Yacht Charter FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking a yacht charter in Miami, from pricing and payment to destinations and onboard policies.
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01Charter Essentials02Booking & Payments03Cancellations & Weather04Onboard Policies05Destinations & Activities
01
Charter Essentials
Getting Started
Charter rates vary based on vessel size, duration, and the time of year. Day charter pricing typically starts around $1,500 for a half day experience on smaller vessels, and increases with size and duration. For a complete breakdown by vessel category, visit our Miami yacht charter pricing guide.
The fleet includes modern sport yachts, luxury cruisers, and larger event style vessels offered by independent owners. Charters range from a few hours to multiple days. Browse the full fleet to find the right vessel for your occasion.
Most private yacht charters accommodate up to 13 guests total, as required by USCG regulations for vessels operating under a 6-passenger license. Larger groups have dedicated options: visit our large group charters page or consider the 100 ft Skipperliner, which is USCG certified for up to 140 passengers.
Departure locations vary by vessel and are typically in the South Beach or Downtown Miami area. Exact departure details are provided in your booking confirmation following payment.
Inclusions vary by vessel but typically include local cruising and use of onboard amenities. Many vessels also provide complimentary ice, water, and soft drinks. Larger yachts feature cabins, full kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and sound systems. Specific inclusions are listed on each vessel detail page.
Charter pricing generally does not include captain gratuity, Florida sales tax (7%), or optional extras such as long distance fuel charges, catering, beverages beyond complimentary offerings, or watersport add ons. Industry standard gratuity is 15 to 20 percent of the vessel charter price.
Guests are encouraged to bring towels if planning to swim, sunscreen, and any food or beverages they wish to enjoy onboard. Staining drinks such as red wine are not permitted. Shoes must be removed before boarding to protect yacht flooring and deck surfaces.
Jet skis and additional watersport activities may be requested for an additional fee with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice. Florida law requires a NASBLA approved boating safety certificate for any individual born on or after January 1, 1988 who wishes to operate a personal watercraft. Complete the required course at get your PWC license here. Browse available options on our water toys page.
Charters impacted by qualifying hazardous weather conditions may be eligible for rescheduling. Qualifying conditions include named storms actively affecting Miami inland waters, severe storms forecasted to persist more than 4 hours with sustained winds exceeding 30 mph, or wave swells beyond 3 feet in local inland waterways. General marine advisories for open ocean waters do not qualify, as charter vessels cruise protected inland waterways. See our full terms of service for complete weather policy details.
02
Booking & Payments
Reservations & Payment
Yes. The physical payment card used at the time of booking and a matching government issued photo ID must be presented in person on the day of your charter for boarding verification. Virtual cards, prepaid cards, and cards that do not display full card information are not accepted.
The payment card on file is used to process your final balance prior to departure. If your charter total exceeds $10,000, payment must be made by wire transfer, Zelle, Bank of America transfer, or the accepted digital currencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or XRP. Vessels priced at $2,500 or higher are subject to a 3 percent credit card processing fee for US based cards and 5 percent for international cards. Bookings made within 24 hours of departure require Zelle, wire transfer, bank transfer, or accepted digital currencies (BTC, ETH, XRP) only.
- ·Vessels up to 99 ft: full payment required 3 business days before departure
- ·Vessels 100 ft and larger: full payment required 5 business days before departure
- ·50 ft Yacht Villa, 100 ft Skipperliner, 116 Azimut: full payment required 14 business days before departure
- ·Missing a payment deadline results in booking cancellation and forfeiture of any deposit paid.
Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards, Zelle, wire transfer, Bank of America transfer, and digital currencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP. Vessels priced at $2,500 or higher are subject to a 3 percent credit card processing fee for US based cards and 5 percent for international cards. If your charter total exceeds $10,000, payment must be made by wire transfer, Zelle, Bank of America transfer, or accepted digital currencies. Refunds via Zelle and Bank of America transfers are issued in full with no processing fee. Wire transfer refunds are subject to a $30 outbound wire fee.
Yes. Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP are accepted at the current market rate at the time of receipt. All cryptocurrency payments are subject to a 1.9 percent conversion and processing fee, which covers exchange fees and operational costs.
One vessel change may be requested subject to availability with at least 3 business days advance notice. A price adjustment applies if selecting a different vessel. Please contact us promptly if your plans change.
