Miami Yacht Rental FAQ
Every Feeling Yachty charter includes the yacht, a licensed captain and crew, fuel, a water mat, ice, water and Bluetooth music, with only the crew’s tip separate. Most private yachts carry 12 or 13 guests, and you board at the marina on your confirmation, 20–30 minutes before the start. The answers below cover the rest.
What every charter includes
A private yacht with a licensed captain and crew, fuel for the agreed route, standard cleaning, the required local taxes and most dock and marina fees, a floating water mat, a cooler with ice, bottled water and Bluetooth audio. Some yachts add more water toys. The crew’s gratuity is always separate, and it is the only thing that is.
Every boat has its own page with its guest limit, its dock and its price for each block of hours under every yacht rental in Miami. Who runs the charters, and on what terms, is on who we are at Feeling Yachty.
Prices and payment
Why do Miami yacht rental prices vary so much between boats?
The price depends on the yacht’s size, year and layout, the season, the day of the week, the time slot and the length of the trip. Newer yachts, prime Saturdays and sunset slots cost more; weekdays, earlier departures and smaller boats are better value. Every quote includes the yacht, captain and crew, fuel, tax and standard dock and cleaning fees; only the tip is separate.
What does “all fees included” cover?
The private yacht, a licensed captain and crew, fuel for the agreed route, standard cleaning, required local taxes and most dock and marina fees, a cooler with ice, bottled water, Bluetooth audio and a floating water mat. Some yachts include more water toys. The crew’s gratuity is always separate.
How do deposits, balances and security holds work?
Booking online charges the crew and fuel, which holds the yacht and crew for your date; higher-priced boats also take a deposit that comes off the balance. The confirmation shows what you paid, the balance due at the dock and whether a refundable security hold applies. The balance is paid at the dock by cash or Zelle.
Can I pay over time?
Yes, on eligible bookings: Affirm, Klarna or PayPal Pay Monthly split the charter into monthly payments, and Bitcoin or Ethereum are accepted by crypto invoice. Cards and bank transfers are accepted too.
What happens if I cancel?
The fuel charge is kept as the deposit and the rest of what you paid online comes back. Close to departure, cancel or change through the team rather than your account.
How much is a yacht rental in Miami?
From about $850 for three hours and $1,150 for four on a boat under 40 ft, about $1,050 and $1,400 on a 40 to 54 ft yacht for the full 13 guests, about $1,125 and $1,500 on 55 to 79 ft, and from about $1,950 for three hours on 80 ft and up. A full day of eight hours runs from about $2,200 to $4,600. Every figure is the whole charter with captain, crew and fuel; the card for each boat shows its exact price for the date.
How far in advance should I book a yacht rental?
Two to four weeks for a weekend, three to six for a holiday weekend, spring break or Art Basel, and two to three months for an event vessel or Opus 1. Weekdays are often free a few days out, and a last-minute weekday booking is sometimes the cheapest of all.
What are the best yacht rentals in Miami for my group?
It depends on the group: a pink yacht for a bachelorette, a 40 to 55 ft cruiser for 10 to 13 guests who want the lowest price per head, a catamaran for families and swimmers, a 55 to 79 ft luxury yacht for a dinner or a corporate day, and an inspected event vessel for more than 13. The fleet list filters by guests, price and dock.
Planning and booking
What do you need from me for an accurate quote?
Your date and how flexible it is, the start time and how many hours, the area you want to board from (Miami Beach, Brickell or Haulover, for example), the guest count including anyone under 21 or under 12, the occasion, and a rough budget.
What documents or ID do we need before boarding?
A valid government-issued photo ID for the primary renter, the signed charter agreement and waivers, the payment card on the contract where one applies, and any extra forms the yacht, marina or booking platform requires.
Can I change the date, time or guest count after booking?
Sometimes. Small changes to the start time or guest count are often possible with early notice. A new date or a holiday usually counts as a reschedule under that yacht’s policy. If the guest count goes over the legal limit, a bigger yacht or a second one is needed.
Captain, crew and safety
Can I drive the yacht myself?
No. The vast majority of charters are run by professional, licensed captains and crew. Some bareboat-style setups ask you to choose a captain from an approved roster, but a guest is still never the driver.
