Miami Yacht Charter Prices: What Does It Actually Cost?
Everyone Googles it. Nobody gives a straight answer. We're changing that. Here's exactly what a private yacht charter costs in Miami — no vague ranges, no hidden fees, no bait-and-switch.
We've been running charters out of North Miami for years. This guide breaks down base rates, what's included, popular add-ons, and the best ways to get more for your money.
Pricing at a glance
USCG Inspected
Fully compliant & safe vessels
Licensed Captains
Available as add-on for every charter
North Miami Based
Haulover, Aventura, Sunny Isles
The Short Answer
A private yacht charter in Miami starts at $2,500 for a 4-hour bareboat rental with Emerald Eyes. That includes the vessel, fuel for local cruising, a premium sound system, ice, coolers, floating mats, water toys, bottled water, and glassware. Most clients add a USCG-licensed captain, which we arrange for you.
If you want to compare: across the Miami market, yacht charters range from roughly $1,000 to $15,000+ for a half-day depending on boat size, vessel age, and level of service. The wide range comes down to whether you're on a 30-foot center console or a 100-foot superyacht.
At Emerald Eyes, we operate a curated fleet of well-maintained vessels in the 40-65 foot range — the sweet spot for groups of 2 to 15 who want a luxury experience without the superyacht price tag.
No hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. Captain and gratuity are the only additional costs, and both are quoted upfront.
Every Charter
What's Included in Your Price
Every Emerald Eyes charter comes with everything you need for a perfect day on the water. No surprise charges, no upsells at the dock.
Your Private Yacht
A well-maintained vessel in the 40-65 foot range, fully equipped for a luxury day on the water.
Premium Sound System
Bluetooth-connected marine-grade speakers. Play your playlist all day.
Fuel for Local Cruising
Standard Miami routes including Haulover Sandbar, Star Island, and Key Biscayne.
Ice, Coolers & Setup
Industrial-grade coolers stocked with ice so your drinks stay cold from dock to dock.
Floating Mats
Large floating mats for lounging on the water at sandbar stops.
Water Toys
Paddleboards, noodles, and inflatables for everyone on board.
Bottled Water
Complimentary bottled water throughout your entire trip.
Glassware & Cups
Reusable cups and glassware so you can bring your own drinks in style.
Bareboat Charter
Bareboat Charter & Captain Add-On
Emerald Eyes is a bareboat charter company — you rent the yacht itself. Most clients add a USCG-licensed captain, and we handle the booking for you. If you have proper licensing, you can operate the vessel yourself.
What Bareboat Means
A bareboat charter means you rent the vessel without a captain or crew included in the base price. You are the temporary charterer of the yacht for the duration of your rental. This gives you flexibility to choose exactly the crew you want — or operate the boat yourself if you hold the proper credentials.
Add a USCG-Licensed Captain
Most clients add a captain, and we make it easy. We connect you with experienced, USCG-licensed captains who know every channel, sandbar, and no-wake zone in Biscayne Bay. They handle navigation, anchoring, docking, and all safety protocols so you can focus on enjoying the ride.
Can I Captain It Myself?
If you hold a valid boating license and meet USCG requirements, you can operate the vessel yourself. Most first-time charterers choose to add a captain for peace of mind — especially for sandbar anchoring and navigating Biscayne Bay.
Charter Duration & Pricing
Longer charters offer better per-hour value and let you explore more of Miami's coastline. Here's how our rates break down.
Half Day
From $2,500
~$625/hour
Perfect for a Haulover Sandbar trip, sunset cruise, or a quick celebration. Most popular for birthdays and bachelorettes.
Extended
From $3,500
~$583/hour
Time to hit the sandbar and cruise past Star Island. Great for groups who want to combine swimming, sightseeing, and a sunset.
Full Day
From $5,000
~$625/hour
The complete Miami experience. Sandbar in the morning, island-hopping through Biscayne Bay, and a sunset return. Best per-hour value.
If you hire a captain through us, industry-standard gratuity is 15-20% of the charter fee. It's never included in our pricing and always at your discretion.
Popular Add-Ons
Make your charter unforgettable with our curated add-on experiences. All can be arranged at the time of booking.
USCG-Licensed Captain
From $300
A professional USCG-licensed captain who knows every route, sandbar, and sunset spot in Miami. Handles navigation, anchoring, and safety. Recommended for most groups — especially first-timers.
Live Saxophone
From $350
A professional sax player performing live as you cruise through Biscayne Bay. Our most requested add-on — pure Miami vibes.
Sushi Chef
From $500
A private sushi chef rolling fresh omakase-style on board. Includes the chef, premium fish, and full presentation.
Jet Ski Rental
From $200/hr
One or two jet skis delivered to the yacht at the sandbar. No license required. Helmet and safety briefing included.
Catering Package
From $30/person
From charcuterie boards and fruit platters to full-service catering with a private chef. Customized to your group and occasion.
DJ
From $300
A professional DJ with their own setup brings the nightlife energy to the water. Perfect for parties and bachelorettes.
Photographer
From $150
A professional photographer captures every moment. Drone shots, candid party photos, and golden-hour portraits. Edited gallery within 48 hours.
