The Best Boat Rentals in Miami

In Miami, you can expect smaller motorboats and deck boats to start around $100–$200 per hour, mid-size cruisers and catamarans to run about $250–$500 per hour, and larger yachts to range roughly $500–$1,500+ per hour, with minimums of 2–4 hours common. Prices often include the boat, basic safety gear, and in many cases a licensed captain, fuel for local cruising, and a cooler with ice and water. Taxes, platform fees, gratuity, and add-ons like water toys, catering, docking at special pickup points, or longer-range fuel are typically extra. Booking weekdays, mornings, or shoulder-season dates can help you find better value.

Miami offers a wide mix: sleek bowriders and center consoles for easy sandbar and island hops, comfortable pontoons and deck boats for laid-back cruising, sailing monohulls and catamarans for breezy days on Biscayne Bay, and a full range of motor yachts for entertaining or celebrating. If you want more space or shade, look for catamarans and flybridge yachts; for quick trips to sandbars or snorkeling spots, smaller powerboats are a great fit.

Most trip planners opt for a captained charter because it’s stress-free and lets you focus on the group, the route, and the photos. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, many listings allow it when you show sufficient experience and meet Florida’s boater education rules. Captained trips are ideal for first-time visitors, busy itineraries, or larger groups, while experienced boaters may choose self-operated rentals for quick bay outings.

Common departure points include Miami Beach Marina in South Beach and Miamarina at Bayside in Downtown for easy skyline and island routes. You’ll also see pickups from Haulover Park Marina in North Miami Beach, Dinner Key/Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove, Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne, and Sea Isle Marina along the Venetian Causeway. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed after booking, and some hosts can arrange alternative pickups for a fee.

Typical sights include the Brickell and Downtown skyline, PortMiami’s cruise ships, Fisher Island, Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands, and the Venetian Islands. Many captains cruise Biscayne Bay toward Key Biscayne for views of the Cape Florida Lighthouse and Stiltsville, or stop at popular sandbars like Haulover or Nixon. Dolphins and manatees are frequently spotted in calm bay waters, and sunset trips along the Miami River showcase waterfront restaurants and the city lights.

Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to have a Boating Safety Education ID (or a recognized temporary certificate) to operate a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more. Many Miami operators also set minimum age and experience standards to rent or drive a boat. If you’d rather not worry about the rules, book a captained charter and let the licensed captain handle the helm.

Yes, families are welcome. Every legal charter provides Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all guests, and you can request child sizes in advance. Florida law requires children to wear life jackets in certain situations, and your captain will advise when they must be on. Strollers are usually fine on larger boats, but soft carriers work better on smaller decks. For the smoothest ride with little ones, choose a larger vessel and a morning time slot on Biscayne Bay.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and drinks, and many provide a cooler with ice and bottled water. Some yachts offer catering or you can arrange delivery before departure. Glass is often restricted, red wine and staining mixers may be discouraged, and hard liquor policies vary by boat. Passengers may enjoy alcohol if permitted, but the captain must remain sober and safe boating rules apply at all times.

Pet policies vary by vessel. Small, well-behaved dogs are commonly allowed with prior approval, and a cleaning fee may apply. Let your host know your pet’s size and bring a leash, water bowl, and a pet life jacket if you have one. For dogs new to boating, calmer bay routes and sandbar stops are usually more comfortable than open-ocean runs.

Miami boating is year-round, but summer brings quick afternoon thunderstorms and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. Captains watch marine forecasts and may adjust routes for comfort, favoring the protected waters of Biscayne Bay when it’s choppy offshore. If unsafe conditions are forecast, most operators offer a weather reschedule or a weather-based cancellation per their policy. Review the listing’s window—24 to 72 hours is common—and message your captain early if your plans might shift.

Absolutely. Boats in Miami are set up for celebrations with Bluetooth sound, shaded lounges, coolers, and easy sandbar access. Share your headcount early so you’re booked on the right class of vessel, confirm any decor and footwear rules, and coordinate a simple food-and-drink plan to minimize prep on the dock. For smooth logistics, designate one organizer for payments and communication and aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure.

Miami’s peak boating season runs roughly December through April, with warm temps and high demand around winter holidays, spring break, and major events like Ultra in March, the Formula 1 race in early May, the Miami International Boat Show in February, and Art Basel in early December. Summer is lively too, especially on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekdays and morning departures; sunset cruises are stunning but book up quickly on weekends. If your dates include a holiday or big event week, reserve well in advance and expect premium pricing.

Top picks include sandbar days at Haulover or Nixon, island-hopping around Key Biscayne and Virginia Key, a skyline-and-mansions loop past Star Island, a Stiltsville photo stop in Biscayne Bay, and dock-and-dine runs on the Miami River. Snorkeling on clear days and sunset cruises are guest favorites, and larger yachts make memorable platforms for milestone celebrations with room to lounge and dance.