65ft Yacht Charter in Miami

Miami looks best from the water, and this 65-foot private yacht gives your group a floating base for Biscayne Bay. You can cruise past Miami Beach, Star Island, Marine Stadium, the Miami River, or a sandbar, then swim, sunbathe, or settle in for a meal.

I like the generous group limit, which brings the advertised $1,080 cost to about $83 per person for 13 people before captain and mate fees. I also like the practical extras: ice, bottled water, a large floating mat, two paddle boards, and an inflatable lounger. The main catch is that crew fees are not included, so confirm the full price before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• A private boat for up to 13 people: Your group has the yacht to itself, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and indoor air-conditioning.
• Biscayne Bay cruising: Possible areas include Miami Beach, South Beach, Downtown, Monument Island, Star Island, Hobie Beach, and Haulover Sandbar.
• Water time is built in: The charter includes two paddle boards, a large floating mat, and an inflatable lounger.
• Event setup is available: Birthday parties, holidays, work gatherings, gender reveals, and private dinners can be arranged with decoration and setup.
• Captain and mate cost extra: Ask for the hourly rates and total before paying, since the listed charter price covers the boat but not the crew.
• Timing needs care: Three-hour weekend trips are limited to 9 a.m. to noon or 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., while four-hour trips are offered daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A private yacht that works best with a full group

The basic appeal is simple: you and your friends or family get a yacht rather than a shared sightseeing boat. That matters in Miami, where the best part of a day on the bay is often the unhurried mix of cruising, swimming, music, food, and sun.

The yacht holds up to 13 people. At the full capacity, the $1,080 boat charge works out to about $83 per person, before captain and mate fees. That is a reasonable group price for several hours on a 65-foot boat, but the per-person value drops quickly with a smaller party. Six people would pay $180 each before crew, and four people would pay $270 each.

I would treat the advertised price as the starting point, not the final bill. Captain and mate charges are separate, and the hourly rates are not supplied here. Ask for a written total that includes the boat, captain, mate, any requested event setup, and the exact number of hours.

What the 65-foot yacht gives you

This is more than an open speedboat with a few seats. The yacht has three bedrooms, three bathrooms with showers, cold air-conditioning, a kitchen, and a smart TV. Those features matter most on a longer charter or during a private event, when some people want shade, a quiet break, or access to a real bathroom.

The kitchen includes a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and electric stovetop. The flybridge adds a wet bar with sink and grill, giving your group a practical place to gather while the boat is moving or stopped. Food and decoration arrangements should be confirmed in advance, but the setup is suited to a birthday meal, family celebration, or private dinner.

Outside, you get a large front sunpad and an extended teak swim platform. The platform is useful for getting into the water and for keeping the main seating area less crowded. No shoes are allowed onboard, so wear footwear you can remove easily and expect to place it in the provided shoe bin.

The boat also has Wi-Fi, a JL Audio surround system, underwater lights, and color lighting throughout. Those details make a difference for a night cruise or a party, though they are less important if your main goal is a quiet afternoon on the bay.

From Pelican Harbor Marina into Biscayne Bay

The charter begins and ends at Pelican Harbor Marina, 1275 NE 79th Street in Miami. You should confirm the arrival time and meeting instructions before the day of the trip, especially if you are bringing food, decorations, or a large group.

Once onboard, the captain and mate handle the boat while you settle into the yacht. The exact route can use several parts of Biscayne Bay, including Miami Beach, South Beach, Downtown, Marine Stadium, Hobie Beach, the Miami River, Monument Island, Star Island, Picnic Island, and Haulover Sandbar.

These locations offer different kinds of scenery. A route near Downtown and the Miami River gives you a city-facing view, while Star Island and Monument Island suit a slower sightseeing cruise. Haulover Sandbar and Picnic Island are more useful if your group wants to spend time out of the boat, using the floating mat and paddle boards.

Do not assume every listed location will fit into a short charter. A three-hour trip leaves less time for cruising and water activities than a six-hour booking. Tell the operator what matters most, such as sightseeing, swimming, a sandbar stop, or a dinner reservation, then ask which route fits your time.

Choosing between three and four hours

The scheduling rules require careful attention. Three-hour charters run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the three-hour options are only 9 a.m. to noon or 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Four-hour charters are offered Monday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. The wider window makes four hours easier to fit around a family schedule, lunch, or a celebration. The published information also says the yacht can be chartered from three to six hours, while the general duration is described as about three to four hours. Confirm the available length and time slot directly before booking.

I like four hours for most groups. Three hours can work for an evening ride or a focused sandbar outing, but it can feel short once you allow time to board, settle in, cruise, stop, swim, and return. Six hours makes more sense for a full day on the water, though the additional boat and crew charges need to be clear.

The operator advises calling or messaging before booking to confirm the chosen time. I would take that advice seriously. Miami yacht availability can be more complicated than a simple calendar booking, particularly for weekend dates.

Swimming, paddle boards, and time at anchor

The included water equipment gives the charter a more active side. You receive two paddle boards, a large floating mat, and an inflatable lounger for sunbathing. Ice, bottled water, and a large cooler are also included.

These items are valuable because they let you spend time on the water rather than only sitting on the yacht. Two paddle boards are enough for a small rotation, while the large mat gives several people a place to float together. The inflatable lounger is aimed at relaxing rather than exercise.

The listing does not promise a specific sandbar stop or guarantee swimming conditions. Your route and water time should be confirmed with the operator. Weather matters, too. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Bring the personal items you need for a boat day, but keep your packing simple. Since shoes are removed onboard, a swimsuit cover-up, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes are sensible choices. The yacht supplies bottled water and ice, but the supplied information does not say that meals, snacks, or alcohol are included.

