USA Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in the United States

The United States offers two distinctly different yet equally compelling charter worlds, separated by a thousand miles of coastline and connected by an annual migration of the world’s finest yachts. In winter and spring, South Florida’s sun-drenched waters become the superyacht capital of the Western Hemisphere: Fort Lauderdale’s 300-plus miles of navigable waterways host hundreds of crewed motor yachts and superyachts, Miami’s skyline provides a cinematic backdrop for Biscayne Bay cruising, and the Florida Keys stretch 135 nautical miles south-west through a chain of 1,700 islands to Key West – with the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States running parallel offshore. Cross the Gulf Stream from Miami and you’re in the Bahamas within three hours, adding turquoise shallows, swimming pigs and deserted cays to an already extraordinary cruising ground.

Come May, the fleet heads north. Motor yachts and superyachts that spent the winter in Fort Lauderdale and Miami reposition up the Eastern Seaboard to New England, where a completely different charter season unfolds from June through October. Newport, Rhode Island – America’s sailing capital and home of the Gilded Age mansions – becomes the summer hub. From there, it’s a day’s cruise to Martha’s Vineyard’s clapboard harbours, Nantucket’s cobblestoned whaling-era streets, Cape Cod’s whale-watching grounds, and the granite headlands of Maine’s Acadia coast. The water is cooler, the lobster is sweeter, and the autumn foliage turns the entire shoreline to fire from late September through mid-October.

What makes the United States unique among charter destinations is this dual personality. A single yacht – and often the same crew – can offer you a Bahamas beach day in February and a New England lobster bake in July. Whether you’re planning a long weekend from Miami, a week-long Keys-to-Bahamas crossing, or a summer circuit of New England’s most exclusive islands, this guide covers every region, season and experience. Start planning your USA charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht and itinerary.

Why Charter a Yacht in the USA

Two Seasons, One Fleet

The annual superyacht migration is one of the great rhythms of the charter world. From November through April, Fort Lauderdale and Miami host the largest concentration of charter yachts in the Americas – the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show each October signals the start of winter season, and hundreds of motor yachts and superyachts settle into the area’s world-class marinas for Caribbean and Bahamas charters. Come May, these same vessels cruise north to Newport, Nantucket and beyond for the New England summer. For charter guests, this means an exceptional choice of yachts year-round, wherever you want to be.

The Bahamas on Your Doorstep

Miami to Bimini is just 48 nautical miles – roughly two and a half hours on a motor yacht cruising at 20 knots. That puts the Bahamas’ turquoise shallows, deserted beaches and famous swimming pigs within easy reach of a South Florida charter. A 3-day itinerary can comfortably include a Gulf Stream crossing, a day on Bimini’s powdery sand, and a return to Miami. Extend to four or five days and you can reach Nassau or even the Exuma Cays, where the water is so clear you’ll see your anchor chain from the flybridge. No other major charter hub in the world places a tropical island paradise this close to a global city.

World-Class Marina Infrastructure

Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world – not just in reputation but in hard infrastructure. Island Gardens Deep Harbour in Miami accommodates vessels over 500 feet with 21-foot drafts. Pier Sixty-Six Marina in Fort Lauderdale offers 5,000 linear feet of dockage with 30-foot depths right up to the dock. Bahia Mar Marina, a designated Foreign Trade Zone, provides 250 slips for yachts up to 300 feet. Further south, the Florida Keys offer protected anchorages along the entire island chain. In New England, Newport Shipyard sits at the heart of the harbour, and Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard offer charming mooring fields in some of the most picturesque settings on the East Coast.

Unmatched Variety of Experiences

No single charter destination in the world spans such a range of experiences. Dive the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States in the Florida Keys, where 125 miles of reef shelter over 500 species of tropical fish. Cruise past Art Deco architecture and Michelin-starred dining in Miami. Watch humpback whales breach off Cape Cod in summer. Tour the Gilded Age mansions of Newport – The Breakers alone has 48 bedrooms and was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1895. Eat lobster pulled from the pot on a Maine beach. Swim with nurse sharks in the Bahamas. All of this is available within a single charter season, and much of it within a single week.

Privacy, Glamour and Cultural Depth

South Florida’s yacht culture is interwoven with the entertainment and fashion worlds – Miami’s Art Basel week, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and the endless parade of superyachts along the Intracoastal Waterway give the region a glamour that rivals the Côte d’Azur. New England offers a quieter, more refined luxury: the preppy elegance of Nantucket, the literary heritage of Martha’s Vineyard (where presidents have summered for generations), the wild beauty of Acadia National Park’s granite coastline. Both regions deliver the kind of privacy that only a crewed yacht can provide – your own floating five-star retreat, anchored in a cove or berthed in a world-class marina, with every detail handled by your crew.

