If you're traveling to Miami, you know you'll want to spend some time on a boat. Its proximity to Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as rivers, canals, and other bays, makes it ideal for nautical fun of all varieties. Arguably one of the hottest tourist areas in the world, Miami has also certainly earned its reputation as one of Florida’s most famous and premier resort cities. If you are a boater looking for a beautiful, tropical locale that has a little something for everyone to enjoy, then you should consider Miami as your next boat rental destination.

Boating in Miami & South Beach

Miami is an international city renowned for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant culture. It is one of the richest, cleanest, and most sophisticated cities in the country. Miami draws scores of visitors every year who come to sample its particular brand of sand, surf, and exciting metropolitan life. It is a city surrounded by watery playgrounds that range from multiple bays and canals to rivers and the marshes of the Everglades. Miami is an ideal destination for boaters who enjoy many types of adventure opportunities. If you’re looking for a Floridian favorite that can offer both an urban atmosphere and water activities, you must check out the best boat rentals in Miami.

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Types of Boat and Yacht Rentals in Miami

From the coral reefs of Biscayne Bay to the meandering marshes of the Everglades, you will find plenty of waterways to explore over during your vacation in Miami.

While boating in Miami, you can book adventures such as:

Miami Sailing charters are fantastic for cruising by wind around Miami. They are also great as a venue for a wedding in Miami, as sailing on big, beautiful sailboats creates an undeniable romantic atmosphere, especially with the backdrop of the Miami Skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great activity to enjoy with kids in Miami. Sunset cruises are a fabulous option, as you'll watch the sunset behind the beautiful Miami skyline before cruising into the harbor. 

Speedboat rentals in Miami are perfect for water sports, tours around islands and sandbars, and for overnight boat trips to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas. When traveling with kids, renting a speedboat or booking a captained charter is fantastic, as they will love cruising around the waves, and captains can often include water toys and inflatables to entertain the little ones if you stop at a swimming spot. 

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Traveling with a big group to Miami? Party pontoon charters for boat parties with large groups, perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and stopping at sandbars and islands for swimming and partying. Motor yacht rentals are excellent for booking a wedding onboard a boat in Miami or for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Yachts like this Sea Ray Sundancer are perfect for celebrations at sea in Miami.

Want to make the catch of a lifetime during your visit to Miami? Miami fishing charters and fishing boat rentals will guarantee you'll reel in fish like tarpon, wahoo, sailfish, or Spanish Mackerel, to name just a few.

Hoping to keep up your fitness while visiting Miami? Try a kayak rental or SUP rental during your vacation in Miami. Paddling yourself to a sandbar or around the various beaches of Miami is the perfect way to combine sightseeing and getting in a workout - your upper body will be feeling it after powering yourself through the water.

Reasons to Rent a Boat in Miami

Miami is a huge destination for celebrations of all kinds, particularly bachelor and bachelorette parties and weddings. Who doesn't want to get together with their loved ones on a boat under the sun? Boat charters for bachelorette parties in Miami have exploded in popularity in recent years. Boat captains can provide food, drinks, entertainment, and tours to favorite boating spots around Miami - continue reading to learn more about where to go when you rent a boat in Miami!

Miami Boating Destinations

Nixon Sandbar

Get the boat party started at the Nixon Sandbar! Located near former President Nixon's compound, this is a popular hangout spot for visitors and locals in Miami to come to on their boats and yachts. It's perfect for a boat party, picnic on the water, and to stop for a swim. To get to Nixon Sandbar, you can cruise on your boat rental from Hurricane Harbor or Key Biscayne and reach the beach in no time at all. It's close enough that you can even kayak to Nixon Sandbar.

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Haulover Sandbar

Want to jump overboard and wade in the clear waters of Miami, cooling down from the heat of the sun that you've been feeling? Head to Haulover Sandbar to do that and so much more. This is the spot where all sorts of boats park and tie up for hours of enjoying drinks and conversation in the Florida sun. Haulover Sandbar is particularly busy during the weekend, so if you're looking to meet people with your Miami boat rental, this is definitely the place to come.

The Venetian Islands

A chain of man-made islands off the coast of Miami, the Venetian Islands are a fantastic spot to sightsee by boat in Miami. Stop and have a picnic at the uninhabited Flagler Monument Island, also considered a "picnic island" or check out the upscale mansions on the other islands like Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, Belle Island and San Marino Island. It's a fantastic destination to check out with your boat rental in Miami.

