Private Yacht Rental in Miami Up to 12 People

Thinking about adding a splash of luxury to your Miami trip? A private yacht charter might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally booked this exact tour, I’ve looked into what it offers and what travelers are saying. It’s a popular choice for groups wanting a flexible, scenic, and private day on the water.

What immediately stands out are the gorgeous views of Miami’s skyline and the chance to bring your own food and drinks, making it a personalized experience. Plus, the option to listen to your playlist via Bluetooth while cruising seems like a great way to set your mood. One thing to keep in mind is that timing is strict—the boat departs and returns on schedule, so punctuality is key.

This kind of trip feels perfect for groups of friends, families, or even small parties celebrating special occasions. If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed yet scenic outing with the ability to tailor your experience, this yacht ride could suit you well. Let’s explore what you can really expect from this offering, what makes it special, and where it might fall short.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience tailored for up to 12 guests.
• Flexible options for sightseeing or relaxing at an island spot.
• Bring your own food and drinks, ideal for personal celebrations or chill days.
• Includes water, ice, refrigerator, and Bluetooth music for comfort and entertainment.
• Additional costs apply for captain’s fee, gas, and gratuities.
• Strict schedule, so punctuality is important to maximize your time.

What the Yacht Tour Offers

This private yacht experience is designed to give you a decent slice of Miami’s beautiful waters and cityscape, all in a cozy 36-foot Sea Ray boat. The main draw here is the combination of flexibility and intimacy. You decide if you want to cruise along Miami Bay taking in the sights or anchor at an island for a swim. The boat is equipped with essentials like bottled water, a refrigerator, and a bathroom—small touches that add to the comfort during your trip.

The price tag of $249 per group (up to 12 people) seems like fair value, especially considering you’re renting a private vessel for a couple of hours. You can connect your own playlist via Bluetooth, which means you can personalize the soundtrack of your day—whether it’s chill tunes or party vibes. The boat also includes a floating water mat if your trip lasts three hours or more, perfect for relaxing on the water.

The Itinerary and Experience

Once on board, you’ll be greeted with a cooler filled with ice and water—refreshing and convenient. The captain is there to guide you but also open to your preferences, whether that’s sightseeing or stopping for a swim. The flexibility is appreciated; you can bring your own food—think snacks, sushi, or cold foods—and drinks, including alcohol, which you’ll want to have in hand as you enjoy the sunshine.

In reviews, guests love the stunning views, often describing the experience as “absolutely beautiful” and “fabulous.” One guest shared, “The views are AMAZING! Juan is a great captain. We had such a wonderful time.” That kind of glowing feedback points to a generally high-quality experience when everything runs smoothly.

The Captain and Additional Costs

The captain’s fee is not included in the base price and costs $50 per hour, payable directly to the captain, preferably in cash. You should budget for this, along with a suggested gratuity of around 10%. Gas costs an extra $50, which is fairly typical for private charters, but worth noting when planning your expenses.

Booking and Punctuality

The tour is popular and usually booked around 22 days in advance, so planning ahead is advisable. The activity starts at a fixed time, and delays can impact your experience, as the boat will only wait 20 minutes at the dock in case of a weather delay or late arrival. Arriving 15 minutes early is strongly recommended.

What Past Guests Say

Overall, reviews are outstanding, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. Many guests rave about the beautiful views and excellent service, especially mentioning Captain Juan as “the best.” One reviewer noted, “I wish I could give 10 stars. Juan was our captain and he goes above and beyond.”

However, some feedback highlights the importance of punctuality. One guest mentioned being rushed because the captain arrived 30 minutes late, which cut their trip short. Another noted they only swam for about 5 minutes because the boat was in a hurry to get back, leading to a loss of nearly 40 minutes. These comments are a reminder that timing and communication are critical for a smooth experience.

The Visual and Relaxation Aspects

Imagine yourself cruising Miami’s sparkling bay with the skyline as a backdrop. You connect your playlist, sip cold water, and take photos of the impressive cityscape and waterfront homes. If you opt to stop at an island, you’ll get a chance to enjoy the water, toss around on the floating mat, or just relax on deck.

Guests have described the experience as “amazing,” “phenomenal,” and “perfect for a morning trip.” It’s especially suited for those who want a private, flexible outing that emphasizes scenery and personal comfort over structured activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private yacht rental is ideal for small groups wanting a personalized trip with flexible options. If you’re celebrating a special occasion with friends, looking for a relaxed day on the water, or want to take memorable photos of Miami’s skyline, this is a good pick. It’s also suitable for those comfortable with adhering to a schedule because punctuality is crucial.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer fully guided, pre-set tours or those who may not want to handle bringing their own food and drinks. Also, if you’re sensitive to weather, be aware that they don’t rely on weather forecasts, though they do wait 20 minutes if it rains on arrival.

The Sum Up

Getting out on a private yacht in Miami offers a unique, intimate way to enjoy the city’s iconic views and waters. This experience shines when everything aligns—the captain is punctual, the weather cooperates, and you come prepared with food, drinks, and a playlist. Guests consistently praise the stunning scenery and friendly service, especially those who request Captain Juan, who seems to earn many compliments for going above and beyond.

While the trip offers great value, keep in mind the additional costs for the captain and gas, and be punctual to maximize your time. The flexibility to choose your route and activities makes it especially appealing for groups wanting a customized day on the water. If you’re after a relaxed, memorable, and scenic escape in Miami, this private yacht rental might just be your perfect match.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat rental for up to 12 people, ice and water, a refrigerator, bathroom, Bluetooth radio, and a floating water mat for trips lasting three hours or more.

Are food and drinks allowed?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks and food, including alcohol. Many guests bring snacks like sushi or cold foods to enjoy during the trip.

How much does the captain cost?
The captain’s fee is $50 per hour and is paid directly to the captain, preferably in cash. Gratuity of about 10% is recommended.

What if I arrive late?
The boat departs at the scheduled time. The captain may wait up to 20 minutes in case of weather delays or late arrivals, but significant delays could result in a shortened trip or cancellation.

Can I extend my trip?
Extensions are possible for an additional fee, but you’ll need to arrange this beforehand. The schedule is tight, so early planning helps.

Is there a minimum or maximum trip duration?
The experience generally lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on your booking and preferences.

What should I bring?
Bring your own food and drinks, a playlist for Bluetooth, sun protection, and any personal items you want during your trip.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for children, the boat has a bathroom and is suitable for groups, including families, provided they are comfortable with boat rides and water.

What happens in case of bad weather?
They don’t rely solely on weather forecasts, but if weather conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Getting ready for your Miami yacht trip? Just plan ahead, arrive on time, and bring what you need. It’s a flexible, scenic way to enjoy the city’s beautiful waters—definitely worth considering if you want a private, relaxed day on the water.