Turning the charter into a private celebration

The operator can host birthdays, holidays, work parties, gender reveals, and private dinners. Setup and decoration can be arranged for the full event, so this is worth considering if you want more than a basic sightseeing ride.

The service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Angela, the owner, is described as especially responsive and even provided a champagne bottle for one birthday yacht party. Captain David and two mates were praised for their care, while Captain Orlando and first mate Erin handled food, decoration setup, and cleanup for another birthday outing.

Other named crew members include Rocio and Aimee. Aimee is noted for explaining safety instructions clearly and taking care of the group throughout the trip. Michelle handled communication before one booking and helped organize the details. Those names are useful, but crew assignments can change, so do not book expecting one particular person unless the operator confirms it.

If you are planning a party, ask exactly what setup is included and what costs extra. Decoration, catering, drone footage, and special requests may not be part of the $1,080 boat charge. Drone footage is available for purchase, and one group received both drone footage and photos that came out well.

Dining options along the bay

Several restaurants can receive the yacht for dock-and-dine stops, but reservations are required. Listed options include American Social, Duffy’s, Shuckers Waterfront Grill, Kiki’s on the River, The Wharf, and Monty’s.

A restaurant stop changes the shape of the outing. Instead of bringing all food onboard, you can make the yacht part of a longer meal plan. The drawback is that docking takes time, and restaurant bills are separate. You should reserve ahead, confirm the restaurant can accommodate the yacht, and ask how the stop affects your charter hours.

A private dinner onboard is another option. The yacht has a kitchen and grill, but the available information does not state that cooking, catering, or table service is included. Plan your food arrangements with the operator rather than assuming the onboard kitchen comes stocked.

Day cruise or night ride?

A daytime charter is the obvious choice if you want to use the paddle boards, floating mat, and sunpad. You will have the clearest conditions for seeing Miami’s islands, waterfront buildings, beaches, and bay views.

A night ride offers a different mood. One booking used the yacht for a nighttime outing and found the boat spacious and comfortable, with lighting that suited the occasion. Underwater lights and color lighting throughout the yacht make the evening option more than a simple ride after dark.

The late schedule is especially useful for a birthday, anniversary, or private dinner. Three-hour weekend night charters run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. A four-hour booking gives more flexibility, but confirm the available slot before you commit to restaurant plans or decorations.

Service, comfort, and practical limits

The available ratings are all five out of five, with five entries provided. The praise centers on the crew, communication, cleanliness, comfort, and help with event details, rather than only on the boat itself.

That distinction matters. A yacht can look good in photos, but a party depends on practical service. The named crew members were praised for explaining safety rules, setting up food and decorations, cleaning up afterward, and responding to requests. The boat itself was described as clean, spacious, comfortable, and well kept.

Still, the experience is not fully all-inclusive. Captain and mate charges are extra, restaurant meals are extra, and drone footage costs more. You also need to follow the no-shoes rule, and the route may be limited by time, weather, or your chosen schedule.

Service animals are allowed, and the marina is near public transportation. Most people can participate. If anyone in your group has mobility concerns or needs special arrangements, contact the operator before booking so you can check the boarding setup.

Who gets the best value from this charter?

I would recommend this yacht most strongly to a group of friends or family members who can share the cost among 10 to 13 people. At that size, the private setting, multiple rooms, water equipment, and event space make the price easier to justify.

It also suits someone planning a milestone occasion. The crew support described by the bookings, along with possible decoration and food setup, can save you from handling every detail yourself. A night ride is a good fit for a romantic celebration or a stylish birthday, while a daytime trip favors swimming and paddle boards.

Smaller groups should compare carefully. You still receive a private yacht, but the per-person price becomes much higher before crew fees. If your group only wants a quick harbor ride, a smaller boat may offer better value. If you want privacy, room to spread out, and a full event setting, the larger yacht can make sense.

English and Spanish are spoken, which may help when organizing a mixed-language group. The owner and staff can be contacted by message, text, or phone, and the operator encourages you to confirm the time slot before booking.

Cancellation and booking advice

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Cutoff times use Miami local time.

Bad weather is handled differently. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Since this is a water activity, check the forecast and avoid making expensive, nonrefundable dinner or party arrangements until the charter is confirmed.

When you contact the operator, ask these questions:

• What is the total cost for the exact number of hours?
• What are the captain and mate hourly rates?
• Which route or stop best fits your chosen duration?
• Can food, decorations, or a private dinner be arranged?
• Is your preferred captain available?
• What time should your group arrive at Pelican Harbor Marina?

FAQ

Where does the yacht charter begin and end?

It begins at Pelican Harbor Marina, 1275 NE 79th Street, Miami, Florida 33138, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The yacht can accommodate up to 13 people, and the charter is private for your group.

How long can I charter the yacht?

The information describes charters from three to six hours, with the general trip duration listed as about three to four hours. Confirm the exact length available for your date.

Are the captain and mate included in the price?

No. Captain and mate fees are not included. Their hourly rates should be confirmed with the operator before booking.

What is included with the charter?

You receive a large cooler, ice, bottled water, a large floating mat, an inflatable lounger, and two paddle boards.

Can the charter be canceled for bad weather?

Yes. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or select a different date. For a customer cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Should you book the 65-foot Miami yacht?

Book it if you have a large group, want private use of the boat, and plan to make the yacht the main event rather than a short sightseeing transfer. The strongest reasons are the roomy 65-foot layout, the included water equipment, the choice of daytime or nighttime outings, and the crew’s apparent strength with celebrations and practical service.

Before paying, confirm the captain and mate fees, exact charter length, time slot, route, and any event costs. With those numbers clear, this can be a memorable and fairly priced way to see Miami from Biscayne Bay. Without them, the attractive $1,080 headline price may not tell you the full cost.