BOAT.ME BLOG

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

 

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!

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BOOK A ROMATIC MIAMI YACHT CHARTER AT WWW.BOAT.ME

Miami and the surrounding areas are popular with tourists for all kinds of reasons; fantastic food, stunning scenery, world-class dining and of course, some of the best sailing, water sports and fishing in the world. But not everyone is looking for action on a trip to Miami. Some want to take things slow and enjoy a little relaxation and romance. And that’s where Miami yacht charter for romantic getaways comes in.

Romance, South Florida Style

Many would say that Miami and South Florida already offer three very important elements of a great romantic getaway courtesy of Mother Nature; bright sun, stunning seas and miles of golden sands. It’s hard to disagree with that, but the Miami area has a lot more to offer to romance seekers than a great day at the beach, especially if you take advantage of Miami yacht charter. Here’s a look at some of them:

Exploring Miami Beach

Miami Beach has always been considered a glamorous, mythical place where some of the most beautiful people in the world head out to play. Considered the ‘nightclub capital of the world’ if you enjoy a night of dancing with your significant other, you are certainly in for a treat. And the number of amazing restaurants that line the streets is almost unbelievable.

Miami Beach is also great for quieter dates. Simply strolling through the stunning Art Deco district or heading to a quiet corner of one of the beautiful beaches offers a simpler form of romance that many will truly appreciate.

Most of the best sites in Miami Beach can be taken in from the water – and stunning sites they are too from that vantage – and there are several marinas where your private yacht charter can stop off for a while to allow you to wander around this magical, vibrant and endlessly surprising area to your heart’s content.

Beautiful Bimini

If your idea of the ideal romantic getaway is simply spending some quiet, laid back time with your partner in beautiful surroundings with easy access to fabulous food and delicious drinks then a trip to Bimini – which is around two hours from Miami by sea in a luxury Miami yacht rental – is a must.

Author, humorist and local Miami legend Dave Barry once wrote of Bimini; “Bimini is wonderful. The most wonderful thing about it is that, because of the prevailing winds, currents, tides, rum supply, etc., Bimini is located smack-dab in the center of what scientists believe to be the world’s most powerful Lethargy Zone. It is extremely difficult to remain tense there. The moment you arrive, lethargy waves start washing over you, seeping into your body, turning your skeletal system into taffy.”

As very colorful as Mr. Barry’s words are, he’s absolutely right. Once you hit the island your cares seem to float away. One could be more than content simply sitting on the beach with a bucket of beers and some fabulous local conch for hours, and if the love of your life is there too how much better could it get?

For the more adventurous a trip to the Fountain of Youth – yes, that one, the one Ponce de Leon discovered and waxed lyrical about – is located on the south of the island – and what better place to declare your undying love for your significant other than a tropical paradise that it’s claimed can grant you eternal youth?

Private Dinner Cruising

Have less time to spend on a romantic getaway but want to do something really special with what time you do have? Then a private dinner cruise is the perfect choice.

A private dinner cruise on a Miami yacht rental is not a matter of simply stepping onto a boat and eating a preprepared meal and drinking a few bottles of generic wine. Instead it’s a chance to enjoy a fully catered five-star meal in the most luxurious of surroundings while taking in some of the most amazing sites to be found in around Miami. You can be the stars of your own romantic movie for the evening and enjoy a truly memorable time together, whatever the occasion.

For Active Daters

If action and adventure are more your dating style, then a Miami yacht charter is also the perfect choice for you. From fun with ‘water toys’ like jet skis, tubes and water skis to a day spent chasing down some off the most challenging to catch fish to be found in the water anywhere you can pursue the exciting, active date you prefer and best of all? You can still end the day on the water with a fabulous romantic dinner under the stars!

 

BOOK YOUR BVI YACHT CHARTER AT WWW.BOAT.ME!

Of all the sailing destinations in the Caribbean the British Virgin Islands are often considered to be the best choice, and in the minds of some they offer some of the best sailing opportunities in the world. However, you don’t have to be a seasoned yachtsman to enjoy BVI yacht charters, just a person in search of a dream destination voyage experience you’ll never forget.

The Unique Magic of the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are made up of the larger islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Only a handful of these islands – around fifteen – are inhabited but for those with access to a yacht many of the islands that are not homes for humans are just as easy to explore and offer unique sites and experiences that go beyond the usual.

This means that a trip to the British Virgin Islands offers it all; lively restaurants, shops and attractions, abundant history, beautiful scenery and the chance to explore worlds you may never have even imagined existed.

