Miami Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Miami

Miami is where the Americas meet the Caribbean, where Latin energy collides with Art Deco glamour, and where the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay lap at the foot of one of the world’s most photogenic skylines. For yacht charter guests, it is a destination of extraordinary contrasts: world-class dining and cultural landmarks ashore, pristine reef systems and protected national parkland just minutes offshore, and the Bahamas – those impossibly turquoise shallows, deserted cays and famous swimming pigs – a mere 48 nautical miles across the Gulf Stream.

The city’s yacht infrastructure matches its ambition. Island Gardens Deep Harbour on Watson Island accommodates superyachts over 500 feet with 21-foot drafts – the first deep-water mega-yacht marina of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Miami Beach Marina places you steps from South Beach’s Art Deco promenade. The Intracoastal Waterway runs north through some of the most expensive residential real estate on earth, past the mansions of Star Island, the Venetian Islands and Indian Creek – a sightseeing cruise in itself.

Whether you’re planning a day charter through Biscayne Bay, a weekend crossing to Bimini, or a full week combining the Keys and the Bahamas, Miami is the gateway that opens every door. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Miami fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Miami

Gateway to the Bahamas

No other global city sits this close to a tropical paradise. Miami to Bimini is 48 nautical miles – roughly two and a half hours on a motor yacht at 20 knots. The crossing takes you over the Gulf Stream, one of the strongest ocean currents on earth, and the change from the Atlantic’s deep blue to the Bahamas’ luminous turquoise is almost instantaneous. From Bimini, Nassau is 135 nautical miles further south-east, and the Exuma Cays – one of the most spectacular island chains in the world – lie beyond. A 3-day charter from Miami can include a Bahamas beach day; a week opens up an entirely different country.

A City of Culture and Cuisine

Miami’s dining scene has exploded in the past decade. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in the Design District holds two Michelin stars – the only restaurant in Florida to achieve that distinction. The Surf Club Restaurant, housed in a landmark 1930 building where Winston Churchill and the Duke of Windsor once dined, holds one star. Ariete in Coconut Grove fuses French technique with Cuban soul food for another star. Itamae AO brings Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) to the waterfront with its own star. Beyond the Michelin map, Miami’s culinary identity is defined by its Latin and Caribbean roots: stone crab from Joe’s Stone Crab (serving since 1913), ceviche on the waterfront in Brickell, cafecito and pastelitos from a Calle Ocho ventanita in Little Havana.

Biscayne National Park and the Reef

Just south of the city, Biscayne National Park protects 700 square kilometres of mangrove shoreline, emerald keys, coral reef and open water – 95% of the park is underwater. The park sits at the northern end of the Florida Reef Tract, the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, and shelters over 500 species of tropical fish, 110 species of coral, and a Maritime Heritage Trail of six historic shipwrecks. Half Moon Wreck off Key Biscayne is a shallow artificial reef in just 1.5–4.5 metres of water, accessible by snorkel, where pufferfish, lobsters and southern stingrays hide among the encrusted hull. This is extraordinary marine biodiversity within sight of a city of six million.

Star Island and the Intracoastal

A cruise along Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway is a sightseeing experience in its own right. Your captain navigates past Star Island (home to some of the most valuable residential properties in the United States), the Venetian Islands, Indian Creek (known as ‘Billionaire Bunker’ for its concentration of ultra-high-net-worth residents), and the mansions lining the waterway from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale. It’s a front-row seat to the lifestyle that defines South Florida.

Top Destinations Near Miami

• Bimini, Bahamas – Just 48 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream (2.5 hours by motor yacht). Powdery white sand, turquoise shallows, nurse sharks at Radio Beach, the Sapona shipwreck, and world-class bonefishing on the flats. The closest Bahamian island to the US mainland and the essential day or overnight stop on any Miami-based charter.

• Key Biscayne – A barrier island just south of downtown Miami, with the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (built in 1825, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County) and excellent snorkelling over shallow patch reefs. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park occupies the southern tip. Roughly 4 nautical miles from the marina – a 15-minute cruise.

