Sponsored: Support our local travel guides by booking tours and activities directly through our affiliate links below.
Curated Selection

Top Private Boat Charters & Yacht Rentals In South Florida

Chartering a private vessel gives you complete freedom to explore South Florida's waterways on your own schedule. From cruising past celebrity estates on Miami's Millionaire's Row to anchoring at lively sandbars or exploring hidden Intracoastal coves, a private charter turns any celebration or family gathering into a VIP occasion.

Our Selection Process

Our curation focuses exclusively on charters operated by licensed USCG master captains on fully insured, impeccably maintained vessels. We independently verified marina slip addresses, transparent pricing structures (including captain fees, fuel provisions, and included amenities like Bluetooth stereos, coolers, and floating mats), and consistent 5-star traveler reviews across certified booking platforms.

Private charters allow customized itinerariesβ€”whether you want a leisurely sightseeing cruise, swimming at a sandbar, or sunset champagne toasting. Coordinate with your group in advance on food and beverages, discover dock-and-dine favorites on SoFlo Bites, and browse luxury waterfront hotel options on SoFlo Stays.

Private Miami Boat Charter: Sightseeing, Sunset & Sandbar

Private Miami Boat Charter: Sightseeing, Sunset & Sandbar

πŸ“ Miami β˜… 5.0 β€’ Exceptional Viator Verified πŸ† Viator Badge of Excellence
$

This fully private boat charter puts you in control of your day on the water, with flexible options ranging from a quick two-hour sightseeing cruise to a full five-hour outing that includes island stops and sandbar time. Departing from one of several marinas near Downtown Miami, the charter is exclusively for your own group, meaning you won't share the boat with strangers and can shape the itinerary around what your party actually wants to do. Popular routes cruise past the Miami skyline, PortMiami, and the mansions of Star Island and Millionaire Row, while longer options allow time to anchor and swim at spots like Monument Island or the well-known Haulover Sandbar. A licensed captain handles the boat and doubles as a local guide, sharing insight on the city and its landmarks along the way. The two-hour sunset option is especially popular for couples, often paired with champagne for a golden-hour cruise along the water. Because guests can bring their own food and drinks onboard, this charter works well for celebrations, birthdays, or simply a more personalized alternative to a fixed-schedule group tour. It's a pricier option than a standard sightseeing cruise, but the tradeoff is full flexibility, privacy, and a boat that isn't shared with other travelers β€” a meaningful difference for anyone who wants Miami's waterfront experience without the crowd.

β˜… Experience Highlight: This trip covers sightseeing, a sunset run, and a sandbar stop in one booking β€” genuinely three experiences packed into one outing. (Pricing note: it's per group starting at $199+, not per person, and a separate captain surcharge applies beyond the online price.)
Boat TourPrivate CharterRomanticLuxury
Private Boat Ride in Miami with Experienced Captain and Champagne

Private Boat Ride in Miami with Experienced Captain and Champagne

πŸ“ Miami β˜… 4.9 β€’ Top Rated Viator Verified πŸ† Viator Badge of Excellence
$

Trade the big, crowded sightseeing boats for a smaller, private cruise around Biscayne Bay with just your own group and an experienced captain. This two-hour outing departs from Miami and takes in many of the city's signature waterfront sights, including Millionaire Row, Star Island, and the Downtown Miami skyline, all without sharing the boat with strangers. A bottle of champagne is included as part of the experience, and guests are welcome to bring their own additional drinks and snacks to make the trip their own. Because the captain handles all the sailing, everyone in your group is free to simply relax and enjoy the ride, whether that means soaking in the skyline views, chatting over a drink, or just watching the water go by. Booking the final time slot of the day is a popular choice, since it turns the cruise into a private sunset experience over the bay. If you select the sandbar option, the captain can also anchor at one of Miami's well-known sandbar spots for guests who want to swim in the shallow, crystal-clear water partway through the trip. This tour is a strong fit for couples celebrating something special, small groups of friends who'd rather not join a large public tour, or anyone who values the flexibility and privacy of having the boat to themselves. With over a thousand reviews, it's built a solid reputation as one of Miami's more personal boating experiences.

