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 rent a yacht in Miami?
A: Charter rates start around 1500 dollars for a half-day and increase based on yacht size, season, and duration.
Charter rates vary depending on the yacht, season, and duration. Prices typically start around 1500 dollars for a half-day experience and can range higher for larger yachts or full-day and multi-day charters. Read more in depth about Miami yacht charter pricing here.

Q: What types of yachts can I rent from Miami Yachting Company?
A: We offer modern sport yachts, luxury cruisers, and party yachts with your optional choice of certified crew.
Our curated fleet includes sleek sport yachts, spacious party yachts, and larger luxury vessels, all available with your choice of licensed crew. Charters can last from a few hours to multiple days.

Q: How many people are allowed on the boat? Can I have more than 13 guests in my group?
A: Private charters allow up to 12 guests plus yourself; larger groups require multiple yachts or a Coast Guard-inspected vessel.
By Federal Coast Guard law, private charters are limited to 13 people total (you plus 12 guests). Larger groups need multiple yachts or a certified vessel such as the 100’ Skipperliner, approved for up to 140 passengers.

Q: Where do Miami Yachting Company charters depart from?
A: Most charters depart from South Beach or Downtown Miami; exact dock details are provided in your confirmation email.
We also serve other marinas in surrounding areas, and alternate pickup arrangements may be possible upon request. Each yacht has a specific departure dock, and you’ll receive directions in your booking confirmation.

Q: Where can we go on a yacht in Miami?
A: Popular routes include Star Island, Monument Island, the Miami River, Downtown Miami skyline, Nixon Sandbar, Marine Stadium, and Stiltsville.
Your captain tailors the route to your charter length and conditions. Nixon Sandbar requires 5+ hours if departing from South Beach, and Stiltsville may incur extra fuel charges. Read the top 5 places to go to on a yacht in Miami here.

Q: Can we jet ski?
A: Yes! Jet skis and other watersports can be added for an additional fee; reserve at least 48 hours in advance.
Vendors can deliver jet skis, flyboards, water jet packs, or wake boats for tubing and wakeboarding. You pay them directly. Florida law requires a NASBLA boating certificate for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988 to operate a jet ski. Get your license to drive a jet ski here.

Q: What if there’s hazardous weather at the time of my departure?
A: We allow weather-related cancellations or rescheduling without fees; optional AIG travel insurance offers added protection.
We reschedule or refund weather-impacted charters under specific conditions (see our cancellation policy). We also partner with AIG to provide optional travel insurance.

Q: What is included in a yacht charter?
A: Local cruising, complimentary ice, water, and soda, plus use of your yacht’s amenities.
Most yachts larger than 38 ft have cabins, kitchens, bathrooms, and air conditioning. All have premium sound systems for your own playlists.

Q: What is not included in a yacht charter?
A: Gratuity, sales tax, and optional extras like long-distance fuel surcharges.
Industry-standard gratuity of 15–20% is not included. Florida sales tax (7%) applies. Certain yachts may have minimum gratuity requirements.

Q: What should I bring for my yacht charter?
A: Towels if you plan to swim, sunscreen, and any food or beverages you’d like (excluding staining drinks like red wine).
Shoes are not allowed onboard to protect flooring. Light, water-friendly clothing is recommended. Catering options are available on request.

Section 2: Booking & Payments

Q: Do I need to bring an ID and the credit card used for booking?
A: Yes, the card used to book and a matching ID must be shown in person on the day of your charter.
The card number, expiration date, CVC, and cardholder name must be visible. Virtual or prepaid cards are not accepted.

Q: How do I pay my final balance?
A: The card on file is charged before departure. Deadlines vary by vessel size.
If no active card is on file, the charter can be forfeited for failure to pay before departure.

Q: What are the payment deadlines?
A: Payment deadlines vary by vessel size and type.

• Under 70 ft: 48 business hours before departure

• 70–100 ft: 72 business hours before departure

• 100 ft+: 5 business days before departure

• Multi-day or bookings over $10,000: custom deposit structure; balance due 7 business days prior (Zelle, wire, or bank transfer only)

• 50 ft Villas & 100 ft Skipperliner: 14 business days prior

• Some vessels/holidays may have custom policies, outlined in your agreement

Q: Which payment methods are accepted?
A: Major credit/debit cards, Zelle, wire, bank transfer, and cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, XRP).
Card refunds exclude merchant processing fees (3% for U.S. cards, 5% for international cards). Zelle, wire, or Bank of America transfers are refunded in full. Not accepted: split payments, virtual cards without visible details, prepaid cards, checks, or money orders.

Q: Can I pay for my charter with cryptocurrency?
A: Yes, we accept Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP at the market rate at time of payment.
You are responsible for any transfer fees incurred by your provider, and the received amount must equal the full charter balance. For guests new to crypto, we’ve created a simple guide here: How to Purchase a Yacht Charter Using Cryptocurrency: A Beginner’s Guide

Q: Can I change my boat after booking?
A: Yes, changes are allowed one time, subject to availability, with at least 72 hours’ notice.
Some vessels may require more notice depending on vessel-specific cancellation policies and other factors. Upgrades to different yachts may result in a higher price, and the renter is responsible for paying 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 (flights, traffic, rideshare) are not cancellable conditions. Please plan buffer time.
Events like delayed flights, traffic, or late rideshares do not alter charter bookings. AIG travel insurance may provide coverage for interruptions.

Q: What are your cancellation policies?
A: Cancellation windows vary by yacht size, with written notice required (email accepted).

• Under 70 ft: cancel up to 48 business hours prior

• 70–100 ft: cancel up to 72 business hours prior

• 100 ft+: cancel up to 5 business days prior

Refunds:

• Card refunds exclude non-refundable merchant processing fees (3% for U.S. cards, 5% for international cards)

• Zelle, wire, or Bank of America transfers are refunded in full

• Late cancellations outside the window are non-refundable unless certain conditions apply

• Some vessels/holidays may have customized cancellation policies outlined in your charter agreement

Section 4: Onboard Policies & Crew

Q: How do I select a captain?
A: After booking, you’ll receive a list of qualified licensed captains to choose from.

Q: What is the shoe policy?
A: Shoes are not allowed onboard to protect sensitive yacht flooring and decks.

Q: Can I smoke or vape onboard?
A: Smoking is prohibited; electronic cigarettes and vaping are permitted.

Q: Are pets allowed onboard?
A: Pets are not permitted on yachts.

Q: Do all passengers need to check in?
A: Yes, all passengers must sign a check-in form before boarding.

Q: Can we do long-distance or high-speed cruising?
A: Yes, but additional fuel surcharges apply. Please request a quote in advance.

Q: What items are not allowed onboard?
A: Balloons, glitter, confetti, self-tanning oils, denim that can bleed, temporary hair dye or wigs, red wine or staining drinks, BBQ or hookah equipment, and pets are not permitted.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Yes, you are more than welcome to bring any additional food or beverage items you would like with you the day of your charter. We do not allow red wine or other obviously staining beverages onboard. We also offer catering options in the event you would like us to supply food  for your charter.

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 can be arranged through partner vendors.
Reserve at least 48 hours in advance. Vendors are paid directly. 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.