Rent a Yacht for your Wedding!

Posted April 10, 2018 by Mike Perez

Rent a yacht for your special day!

As an alternative wedding venue, renting a yacht is an idea that’s growing in popularity, especially in the Miami area where the weather usually cooperates with the happy couple’s plans and the scenery is magnificent.

Rent a yacht for your wedding at www.boat.me

Photo credit www.marekd.com

The one thing many couples do wonder is just how much does it cost to rent a yacht for a wedding, and how do those costs compare to more conventional options like renting a banquet hall or a back room at a restaurant.

There is, of course, no one easy answer. Most yacht rental companies offer a wide variety of yachts, ranging from the smaller, sportier craft to the kinds of luxury yachts that you see the rich and famous celebrating on.

Rent a yacht for your special day at www.boat.me

Photo credit: boatinternational.com

However, that being said, you can determine some of the basic potential costs.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht for a wedding?

Most yachts can be rented by the hour, and those prices range from a little over $150 per hour for a fun, sporty 40′ cruiser that can accommodate up to 12 guests – perfect for a smaller, intimate wedding. Up to over $1,000 for the crewed and captained exclusive use of a luxury yacht offering amenities and extras that rival – or exceed – those of a high end 5-star luxury hotel.

Rent a yacht for your wedding at BOAT.ME

Midnight Sun Yacht accommodates up to 150 guests

There is a lot to consider when researching renting a yacht for a wedding:

How many guests are likely to be attending?

Where would you like to go?

What kind of food and beverage options do you need?

For some couples the glamor of a wedding right on the water in the heart of downtown Miami is a dream come true. For others, sailing out to a gorgeous, out of the way island to exchange vows sounds like the wedding of their dreams.

A yacht rental for a wedding offers so many amazing opportunities. And the best part? Choosing a yacht rental company like BOAT.ME means you also have a full staff of experts at your disposal to help you plan the perfect day and ensure that your cream yacht wedding goes off without a hitch.

Where to go by boat in Miami?

Posted March 16, 2018 by Mike Perez

Miami, and the areas surrounding it, offer some of the best boating destinations to be found anywhere in North America, and even in the world. However, to see and experience it all can take a lifetime (just ask anyone who lives here) So, once you have made the decision to rent a boat or book a charter where should you go, especially if you only have limited time?

Sometimes it helps if you take your interests and biggest desires into account. Here are just some suggestions (call or email the staff at BOAT.me and they’ll be able to give you lots more!)

Best for Foodies:

There are so many places to dock and dine in and around Miami, but these are some of our personal favorites that we can recommend very highly.

Monty’s Sunset – A floating dining dock, some of the best blue crab found anywhere, live music and great staff.

Photo credit www.miami.eater.com

The Rusty Pelican – Probably the best dock and dine views in Miami and a weekend brunch that is out of this world.

Photo credit www.miami.com

Kiki On the River – Great food, excellent service. Just the kind of swanky place you’d imagine that yacht owners would frequent. And you are a yacht owner, if only for a day!

Best Beach Stops

You can’t come to Miami without experiencing our beaches. But which are best for boaters? Here are some suggestions:

Flagler Island – only a couple of miles of downtown Miami you will find an island with a sand beach and picturesque view over the city. The only way to get here is to rent a boat, so don’t miss the chance to discover Miami’s hidden gem!

Haulover Beach – White sands, huge sand dunes, rolling ocean surf. Lots of fun for all the family but there’s also a small, private section for nude sunbathing, if the ultimate all over tan is your goal.

Matheson Hammock Park Beach – Quiet, tranquil and brimming with wildlife. If you are seeking tranquility this Biscayne Bay spot is perfect.

Best for Sightseers

There is so much to see in Miami, but you can see even more if you get out onto the water. Rent a boat with an experienced local captain who will also be your best guide for the best views and spots.

A trip around the waters surrounding downtown Miami is a must, and we never get tired of doing a little celebrity spotting along Millionaire’s Row. And if you are a nature lover? Your options are almost endless.

How much is a private yacht charter?

Posted February 23, 2018 by Mike Perez

If you are looking to book a private yacht charter if you haven’t so before it can be a little daunting. Often a search will bring up options that look similar but seem to be priced very differently. If you are not too familiar with yacht charters it can be hard to understand why.