03
Cancellations & Weather
Policies & Conditions
Travel delays including missed flights, traffic, and rideshare delays are not considered cancellable conditions. Charter departure times remain unchanged regardless of guest arrival time. Guests who arrive late forfeit that portion of their charter time without rescheduling or refund.
Cancellation windows vary by vessel size. Written notice via email is required in all cases.
- ·Vessels up to 99 ft: cancellation permitted up to 3 business days before departure
- ·Vessels 100 ft and larger: cancellation permitted up to 5 business days before departure
- ·50 ft Yacht Villa, 100 ft Skipperliner, 116 Azimut: payment required in full 14 business days before departure, failure to pay results in cancellation and forfeiture of payments
All payments become non refundable within the applicable cancellation window unless qualifying hazardous weather conditions or other specified conditions exist. Refunds to credit and debit cards are issued minus non refundable processing fees. Zelle and Bank of America internal transfer refunds are issued in full. Wire transfer refunds are subject to a $30 processing fee. See our full terms of service for complete details.
- ·Named storms with centers within 5 miles of Miami
- ·Named storms actively affecting Miami local inland waters
- ·Severe storms forecasted to persist more than 4 hours with sustained winds exceeding 30 mph
- ·Wave swells beyond 3 feet in Miami local inland waterways at the time of scheduled departure
Scattered showers, overcast skies, and a forecasted chance of rain are not cancellable conditions. General marine advisories for open ocean waters do not apply to inland waterway charters. News coverage of weather events or local developments does not qualify as a cancellable condition unless an official state or federal travel restriction has been formally issued.
04
Onboard Policies
Rules & Amenities
Shoes are not permitted onboard. All guests must remove footwear before boarding to protect yacht flooring and deck surfaces.
Smoking is not permitted onboard. Electronic cigarettes and vaping may be permitted on certain vessels, subject to vessel specific rules disclosed at the time of booking.
Pets are not permitted onboard any vessel in the fleet.
Yes. All passengers are required to complete a check in form prior to boarding.
Long distance or high speed cruising may be possible on certain vessels and may result in additional fuel charges. Charter pricing reflects idle speed local cruising. Contact us in advance to discuss extended range or high speed itineraries.
- ·Balloons of any kind
- ·Glitter and confetti
- ·Self tanning oils
- ·Denim that may bleed color
- ·Temporary hair dye or wigs
- ·Red wine or other staining beverages
- ·BBQ and hookah equipment
- ·Pets
Yes. Guests may bring their own food and beverages onboard. Staining drinks such as red wine are not permitted. For a curated onboard experience, explore our catering menu with options ranging from charcuterie and fresh platters to full meal service.
Captain arrangements are addressed following booking in accordance with the applicable charter agreement and vessel requirements.
05
Destinations & Activities
Where to Go
South Florida's waterways offer a wide range of destinations, from the celebrity homes of Star Island and the historic structures of Stiltsville to the iconic Nixon Sandbar and the tropical water of the Bahamas. For a full destination guide, read our article: Where Can I Go On A Yacht In Miami? Top 5 Destinations.
Nixon Sandbar in Biscayne Bay and Haulover Sandbar in North Miami Beach are among the most popular gathering spots, known for their shallow calm waters and social atmosphere. Nixon Sandbar typically requires five or more charter hours when departing from South Beach. For a complete guide, read our article: Top 5 Sandbars To Visit By Yacht In Miami.
Popular sightseeing destinations include the celebrity estates of Star Island, the Miami skyline, the historic Stiltsville structures, Monument Island, and the Venetian Islands. For a detailed overview, read our article: Discover Miami: Sightseeing Celebrity Homes and Landmarks.
Jet skis, SeaBobs, Flitescooters, floating cabanas, and lounge platforms are available as optional add ons through independent vendors. A minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required for all watersport bookings. Florida law requires a NASBLA approved boating safety certificate for individuals born on or after January 1, 1988 who wish to operate a personal watercraft. Complete the required course at get your PWC license here. Browse available options on our water toys page.
Yes. The Bahamas is one of the premier extended charter destinations from Miami, featuring tropical water, pristine beaches, and island culture. A Bahamas trip requires a multi day charter arrangement. Contact us to discuss itinerary, vessel options, and requirements.
Groups exceeding 13 guests have several options. The 100 ft Skipperliner is USCG certified for up to 140 passengers and is ideal for large corporate events, celebrations, and group cruises. Multiple vessel configurations are also available. Visit our large group charters page for full details.
Still have questions?
Our team is available by phone, WhatsApp, or email.