Anchors up — Miami’s waterways are as irresistible as its skyline, but before you blast off toward turquoise horizons, a few practicalities will keep your day smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Is it better to rent with or without a captain?
If you know how to read charts, handle tides, and manage a boat in crowded waterways, a bareboat rental saves money and gives you the freedom to explore. But for most visitors, booking a captain is smarter. A licensed captain knows local currents, knows where the no-wake zones are, and navigates crowded anchorages like Haulover Sandbar and Stiltsville with ease. Plus, a captain lets everyone relax, sip a cold drink, and admire the view instead of worrying about markers and bridges. If you’re celebrating or short on experience, opt for a skipper.
What to look for when selecting a boat rental company in Miami
Start with safety and transparency. Confirm valid USCG-inspected vessels or documented insurance, and ask to see maintenance records. Read recent reviews and check how the company handles cancellations and weather changes. Inspect the boat beforehand: functioning electronics, working bilge pumps, and enough life jackets for everyone. Ask whether fuel is included, what the captain fee is, and what extras—water toys, sound systems, or snorkeling gear—cost. Finally, pick a company with a convenient launch point (Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, or Marina Port) to maximize your time on the water.
Average prices and boat sizes available in Miami
Miami’s rental scene spans pocket-friendly to ultra-luxury. Small runabouts and center consoles (16–22 feet) suitable for short trips and fishing typically rent for $200–$450 for a half day, $350–$700 for a full day. Larger deck boats and bowriders (24–30 feet) run $600–$1,200/day. For groups wanting more comfort, 30–40 foot cruisers with cabins are $1,000–$2,500/day. Prices shift with season, demand, and included amenities.
Best month to rent boats in Miami
Peak weather and pleasant seas make March the sweet spot. Temperatures are warm, humidity is lower than summer, and you usually avoid the summer thunderstorms and hurricane season worries. December through April is high season—expect higher rates and busier anchorages—but the payoff is blue skies and calm waters.
Average prices to rent a yacht in Miami
Yacht charters span a wide range. Smaller motor yachts (40–60 feet) generally start around $1,500–$3,500 per day with crew. Mid-range luxury yachts (60–90 feet) often run $4,000–$12,000/day. Ultra-luxury superyachts can climb into $20,000–$50,000+ per day. Weekly charters and off-season rates can significantly change the math; always check what’s included—fuel, crew gratuity, dockage, and provisioning.
Places to visit by boat in Miami
Biscayne Bay’s jewels: cruise past Millionaire’s Row and Star Island for celebrity architecture, anchor at Haulover Sandbar to socialize, and explore Biscayne National Park—Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are perfect for swimming and picnics. Don’t miss Stiltsville’s eerie, photogenic shacks or the serene mangrove channels around Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs Cape Florida. For a sunset vibe, loop around Fisher Island and watch Miami Beach light up.
Safety first, but don’t forget to savor the salt air, skyline views, and that first splash into crystal water. With the right rental, a little planning, and local know-how, Miami by boat is pure magic.
