Chartering a boat in Florida is the ideal way to explore the various islands and beaches that surround the Emerald coast close to the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys in the south, and the Bahamas to the east. As a south-eastern region of the United States and home to hundreds of national parks and landmarks right by the shore or sea, there is no better place to escape the hassle of everyday life than from the deck of your yacht. Florida is a top fishing destination worldwide and has an abundance of ports, harbors and marinas for you to find the best catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht, speedboat or fishing boat for your group. You can directly contact the owners for the ideal boat or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you have a license, and enjoy a one-day cruise in Miami. You also have the opportunity to rent a motorboat to cruise along the coast stretching from West Palm Beach to Key Biscayne in a short amount of time. For special events on board a yacht you can book and hire a catamaran which is great for throwing a party, team-building exercises and even weddings. Florida’s diverse saltwater and freshwater coastline makes it also a hot destination for a fishing trip, both inshore and offshore fishing charters are available around Destin, Naples, Fort Lauderdale and Islamorada. Finally, you can hire a luxury sailboat for a week or more and visit the Florida Keys or the Bahamas for the most adventurous experiences.
Bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico and to the east with the Atlantic Ocean, Florida has multiple beaches and amusement parks making it fantastic for family-based fun. Florida is also known as the sunshine state of America as it averages out slightly higher than other states throughout the year, this warm and stable climate has also benefited the agricultural sector as farmers have consistently kept the best management practices. The impressively large state spans an area wider than multiple European countries (Greece, Portugal and Croatia to name a few) and continuously brings millions of visitors every year. From the golden age of Piracy, the various inlets, bays and rivers were a significant source for ships which needed water and offered ample opportunities to hide treasure. Today Florida has a very large yacht fleet and hosts multiple boat shows including those in Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale. Some great attractions you can visit near the coasts during your sailing holidays include the Everglades National Park, the Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter island and the Disney Springs near Orlando which offer outdoor shopping and entertainment, and of course you cannot miss the Bayside Marketplace of downtown Miami, packed with shops, restaurants and live performances. Whether you want to bond with your family or arrange the perfect outing for you and your loved ones, Florida also offers yacht charter experiences on St. Patrick’s day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Once you have selected your favourite yacht, expect a once in a lifetime experience on board, whether its a theme cruise on a national holiday, a weekend getaway or a simple cruise, guests have a handful of options they can pick from.
Miami boat rides can last from half a day to a full day and will allow you to visit multiple natural locations around Biscayne Bay. As you take in the views of the Miami skyline, you will sail past the historical landmark of Stiltsville, a neighborhood of homes which sits in the middle of the bay. Seven miles off key Biscayne you can easily reach Miami Beach where you can spend time swimming, shopping in any of the districts or even head to the clubs of South Beach before you settle on board. Depending on the yacht’s draft you can even head to the national park of Biscayne Bay which has crystal clear waters and snorkeling opportunities in shallow water reefs. Heading to Eliott Key or Boca Chita Key around the national park you will get to dock in several marinas and enjoy a great swim. Little Havana is filled with busy restaurants and art galleries and can make a great start to your day cruise in Miami, Coconut Grove is also a great alternative with a beautiful waterfront where you can dock your boat. If you have limited time yet want to continue your sightseeing boat tours in Miami, you have the option to hire a RIB boat to travel far reaching areas such as Key largo. The experience will certainly be exhilarating for both adults and children, the stability of the boat will ensure a smooth boat ride. Your itineraries can be customized to your liking, with the boat of your choice you can have the ultimate yachting experience in Miami and even organize boat trips from Miami to Bahamas.
If you have decided to rent a boat in West Palm Beach on the east coast of Florida, you can head to Fort Lauderdale and make a stop at Boca Raton, the whole coast has safe passages and crystal clear-waters. Alternatively, you can visit Jupiter island where you will come across the St. Lucie inlet, a popular destination for relaxing and can only be accessed by boat. Peanut island is also a great stop for snorkeling and great anchorage for many catamarans and sailboats. If you have decided to enjoy an adventure in St. Augustine near Jacksonville, you will explore many hidden treasures and even visit famous landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the St. Augustine lighthouse near the coast. From Jacksonville to east of Orlando you will explore many coves and lakes that are best discovered with a smaller vessel, the quality saltwater and freshwater also makes it great for fishing especially in Stuart where the biggest snook ( a species of marine fish) in Florida are found. The Indian River Lagoon on this side of Florida offers a great chance for those who are considering pontoon rentals for a day with their group.