Miami Beach Boat Rentals

Most famous for South Beach, Miami Beach is a great place to go if you want to get a sampling of all that Miami has to offer. Tranquil beaches, popular night clubs, restaurants, shops, and more are all accessible on this barrier island which somehow manages to strike a balance between a low-key beach town and a sophisticated city. Rent a boat or charter a yacht from Miami Beach for a spectacular time on the water.

Checking out the Art Deco Historic District (which includes Ocean Drive — famously featured in films such as Scarface and The Birdcage) is a must-see for architecture aficionados. It offers the largest amount of Art Deco architectural examples in the world.

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Star Island

Star Island is a part of Miami Beach and is a man-made island, famous for the celebrities who have made their homes here. You can tour Star Island on a boat rental from South Beach and check out the dwellings of Sean Combs, Shaquille O'Neill, Don Johnson, Rosie O'Donnell and more. It's one of the smallest islands in Florida, but its certainly worth cruising by on a boat rental.

North Bay Village

A small island conglomerate comprised of North Bay Village, Harbor Island, and Treasure Island, the “Three Island Paradise” was once a popular winter refuge for visitors from colder climes, as well as a hot spot for the rich and famous. Nowadays, North Bay Village enjoys a quieter, more residential atmosphere, but there are still a number of excellent restaurants to select from during your stay. It's a great place for kayak rentals in Miami.

Virginia Key Boat Rentals

To the south of Miami Beach lies yet another picturesque barrier island — Virginia Key. This is a popular place for Miami natives and visitors alike to go when they want to escape the crowds and relax by the water. Virginia Key is great for boat rentals and fishing charters. Head into Rickenbacker Marina — a full-service marina — and spend a few hours ashore on one of Florida’s best little-known gems. The Virginia Key Beach Park is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and offers classic family fun with a restored carousel, miniature train, playground picnic areas, and even an event meadow.

Coconut Grove Boat Rentals

Exhibiting a perfect marriage of both quaint small-town life and eccentric, artistic sensibilities, Coconut Grove is a true example of Floridian culture. Just south of the city of Miami, this town is a charming place to visit during your boating adventures in Biscayne Bay. Coconut Grove provides activities and culture without being too “touristy,” and is a popular gathering place for the local younger set to have fun without garnering the reputation of being solely a party town. 

There is plenty to love about this coastal getaway, as it has everything from funky boutiques to phenomenal restaurants and art galleries. The world-renowned CocoWalk — a one-stop dining and entertainment destination — is reason enough for a visit during your boating tour. Coconut Grove also has plenty of history and culture to enjoy. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival happens annually, and the Barnacle Historic State Park and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are both just a short jaunt from the bayside.

Need something for your boat rental? Check out Boaters Dinner Key Marina, the largest wet slip marina in Florida located in Coconut Grove. From there you can explore the many delights of the shore before making your way back out onto the water for further escapades in the bay and beyond. 

Key Biscayne Boat Rentals 

Across the bay from Coconut Grove, you will find the sprawling island of Key Biscayne, which is taken up entirely by one town in the middle and two large parks, one on either end. On the northern third of the island, below Virginia Key, is Crandon Park which features the biggest and arguably most popular beach on the island. Guide your boat into Crandon Park Marina to take advantage of the park amenities — beach volleyball, kayak rentals, self-guided nature tours, eco-adventure tours, and a plethora of cabana shelters to picnic under. For boaters who also enjoy sports, the Crandon Tennis Center and Crandon Golf Key Biscayne are both close by.

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Overnight Trips by Boat to the Florida Keys

Want to spend the night on your boat? Overnight charters to the keys are a popular choice for visitors to Miami who want to take their boating to the next level. There are many boats available to rent with beds and cabins, comfortable accommodations for sleeping on board when making the trek from Miami to the Florida Keys on the water.

Explore Miami on the Water

Its unique culture can’t be experienced anywhere else, and it has enough attractions to keep even the most active boater occupied. Whether you’re an avid sailor, a powerboat enthusiast, or a water sports fanatic, you’re sure to remember boating in Miami as one of the most exciting vacations you’ve ever had.


Want to rent a boat in Miami? You've come to the right place. With over 500 boats and water experiences available, you can find the perfect Miami boat rental with the Getmyboat app.

More Miami Boating Resources

Miami Bachelorette Boat Party Guide

Miami Yacht Wedding Guide

Where Can I Fish in Miami?