The Best Boat Rentals in Aventura

Most small motorboats and deck boats around Aventura start around $100–$200 per hour, with discounts for weekday or multi-hour bookings. Mid-size cruisers and center consoles typically run $200–$400 per hour, while larger luxury yachts can range from about $400 to $1,000+ per hour depending on size, crew, and season. Many listings include a licensed captain on yachts, standard safety gear, a Bluetooth speaker, bottled water, and often ice and a cooler. Fuel may be included for short local cruises but can be billed separately for longer routes. Taxes, marina pick-up fees, and an optional 15–20% gratuity for the crew are common add‑ons. Security deposits may apply for drive‑it‑yourself boats.

You’ll find a wide mix to match your group and vibe, including bowriders and deck boats for casual cruising, center consoles for sandbar hops and nearshore fun, spacious pontoon-style party boats, sleek motor yachts for celebrations, and sailing catamarans or monohulls for a more relaxed sail. If you’re planning a big occasion, look for yachts with shaded decks, sunpads, onboard bathrooms, and upgraded sound systems.

Both options exist. Many guests choose a captained charter so they can relax while a local pro handles navigation, docking, and the busy Intracoastal Waterway. Experienced boaters can book select vessels as self-operated (bareboat) if they meet the owner’s requirements, which often include boating experience, a valid ID, and (for operators born on or after January 1, 1988) a Florida boating safety education card or temporary certificate. Larger yachts almost always require a professional captain and, in some cases, a crew.

Common pick-up points include Bill Bird Marina at Haulover Park in North Miami Beach and the marina area at Oleta River State Park in North Miami. In Aventura itself, many charters arrange boarding from private marina communities such as Turnberry Marina or Williams Island Marina, subject to each boat owner’s permissions and your group size. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed after booking for easy, stress-free arrival.

Expect smooth cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway with views of Sunny Isles Beach’s skyline, waterfront mansions, and the iconic Haulover Inlet. Popular stops include the shallow, social Haulover Sandbar, the calm waters of Maule Lake and Dumbfoundling Bay, and scenic routes past Bal Harbour and Indian Creek on the way toward Miami Beach. It’s common to spot pelicans, occasional manatees in cooler months, and dolphins year‑round.

If you are hiring a captain, you do not need a boating license. To operate a motorboat yourself in Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or an approved temporary certificate along with photo ID. Most owners will verify your experience and may require a quick safety walkthrough before departure.

Families are welcome on most boats, and every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets in a range of sizes. Florida law requires young children to wear a properly fitted life jacket while underway on smaller vessels, and your captain or owner will help with sizing. Strollers aren’t practical onboard, so plan soft-soled shoes, sun protection, snacks, and any infant‑specific gear you might need.

Yes, most charters are BYO for snacks and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Beer, wine, and canned cocktails are generally fine for guests 21+, while captains remain sober and in control of the vessel. For easy cleanup and safety, owners often ask you to avoid red wine, greasy foods, and glass bottles. If you prefer, ask about catered platters or docking at waterfront restaurants during your cruise.

Some boats welcome small, well‑behaved dogs with advance approval and a cleaning fee, while others have a no‑pet policy to protect upholstery and decks. If bringing a pup, pack a non‑spill water bowl, a leash for marina areas, and consider booties during hot afternoons. Always confirm the pet policy on your chosen listing before booking.

South Florida summers can bring brief afternoon showers and lightning, while winter is typically sunny and calm. Captains monitor radar and marine forecasts and will not depart in unsafe conditions. If the weather makes boating unsafe, most listings offer a free reschedule or a weather‑based refund per the policy shown at checkout. For the smoothest ride, mornings usually have lighter winds and smaller chop than late afternoons.

Absolutely. Many boats in the area are set up for celebrations with comfortable seating, great sound systems, floating mats, and shaded areas. Let the owner know your headcount and occasion so they can suggest the right vessel, help you plan a sandbar stop, and advise on decorations that won’t blow away or leave confetti. Popular celebration windows are weekend afternoons and golden‑hour sunset cruises.

The prime boating weather runs from December through April with dry skies and comfortable temperatures. Summer brings warm water and lively sandbar scenes, especially on holiday weekends. Expect peak demand on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day; book early and consider morning or weekday departures to avoid crowds and secure better rates. If your schedule is flexible, weekdays and earlier start times usually mean easier parking, smoother water, and more time at your favorite swim spot.

Haulover Sandbar is a shallow, social anchorage where you can wade in clear water, float on mats, and enjoy the lively scene. From Aventura marinas, the ride typically takes about 20–40 minutes depending on your pick‑up point, boat type, and traffic on the Intracoastal. Weekends tend to be festive with more boats and music, while weekdays feel calmer. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a hat, and beverages, and your captain will handle anchoring and currents.