Miami Yacht Charters Made Simple: A Complete, All‑Inclusive Guide To Booking In Miami

Miami Private Yacht Charter With All Fees Included: Transparent Pricing You Can Trust

When you see an all‑in price with us, the number you approve is the number you pay. Every mandatory item is disclosed in writing before you book.

What “All Fees Included” Means in Miami

All‑inclusive covers the yacht, licensed crew, standard fuel for your agreed route on Biscayne Bay, docking and cleaning, required insurance, and Miami‑Dade sales tax—no platform markups or surprise marina surcharges.

Our Transparent Pricing Methodology (line‑item upfront, no surprises)

Every quote shows line items, what’s included versus optional, and a locked total upon approval. If weather or plan changes affect fuel or time, we confirm cost impacts in writing before proceeding.

Standard Inclusions: Crew, fuel profile, docking, cleaning, sales tax, insurance

Expect a licensed captain and mate, bay‑speed fuel consumption, embark/disembark dock fees, post‑trip cleaning, Miami‑Dade tax, and commercial hull/P&I insurance compliant with marina requirements.

Optional or Variable Items: Premium F&B, specialty toys, extended cruising fuel, gratuity

Add chef services, curated catering, seabobs or jet skis where permitted, offshore fuel, event décor, and discretionary gratuity (we suggest 15–20% for excellent service; never auto‑added unless requested).

Package Types: 2‑hour sunset, 4‑hour half‑day, 6‑hour, 8‑hour full day, overnight

Pick sunset skyline loops, half‑day sandbar hops, longer Key Biscayne explorations, or boutique hotel‑style overnights in staterooms with crewed service.

Miami Yacht Rentals: Key Definitions and Charter Models

Clear terminology and legal frameworks help you choose the right vessel, passenger count, and pricing model.

Definitions: LOA, draft, beam, stateroom, heads, flybridge, galley, tender, toy, APA

LOA = length overall; draft = underwater depth; beam = width. Staterooms are cabins, heads are bathrooms, flybridge is the upper helm, galley is the kitchen. A tender is a small utility boat; “toys” are water gear; APA is an onboard expense fund.

Crewed vs Bareboat vs Time Charter vs All‑Inclusive

Crewed charters include licensed crew; bareboat transfers possession to you and you hire crew separately; time charters lease boat and crew for set hours; all‑inclusive bundles typical operating costs into one set price.

APA vs All‑Inclusive Pricing for Multi‑Day Charters

All‑inclusive covers meals, drinks, standard fuel, and fees. APA (typically 30–35% of base) pre‑funds fuel, docking, provisions, and tax, with a reconciliation against actuals after the trip.

USCG Passenger Categories: 6‑pack (UPV), 12‑passenger bareboat, COI‑inspected vessels

UPVs carry up to six guests with crew. Properly executed bareboat charters may carry up to 12 passengers. COI‑inspected vessels hold a USCG Certificate of Inspection for larger groups under stricter standards.

Legal Structure in Florida: Bareboat rules, who hires crew, owner limitations

On bareboat charters, you assume responsibility and select a qualified captain from an approved list. The owner can’t dictate itinerary, serve as crew, or be aboard while under charter.

Insurance and Liability: Charterer responsibilities and coverage basics

Vessels carry commercial hull and liability insurance. You’re responsible for guest conduct, accidental damage, and any deductible per contract; a refundable security deposit or card hold is customary.

Fleet Options in Miami and How to Choose

Match yacht type to group size, route, comfort needs, and budget.

Motor Yachts (50–100 ft): Comfort, speed, day charter favorites

Air‑conditioned salons, sun pads, and swim platforms make these Biscayne Bay all‑stars for 4–12 guests seeking stylish half‑day comfort.

Superyachts (100 ft+): Events, overnight capacity, premium services

Multiple decks, professional crews, and stateroom suites suit milestone events, corporate hospitality, and multi‑day privacy.

Catamarans and Sailing Yachts: Stability, deck space, efficiency

Cats deliver exceptional stability and wide decks with low fuel burn; sailing yachts offer serene, wind‑powered passages for scenic days.