There are, however, lots of factors that go into determining the price of a private yacht charter. Even a base price (the basic hourly/daily rate) can even differ for a number of reasons.

54′ Sea Ray. Click to book!

40′ Van Dutch. Click to book!

Factors that affect the base price of a private yacht charter include:

The yacht charter rates

When renting a private yacht charter size is not the only factor that will affect the base charter rate. If a boat is from a certain manufacturer, or is very new, it may command a higher rate than other craft that look the same to ‘the naked eye’.

The seasonal rates

If you are heading to Miami the weather is usually pretty good, but we do have a ‘high season’ and a ‘low season’ just like any other major tourist destination, so the timing of your planned yacht charter can have a significant effect on the price you’ll pay.

Extra expenses

Short-term private yacht charters usually include the fuel expenses into the charter rates. And will offer you catering services or allow ordering catering delivery from a restaurant. Long-term charters include these expenses into the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) deposit. The APA deposit is usually about 45% of the charter cost, it is paid upfront and at the end of the trip the unused funds are reimbursed.

Use of water toys like jet skis and inflatables

Private yacht charters ofter offer a jet ski or tubes complementary with a charter, but it’s always a good idea to double check what’s included into the rates.

Staff gratuities

The standard gratuity for the boating industry is 15%. With private yacht charters the gratuity is expected after the trip and is usually discussed and agreed on upfront.

Additional services like DJ service, professional photography

These services are not considered to be standard add ons for a charter, so it is very important to discuss the format of the party or trip you are planning and all the extra stuff and equipment you would like to bring.

If you do find yourself getting a little overwhelmed by all the choices available when booking a yacht charter if you book with BOAT.me that’s not a problem. Our expert, friendly staff are just a call or email away and will be happy to help you plan the very best private yacht charter to meet your unique needs.

Rent a boat and discover the best boating spots in Miami!

Posted February 9, 2018 by Mike Perez

Boating Spots Miami?

Miami Marinas

Miami offers a number of great marinas where you can simply hang out on your boat or dock up and go exploring. These include:

Dinner Key Marina – Rent a boat and explore the famous Coconut Grove.

Miami Beach Marina – Discover all that South Beach has to offer.

Miamarina at Bayside – The best place to moor up if you want to explore downtown Miami.

Key Biscayne – Paradise for those who love the beach and tranquility.

Rent a boat and discover the best boating spots in Miami

photo credit: www.miamibeachmarina.com

The Florida Keys

If you are willing to take a slightly longer trip heading to the Florida Keys is well worth the trip at any time of year. Rent a boat with a professional captain and make a stops at:

Key West – Can you really visit the Keys and not go to Key West? You could, but we’d recommend you do. From visiting the cats at Ernest Hemingway’s house to the nightly festival in Mallory Square to some great diving and snorkeling just off shore there’s a very good reason Key West is so famous – it’s just one of the best places to visit in anywhere in the United States.

Key Largo – Just 18 miles away from downtown Miami this is a great spot for snorkeling and diving, for shopping and for enjoying some of the real, original Key Lime Pie.

Islamorada – Known by anglers to be the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ this is a chain of small islands that are a must visit for any fisherman.

Bimini

Willing to take a longer boat trip? Then plan to head over to Bimini. Even though it is just 50 miles east off the coast of Miami Bimini is the gateway to the Bahamas and once you are there it will feel like you entered a tropical paradise you may never want to leave. Rent a boat or a luxury yacht with an attentive and professional crew aboard and enjoy one of a kind experience!

Rent a boat or a yacht at www.boat.me

Proudly boasting the world’s largest cruise ship port and surrounded by the beautiful Biscayne Bay and the stunning Atlantic Ocean, Miami is a premiere destination for boating and sailing at any time of year. A boat rental or yacht charter will allow you to get in on the fun, but where should you head?

The fact is that there are hundreds of great boating spots in Miami and throughout the surrounding areas and there really is something for everybody. To list them all would be almost impossible, but we can offer some great suggestions (and if you need even more give the BOAT.ME a call or drop them a line via email, they’ll be happy to offer lots!)

What Do I Need to Rent a Boat in Miami?

