Yacht Charter Miami
Complete guide to yacht charters in Miami. Types of yachts, costs, itineraries, what to expect, and how to book. Expert advice.
Miami is one of the best yacht charter destinations in the Americas. The geography is perfect: calm Biscayne Bay for leisurely cruising, the open Atlantic for those who want blue water, and a coastline of islands, sandbars, and waterfront restaurants accessible only by boat. Whether you want a sunset cruise for two or a party yacht for twenty, Miami delivers. Azimut 88, Miami Types of Charters Day charters are the most common: 4 to 8 hours on the water. Half-day charters work for sunset cruises or afternoon sandbar stops. Full-day charters allow more ambitious itineraries (Key Biscayne loop, northern islands, or a run to Bimini). Overnight and multi-day charters are available for larger yachts, typically 60 feet and above, and open up the Florida Keys and Bahamas. What It Costs Day charter pricing scales with yacht size. A 45-foot sport yacht runs $1,500 to $3,000 for a half day. A 65-foot luxury yacht costs $3,000 to $5,000. An 80-foot+ mega yacht starts at $5,000 and can reach $15,000 or more. All charters include captain and fuel. Larger vessels include a mate or crew. Food, beverages, and water toys are typically extra. Gratuity for the captain (15 to 20%) is customary. Azimut 84, Miami Popular Itineraries Biscayne Bay Cruise: The classic route. Cruise past Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Miami skyline. Anchor at a sandbar for swimming. Haulover Sandbar: Miami's famous shallow-water party spot north of Bal Harbour. Popular on weekends. Key Biscayne Loop: Circle the island with stops at Stiltsville, Bill Baggs lighthouse, and Bear Cut sandbar. Sunset Cruise: 3-hour evening charter through the bay as the skyline lights up. Bahamas Day Trip: For larger yachts, a morning run to Bimini (50 miles) with lunch and return by evening. What to Bring Sunscreen (reef-safe), sunglasses, a hat, a light cover-up, and a change of clothes. Most yachts have towels, snorkel gear, and a sound system. Bring your own food and drinks or ask us to arrange catering. No hard-soled shoes on board. Azimut 84, Miami Q: Do I need boating experience to charter a yacht? A: No. All charters come with a licensed captain. You are a guest, not the pilot. The captain handles navigation, anchoring, and safety. Q: How many people can a charter yacht hold? A: US Coast Guard limits vary by vessel. A 45-footer typically holds 6 to 10 guests. A 65-footer holds 12 to 13. Larger yachts hold 20 or more. We match yacht size to your group. Q: What if the weather is bad? A: Captains monitor conditions closely. Light rain does not typically cancel a charter. Rough seas or thunderstorms may require rescheduling. Most companies offer flexible policies for weather cancellations. Q: Can I combine a yacht charter with a villa stay? A: That is our specialty. Many guests book a waterfront villa with a dock and add one or more yacht charter days. We coordinate both sides.