Here is a brief look at just some of the delights awaiting you with BVI yacht charters

Virgin Gorda Island yacht charters

The ‘fat virgin’ offers all of the kinds of enticements the name subtly suggests. This island is home to luxury resorts, restaurants and extravagant shopping but also to some of the most historic and fascinating sights in the BVI chain.

Take a trip to ‘The Baths’, with its natural caves, grottos and saltwater baths and you can experience what is considered to be a must do on any trip. Or moor up and take a hike up to the summit of the stunning Gorda Peak to enjoy stunning and panoramic views of the miles of stunning vistas below.

There are also sandy beaches and quiet coves to explore along with the ruins of copper mines, forts and even former pirate’s haunts!

Anegada Island

Anegada Island is the BVI’s only coral island, an unspoiled piece of paradise that is home to some of the most stunning wildlife in the Caribbean, from flocks of flamingos to colorful fish of all kinds who flock around the unofficial ‘kings’ of the island, the Anegada Lobster.

The island, with its unusual pink conch shell mountains is a magnet for divers, as it is from here one can dive down and explore more than 300 wrecks, ranging from tiny long doomed fishing boats to British and Spanish galleons and American privateers.

Jost Van Dyke yacht charters

At just four miles long and three miles wide Jost Van Dyke is a tiny island, but an awful lot of fun, food and adventure is packed into this rather small space. For foodies the island offers the chance to experience a wide variety of local cuisine at its best. For wildlife fans there is the chance to sit at the end of an idyllic pier and watch the dolphins jump past. And for party fans? The yacht galas thrown in Jost Van Dyke harbor are legendary, especially at New Year’s.

Island Hopping

Remember all those little uninhabited islands we mentioned? A BVI yacht charter gives the opportunity to hop around them and enjoy some truly special experiences. From enjoying a luxury spa treatment on Peter’s Island, to exploring the pirate filled history of Scrub Island to indulging fishing, watersports and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters off Cooper Island there really is something for everyone, and with the freedom a private yacht charter BVI offers you can explore it all your way, at your own pace. 

 

As exotic as they sound, and as exotic as they are, the islands of the Bahamas are actually just 70 miles away from the South Florida coast. And as many have discovered before you, Bahamas yacht charters, whether you begin your trip in Miami or pick up a boat once in the Bahamas, offer the chance to enjoy a slice of truly tropical paradise living that’s far closer to home than you might think.

About the Beautiful Bahamas 

The Bahamas archipelago is made up of 700 individual islands that boast over 2,000 rocks and cays as well as the clearest water on Earth. The food is delicious, the weather is wonderful, the beaches are pristine and there are unique sights to be seen in the Bahamas that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. And all of this can be yours when you rent a charter boat from Miami to the Bahamas. Here’s a look at just some of the places you can go – and the things you can do – with a private yacht charter at your disposal.

Bountiful Beaches

The white gold sands of the beaches of the Bahamas are legendary, and there really is a coastline destination to suit every beach going taste. From the iconic Three Sisters Beach on Great Exuma, home to the Three Sisters Rocks, the subject of great romantic legend, to the Snow Bay Beach on San Salvador, which gets its name from the fact that the sand is as fine a freshly fallen snow to the Pirates Well Beach on Mayaguana, which is teeming with marine life of all kinds, there really is something for everyone.

Water Sports

As you might expect from a destination that can boast thousands of square miles of navigable waters, there is always something to do and something new to try when it comes to water sports in the Bahamas. Whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, parasailing, or even swimming with wild dolphins, you’ll find it in The Bahamas and if you take advantage of many Bahamas Yacht Charters you’ll find that your rental already comes complete with many of the water toys you’ll need for an exciting day on the waves, you just have to choose the ideal spot.

Delightful Dining

After a long day at the beach, or out on the water exploring, anyone is bound to be hungry. The food in the Bahamas is for some an attraction in itself, as it offers some of the best, but most varied, cuisine choices in the world.

Seafood is, as you might expect, particularly good, as it is hard to beat the fresh, vibrant taste of fish and shellfish that has just been caught. But it’s not the only choice. The spicy, exotic tastes of the Caribbean can be found everywhere, in everything from salads to barbecued meats and roasted vegetables. And you’ll even find that many of the best restaurants in the Bahamas will allow you to sail your boat right up to their dockside dining areas.