Sportfish and Center Consoles: Fishing, quick sandbar hops, offshore capable

Sportfish rigs target sailfish and mahi; fast center consoles excel at snorkeling, island picnics, and easy beach access.

Capacity and Comfort: Matching yacht to group size, budget, and goals

Beyond “seats,” weigh shaded areas, head count, galley size, deck flow, and service level. A slightly larger yacht often boosts comfort without a steep price jump.

Onboard Amenities: A/C salons, Bluetooth sound, sun pads, swim platforms, showers

Expect climate‑controlled interiors, upgraded speakers, foredeck lounges, easy water access, and freshwater rinse‑offs after sandbar swims.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Add‑Ons Explained

Included by Default: Licensed captain and crew, standard fuel, Miami‑Dade sales tax, marina fees, cleaning

Our default pricing bundles crew, bay‑speed fuel, local tax, dock fees, and cleaning—no “port” or “service” surprises.

Food & Beverage: Set menus, chef services, BYO rules, corkage, ice and soft drinks

Choose chef‑curated menus or light platters, or BYO within safety rules. Ice, water, and soft drinks are included; corkage may apply for premium barware or mixology setups.

Water Toys: Floating mats, SUPs, snorkel gear, seabobs, jet skis and legal requirements

Floating mats, paddleboards, and snorkel sets are common. Seabobs and jet skis are vessel‑ and zone‑dependent; PWC operators must meet age and boater‑education rules.

Event Services: Photography, videography, drone policy, décor, florals, branding

We book licensed photo/video teams, manage drones where legal, and install deck‑safe décor, florals, and discreet brand activations.

Accessibility: Mobility considerations, boarding assistance, restroom access

We prioritize wide transoms, handrails, and main‑deck heads, provide boarding steps and crew assistance, and choose calm‑water routes for comfort.

Miami Marinas, Pick‑Up Points, and Service Area

Choose embarkation based on traffic, parking, and your route to maximize water time.

Miami Beach: Miami Beach Marina, One Island Drive/Island Gardens, Sunset Harbour

Miami Beach Marina is central and efficient; One Island Drive suits larger yachts near Government Cut; Sunset Harbour offers calm bay departures.

Downtown/Edgewater: Sea Isle Marina, Venetian Marina, Museum Park

Ideal for skyline loops and Venetian Islands access, with iconic Museum Park views near Bayfront Park.

Coconut Grove/Key Biscayne: Dinner Key, Bayshore Landing, Crandon Park Marina

Gateways to Key Biscayne, Stiltsville, and Biscayne National Park with convenient parking for families.

North Miami/Haulover: Haulover Park Marina, Sunny Isles pick‑ups

Best for Haulover Sandbar days and northbound routes; select hotel docks support pickups with permissions and safe depths.

Private Dock and Hotel Pickups: Permissions, seawall safety, fees, tides

Private pickups require owner approval, adequate depth, fendering plans, and fees; wind and tide determine feasibility.

Parking, Rideshare, and Timing for Smooth Boarding

Arrive 20 minutes early for staging and briefings. Use rideshare for tight lots and share dock maps to avoid delays.

Signature Routes and Sample Itineraries

Miami Skyline Loop (2–4 Hours): Star Island, Fisher, Millionaire’s Row, Port channel

Glide past Star and Palm Islands, Fisher Island, and Millionaire’s Row, then loop Government Cut for dramatic skyline views.

Sandbar Days: Haulover Sandbar, Nixon Sandbar, Marine Stadium lagoon

Anchor in waist‑deep water with music and floating mats, or paddleboard in Marine Stadium’s sheltered lagoon.

Key Biscayne and Stiltsville (4–6 Hours): Cape Florida Lighthouse, historic houses

Swim emerald coves, spot the Cape Florida Light, and idle around the iconic Stiltsville houses.

Boca Chita and Elliott Key (8 Hours): Beach picnic, harbor, hiking/snorkel stops

Land at Boca Chita’s harbor and lighthouse for a picnic, then continue to Elliott Key for snorkeling and shaded trails.