How do you vet captains, crew and yachts?
Valid licences and commercial insurance, U.S. Coast Guard safety compliance, the condition of the vessel and its guest features, the operator’s service record and guest reviews, and clear written operating policies.
What safety briefing and equipment should we expect?
The captain or crew shows where the life jackets are and how to use them, where not to stand or sit while moving, how to use the swim platform and toys safely, and what to do in an emergency. Every yacht carries the Coast Guard-required safety gear sized for your group, including children.
Guests, children and access
Why do most private Miami yachts have a 12 or 13 passenger limit?
Many private charter yachts are inspected and insured for a maximum of 12 or 13 passengers plus crew, and going over breaks the licence and insurance terms. Larger groups need a Coast Guard-inspected passenger yacht or several yachts together.
Are children and babies allowed?
Yes. Tell the team how many children, their ages and sizes, and whether anyone needs special flotation, so Coast Guard-approved life jackets are set aside for them. Children follow the captain’s rules, and extra supervision helps on steps, ladders and the swim platform.
Are the yachts wheelchair-friendly?
It varies by yacht. Most have narrow passages, steps and uneven surfaces, but some have wider decks, fewer level changes, easier boarding at certain marinas and flexible seating. Tell the team about mobility needs early and they will recommend what fits.
Food, drinks and add-ons
Can we bring our own food, alcohol and decorations?
On many yachts, yes: snacks, drinks and simple décor are welcome. Bring cans and plastic rather than glass, avoid anything that stains such as glitter, confetti or paint, use removable décor with no staples, nails or strong adhesives, and follow the captain’s alcohol and volume rules.
What food, chef and bar upgrades are there?
Light bites and platters for sandbar days, a hosted bar with curated drinks, a private chef for multi-course dinners or upscale events, and themed setups for bachelorettes, birthdays and corporate charters.
Which water toys can be added, and are there age limits?
Most charters include a floating water mat. Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel sets, jet skis and jet cars at approved spots, wakeboarding, water-skiing and towables can be added on select boats. Age and weight limits apply, especially on powered toys.
Boarding, weather and rules
Where do we board, and how early should we arrive?
It depends on the yacht; popular areas are Miami Beach, Downtown and Brickell, North Bay Village and Haulover. The confirmation gives the marina, the dock, parking tips and gate or concierge instructions. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to check in.
What if it rains or there is a small-craft advisory?
Light rain or passing showers usually do not cancel a charter. If the captain or marina declares conditions unsafe, such as lightning, strong winds or a small-craft advisory, the charter is rescheduled or credited under that yacht’s fair-weather policy, and the team keeps in touch as the date gets close.
What are the rules on alcohol, smoking and vaping?
Guests 21 and over may drink responsibly unless the yacht says otherwise; over-intoxication that affects safety can end the trip early. Many yachts are non-smoking inside and allow smoking or vaping only in set outdoor areas. Illegal substances are not permitted: possession or use ends the charter at once, with no refund.
On the water
What should we pack, and what should we leave at home?
Bring swimsuits, cover-ups, non-slip sandals, reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a phone charger, playlists, personal medication and a light jacket for breezy nights. Leave hard suitcases, expensive jewellery, large glass bottles and loose glitter or confetti at home.
What if someone gets seasick or unwell?
Tell the crew straight away. The captain can slow down, find calmer water inside the bay, offer shade and fresh air, or head back to the marina. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual remedy and take it beforehand. In an emergency the captain follows safety and medical protocols.
Can we extend the charter while we are on the water?
Often, if the yacht and crew are free after your end time, the weather, daylight and marina rules allow it, and you agree the extra hourly rate before extending. Tell the captain early in the trip so the team can check.
More on safety and payment
The captain has the final say on the route, the weather and the swim stops, and the full rules, from life jackets to emergencies, are on the yacht safety protocols page. Paying over time with Affirm, Klarna or PayPal, or in Bitcoin or Ethereum, is explained under Miami yacht rental payment and financing options.
Plan a charter with the team
Not answered here? Tell the team the date, the group size and the occasion, or browse the boats and book one yourself.