The Best Boat Rentals in Key Biscayne

Most small motorboats for Biscayne Bay cruising start around $100–$200 per hour, mid-size cruisers and sailboats generally run about $150–$350 per hour, and standard motor yachts in the 40–60 foot range are often $350–$800 per hour. Large luxury yachts can exceed $1,000 per hour, especially on weekends and holidays. Typical inclusions are the boat, required safety gear, Bluetooth sound, and often ice and bottled water; captained charters may bundle a licensed captain and basic fuel for local routes. Taxes, platform fees, gratuity, special pickup fees, add‑on water toys, catering, or long‑range fuel are usually extra. Booking weekday mornings or outside peak dates often yields the best value.

You’ll find a range tailored to Biscayne Bay: center consoles and deck boats for quick sandbar runs, sailboats and catamarans for breezy days under sail, and motor yachts for entertaining, swimming, and skyline cruising. Sportfishing boats are popular for offshore or reef trips, and there are larger party-ready catamarans designed for bigger groups. If you’re hosting a celebration, look for listings that note swim platforms, shaded seating, coolers, and upgraded sound systems.

Both options exist. Many visitors choose a captained charter for a stress-free day, local route expertise, and easier docking and anchoring at sandbars. Experienced boaters can book self-operated rentals when available; if you plan to operate the boat yourself and were born on or after January 1, 1988, Florida requires proof of boating safety education to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more, and visitors can use a temporary certificate. If you don’t meet those requirements or simply want to relax, select a captained option at checkout.

Common meeting points include Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne and Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key, both with quick access to Biscayne Bay. Captains also frequently stage trips from the Marine Stadium area on Virginia Key, which offers a protected basin for pickup, and from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove for routes toward Stiltsville and the southern bay. Your exact pickup spot will be confirmed after booking, and some marinas charge a small pickup or parking fee.

Expect classic Miami views: the downtown and Brickell skyline, the Rickenbacker Causeway, and the Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which may be under renovation but is still photogenic from the water. South of the island you can cruise past the historic Stiltsville houses standing on pilings in the bay, and on longer outings many captains head toward Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park to view its ornamental lighthouse from the harbor. Wildlife sightings such as dolphins and manatees are possible, especially on calm mornings.

Florida does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry proof of having completed an approved boating safety course (or a Florida-recognized temporary certificate) to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or greater. Visitors may use a NASBLA‑approved course card from their home state. If you prefer not to complete the course, choose a captained charter and let a licensed local captain handle the driving.

Yes—families are welcome on most charters, and every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for the listed capacity. Let the owner know your children’s ages and weights so the crew can have the right sizes ready; infants and toddlers need properly fitted vests. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet, and many captains encourage everyone to wear one when swimming off the boat. If you need shade, a restroom, or easy water access for kids, look for boats with biminis, cabins, and swim platforms.

Most charters are BYO-friendly for snacks and beverages, and many supply a cooler with ice and bottled water. You can also arrange catering or pre-order platters with your captain for special occasions. For safety and to protect the bay, reusable cups are preferred and glass may be restricted in some areas; always confirm alcohol policies, and remember that the captain must remain sober and in command of the vessel.

Some boats allow well-behaved dogs with advance approval and a cleaning deposit, while others are pet‑free—check your listing’s rules. If your plan includes pulling into Biscayne National Park’s Boca Chita Key, be aware that pets are not permitted on the island or even on boats tied in that harbor. At Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, leashed pets are allowed in certain picnic and trail areas but not on the beach, lighthouse grounds, or restaurants; captains can advise the best pet‑friendly route.

Captains closely watch marine forecasts, especially in summer when brief afternoon thunderstorms are common and during hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. If conditions are unsafe—high winds, lightning, or strong storms—your captain will typically reschedule or cancel per the listing’s weather policy, with refunds handled according to those terms. You’ll get the smoothest water and most reliable conditions by choosing a morning or sunset departure, and staying flexible on timing helps if a quick shower passes through.

Absolutely—boats and yachts in this area are set up for celebrations, with swim mats, great sound systems, shaded lounges, and easy access to popular swim spots. Share your headcount and vibe when you inquire so your captain can recommend the right vessel and route, whether that’s a relaxed cruise to the lighthouse and Stiltsville or a swim stop near a sandbar. Group size limits vary by boat, so check the listed maximum guests and consider multi‑boat flotillas for larger parties.

Boating here is year‑round, but December through April is the prime season for clear skies and comfortable temperatures, while June through September is hotter with more afternoon pop‑up showers; mornings are typically calmer in any month. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest boating holidays and book up early. February brings the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show across multiple in‑water venues, which can increase marina traffic and availability demand. For fewer crowds and better prices, try weekday outings and morning or sunset departures.

Nixon Beach Sandbar off Mashta Island is a classic swim-and-social stop reachable within minutes, especially on calm mornings; captains can advise on tides and anchoring etiquette. Southbound routes toward the Stiltsville houses offer a one‑of‑a‑kind look at Miami history on the bay, and longer charters may continue to Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park to view its small ornamental lighthouse from the harbor. If you prefer a cityscape, a loop past the Miami skyline and PortMiami delivers great photos at sunset before returning along the Rickenbacker Causeway.