Sunset and Night Cruises: Golden hour, skyline lights, fireworks and special events

Time your run for golden hour, then watch the skyline ignite; we plan safe firework vantage points on holidays.

Seasonality and Sea State: Wind patterns, weekend traffic, tide and bridge timing

Summer is calmer with afternoon storms; winter brings NE breezes. We plan tide‑aware routes and bridge timing to reduce chop.

Safety, Compliance, and Local Regulations

Captain Licensing and Crew Training: OUPV/Master, STCW, drug consortiums

Captains hold OUPV or Master licenses, maintain CPR/First Aid, TWIC where applicable, and USCG‑approved drug testing; larger yachts carry STCW‑trained crew.

Passenger Limits and Enforcement: 6‑pack, 12‑passenger bareboat, COI vessels

We never exceed limits and carry documentation. USCG and FWC boating regulations are actively enforced around sandbars and high‑traffic weekends.

Alcohol and BUI Laws: Operator sobriety, under‑21 rules, glass policies

Crew remains sober; guests must be 21+ to drink. We discourage glass and provide reusable drinkware for safety.

Anchoring and Environmental Rules: Seagrass, no‑discharge zones, pump‑out

We avoid seagrass beds, use moorings where available, comply with no‑discharge rules, and schedule marina pump‑outs.

Noise and Courtesy: Music levels, wake control, wildlife distance laws

We moderate music near homes, observe slow‑speed zones, and keep lawful distances from manatees, dolphins, and rookeries.

Children and Lifejackets: Age‑based PFD rules, infant accommodations

USCG‑approved PFDs are stocked for all sizes; children wear them on deck. Routes favor shade and calmer segments for families.

Booking Process: From Quote to Cast‑Off

Live Availability and Instant Quotes: Holding a yacht and price locks

Real‑time calendars and instant quotes let you hold a yacht. Once your deposit posts, pricing and inclusions lock in writing.

ID Verification and E‑Contracts: Bareboat vs crewed paperwork

We verify ID for the contracting guest and e‑sign the correct agreement type, with captain options for bareboat compliance.

Payments and Security: Deposits, card holds, wire options, fraud protection

Typically 50% down with a refundable card hold for incidentals; balances are due pre‑departure via major cards or wire.

Pre‑Departure: Guest list, provisioning, special requests, shoe/bag policies

Share final guest list and dietary notes, confirm menus and celebrations, and pack soft bags and boat‑safe shoes (or go barefoot).

Safety Briefing and Boarding: Orientation, routes, contingency planning

At the dock we review lifejackets, emergency plans, and route options plus wind‑safe alternates.

Post‑Charter: Overage time, incident review, deposit release, feedback

Any overtime is pre‑approved and documented. After inspection, deposits release promptly; we welcome candid feedback.

Transparent Pricing Examples (All Fees Included)

Illustrative, subject to vessel selection, date, and availability. All totals include crew, standard fuel profile, dockage, cleaning, insurance, and Miami‑Dade tax.

4‑Hour Day Charter: 60‑ft motor yacht, 12 guests, Biscayne Bay loop

$2,800–$3,600 all‑in. Optional seabobs, premium platters, or extra time priced separately.

8‑Hour Full Day: 80‑ft yacht, Key Biscayne/Stiltsville with toys and catering

$7,500–$10,500 all‑in. Catered lunch for twelve and two seabobs may add $1,500–$2,500 depending on selections.

Event Vessel: 30–80 guests on COI‑inspected yacht with F&B packages

$9,000–$18,000 all‑in for 3–4 hours, plus per‑person F&B from $65–$160 for open bar and staffed buffets.

Multi‑Day Comparison: 100‑ft superyacht all‑inclusive vs APA model

All‑inclusive: $17,000–$22,000 per day for six guests. APA: $12,000–$16,000 per day plus 30–35% APA settled against actuals.

