Frequently asked Miami yacht charter questions
Creating the best day on the water possible for you is what we love to do.
Below are frequently asked questions about how your yacht charter day works, what to expect, and how to prepare.
Section 1: TOP 10 Questions
Q: How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Miami?
A: Charter rates typically start around 1,500 dollars for a half day experience and increase based on yacht size, season, and charter duration. Pricing varies depending on the vessel, time of year, and length of the charter. Rates often begin around 1,500 dollars for a four hour charter and can range higher for larger yachts or full day and multi day experiences. For a detailed breakdown, read more in depth about Miami yacht charter pricing here.
Q: What types of yachts are available through Miami Yachting Company?
A: Miami Yachting Company represents modern sport yachts, luxury cruisers, and larger event style yachts offered by independent owners. The curated selection includes newer performance boats, elegant leisure yachts, and spacious motor vessels, providing a wide range of options for yacht charters in Miami and Miami Beach. Charter durations may range from a few hours to multiple days, depending on the vessel.
Q: How many people are allowed on a yacht? Can I have more than 13 guests?
A: Most private yacht charters are limited to 13 people total, which includes the charterer and up to 12 guests, under United States Coast Guard regulations. Larger groups need multiple yachts or a large event vessel such as the 100’ Skipperliner, approved for up to 140 passengers.
Q: Where do Miami Yachting Company charters depart from?
A: Departure locations vary by yacht and are typically based in South Beach or Downtown Miami. Each vessel has a designated marina or dock, and exact departure details are provided in the booking confirmation. Additional pickup locations may be available upon request, subject to vessel availability and marina approval.
Q: Where can we go on a yacht in Miami?
A: Popular cruising areas include Star Island, Monument Island, the Miami River, the Downtown Miami skyline, Nixon Sandbar, Marine Stadium, and Stiltsville. Routes are determined based on charter duration, navigational considerations, prevailing conditions, and the characteristics of the vessel. Nixon Sandbar typically requires five or more hours when departing from South Beach, and trips to Stiltsville may involve additional fuel charges depending on the yacht and departure location. Read the top 5 places to go to on a yacht in Miami here.
Q: Can we add jet skis or watersports?
A: Jet skis and additional watersport activities may be requested for an additional fee and should be arranged at least 48 hours in advance. Independent third party vendors may deliver jet skis, flyboards, water jet packs, or tow boats for tubing or wakeboarding, subject to availability. Florida law requires a NASBLA approved boating safety certificate for individuals born on or after January 1, 1988 to operate a personal watercraft. Get your license to drive a jet ski here.
Q: What happens if there is hazardous weather at the time of departure?
A: Charters impacted by hazardous weather conditions may qualify for rescheduling or cancellation under specific circumstances. Weather related decisions are handled in accordance with the cancellation and rescheduling terms outlined in the applicable policies. Please refer to the cancellation policy for full details.
Q: What is included in a yacht charter?
A: Inclusions vary by vessel but typically include local cruising and use of onboard amenities. Many yachts also provide complimentary ice, water, and soft drinks. Yachts larger than approximately 38 feet often feature cabins, kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and premium sound systems for personal music playlists. Specific inclusions are confirmed for each yacht during the booking process.
Q: What is not included in a yacht charter?
A: Charter pricing generally does not include gratuity, sales tax, or optional extras such as long distance fuel charges. Industry standard gratuity typically ranges from 15 to 20 percent. Florida sales tax of 7 percent applies. Some yachts may also have minimum gratuity requirements outlined in the charter agreement.
Q: What should I bring for my yacht charter?
A: Guests are encouraged to bring towels if planning to swim, sunscreen, and any food or beverages they wish to enjoy onboard, excluding staining drinks such as red wine. Shoes are not permitted onboard to protect yacht flooring. Light, water friendly clothing is recommended. Catering options may be arranged in advance upon request.
Section 2: Booking & Payments
Q: Do I need to bring an ID and the credit card used for booking?
A: Yes. The payment card used for booking and a matching government issued photo ID must be presented in person on the day of your charter. The card number, expiration date, CVC, and cardholder name must be visible on the physical card. Virtual or prepaid cards are not accepted.
Q: How do I pay my final balance?
A: The payment card on file is charged prior to departure, or an alternative payment arrangement may be coordinated during the booking process depending on the specific charter. Payment deadlines vary by vessel size. If no active payment method is on file by the applicable payment deadline, the booking may be subject to cancellation in accordance with the payment terms.
Q: What are the payment deadlines?
A: Payment deadlines vary by vessel size and type.
Under 70 ft: 48 business hours prior to departure
70 to 100 ft: 72 business hours prior to departure
100 ft and larger: 5 business days prior to departure
Multi day charters or bookings exceeding 10,000 dollars may require a customized deposit structure, with the remaining balance due 7 business days prior to departure via Zelle, wire, or bank transfer.
50 ft Yacht Villas, 100 ft Skipperliner, and 116 ft Azimut require payment in full 14 business days prior to departure.
Some vessels and holiday dates may be subject to customized payment policies, which are outlined in the applicable charter agreement.
Q: Which payment methods are accepted?