β˜… Experience Highlight: Pricing is structured per booking (covers the whole boat, not per person) β€” category shown assumes a typical group of 3-4 splitting the cost; book the last time slot of the day if you want a sunset cruise.
Boat TourPrivate CharterRomanticRelaxed
Miami: 2 Hour Private Yacht Cruise

Miami: 2 Hour Private Yacht Cruise

πŸ“ Miami β˜… 4.9 β€’ Top Rated Viator Verified πŸ† Viator Badge of Excellence
$$

Charter a private yacht for two hours and see Miami entirely on your own terms, without sharing the boat with strangers. This cruise departs from a marina near the Miami River and gives guests the flexibility to cruise toward Biscayne Bay or Star Island depending on preference, taking in the city's skyline and waterfront mansions along the way. Onboard amenities include a cooler with ice for your own drinks, a Bluetooth sound system so you can play your own music, and an onboard restroom for convenience during the trip. Because the charter is private, your group can set the tone entirely, whether that means a relaxed, conversational cruise or a livelier outing with music and drinks. Guests consistently highlight their captains as a major part of what makes the experience feel special, with many reviewers specifically requesting the same captain on return visits. One practical thing worth knowing going in: the advertised per-person price doesn't include the separate captain and fuel fees charged at booking, so it's worth budgeting for a higher total than the initial number suggests. This tour is well-suited to birthdays, proposals, or any occasion where privacy and flexibility matter more than a fixed group tour itinerary. With over 1,500 reviews and a 4.9-star average, it's one of the most consistently well-reviewed private charters departing from Miami.

β˜… Experience Highlight: A fully private yacht for just your group, out on the water for two hours. (Budget note: a separate captain fee (~$90) and fuel surcharge (~$50) apply per booking on top of the per-person price β€” worth padding your budget accordingly.)
Boat TourPrivate CharterRomanticLuxury
2 to 6 hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale

2 to 6 hours Private Yacht Cruise around Fort Lauderdale

πŸ“ Fort Lauderdale β˜… 5.0 β€’ Exceptional Viator Verified πŸ† Viator Badge of Excellence
$$

Charter a private 37-foot Sundancer yacht from Fort Lauderdale's Bahia Mar Yachting Center and shape your own day on the water across a flexible 2, 4, or 6-hour window. The shorter option is built around sightseeing, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway that gives Fort Lauderdale its "Venice of America" nickname, with views of waterfront mansions and mega-yachts along the way, plus an optional sandbar stop if your captain has time. The longer 4 and 6-hour charters open up real flexibility, with time built in to swim at hidden sandbars, relax in clear water, and stop at a waterfront restaurant for drinks or a meal rather than just cruising past everything. Because the charter is fully private, your group sets the pace and mood throughout, whether that's a relaxed sightseeing trip or a livelier day built around swimming and socializing. This tour is a strong fit for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, groups of friends wanting a genuine day-long outing on the water, or anyone who'd rather have full control over their boat day than follow a fixed itinerary. With a strong overall rating, it's a well-regarded, flexible option for experiencing Fort Lauderdale's waterways at whatever pace and length suits your group.

β˜… Experience Highlight: The 2-hour option covers just sightseeing along the Intracoastal, while the 4 and 6-hour tiers add real time for sandbar swimming or a stop at a waterfront restaurant β€” worth choosing based on how much of a full day you want rather than just the price difference.
Boat TourPrivate CharterLuxuryRomantic
West Palm Beach Private Boat Cruise and Tour with a Captain

West Palm Beach Private Boat Cruise and Tour with a Captain

πŸ“ West Palm Beach β˜… 5.0 β€’ Exceptional Viator Verified πŸ† Viator Badge of Excellence
$$

Explore West Palm Beach's waterways aboard a private charter with a dedicated captain, choosing between 2, 3, or 4-hour options depending on how much time you want on the water. All tiers include a stop at the well-known Peanut Island sandbar, along with views of Manatee Lagoon, luxury yachts, and the coastal mansions that line this stretch of Florida's Atlantic coast. Onboard amenities include a premium Bluetooth sound system, a floating water mat for sunbathing or swimming, bottled water, and an ice-stocked cooler, giving guests a comfortable, self-contained day on the water regardless of which tier they choose. The 4-hour option is specifically positioned as ideal for longer celebrations like birthdays or bachelorette parties, with extra time to anchor near other boats and grab food from one of the vendor boats that circulate the sandbar. A sunset cruise option is also available, with start times adjusted seasonally to align with actual sunset timing. This charter is a strong fit for special occasions, groups wanting genuine flexibility in how they spend their time on the water, or anyone looking for the classic Peanut Island sandbar experience without needing to arrange their own boat. With a very strong overall rating and reviews consistently praising specific captains by name, it's a well-regarded, personalized way to spend a day on West Palm Beach's water.

β˜… Experience Highlight: A private, captained cruise where you set the pace across West Palm Beach's waterways. (Budget note: the captain and fuel surcharge is paid separately at the dock, $150-250 depending on trip length β€” factor it in before choosing a tier.)
Boat TourPrivate CharterLuxury

Want to see all South Florida activities?

Explore our comprehensive filterable experiences directory.

Explore Directory
ADVERTISEMENT