The Best Boat Rentals in Miami Beach

Pricing varies by boat size, day of the week, and season, but you can expect small motorboats to start around $100–$200 per hour with a 2–4 hour minimum, mid-size cruisers and sailboats to average about $150–$300 per hour, and standard yachts in the 40–60 foot range to run roughly $350–$800 per hour. Large luxury yachts can be $1,000+ per hour, especially on weekends and holidays. Most charters include basic safety gear and a cooler; some include ice, water, and Bluetooth sound. Captain, fuel, gratuity, and taxes may be separate, so check the listing details before you book.

You’ll find a wide range of options including center consoles for island-hopping, deck boats and speedboats for quick bay cruises, sailboats and catamarans for relaxed sailing days, and motor yachts for entertaining, sandbar outings, and sunset cruises. If you’re planning a celebration, many yachts are set up for comfortable lounging and easy swimming off the stern.

Most visitors choose a captained charter because it’s effortless and local captains know the best routes, sandbars, and calm-water spots. Experienced boaters who meet Florida’s operator requirements can request a self-operated rental on select boats, but routes near inlets and shallow flats can be tricky, and docking is busy on weekends. If you want a stress-free day, book with a captain and focus on your group.

Popular pickup points include Miami Beach Marina in South Beach, Sunset Harbour in the city’s bayfront district, and Haulover Park Marina to the north for easy access to the Haulover Sandbar. Some trips also start just across the causeway at Island Gardens on Watson Island or Pelican Harbor near North Bay Village. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking with clear directions and parking tips.

Typical routes showcase the Miami skyline, South Beach’s Art Deco shoreline, and the Venetian, Star, and Palm Islands with views of notable waterfront homes. Many charters stop at Monument Island for a swim, cruise Biscayne Bay for dolphin and occasional manatee sightings, and, on longer outings, head toward Stiltsville or the Cape Florida Lighthouse for classic Biscayne National Park scenery.

If you plan to drive the boat, Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to hold a boating safety education card or an approved temporary certificate. Out-of-state visitors can use an equivalent, recognized card. If you book a captained charter, the captain operates the vessel and you don’t need a license.

Yes, families are welcome. Every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and captains can supply child sizes when you share ages and weights in advance. In Florida, young children must wear a life jacket while underway on smaller vessels, and crews will help make sure everyone is safe and comfortable.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic-style meals, and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Aluminum cans and reusable bottles are preferred over glass, and hard liquor policies vary by boat. If you want catering, ask your captain in advance; several boats can arrange platters or recommend nearby pickup options.

Some boats welcome small, well-behaved dogs with prior approval, while others do not allow pets to keep decks pristine. If pets are permitted, a cleaning fee may apply, and it’s a good idea to bring a dog life jacket, a non-slip mat, and fresh water for your pup.

South Florida is sunny year-round, but summer can bring brief afternoon showers and pop-up thunderstorms, and hurricane season runs June through November. Captains monitor marine forecasts and may recommend delaying, rerouting to calmer bay waters, or rescheduling if conditions are unsafe. Each listing has its own cancellation policy; weather-related changes are typically handled with flexible reschedule or refund options.

Absolutely. Many boats are set up for celebrations with shaded seating, great sound systems, and easy swim access. Tell the captain your headcount and vibe, and they can suggest routes with photo backdrops, sandbar time, and sunset views. Group size limits apply by vessel, so larger parties may book a bigger yacht or coordinate a two-boat flotilla.

Boating is year-round here, with the most comfortable weather from November through May. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest boating holidays and book up early. Major local events like the Miami International Boat Show in February, spring music festivals in March, and Art Basel in early December can also drive demand. For smoother seas and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; sunsets are gorgeous but popular on weekends.

The Haulover Sandbar is the classic shallow-water hangout for floating, swimming, and relaxing with music on the hook. Many trips also visit Monument Island for a swim with skyline views, and on longer charters you can cruise to the Nixon area off Key Biscayne or out toward the Stiltsville houses. Your captain will time stops around tides and crowds for the best experience.