Top Destinations in the USA

• Miami – South Florida’s vibrant gateway, where the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay meet a dazzling skyline. Home to Island Gardens Deep Harbour (accommodating superyachts over 500 feet), five Michelin-starred restaurants including L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (two stars), and the cultural pulse of Wynwood, the Design District and Art Deco South Beach. Miami is the jumping-off point for Bahamas crossings – Bimini is just 48 nautical miles east across the Gulf Stream.

• Fort Lauderdale – The yachting capital of the world, with over 300 miles of navigable waterways and more superyacht berths per mile than anywhere on earth. Pier Sixty-Six, Bahia Mar and Las Olas Superyacht Marina form the backbone of winter charter season. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show each October is the largest in-water boat show in the world, drawing the global fleet to South Florida for the season.

• Florida Keys – A 135-nautical-mile chain of 1,700 islands stretching from Key Largo to Key West, paralleled by the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Key Largo is the ‘Dive Capital of the World’, Islamorada is the sportfishing capital, and Key West is the southernmost point in the continental USA – closer to Havana (90 nautical miles) than to Miami. The Dry Tortugas, 70 nautical miles west of Key West, shelter Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry fort in the Americas (16 million bricks, 16 acres).

• New England – From June through October, the superyacht fleet migrates north to New England’s cooler waters and exclusive island communities. Newport, Rhode Island is the summer hub – home of the Gilded Age mansions and America’s Cup heritage. From there, Martha’s Vineyard (32 nautical miles), Nantucket (64 nautical miles), Cape Cod’s whale-watching grounds and Maine’s rugged Acadia coastline are all within comfortable cruising range. Autumn foliage season (late September through mid-October) is one of the most spectacular sights in world yachting.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the USA

South Florida & Keys: November through April

Winter is prime charter season in South Florida and the Keys. Air temperatures sit comfortably between 19–29°C (66–84°F), humidity is lower than summer, and the risk of tropical storms is negligible. Water temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) by April – warm enough for swimming year-round. This is when the global superyacht fleet is based in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, so the choice of vessels is at its widest. December through February is peak season and commands the highest charter rates; March and April offer similar weather at slightly softer pricing.

The Bahamas Crossing: December through May

The Gulf Stream crossing from Miami to Bimini is most comfortable in the winter and spring months, when prevailing easterly trade winds are lightest and seas in the Florida Straits are typically calm. December through March is the sweet spot for Bahamas charters – warm, dry weather on both sides of the crossing, clear visibility for snorkelling and diving, and the widest selection of charter yachts based in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. April and May remain excellent, with slightly warmer water and fewer guests at the popular anchorages.

New England: June through October

New England’s charter season runs from early June through mid-October. July and August are peak – daytime temperatures reach 24–32°C (75–90°F), the water warms to 16–21°C (60–70°F), and Newport’s social calendar is at its fullest with regattas, the Folk Festival and Jazz Festival. September and early October bring the famous New England autumn foliage – the entire coastline from Maine to Rhode Island ignites in shades of amber, crimson and gold. Late September through mid-October is arguably the most visually stunning time to charter anywhere in the world. Temperatures are still comfortable (18–26°C / 65–78°F) and the summer crowds have thinned.

Hurricane Season: June through November

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from 1 June through 30 November, with the peak risk window falling between mid-August and late September. Modern weather forecasting gives charter yachts several days’ notice of approaching systems, and experienced captains know the safe harbours and escape routes. The practical impact on chartering is limited outside the peak window: June, early July, late October and November are low-risk months with excellent conditions. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist monitors weather patterns closely and will advise on the safest and most enjoyable dates for your charter.

Signature Experiences

• Miami to Bimini – The Gulf Stream Crossing – Depart Miami at first light, cross the Gulf Stream’s sapphire-blue current (the water temperature jumps noticeably as you cross), and arrive on Bimini’s powdery white sand by mid-morning. Your crew sets up a beach picnic while you snorkel the shallow reef off Radio Beach, where nurse sharks, stingrays and sea turtles patrol the sandy bottom. Ernest Hemingway fished these waters in the 1930s and wrote much of To Have and Have Not in the Compleat Angler bar (now rebuilt after a fire). The crossing itself is a thrill – watching Miami’s skyline shrink behind you as the Bahamas rise ahead.

• Diving the Florida Reef Tract – Explore the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, stretching 125 miles from Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – America’s first undersea park, established in 1963 – snorkel over the Christ of the Abyss statue in just five metres of water, surrounded by brain coral, sea fans and clouds of tropical fish. Further south, Looe Key offers wall dives with barracuda and grouper, and the Dry Tortugas shelter pristine reefs and historic shipwrecks in crystal-clear isolation.

• Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West – Anchor off Key West’s historic harbour and take the tender ashore for the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square – a waterfront carnival of street performers, local artists and food vendors that has drawn crowds every evening since the 1960s. Watch the sun drop into the Gulf of Mexico from the waterfront, then stroll Duval Street for dinner at one of the island’s legendary seafood restaurants before tendering back to your yacht under the stars.

• Newport’s Gilded Age Mansions – Step ashore at Newport Shipyard and walk the Cliff Walk, a 5.6-kilometre trail that hugs the coastline past the most opulent summer ‘cottages’ ever built. The Breakers (1895, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, 48 bedrooms) is a monument to Gilded Age excess; Rosecliff (1902, modelled on the Grand Trianon at Versailles) still hosts galas; and the view from the path – crashing Atlantic surf on one side, manicured lawns and marble façades on the other – is one of the most memorable walks in the United States.

• Whale Watching off Cape Cod – From June through September, the nutrient-rich waters of Stellwagen Bank (a federally protected marine sanctuary just north of Provincetown) attract humpback, minke and finback whales in extraordinary numbers. Your captain positions the yacht for a front-row view as 40-tonne humpbacks breach, slap their tails and bubble-net feed just metres from the bow. It is one of the most reliable whale-watching grounds on earth.

• A New England Lobster Bake – Your crew arranges a traditional lobster bake on a quiet stretch of Maine’s coast: fresh lobster, steamed clams, mussels, corn on the cob and baked rolls, all cooked over hot stones beneath a layer of rockweed seaweed. The smell of the ocean, the crack of the shells, the melted butter – this is New England distilled into a single meal. Best enjoyed with a local craft beer and a sunset over the granite shoreline.

• Nantucket by Night – Anchor in Nantucket’s sheltered harbour and take the tender ashore for dinner at Company of the Cauldron – a candlelit, prix-fixe restaurant run by Joseph Keller (brother of Thomas Keller of The French Laundry fame) with a nightly-changing menu of French-inflected seasonal cuisine. Afterwards, wander the cobblestoned streets past the whaling-era captain’s houses, gas lanterns flickering overhead, and return to your yacht as the harbour lights reflect off the still water.

• Autumn Foliage Cruise – From late September through mid-October, charter through New England as the entire coastline transforms into a canvas of amber, scarlet, burnt orange and gold. The effect from the water is extraordinary – forested headlands ablaze with colour, reflected in the glassy morning calm of a sheltered cove. Maine’s Acadia coast and the islands of Penobscot Bay are the headline destinations, but the foliage extends south through Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and all the way to Newport.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – The most popular choice for American charter, offering the agility to cross the Gulf Stream comfortably, the speed to reach Bimini in under three hours, and the draft to nose into the Keys’ shallower anchorages. Crewed motor yachts in this range typically accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5 (captain, chef, steward/ess and deckhand). Modern flybridge designs carry a full complement of water toys – jet ski, seabobs, paddleboards, snorkelling and fishing gear – and offer flexible itineraries across both Florida and New England. Weekly rates typically start from around $35,000–$65,000 depending on season, yacht and inclusions.

• Superyachts (100’+) – For larger groups or guests seeking the ultimate in space, spectacle and service, the USA’s superyacht fleet is among the largest in the world – Fort Lauderdale alone berths hundreds of 100’+ vessels during winter season. Accommodation for 8–12+ guests in lavish staterooms, crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas (jacuzzis, outdoor cinemas, beach clubs, helipads on the largest vessels), and a full arsenal of water toys. Superyacht charters typically operate on MYBA terms: a base charter rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 25–35%) covering fuel, food, beverages and dockage. Weekly rates for 100’–150’ superyachts start from roughly $90,000–$200,000; the largest mega yachts command $300,000+ per week. Crew gratuity is customarily 15–20% of the charter fee.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans offer exceptional stability, generous deck space and a shallow draft ideal for the Bahamas’ turquoise shallows, the Keys’ reef-fringed anchorages and New England’s tidal harbours. Catamarans in the 55’–80’ range typically sleep 6–10 guests in spacious cabins and carry a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making them the most comfortable option for guests prone to seasickness and families with young children. Luxury catamarans are less common in the USA than in the Caribbean, but Boatcrowd’s fleet includes select crewed catamarans available for both Florida and New England charters. Weekly rates start from approximately $30,000–$50,000 depending on season and vessel.

The Annual Yacht Migration: Florida to New England

One of the defining features of the American charter market is the seasonal repositioning of the fleet. Each autumn, as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show signals the start of winter season (late October), hundreds of motor yachts and superyachts converge on South Florida from the Mediterranean, the US East Coast and the Caribbean. They spend November through April based in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, chartering to the Bahamas, the Keys and the wider Caribbean.