Policies: Weather, Cancellations, and Rescheduling

Weather Safety: Captain/USCG criteria vs light rain, wind thresholds, small‑craft advisories

Light rain is fine; lightning, small‑craft advisories, or unsafe seas trigger rescheduling or refunds per policy. Captain and USCG criteria govern go/no‑go.

Hurricane Season Protections: Named storms, rebooking windows, refunds

June–November, named storms activate priority rebooking. Closures or evacuation orders yield credits or refunds per contract.

Late Arrival and No‑Show: Dock windows, wait‑time, time‑and‑a‑half overtime

Boarding windows are firm. Wait time reduces cruise time; overtime may bill at time‑and‑a‑half if you extend past your slot.

Damage and Cleaning: Wear‑and‑tear vs negligence, smoking penalties

Normal wear is expected; negligence (stains, burns, broken fixtures) bills at cost. Smoking policies protect cushions and safety gear.

Experiences and Occasions We Host

Birthdays, Proposals, Micro‑Weddings, and Anniversaries

From bow‑side proposals to micro‑weddings, we coordinate florals, chilled champagne, photo stops, and sunset playlists.

Corporate Offsites, Client Entertainment, Product Launches, Brand Shoots

Agenda‑driven routes, permits, curated menus, NDAs, controlled access, and shore‑to‑ship logistics keep brand moments polished.

Family Days: Kid‑friendly setups, shaded lounging, shallow‑water stops

Shade canopies, child PFDs, floating mats, and easy ladders with calm lagoons and sandbars maximize fun for all ages.

Fishing and Snorkeling: Licensing, gear, reef sites, best seasons

Licensed captains supply tackle and bait under charter permits. Snorkel shines on clear summer mornings; sailfish peak in winter, mahi in summer.

Guest Guidelines and Packing List

What to Bring: Sunscreen (reef‑safe), hats, IDs, swimwear, towels if needed

Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, strap‑back hats, swimwear, and government IDs; many yachts include towels—ask us.

What Not to Bring: Hard coolers, red wine, glitter/confetti, illegal substances

We supply iced coolers; hard coolers scuff decks. No red wine, confetti, or illegal substances—violations can terminate the charter.

Shoes, Smoking/Vaping, and Pets: Boat‑safe footwear, designated areas, approvals

Go barefoot or wear soft, non‑marking soles. Smoking/vaping only where permitted; pets require pre‑approval and may be restricted by marinas.

Seasickness and Comfort: Anti‑nausea tips, hydration, shaded seating

If motion‑sensitive, take meclizine an hour prior, hydrate, and focus on the horizon; we reserve shaded, low‑motion seating and route for calmer water.

Sustainability and Community Stewardship

Eco Practices: Waste sorting, reusable serveware, reef‑safe products

We separate waste, stock reusable or compostable serveware, and recommend reef‑safe sunscreens and eco‑friendly cleaners.

Anchoring Alternatives: Mooring usage, seagrass mapping, operator training

Captains use moorings where available, review seagrass maps, and train on techniques that protect bottom habitats.

Local Partnerships: Biscayne Bay initiatives, clean‑up days, donations

We support nonprofits with cleanups, water‑quality monitoring, and donations from select charters to Biscayne Bay programs.

Why Book With Us: Guarantees and Service Standards

No Hidden Fees Pledge: Written inclusions, pre‑trip confirmations

Your contract lists every inclusion, tax, and marina fee. Pre‑trip confirmations restate totals and route plans—no dockside surprises.

Price‑Match and Value Assurance: Comparable yacht, date, inclusions

Find a legal, comparable Miami yacht with the same date and inclusions at a lower verifiable rate? We price‑match or add amenities at no extra cost.

Owner‑Vetted Fleet: Maintenance standards, safety audits, legal compliance

Only owner‑vetted yachts with maintenance logs, current insurance, and compliance docs. Regular audits verify safety gear and crew credentials.

Concierge Support: Menu planning, route optimization, on‑call trip manager

From menu curation to tide‑smart routing, your concierge optimizes details and remains on call during your charter.

All charters operate within USCG, FWC, and county regulations. Prices and inventory subject to date, vessel, and weather conditions.