• Stiltsville – Seven colourful wooden houses standing on stilts a mile offshore in Biscayne Bay, built in the 1930s–60s and now preserved as part of Biscayne National Park. An iconic Miami landmark, perfect for a photo stop and swim. Anchor in the shallow, clear water and snorkel the surrounding grass flats.

• Elliott Key – The largest island in Biscayne National Park, roughly 15 nautical miles south of Miami. A mangrove-fringed wilderness with a 10-kilometre hiking trail, sheltered anchorages on the western lee, and some of the park’s best snorkelling over patch reefs. Your crew packs a picnic and you have an island to yourself.

• Nassau, Bahamas – Roughly 185 nautical miles from Miami (8–10 hours on a motor yacht). The Bahamian capital, with its pastel-coloured colonial architecture, the Atlantis resort, and access to the Exuma Cays further south. A natural extension of a longer Miami–Bahamas charter.

• Exuma Cays – The jewel of the Bahamas, accessible on a 4–5-day charter from Miami via Bimini or Nassau. Big Major’s Cay is home to the famous swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto featured in two James Bond films, and the sandbars here are so remote your yacht will be the only vessel for miles.

Best Time to Charter in Miami

Peak Season: December through March

Winter is Miami’s prime time. Air temperatures hover between 21–26°C (70–79°F), humidity is manageable, rain is rare, and the global superyacht fleet is based in South Florida. This is when the widest selection of charter yachts is available, and when Art Basel (December), the Miami International Boat Show (February) and the social calendar are at their fullest. Bahamas crossings are at their most comfortable in these months. Charter rates are at their highest – book early for the best vessels.

Shoulder Season: April, May, October and November

April and May offer warm, sunny weather (26–30°C / 79–86°F) with slightly fewer boats and softer pricing. The fleet begins its northward migration in May, but many yachts remain through the end of the month. October and November mark the return of the fleet from New England and the Mediterranean – pricing is competitive, the weather is warm, and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (late October) brings the yachting world to town.

Summer: June through September

Miami’s summer is hot and humid (30–33°C / 86–91°F) with afternoon thunderstorms and the possibility of tropical weather. Much of the charter fleet has migrated north. That said, the Keys remain charterworthy year-round, and summer rates are significantly lower for the vessels that stay. Water temperatures peak at 30°C (86°F) in August – the warmest in the continental United States.

Signature Experiences

• Gulf Stream Crossing to Bimini – Watch Miami’s skyline shrink behind you as your yacht crosses the world’s most powerful ocean current. The water colour shifts from grey-green to deep sapphire to luminous turquoise as you approach Bimini’s sandbars. Your crew serves a Bahamian lunch on the aft deck as you anchor in waters so clear the sandy bottom glows.

• Sunset Cruise Past Star Island – Your captain navigates the Intracoastal at golden hour, gliding past the mansions of Star Island, the Venetian Islands and Indian Creek. Champagne on the flybridge, the Miami skyline turning to amber behind you, and the waterfront estates aglow in the evening light. The quintessential Miami experience.

• Snorkelling Biscayne’s Maritime Heritage Trail – Explore six historic shipwrecks in the shallow, warm waters of Biscayne National Park, including the Mandalay (a two-masted schooner in just 3 metres of water) and the Lugano (a cargo vessel now colonised by soft coral and tropical fish). Your crew provides full snorkelling kit and a briefing on each wreck’s history.

• Dinner at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Florida’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, set in the Design District. After a day on the water, take the tender ashore (or a short transfer) for an evening of exquisite French cuisine at the signature counter-seating arrangement. Your crew arranges reservations and transport.

• Calle Ocho and Little Havana – Step ashore for a walking tour of Miami’s Cuban heart: hand-rolled cigars at El Titan de Bronze, cafecito from a ventanita window, pastelitos (flaky Cuban pastries) and live salsa music spilling out of Calle Ocho’s bars. A cultural immersion you won’t find from any other charter port in the world.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – Ideal for Miami’s varied cruising grounds – agile enough for Biscayne Bay, powerful enough for the Gulf Stream crossing, and shallow enough for Bahamas sandbars. Crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. Weekly rates from around $35,000–$65,000 depending on season and vessel.