Fishing

The Bahamas are a fisherman’s paradise. Eager fly fishermen can stalk the flats of the Abacos, Exumas, Andros, Acklins, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera and Long Island for bonefish, a species as wary as they are fast.

Those with a penchant for adventure as well as great fishing can head out into deep waters to hunt – and it really can be a hunt – mighty pelagic fish like the marlin and the kingfish. Or, for a quieter day’s fishing one can choose to set up at the end of a pier and wait for the jacks and snapper to bite.

Unique Experiences

Have you ever been swimming with pigs? The friendly wild pigs of Exuma love to welcome tourists to splash around with them for a while. For those who are a little braver over in Nassau you can snorkel with sharks, certainly an experience you’ll never forget.

A trip to the Bahamas also offers you the chance to tag green turtles in Cat Island to help ensure that these beautiful creatures can survive and thrive, to feed stingrays with your toes in the Abaco Islands and to pet baby sharks in their nurseries in South Bimini. And these are just a few of the unique, once in a lifetime experiences available to you. Ask a local and they will be able to recommend many more. 

Whatever your idea of a vacation in paradise, Bahamas yacht charters can make your dreams a reality, and they can do with ease and for far less than you might imagine!

Rent a boat in Miami this festive season! Like everything else, the festive season in Miami and the surrounding area is a little different than it is in many other parts of the country. It’s sunnier. It’s warmer. We build sandcastles rather than snowmen and Santa tends to wear board shorts when he visits us.

Know what else is different? When we want to celebrate the season it’s not a matter of bundling up and braving the cold, it’s more about grabbing a swimsuit, renting a boat and getting out onto the water to have some seasonal fun.

Rent a boat in Miami in 3 clicks!

It has never been easier or more affordable to rent a boat in Miami for the holidays than it is with BOAT.ME right now. Check out a list of our top boats below or head to BOAT.ME to browse the entire festive fleet. Found one that’s available on the date you need it? All you need to do is choose the rental time and duration and pay for your rental online. That’s it, but if you have any questions or concerns, at any time, you can always reach out to us at 305 909 7707 and we’ll do whatever we can to help.

Celebrate the Season in Nautical High Style

Planning a big family Christmas dinner? Or maybe a quieter seasonal gathering of friends for drinks. And what are you doing for New Year’s Eve, it needs to be something special doesn’t it?

 

Whatever your seasonal celebration plans they’ll be better on a boat. Book a yacht charter with BOAT.me and you can enjoy a sunny seaside lunch to remember, a sophisticated moonlit soiree that will stun your guests or even a beach picnic to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Whatever your plans we can help. BOAT.ME offers not only makes the yacht charters affordable, but also easy to book – pick a yacht and click to book, that’s it!

Go Exploring

Looking for a little more adventure? Why not go exploring? Boat around the Florida Keys, taking advantage of the fact that it’s stone crab season and enjoy a very different holiday dinner. Relax by taking the whole family to the beautiful beaches of Pig Island, or get a little tropical and head to Nassau. Even though these are relatively short excursions the memories they’ll leave you with will last a lifetime.

Party Like a Rockstar

Tis the season for partying and a bash thrown on a party boat is a truly special one, day or night. Grab your gang, rent a boat in Miami and enjoy a day of fun with water toys, hit the waves for some jet ski action or stage your very own celebrity inspired photoshoot, complete with drone photography (how cool is THAT going to look on Instagram?) Enjoy the finest food and drink without worrying about a designated driver. Ring in the New Year with champagne and canapés at sea. Thanks to BOAT.ME the choice is yours and at a price that is far more affordable than you might think.

Go Wakeboarding

photo credit: Pixabay

Wakeboarding is fabulous fun, and it can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. Rent a boat in Miami like this 21′ Yamaha and its captain, the very friendly Captain Marcel will not only make sure you enjoy the ride but also that you get to take in some of the very best sightseeing that Miami has to offer as you cruise along.

Rent fishing boat 

For some, the idea of spending some of their holidays fishing is something like a dream come true. This is especially true if they can do that fishing on the waters around Miami, as these are waters teeming with almost every kind of fish you can think of, from tasty tuna and mahi mahi to more fearsome and challenging catches like sailfish and the mighty swordfish.

Whatever you’re hoping to reel in, we have just the boat to help. Be the captain of your own craft or let one of our experienced captains guide you to all the best fishing spots. Check out our seasonal selection of fishing boat rentals here to find your perfect craft.

RENT A BOAT IN MIAMI WITH BOAT.ME!