Planning a Florida yacht charter and not sure where to go? Florida offers an exceptional variety of yacht charter destinations, from Miami’s iconic skyline and the calm waters of Biscayne Bay to the elegant waterfront of Palm Beach and the tropical shallows of the Florida Keys. Whether you are planning a private day cruise, a celebration with friends or a multi-day escape, choosing the right destination shapes the whole trip.
With Riviera Boat, you can compare these destinations and find a charter that fits your itinerary, group size and style of travel. Start with our Florida yacht rental page, or read on to see where each destination fits.
Florida Yacht Charter Destinations at a Glance
- Miami and Biscayne Bay: day cruises, sandbars, sunset trips and celebrations.
- Fort Lauderdale: canals, waterways and relaxed waterfront dining.
- Palm Beach: an elegant coastline for a quieter, upscale trip.
- The Florida Keys: clear shallow water, snorkelling and multi-day itineraries.
Miami and Biscayne Bay
Miami is the most popular starting point for a Florida yacht charter, and for good reason. In one day you can swim, have lunch at anchor and watch the skyline light up at sunset, all within a short cruise of the marina. Our Miami yacht rental page lists the yachts available, and our guide to the best places to go on a Miami yacht charter covers the main stops in more detail.
Star Island and the Waterfront Homes
A cruise past Star Island gives you a different view of Miami, with large waterfront estates and the downtown skyline behind them. Read our guide to Star Island and its famous waterfront homes to see what to expect.
Sandbars and Key Biscayne
On weekends, the sandbars are among the liveliest places on the water. The Nixon Sandbar and Haulover area is popular for swimming and relaxing at anchor, subject to local conditions and access. Key Biscayne, a little further south, offers quieter beaches.
Sunset Cruises and Weekend Trips
If you have only an evening, try a Miami sunset yacht cruise. For two days on the water, see how a weekend on Biscayne Bay can work.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is known for its network of canals and waterways, which makes it a natural base for cruising the Intracoastal Waterway and stopping at waterfront restaurants by boat. It suits guests who prefer a calmer, more relaxed day than the busy Miami sandbars. Depending on the yacht and availability, itineraries can start from or finish in the area, so tell us your preferred route when you ask for a quote.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach offers one of the most elegant waterfronts on the Florida coast. A charter here suits guests who want a quieter, upscale trip, with a long lunch at anchor and views of the coastline rather than a lively party scene. It also works well as one stage of a longer itinerary north or south along the coast.
The Florida Keys
South of Miami, the Florida Keys give you clear shallow water, snorkelling and a very different atmosphere from the city. Stops such as Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West each have their own character, and a multi-day charter lets you visit several of them at your own pace. For ideas on where to stop, read our guide to the top five anchorages in the Florida Keys.
A trip to the Keys needs more planning than a day cruise, because distances, weather and marina availability all affect the route. Your captain will advise on the best itinerary for your dates.
Beyond Florida: the Bahamas and the Caribbean
Many guests combine Florida with a longer trip. Depending on the yacht and the arrangements, multi-day itineraries can head toward the Bahamas. If you would rather spend the winter among the islands, see our Caribbean yacht charter page for crewed catamarans and yachts.
Which Yacht for Which Destination?
The right boat depends on your group and the kind of day you want.
- Motor yachts suit coastal cruising, sandbar days and evening trips. See our private yacht luxury service.
- Catamarans and sailing yachts offer space and a steadier ride for families and groups. Explore our sailing yacht and catamaran charters.
- Superyachts are made for large groups, special occasions and premium onboard service. Discover our exclusive superyacht experience.
To compare the boats, browse the Riviera Boat Miami fleet. For a larger party, see our Miami yacht rentals for groups. If you want a business event, read about a corporate yacht charter in Miami.
The Best Time for a Florida Yacht Charter
Winter and spring, from about December to April, bring the calmest seas and the most comfortable weather, and they are the most popular months. Summer brings warmer water for swimming and watersports, with a chance of short afternoon storms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep your dates flexible if you charter in that period and ask us about our booking terms.
Weekends and event dates book early, so contact us in advance for the best choice of yachts. For an idea of budget, read how much a Miami yacht rental costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best destination for a first Florida yacht charter?
Miami and Biscayne Bay are the easiest starting point. You can fit a swim, a sandbar stop and a sunset into a single day.Can I charter a yacht for several days in Florida?
Yes. Multi-day itineraries, for example toward the Florida Keys, are possible on suitable yachts. Tell us your dates and route when you request a quote.Do I need a boating license?
No. Our yachts come with a licensed captain and crew.How do I plan my route?
Send us your dates, group size and preferred destinations through our contact page. We will suggest a yacht and an itinerary that fit.
Plan Your Florida Yacht Charter
Ready to choose your destination? Request a quote with your dates, group size and the places you want to see, and Riviera Boat will propose the right yacht. You can also explore our full Florida yacht rental options.