Yacht Rental in Miami: Costs, Captains, Where to Go and How to Book
Updated November 1, 2026
BigSkipper may earn a commission when you book through some links. We do not test or inspect boats; these guides explain how renting works and what to compare.
Short answer: most Miami yacht rentals are captained charters booked by the hour (often with a 4-hour minimum) through a marketplace such as Boatsetter or Getmyboat, or directly with a local charter company. Price depends on boat length, day of the week, season and what's included (fuel, captain, crew, gratuity). Always read what the quote includes before you pay.
Captained charter or bare-boat rental?
| Captained yacht charter | Bare-boat rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Who drives | A licensed captain | You |
| Typical boats | Larger yachts and party boats | Smaller center consoles and pontoons |
| What you need | Nothing; just your group | Boater education card if born on or after Jan 1, 1988 (Florida), plus the rental's checks |
| Best for | Groups, celebrations, first-timers | Experienced boaters |
More detail: bare-boat charters explained. In Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs a Boating Safety Education ID Card to operate a vessel of 10 hp or more (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)). A charter that carries paying passengers must have a captain holding the right U.S. Coast Guard credential; you can ask to see it.
What drives the price
- Length and type: a 40-foot cruiser costs far less than a 70-foot motor yacht.
- Duration: most listings have a minimum of a few hours; full days are often discounted per hour.
- Day and season: weekends, holidays and big Miami event weeks are priced highest.
- Extras: fuel, crew tip (often not included), water toys, catering, and docking or service fees.
See our yacht charter cost breakdown for what to ask about in a quote.
Popular Miami routes
- Biscayne Bay and the skyline: a sightseeing loop past downtown, the Port of Miami and the islands off Miami Beach.
- Haulover and Nixon sandbars: shallow areas where boats anchor and people swim; check tide times and local rules.
- Key Biscayne and Stiltsville: a longer run south; the Stiltsville structures are inside Biscayne National Park.
How to book
- Compare listings on Boatsetter and Getmyboat (see our Boatsetter vs. Getmyboat comparison).
- Check the cancellation and weather policy, the passenger limit, and what the hourly price includes.
- Ask whether the boat carries insurance and what your liability is; see boat rental insurance.
- Bring sunscreen, ID, and the items on our boating checklist.
FAQ
Do I need a license to rent a yacht in Miami?
Not for a captained charter. To drive a rental yourself in Florida you need the boater education card if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, and the rental may run its own check.
Should I tip the captain and crew?
Tipping is customary on charters and is often not included in the price. Check the listing, and ask the operator what's typical.
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- Do You Need a License to Drive a Boat?
- Boat Rental Cost: What Drives the Price
- Boatsetter vs. Getmyboat: How the Two Marketplaces Compare
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