Florida, USA

Yacht charters in Miami

Sandbars, Star Island, and Biscayne Bay in a single day

111+ yachts on YATR · from $499 / day

Overview

Miami sits on Biscayne Bay — a protected lagoon lined with barrier islands, celebrity estates, and shallow sandbars you can wade to in waist-deep water. Most day charters never leave the bay, which means calm seas even when the Atlantic is rough and routes that work for first-timers and seasoned boaters alike.

Weekend sandbar culture is the signature experience: boats raft up at Haulover or Nixon Sandbar for swimming, music, and floating picnics. Pair that with a Star Island mansion cruise, a Stiltsville photo pass, or a Key Biscayne run to Cape Florida Lighthouse for a full Miami day on the water.

With 100+ yachts on YATR departing from Miami Beach Marina, Island Gardens, and Collins Avenue bases, you can book everything from budget-friendly pontoon parties to 80-foot crewed motor yachts — often with same-week availability on weekdays.

Peak season: Apr–Oct — warm water (80°F+) and lively sandbar weekends
Shoulder season: Nov–Mar — calmer bay, ideal for skyline cruises and wildlife
Local tip: Arrive at sandbars by 10:30–11am on summer Saturdays before prime spots fill

Popular experiences

Nixon Sandbar & Haulover raft-ups
Star Island & Millionaire's Row cruises
Stiltsville & Cape Florida runs
Deep-sea fishing offshore

Charter types

Sandbar & party boats

Pontoons and mid-size cruisers built for groups of 8–20. Coolers welcome, Bluetooth speakers standard, and captains who know where to anchor for the best swim.

Luxury motor yachts

Crewed yachts from 50–100 ft for birthdays, corporate events, and sunset dinners with chef service, jet skis, and premium sound systems.

Sportfishing charters

Half- and full-day offshore trips for sailfish, mahi-mahi, and snapper. Most boats include tackle, bait, and a licensed captain with federal permits.

Sunset & skyline cruises

Two- to four-hour evening runs past downtown Miami, the MacArthur Causeway, and South Beach — popular for proposals and anniversary celebrations.

Sample itineraries

Classic sandbar & Star Island loop

4–6 hours

Cruise past Venetian Islands and Star Island estates, anchor at Nixon or Haulover Sandbar for swimming, then return along the South Beach skyline at golden hour.

Key Biscayne & Cape Florida

6 hours

Head south past the Rickenbacker Causeway to Crandon Park and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, with a long anchor stop at Nixon Sandbar on the return.

Stiltsville & Biscayne National Park edge

Full day

Photograph the remaining stilt houses south of Key Biscayne, swim in clear bay water, and combine with a sandbar stop — best on weekdays for fewer crowds.

Planning tips

Book weekend sandbar trips 2+ weeks ahead from May through September.
A 5-hour window (10am–3pm) covers transit, anchoring, and return before afternoon summer breezes.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, towels, and a cooler — many charters allow BYO food and drinks.
Gratuity for captain and crew is customary (typically 15–20%) and not always included in the base rate.
MIA and FLL airports are 20–45 minutes from most departure marinas; plan marina arrival 30 minutes before boarding.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a boating license to charter in Miami?+

No. Nearly all YATR listings in Miami include a licensed captain. Bareboat rentals exist but are uncommon for visitors — captained day charters are the norm.

Which sandbar should I choose?+

Haulover Sandbar near Bal Harbour is the bigger weekend party scene. Nixon Sandbar by Key Biscayne is slightly quieter with clearer water — great for families and mixed groups.

What is included in the charter price?+

It varies by boat. Most day charters include the vessel, captain, and fuel for standard bay routes. Food, alcohol, gratuity, and premium water toys are often extra — check each listing on YATR.

Can we swim and bring our own cooler?+

Yes — sandbar charters are designed for swimming and floating. Coolers are welcome on most party boats; confirm ice and cup policy when you book.

Departure marinas

Browse yachts departing from premier marinas in Miami on YATR.

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