A: Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards, Zelle, wire transfer, bank transfer, and digital currencies including Bitcoin BTC, Ethereum ETH, and XRP. Refunds to credit or debit cards are issued minus non refundable merchant processing fees of 3 percent for domestic cards and 5 percent for international cards. Zelle and Bank of America internal transfers are refunded in full. Wire transfer refunds are subject to a thirty dollar processing fee. Not accepted are split payments from multiple credit cards, virtual cards without visible card details, prepaid cards, checks, or money orders.
Q: Can I pay for my charter with cryptocurrency?
A: Yes. Bitcoin BTC, Ethereum ETH, and XRP are accepted at the market rate at the time payment is received. Charterers are responsible for any network or transfer fees charged by their wallet provider, and the gross amount received must satisfy the full charter balance prior to any applicable conversion fees. Cryptocurrency payments exceeding 3,000 dollars in value at the time of receipt are subject to a 1.9 percent conversion and processing fee reflecting third party exchange costs, which is deducted at the time the cryptocurrency is converted to fiat currency. Additional information on cryptocurrency payments is available in our guide titled How to Purchase a Yacht Charter Using Cryptocurrency.
Q: Can I change my boat after booking?
A: One change may be requested subject to availability with at least 72 hours advance notice. Some vessels may require additional notice depending on vessel specific policies. Selecting a different yacht may result in a price adjustment, and the charterer is responsible for any difference in cost.
Section 3: Cancellations, Weather & Late Arrivals
Q: What if I miss my flight or arrive late for my charter?
A: Travel delays including flights, traffic, or rideshare issues are not considered cancellable conditions. Please plan appropriate buffer time. Delayed arrivals do not alter scheduled charter departure times or booking terms.
Q: What are your cancellation policies?
A: Cancellation windows vary by yacht size, and written notice is required. Email notice is accepted.
Under 70 ft: cancellation permitted up to 48 business hours prior to departure
70 to 100 ft: cancellation permitted up to 72 business hours prior to departure
100 ft and larger: cancellation permitted up to 5 business days prior to departure
50 ft Yacht Villas, 100 ft Skipperliner, and 116 ft Azimut: cancellation permitted up to 14 business days prior to departure
Some vessels may be subject to customized cancellation policies. Charterers are encouraged to review any vessel specific terms at the time of booking, as outlined in the applicable charter agreement.
Refunds:
Refunds to credit or debit cards are issued minus non refundable merchant processing fees of 3 percent for domestic cards and 5 percent for international cards. These fees are retained by Stripe and are not returned when a refund is processed, and are therefore deducted from any approved refund.
Refunds for Zelle or Bank of America internal transfers are issued in full with no processing fee.
Refunds for wire transfers are subject to a 30 dollar processing fee.
Cancellations made outside the applicable cancellation window are non refundable unless specific conditions apply.
Some vessels and holiday dates may have customized cancellation policies, which are outlined in the applicable charter agreement.
Section 4: Onboard Policies
Q: How is the captain arrangement handled?
A: Captain arrangements are addressed after booking in accordance with the applicable charter agreement and vessel requirements. Additional details are provided during the charter confirmation process.
Q: What is the shoe policy?
A: Shoes are not allowed onboard to protect yacht flooring and deck surfaces.
Q: Can I smoke or vape onboard?
A: Smoking is prohibited onboard. Electronic cigarettes and vaping may be permitted on certain yachts, subject to vessel specific rules.
Q: Are pets allowed onboard?
A: Pets are not permitted onboard yachts.
Q: Do all passengers need to check in?
A: Yes, all passengers are required to complete a check in form prior to boarding.
Q: Can we do long distance or high speed cruising?
A: Long distance or high speed cruising may be possible on certain yachts and may result in additional fuel charges. Requests should be made in advance to confirm availability and pricing.
Q: What items are not allowed onboard?
A: Balloons, glitter, confetti, self tanning oils, denim that may bleed, temporary hair dye or wigs, red wine or other staining beverages, BBQ equipment, hookah equipment, and pets are not permitted onboard.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Yes, guests may bring their own food and beverages onboard, excluding red wine or other staining drinks. Catering options may also be arranged upon request through independent third party providers.
Section 5: Destinations & Activities
Q: What are the best places to go by yacht in Miami?
A: We’ve put together a full article on Miami’s top yacht destinations.
For details on the best places to visit by yacht in Miami read this article.
Q: What are Miami’s most famous sandbars?
A: Nixon Sandbar, Haulover Sandbar, and others are popular local gathering spots.
See our blog for a list of Miami’s top 5 sandbars to visit by yacht.
Q: What famous landmarks can I see while sightseeing?
A: Celebrity homes on Star Island, the Miami skyline, Stiltsville, and more.
See our sightseeing blog for a full guide to Miami landmarks by water.
Q: What add-on activities are available?
A: Jet skis, flyboards, water jet packs, tubing, and wakeboarding are available as optional add ons and are arranged through independent third party vendors. Reserve at least 48 hours in advance. Florida law requires a NASBLA boating ID for guests born on or after Jan 1, 1988 to operate jet skis. Get your license to drive a jet ski here.