Best Boat Rentals Near Miami, FL
Labor Day Weekend Boat Rentals
Best Boat Rentals Near Miami, FL
$625+
Top boat rental reviews in Miami, FL
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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Awesome
Felix
May 2025 -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
Amazing boat!! Juan and Maria were unbelievable as captain and crew. Will be booking again!
Kelly
Oct 2025 -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
They where amazing and you should definitely use them for your sail.
Justin
Oct 2025 -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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Rent a Boat in Miami The Miami boating scene has just about everything any boater could desire: opportunities to cruise the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), an abundance of sandbars, cays, and islands to explore, countless waterside restaurants for dock-and-dining, inshore and offshore fishing hot spots, and so much more. What To Know The most popular boat rental styles in Miami include:
- Cruisers and motor yachts, for sunset cruises, corporate events, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and scenic tours of the Miami River and Star Island.
- Pontoon boats and other day boats, like bowriders, deck boats, and jet boats, are best suited for sandbar hopping, dock-and-dining, and watersports.
Safety Requirements:b>
- Boating License/Education Rules: All Florida residents born after January 1, 1988 who operate vessels with 10-horsepower or more must carry a Florida Boating Safety Education identification card. You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
- Life Jacket Requirements: Children ages 6 and under must wear a PFD.
Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:
- Miami Beach Marina
- Haulover Boat Ramp
- Grove Harbour Marina
- Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center
- One Island Park Marina
Weather Conditions Miami is perfect for swimming and boating regardless of the season; however, boaters should be aware of Hurricane Season, which in South Florida runs between June and the end of November.
- Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 88°F in August
- Avg. Temperature Low: Around 63-65°F during winter months like December and January
- Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Miami:
- 86°F in the Summer (June, July, August)
- 77°F in Spring (April, May)
- 67°F in Fall (September, October, November)
- 71°F in Winter (December, January, February, March)
Miami’s Best Bodies of Water for Boating
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is Miami’s most popular body of water for boating, situated between Key Biscayne and Elliott Key, which is home to Biscayne National Park. Known as the largest marine park in the continental U.S., its home to Florida’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as active wildlife, turquoise waters, and more than a dozen shipwrecks. This area is ideal for families to go snorkeling, swimming, diving, and to see sea life.
- Moorage: Dockage is widely available at various marinas surrounding the bay, starting with Bal Harbour and Haulover Boat Ramp in the north, and Black Point Park and Marina in the south.
- Wake zone: Yes - in some areas
- Pro Tips: Be sure to check out Monty’s in Coconut Grove, or the Rusty Pelican, located on Virginia Key, to grab a bite to eat and enjoy views of Biscayne Bay.Hours: The Bay is open 24/7, with the waterway at its most crowded during the middle of the day on weekends.
- Lat/Long: 25.5722° N, 80.2321° W
Stiltsville
Head south and check out Miami’s infamous Stiltsville, a small group of houses perched on stilts 10-feet above the water, said to be established in the 1930s. This is a protected park within Biscayne National Park, surrounded by calm waters that are buzzing with active sea life and tropical reefs. Raft-up parties frequently take place near Stiltsville, so plan for a party vibe if visiting on a Saturday or Sunday.
- Moorage: Key Biscayne Yacht Club or the Matheson Hammock Park & Marina are the closest locations for dockage in proximity to Stiltsville.
- Wake zone: No
- Pro Tips: Just north of Stiltsville, be sure to cruise by the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which is situated on the southern shores of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.Hours: Biscayne National Park’s grounds at Convoy Point are open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm, with holiday hours varying.
- Lat/Long: 25.6546° N, 80.1744° W
Elliott Key
Elliot Key is the most northern Florida Key in the chain and only accessible by boat. It is uninhabited, but does have a harbor, marina and campground facilities for overnight stays. This is a family-orientated destination, far from the Miami party scene and is a great staycation escape for a quick dose of island life. When finding a boat for rent, coordinate with the boat’s owner to see if he/she allows for multi-day bookings to allow for a camping experience on the island.
- Moorage: Elliott Key has a harbor with 33 boat slips available to hold two boats each. Other nearby dockage is available at Boca Chita Key Harbor.
- Wake zone: Yes - in some areas
- Pro Tips: Boaters can camp on Elliott Key and pay a $35 overnight docking fee. Be aware that at low tide, the Elliott Key harbor shifts to approximately 2.5-feet in depth
- Hours: Navigable waters are open 24 hours a day, as are the camping facilities on Elliott Key and Boca Chica Key
- Lat/Long: 25.4397° N, 80.2001° W
Things to Do in Miami by Boat
Go Sandbar Hopping
The two most popular sandbar locations in Miami are Haulover Sandbar and Nixon Beach Sandbar. If you’re renting a boat without a captain, be sure to double check with your boat’s owner about his/her policies regarding sandbars and raft-ups.