Posted February 1, 2018 by Mike Perez

Rent a boat at BOAT.ME

You probably know what you’ll need to rent a car if you are headed to Miami, but the chances are that you might not be as sure of what you’ll need if you want to rent a boat. As boating is one of the things that Miami is famous for worldwide it’s certainly something a lot of people do, and the good news is that the requirements to rent a boat in Miami are not as difficult to meet as you might think. Here’s a look at some of the basics:

To rent a boat in Miami You must be at least 18 years old. So you will need ID to prove that you are. That is a legal requirement, the owners of some charter boats may impose a higher age limit to rent their boat, that’s their personal decision.

If you are under 22 years old, you’ll need to pass the Florida Boater’s Education exam. This is a low-cost class (usually around $25) and can be completed online. It’s actually a good idea for anyone, no matter how old to take it if they are renting a boat for the first time as it offers some invaluable information.

You’ll need government issued ID (driver’s license, no driver ID, passport etc.)

A major credit card. No matter whether you rent your boat online or offline almost every owner makes a credit card a requirement. The investment they make in their boats is a significant one and they prefer a little extra security when renting it out.

An open mind. Boating in Miami means many different things to different people. It offers the chance to sightsee, party, fish, enjoy watersports and much more. Come down with an open mind and you’ll quickly find a boating trip in Miami can be almost anything you want it to be.

Rent a boat at BOAT.ME. Click to book

How much does it cost to rent a yacht for a party?

Posted January 23, 2018 by Mike Perez

How much does it cost to rent a yacht for a party?
- The average cost to rent a yacht for a party in Miami vary from $1000 to $3000 per 4 hours. For example, you can rent this 40′ cruiser at just $720 per 4 hours or this gorgeous 86′ Azimut at $4600 for 4 hours. Both yachts take up to 12 guests.
  Click to book
How many guests can a yacht charter take?
- The majority of yacht charters can take up to 12-13 guests. For a larger party you will have to consider renting a bigger vessel that specializes in holding big events. Such yachts will offer catering services and entertainment as well. This selection of party boat rentals will give you an idea of what these vessels look like.
How to plan a yacht party?
- A formal cocktail party with appetizers or a light dinner requires a bigger yacht, so you would want to rent a yacht over 40 feet. You will need a kitchen with a proper fridge to store and serve drinks and food. And more space to move around. A fun gathering with friends on the contrary might be taking place on the cockpit all the time! You would want to swim and sun bath and play with the water toys! So a pick a yacht that fits the budget: anything from a 21′ Yamaha, a 24′ Pontoon to a 37′ Sea Ray might work.
- 65′ Princess yacht rental in Miami. Click to book
Boat party food and drinks ideas
- Many yacht charters come with some great food and beverage service options. From basic picnic supplies (maybe a stop at a sandbar to eat would be fun) to elegant canapés and drink service to full sit-down meals. Most yacht charters will allow you to bring your own food and beverages or order from your favorite restaurants.
What are the best places to party on a boat?
- Maybe you don’t want to go too far and just want to hit one of the popular party spots like a Nixon or Haulover sandbar in Miami. Or maybe you want to offer your party guests a bit of a sightseeing trip as well. Maybe you like the idea of heading to a quiet beach at the Monument island and partying there? These options and more are usually available, but they will affect the overall price as one routes might take more time than the others.
  Party yacht charters. Click to book
  
  Once you have answered these questions you can begin a better search for the perfect party boat rental. And if you rent via BOAT.ME you can always reach out and ask one of our boat rental experts for help and advice as well.

A yacht party might sound like something reserved for the rich and famous but, as more and more people are discovering, that’s not the case at all. Often the cost of renting a yacht for a party, here in Miami anyway, is comparable to that of renting a land-based venue like a hotel banquet room or nightclub back room.

Bar Hopping with Miami Boat Rentals

Posted January 6, 2018 by Mike Perez

Book Miami boat rentals to go bar hopping at www.boat.me

Bar hopping is a time-honored tradition for many, and certainly on the top of the agenda for many when they visit the party-friendly city of Miami and the surrounding area. With hundreds to choose from the scope for a truly great bar hopping session is huge and there really is something to suit every taste. Miami boat rentals can help take your partying to the next level though, adding an exciting new dimension to the fun.