Hookah
From $150
A premium hookah setup with a selection of flavors, delivered and managed on board. Popular for sunset cruises and group celebrations.
Custom Decorations
From $250
Balloons, banners, flower arrangements, and themed setups for birthdays, proposals, and bachelorettes. Send us your vision and we handle the rest.
What Affects the Price
Not every charter costs the same. Here are the four main variables that determine your final price.
Vessel Size & Type
A 40-foot cruiser costs less than a 65-foot yacht. Larger vessels have more deck space, cabins, and amenities — and require more fuel. For groups under 10, a mid-size vessel (40-50 ft) is usually the best value.
Season
Peak season runs December through April, when Miami is packed with tourists and demand is highest. Off-peak (May through November) offers the same beautiful weather at lower rates. Hurricane season (June-November) has rare disruptions but the best deals.
Group Size
More guests may require a larger vessel. Groups of 2-8 fit comfortably on our standard fleet. Groups of 9-15 may need a larger yacht. For 16+, we recommend multi-vessel packages.
Day of Week
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are premium days with higher demand. Tuesday through Thursday typically offer the best availability and rates. Monday charters also tend to be quieter with better pricing.
How to Save
Smart booking strategies that get you the same experience for less. We want you on the water — here's how to make it happen.
Book a Weekday
Tuesday through Thursday charters typically offer better rates than weekends. You also get less boat traffic at the sandbar, calmer waters, and a more relaxed experience overall.
Go Off-Peak
May through November offers warm weather, calm seas, and rates that can be 10-20% lower than peak season. September and October are hidden gems — gorgeous water, minimal crowds, and the best deals of the year.
Book Direct
Booking directly with us instead of through third-party platforms means no middleman markups. You also get direct communication with our team for custom requests and last-minute changes.
Book a Longer Charter
The per-hour cost drops on longer charters. An 8-hour full day is significantly better value per hour than two separate 4-hour trips. Plus, you get the full Miami experience without rushing.
Tipping Your Captain
If you hire a captain through us, gratuity is customary. Here's everything you need to know so there are zero surprises.
Industry Standard: 15-20%
The standard gratuity for yacht charters in Miami is 15-20% of the base charter fee. This is consistent across the industry, similar to tipping at a high-end restaurant.
What That Looks Like
On a $2,500 half-day charter, a typical tip is $375-$500. On a $5,000 full-day charter, $750-$1,000. The amount is always at your discretion based on your experience.
How to Tip
Cash is preferred and is given directly to the captain at the end of the trip. Venmo and Zelle are also accepted if you prefer digital.
Gratuity is never included in our pricing and never expected — but when you hire a captain through us, it is deeply appreciated. They work hard to make every charter special.
Ready to Book?
Get Your Custom Quote in Minutes
Tell us your date, group size, and any add-ons you want. We'll put together a transparent quote with everything included — no surprises, no back-and-forth. Most quotes come back within an hour.
Pricing FAQ
The most common questions we get about yacht charter costs in Miami.
How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Miami?
A private yacht charter in Miami starts at $2,500 for a 4-hour outing with Emerald Eyes. Prices across the market range from $1,000 to $15,000+ for a half-day depending on vessel size and amenities. Our sweet spot is the $2,500-$5,000 range for groups of 2-15.
What's included in the charter price?
Every Emerald Eyes bareboat charter includes the vessel, fuel for local cruising, premium sound system, ice and coolers, floating mats, water toys, bottled water, and glassware. Captain is available as a popular add-on. There are no hidden fuel surcharges or docking fees.
How much does a yacht cost per hour?
Based on our rates, per-hour cost is approximately $583-$625 depending on charter length. Across the broader Miami market, hourly rates range from $250 to $1,500+ depending on the yacht. Longer charters always offer better per-hour value.
Are there additional costs I should budget for?
Most clients add a captain (from $300), and gratuity for your captain is at your discretion (industry standard is 15-20%). If you add extras like a sax player, sushi chef, or jet ski, those are quoted upfront. Your own food and drinks are welcome and free to bring.
Is fuel included?
Yes. Fuel for all standard Miami cruising routes is included — Haulover Sandbar, Star Island, Biscayne Bay, and Key Biscayne. Extended trips outside of the standard area may incur additional fuel costs, but we'll always tell you before booking.
When is the cheapest time to charter?
Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) during off-peak months (May-November) offer the best rates. You can save 10-20% compared to a weekend charter during peak season. September and October are often the most affordable months with excellent weather.
How much should I tip the captain?
If you hire a captain through us, gratuity is never included and always at your discretion. The industry standard in Miami is 15-20% of the base charter fee. For a $2,500 charter, that's typically $375-$500. Tips go directly to your captain.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Absolutely. You're welcome to bring your own food, drinks, and alcohol at no extra charge. We provide ice, coolers, and glassware. No glass bottles on board — please use cans or pour into the cups we provide. You can also add our catering packages.
Related Guides
More resources to help you plan the perfect Miami yacht experience.
Sample Total
Here's what a typical 4-hour charter looks like all-in, so you can budget with confidence.
Know the Price. Love the Experience.
No surprises, no hidden fees. Just a transparent quote and a team ready to make your day on the water unforgettable. Tell us what you're looking for.