Come May, the migration reverses. Yachts cruise north – typically a 3–5-day repositioning passage up the Eastern Seaboard – to summer in New England. Newport becomes the hub, with vessels fanning out to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Maine through October. For charter guests, this migration means two things: an exceptionally wide choice of vessels in South Florida during winter and in New England during summer, and the possibility of booking the same yacht and crew for both a winter Bahamas charter and a summer New England voyage – continuity that regular guests love.

Boatcrowd works closely with captains and management companies on both ends of the migration, so we can advise on repositioning schedules, availability windows and the best yachts for each season. If you’ve fallen in love with a particular yacht in Miami, ask us about booking her again in Newport come July.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in the USA cost?

Charter pricing varies by yacht size, type, season and region. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts in the 78’–99’ range start from around $35,000–$65,000 per week during peak season. Superyachts (100’–150’) typically range from $90,000–$200,000+ per week on MYBA terms – the base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 25–35%) covering fuel, food, beverages and dockage. The largest mega yachts can exceed $300,000 per week. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $30,000–$50,000 per week. South Florida winter rates tend to be slightly higher than New England summer rates for equivalent vessels. Crew gratuity is customarily 15–20%. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size and preferences.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in the USA?

Yes, though the selection is more limited than in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Boatcrowd’s American fleet includes select premium power catamarans available for both South Florida and New England charters. These vessels are particularly well suited to the Bahamas (shallow draft allows access to sandbars and turquoise shallows that deeper-keeled yachts cannot reach), the Florida Keys (reef-side anchorages in calm, clear water) and New England’s tidal harbours. Most luxury catamarans come fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. They are especially popular with families and multi-generational groups who appreciate the stability, wide beam and easy swim-platform access.

Can I charter a yacht for a film or TV production in the USA?

Absolutely. South Florida has a long history as a filming location – Miami’s Art Deco waterfront, Biscayne Bay and the Keys have featured in countless productions, from Miami Vice to Baywatch and the Fast & Furious franchise. Fort Lauderdale’s marinas regularly host production crews. New England’s coastal scenery has provided backdrops for films and television series for decades – Martha’s Vineyard was famously the filming location for Jaws (1975), and Newport’s mansions have appeared in The Great Gatsby, True Lies and multiple period dramas. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent, and our team coordinates with local port authorities and coast guard for permits and logistical support.

Is the USA a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone birthday?

The range of settings makes the USA one of the most versatile charter destinations for celebrations. In South Florida, imagine a sunset proposal on a private sandbar in the Bahamas, a honeymoon itinerary through the Keys with your own chef and crew, or a milestone birthday party cruising past Miami’s glittering skyline. In New England, picture a romantic dinner on deck in Nantucket harbour, an anniversary lobster bake on a private stretch of Maine coast, or a 50th-birthday cruise past Newport’s mansions with autumn foliage blazing on every hillside. Your crew handles every detail – from champagne and roses to photographers and live musicians. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we’ll ensure every moment is unforgettable.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are among the most popular bookings in the USA. Yachts and catamarans sleeping 8–12+ guests offer flexible cabin configurations to suit grandparents, parents and children. In South Florida, the Bahamas’ shallow, calm waters and the Keys’ protected reef lagoons are ideal for young swimmers and snorkellers. New England offers gentle harbour cruising, whale watching that captivates all ages, and beach days on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Crews are experienced with guests of every age: children get age-appropriate water-sports instruction, treasure hunts and kid-friendly menus, while grandparents appreciate calm anchorages, comfortable sun lounges and attentive service. Catamarans are especially popular for families – the stability, wide beam and easy swim-platform access make life aboard relaxed for every generation.

Can I combine Florida and the Bahamas in one charter?

Yes, and it’s one of the great advantages of chartering from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The crossing to Bimini is just 48 nautical miles (roughly 2.5 hours on a motor yacht at 20 knots), making a Bahamas visit feasible even on a 3-day charter. A 4–5-day itinerary can include Bimini and Nassau; a full week opens up the Exuma Cays, with their famous swimming pigs, thunderball grotto and sandbars so remote your yacht will be the only vessel in sight. Your captain handles all customs clearance at the Bahamas port of entry, and your crew provisions for the crossing so you don’t lose a moment. Boatcrowd designs combined Florida–Bahamas itineraries regularly – ask us for a route tailored to your group.

Can I combine multiple New England destinations in one charter?

Absolutely, and the compact distances make it easy. A popular 5-day route departs Newport, cruises to Block Island (12 nautical miles, a 2-hour run), continues to Martha’s Vineyard (roughly 30 nautical miles from Block Island), spends a day exploring Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, then hops to Nantucket (30 nautical miles) before returning to Newport. Add extra days and you can extend north to Cape Cod’s whale-watching waters or the Maine coast. Every passage is comfortable and scenic, with no single leg exceeding a half-day’s cruising. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-destination route that maximises variety without wasting time on long crossings.