Peak sandbar hours take place on Saturdays and Sundays, with the most popular times running between 11am and 6pm.
Pro Tip: High tides and low tides change daily, so be sure to check the times to prevent your boat from getting beached. This kind of incident could cause damage to the vessel and require a tow.
Haulover Sandbar
- Lat/Long: 25.9029° N, 80.1291° W
- Closest boat ramp: For launching, Haulover Boat Ramp is just north of Haulover Sandbar, while Haulover Inlet and Bal Harbour Marina are just south of the sandbar.
Nixon Beach Sandbar
- Lat/Long: 25.6889° N, 80.1784° W
- Closest boat ramp: Crandon Park Marina and Boat Ramp is the closest location, just north of the sandbar on the north side of Key Biscayne.
Celebrity and Real Estate Tours Around Star Island
Star Island, located just off of Miami Beach, is known for its extravagant waterfront mansions, many of which are home to the rich and famous. Because it is a private island only accessible by boat or through a bridge that connects to the MacArthur Causeway, the best and only way to take in the sights of this island is by boat—with a Boatsetter captain who has local knowledge of the area that can guide you on your very own “star-tour.”
Star Island has been called home by celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Don Johnson, Sean Combs (P Diddy), Jennifer Lopez, Rosie O’Donnell, and many others.
- Closest marinas: One Island Park Marina or Bentley Bay Marina
- Lat/Long: 25.7769° N, 80.1505° W
Pick Your Adventure: Deep Sea or Flats Fishing
Flats fishing (fishing in shallow waters) is best in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, while heading offshore into the Atlantic Ocean presents multiple opportunities for targeting gamefish.
If you’re an experienced angler, you can browse a wide range of fishing boats for rent, including center consoles, walkarounds, fish-and-skis, bay boats, and skiffs. If you’re new to fishing, consider booking a fishing charter with a professional captain who can be your guide and provide instruction on fishing Miami’s various waterways.
Deep Sea Fishing (Offshore)
- Target species: Cobia, dolphin fish (mahi-mahi), grouper, kingfish, snapper, amberjack, sailfish, bluefin and blackfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, marlin
- Seasonality: September through November
- Boat selection: Sportfishing boats and convertibles, center consoles, walkaround boats
Flats Fishing (Inshore)
- Target species: Tarpon, snook, bonefish, permit, seatrout
- Seasonality: May through September
- Boat selection: Bay boats, flats boats, skiffs, aluminum fishing boats
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Miami?
The cost to rent a boat in Miami starts at $89 per hour, depending on the amount of time that you would like to use the boat.
How much does it cost to rent a small yacht in Miami?
The cost to rent a small yacht in Miami starts at $1400 for a half-day on the water and $2,800 for a full day with a captain.
How much are private charters or luxury boat rentals in Miami?
A yacht ride in Miami costs anywhere from $2,800 to $10,000 for a full day out on the water with a captain and crew.
Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in Miami?
No, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which regulates boating, does not require a license. However, it does require that you be familiar with boating safety.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Florida?
Yes, passengers can drink alcoholic beverages on a boat in Florida. It is against the law, however, to operate a motor vehicle in Miami, Florida with an open container of alcohol. But if you travel by boat, or plan a party aboard your vessel, it is not illegal for the operator to be drinking an alcoholic beverage -- it is, however, illegal to drive a boat while drunk or while drinking an alcoholic beverage.
What are the requirements to rent a boat in Miami?
For those that want to rent a boat in Miami, Florida law requires individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC. A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Miami, Florida and at least 18 years of age to rent. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (a second-degree misdemeanor).
What are the top places in Miami to visit by boat?
The top places in Miami to visit by boat are Key Biscayne, Biscayne National Park, Oleta River State Park, Coconut Grove, Elliot Key, Flagler Memorial Island, outh Pointe Park, Matheson Hammock Park and Marina, Miami Beach Art Deco District, Miami Marine Stadium, Homestead Bayfront Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
How many people can fit on a Miami boat rental?
The number of people who can fit on a boat largely depends on the boat's size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter rental.
How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat in Miami?
The cost of renting a pontoon boat in Miami is between $200 and $1,000. It depends on the size, location, and rental time of the boat. Prices can range anywhere from $200 for a half-day rental or just under a $1,000 for longer rentals.
How much does a private yacht charter cost in Miami?
The cost to charter a yacht in Miami ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 plus. The cost of a yacht yacht in Miami varies depending on the boat size and the length of the charter. Prices typically range from less than $1,000 to $5,000 plus if you're wanting to charter the yacht overnight.
Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in Florida?
No, you do not need a boating license to rent a boat in Florida. The short answer is no; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which regulates boating in Florida, does not require a Florida 'boating license'. However, it does require that you be familiar with boating safety.
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