Boat Rental Miami

Rent a boat with a USCG-licensed captain — from Biscayne Bay to Key Biscayne. Browse local Miami boats, book in minutes, meet your captain at the dock.

Why rent a boat in Miami?

Miami is the boating capital of Florida — and arguably the United States. With turquoise water, year-round sun, and some of the most photogenic coastline in the world, there's no shortage of reasons to spend a day on the water here.

The bay system around Miami offers something for every kind of day on the water. Want to anchor at a sandbar and float with a drink? Nixon Sandbar and Haulover Sandbar fill up every weekend. Want to see how the other half lives? Cruise past the mansions on Star Island, Hibiscus Island, and the Venetian Islands. Want to fish? The Gulf Stream is only minutes offshore, holding mahi, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo.

And unlike many cities where boating is a summer-only activity, Miami is good year-round. Winter water temps rarely drop below 70°F, and the dry season from November to May means low humidity and almost no rain.

Popular Miami boating destinations

Biscayne Bay

The protected bay between Miami and Key Biscayne. Calm water, easy navigation, perfect for first-time renters. Most charters stay inside the bay.

Star Island & Venetian Islands

Cruise past the homes of Gloria Estefan, Diddy, and others. Classic Miami flex tour — usually 1.5 hours from any Miami Beach marina.

Stiltsville

A cluster of historic stilt houses sitting on the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay. Iconic photo spot, especially at sunset.

Nixon & Haulover Sandbars

Weekend party sandbars. Anchor in waist-deep water, float on noodles, drink coolers. Captain handles the navigation; you handle the playlist.

Key Biscayne

South of downtown — beach club anchorages, the Crandon Park flats, and Bill Baggs State Park. Quieter than the Miami Beach scene.

Miami River & downtown

Cruise through downtown skyscrapers along the Miami River, dock at riverside restaurants, then exit to Government Cut for ocean access.

Popular boat types in Miami

Center Consoles

Best for fishing trips and offshore runs. Common Miami boats: 25-35ft Yellowfins, Boston Whalers, Contender models.

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Sport Boats

Open-bow cruisers 28-42ft. The Miami Beach bachelorette and birthday-party staple. Sea Ray, Cobalt, Formula.

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Yachts & Motor Yachts

50ft+ vessels for premium charters. Sunset cruises, corporate events, full-day Bahamas runs. Princess, Sea Ray Sundancer, Azimut.

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Catamarans

Stable, spacious, ideal for groups of 10+. Perfect for sunset cruises and sandbar days when you want shade and room.

Sample Miami pricing

Prices vary by boat, captain, and season — but here's a rough range so you know what to expect when you browse:

Boat typeCapacityTypical rate
Pontoon / Deck boat6-10 guests$150-$250/hr
Center console (25-32ft)6-10 guests$200-$400/hr
Sport boat (32-42ft)10-12 guests$350-$600/hr
Catamaran (40-50ft)12-15 guests$500-$900/hr
Motor yacht (50ft+)10-12 guests$800-$2,000/hr

Miami boat rental FAQ

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Miami?
Miami boat rentals on Splash Rides typically range from $150/hour for pontoon-style party boats to $300-$500/hour for center consoles and sport boats, and $600-$1,500/hour for larger yachts. Captain gratuity (15-20%) is the only addition to the listed rate.
Where can I take a boat in Miami?
Popular Miami boating destinations include Biscayne Bay, Star Island and the Venetian Islands, Stiltsville, Key Biscayne, Nixon Sandbar, Haulover Sandbar, and the Miami River. Your captain knows the best spots for the conditions and what you want to do.
Do I need a boating license in Miami?
Not when you book with a captain on Splash Rides. The captain operates the vessel. Florida law requires anyone born after January 1, 1988 to carry a Boater Education ID to operate a boat with 10+ HP — but that only matters for bareboat charters, which Splash Rides does not offer.
When is the best time to rent a boat in Miami?
Miami's boating season runs year-round, but November through May offers the best mix of warm water, low humidity, and clear skies. Summer (June-October) is hottest and includes hurricane season — afternoon thunderstorms are common. Book 1-3 days ahead in peak winter season; weekdays have better availability.
Can I rent a boat for a bachelorette or birthday party in Miami?
Yes — Miami is one of the most popular cities in the country for bachelorette boat parties. Sport boats and pontoons in the 30-40ft range fit 8-12 guests comfortably. Each listing shows the maximum passenger capacity and whether the captain allows music, drinks, and decorations on board.

Ready to get on the water?

Browse verified Miami boats, see real photos, message the captain, and book in minutes — all in the Splash Rides app.

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