.
Most Miami yacht charter companies offer bareboat (no crew) yachts deals, but with the option of hiring your own captain.
Can I choose what day/time we depart?
Yes, therre are normally a range of departure times available.
Is there a set itinerary for each charter?
You can normally customise your itinerary based on your preferences, needs and time-constraints. Your charter company will be happy to offer suggestions, with some of the most popular cruising destinations being Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and Haulover Beach.
How does food and drink work?
If you select a bareboat yacht, then you will be required to bring your own provisions. However, on crewed yachts – especially on larger vessels with theur own kitchens – you can often pay extra for onboard meals, as well as beverages and snacks, to be provided.