Photo credit: www.hightidevi.com

The Basics of Barhopping

When stopping at multiple bars in one evening – or for the very hardy, one day – there are certain basic rules that need to be followed. Don’t drink too much at once (t’s hard to say you went barhopping if you do so many shots that you pass out at the second bar) always eat while you drink (not hard as most bars also serve excellent eats) And, most important of all, never, ever drink and drive.

So, unless you have a very patient – and very kind – designated driver in your group barhopping in your own car is a no-no. You could try catching an Uber to ferry you between drinking establishments, but that can get very expensive very quickly, especially at peak times when surge pricing goes into effect.

You could try walking from bar to bar, but 1) that seriously limits the scope of your trip and 2) at some point walking may turn into wobbling and that won’t be a whole lot of fun. A better idea? Rent a pontoon boat and get your party on both on and off the waters of Miami.

Parties + Pontoon Boating = Perfect Match

If you have never sailed in one you may not quite know just what a Miami pontoon boat rental has to offer. For a start, these kinds of elegant watercraft are quite literally designed for partying.

24′ Bentley Pontoon – click to book

In very basic terms a pontoon boat is one that boasts a large flat deck mounted on metal tubes known as pontoons (thus the name) These offer a lot of extra buoyancy that allows boat designers to create some amazing deck plans featuring all kinds of cool things like large lounge areas, bars and sunbathing stations. As we mentioned, truly built for fun and certainly suited to a great party, day or night.

Renting one of these babies with Miami boat rentals from Boat.me will allow you to party all day and night. Start the day with a welcome drink – maybe a light and fruity Bucks Fizz or a spicy Bloody Mary – then mix, mingle, dance, laugh, nap, sunbathe – whatever you want – then as dusk falls enjoy a cruise around Miami best sights before hitting up its best waterside bars. Sounds like a great time, right? Believe us, it is!

The Best Bars in Miami for Boaters

So, you have your great day on the boat planned – and your best swimwear packed – now you must choose which of the many great bars that line Miami’s lively waterfront you are going to have your captain moor up alongside so that you can really get the night into gear.

While there are, a we mentioned, lots to choose from that cover all kinds of vibes, themes and food and beverage options here’s a look at some of our personal favorites to get you started.

Photo credit: www.miami.eater.com

Duffy’s

A sports bar in Miami is like no other sports bar in other cities, as Duffy’s proves. Sure, the folks there like the Dolphins, they love the Heat and they are all hoping Derek Jeter can work miracles with the Marlins, but the action at Duffy’s is about a lot more than first downs, three-point plays and home runs.

Warm, lively and friendly this bar boasts the obligatory big screen TVs for those who do want to watch the games and root for the home teams, but there is also a sprawling waterfront pool deck, a great DJ and two-for-one drink specials all night long.

Photo credit: miami.eater.com

Shuckers Waterfront Grill

Yes, this is a restaurant – and a truly iconic one at that, as they have been serving up the finest in fresh caught Miami seafood for years – but no one minds if you just want to hit the bar and enjoy a few items from their extensive drinks menu. The view from the waterfront patio deck is amazing, the vibe is cool, laid back and in no way pretentious (not every bar in Miami can claim that) and for those watching their wallets as they barhop $13 Presidente pitchers are hard to beat.

Photo credit: www.miamicito.com

MO Bar + Lounge

Located inside the swanky Mandarin Oriental Miami hotel this is the bar to hit if you grew up watching Miami Vice and wishing you were Crockett, Tubbs or one of the many hot ladies they tended to hang with. It’s hip, it’s trendy and the views of downtown Miami across the waterfront are stunning.

Add to that the fact that the clever cocktails are perfectly crafted – and the bartenders are actually super friendly and helpful – and you have a great spot for those who really want to drink in (figuratively and literally) some real Miami glamor without actually going completely broke.

Photo credit: www.mandarinoriental.com

Kiki on the River

Kiki on the River is another of the Miami River’s best-known restaurants, but it too has a kicking bar that serves up some of the best beer, wine cocktails – and as this a Greek joint ouzo – you’ll find anywhere. The boho chic vibe is relaxing and welcoming, the waterfront views are stunning and as a place to end your Miami boat rentals barhop before cruising on home, it’s the perfect choice.