• Superyachts (100’+) – Miami’s marinas accommodate the world’s largest yachts. Island Gardens Deep Harbour takes vessels over 500 feet. Superyacht charters in Miami typically run on MYBA terms (base rate plus APA of 25–35%). Weekly rates from $90,000–$200,000+ for 100’–150’ vessels.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Shallow draft and stability make catamarans excellent for Bahamas crossings and the Keys’ reef-fringed anchorages. Fully crewed, all-inclusive. Weekly rates from $30,000–$50,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Miami cost?

Crewed motor yachts (78’–99’) start from around $35,000–$65,000 per week during peak season (December–March). Superyachts (100’+) typically range from $90,000–$200,000+ per week on MYBA terms (plus APA of 25–35%). Luxury catamarans (55’+) start from roughly $30,000–$50,000 per week. Summer rates are significantly lower for the vessels that remain in South Florida. Day charters from Miami start from approximately $5,000–$15,000 depending on yacht size. Crew gratuity is customarily 15–20%. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Can I cross to the Bahamas on a Miami yacht charter?

Absolutely – it’s one of the main reasons guests charter from Miami. Bimini is just 48 nautical miles east (2.5 hours), making it feasible even on a 2-day charter. A 3–4-day itinerary comfortably includes a day on Bimini’s beaches. A week opens up Nassau and the Exuma Cays. Your captain handles all Bahamas customs clearance at the port of entry, and your crew provisions for the crossing. The Gulf Stream crossing is most comfortable from December through May when seas are typically calm. Boatcrowd designs combined Miami–Bahamas itineraries regularly.

Is Miami suitable for a celebrity or high-profile charter?

Very much so. Miami’s superyacht culture is deeply intertwined with the entertainment, fashion and sports worlds. Art Basel week (December), the Miami International Boat Show (February), Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix (May), and the city’s year-round social scene attract high-profile guests from around the globe. Marinas like Island Gardens Deep Harbour offer discreet, security-conscious berths, and the city’s concentration of luxury services – from private aviation to personal shopping to event production – rivals any destination in the world. Boatcrowd has experience arranging charters for high-profile guests who require additional privacy and logistical coordination.

What is the best area for snorkelling near Miami?

Biscayne National Park, just south of the city, offers the best snorkelling within easy reach. The park sits on the northern end of the Florida Reef Tract – the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world – and its shallow waters shelter over 500 species of fish and 110 species of coral. Half Moon Wreck off Key Biscayne is accessible in just 1.5–4.5 metres of water, and the Maritime Heritage Trail features six historic shipwrecks you can snorkel. For even better reef snorkelling, the Upper Keys (Key Largo) are just 30 nautical miles south – an easy day-charter addition.

Can I host a corporate event or milestone celebration on a yacht in Miami?

Miami is one of the premier destinations for event charters. Yachts and superyachts offer intimate settings for corporate entertaining, product launches, incentive trips, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and milestone birthdays. Your crew coordinates every detail – catering, décor, entertainment, transfers – and the backdrop of Biscayne Bay, the Miami skyline or a Bahamas sandbar elevates any event. Vessels with expansive aft decks, flybridges and beach clubs can accommodate groups of 12–30+ for cocktail receptions. Boatcrowd works with event planners and yacht management companies to deliver seamless celebrations.

Can I combine Miami with the Florida Keys in one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the most popular routes. Miami to Key Largo is 30 nautical miles (roughly two hours), and from there the entire Keys chain unfolds south-west to Key West. A 4-day charter from Miami can comfortably cover Key Largo, Islamorada and the Middle Keys before returning north. A 7-day charter adds the Lower Keys, Key West and – if you’re feeling adventurous – the Dry Tortugas, 70 nautical miles west of Key West. The itineraries are designed so you can combine a Miami–Bahamas route with a Keys route for the ultimate week-long South Florida experience.