Connected with the city of St.Petersburg, Tampa bay offers a fantastic place to boat, whether it's for a day-cruise or a perfect weekend getaway. The uncrowded beach of Caladesi island, the snorkeling opportunities in Egmont Key and the private beaches of Beer Can Island are some great choices to add to your Tampa Bay sailing tours, all offering miles of secluded shoreline for your catamaran to drop anchor. The Gasparilla pirate Festival is a huge annual event in the area of Tampa bay, you can dress as a pirate and join hundreds of boats dating back to the days of Jose Gaspar during the invasion of Tampa City. South of Tampa bay you also have the opportunity to enjoy the numerous sandbars and calm waters of Sarasota where you can explore Siesta key, Longboat Key and even head to Fort Myers just a few nautical miles off the renowned uninhabited Sanibel island. From Naples you can easily head to Marco island where you can test your luxury yacht’s kayaks and paddleboards.
Since Tampa Bay is connected to the Gulf of Mexico, it is also one of the best inshore fishing spots in Florida and many charterers provide a unique experience that can last up to 8 hours. Florida’s angling hubs are scattered in multiple cities, some great places for fishing in Florida include Destin, Islamorada and Fort Lauderdale. If you rent a fishing boat for a day, your captain will show you new fishing techniques and the opportunity to fish for diverse species including Mackerel, Grouper, Sea Trout, redfish and even swordfish. If you are an experienced angler, then Destin in Florida has some impressive offshore fishing opportunities where you can catch some big game species such as sailfish, snapper, Tuna and much more. Finally, this side of Florida is known as the Emerald Coast and offers a range of watersport activities, some of which include parasailing, kayaking or paddle- boarding which you can enjoy from your favorite motor boat. A dolphin tour is also highly recommended here with your preferred catamaran.
A yacht charter in Florida Keys offers phenomenal experiences for various ages. You have the option to enjoy a week itinerary as you head out from Miami or Key largo and make your way to key west. Key Largo and Islamorada have some of the best diving areas due to the range of underwater sights and natural reefs, a great experience for those looking for a two-day or three-day yachting experience. From Key West you can head to the Dry Tortugas National park which is composed of 7 islands and is known for its abundance of loggerhead sea turtles, alternatively, you can visit Boca Grande where you can explore multiple beaches and enjoy the sunset in the middle of the ocean. The Marquesas are a chain of islands 25 NM from Key West which you can add to your multi-day cruising program. A yacht charter from Florida to Bahamas will also create lifetime memories for the most adventurous travelers. Just 55 miles away from Florida you will explore the countless islands that exist within the Lucayan Archipelago. Popular sites include the Bimini, Freeport, the Grand Bahamas, Nassau where you can explore various landmarks, Paradise island to the north of Nassau and a little further you will arrive at the islands of Exuma known for their white sand beaches.
We have gathered the top marinas, harbors and all the airports for your sailing trip in Florida:
Pelafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina, Pensacola: 88 slips available, offers easy access to Pensacola bay and open 7 days a week with all the amenities you need for your vessel.
HarborWalk Marina, Destin: Occupies 40 berths and has fishing and scuba rentals. Lots of pirate shows; you can get your fishing license here too. The boardwalk is a bustling destination with bars, restaurants and shops.
Capt. Anderson’s Marina, Panama City Beach: brings an estimate of 1 million visitors per year with a variety of recreational activities. Has 30 private charter boats, many of the charterers go to the best beaches in Florida on this coast.
Palm Harbor Marina, Tampa: one of the finest marinas with 24-hour security and can accommodate vessels up to 250 feet.
15 minutes from the Miami International Airport
Marina St.Petersburg: Great access to Tampa bay boat trips. Can accommodate up to 350 yachts and has a wealth of services available including electricity, WI-FI access and showers and toilets.
Fort Myers Yacht Basin: Has a space for 243 slips at a max length of 300 feet and a dock depth of 7 feet. A very friendly marina with many festivals taking place year-round. Great access to Macro Island and the Gulf of Mexico.
Southwest Florida International Airport: A gateway to Fort Myers and Florida’s Gulf coast. A 23 min drive to Fort Myers yacht basin (13 miles roughly`).
Naples Bay Resort & Marina: 97 wet slips and 68 floating docks available. Kayak and paddleboard rentals and even luxury boat rentals. Electricity, water supplies, WI-FI.
Naples Municipal Airport: 6 minutes away from the Naples bay resort Marina.
Whale harbor Marina, Islamorada: Home to the best fishing charters in Islamorada with jet ski and paddle board tours as well.
Marina Jack, Sarasota: Has a berthing capacity for 316 vessels that go up to 228 feet. Yacht maintenance and repair services are also available and fuel dock for all boats.
Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda: In close proximity to Fort Myers and Boca grande. Can accommodate all types of vessels from yachts to fishing boats. Has a marina with an impressive 515 wet slips making it one of the largest marinas in Florida. Waterfront diving and maintenance services are available.
Charlotte County Airport: 7 miles away from Charlotte Harbor and 40 miles to Southwest Florida International Airport.
St.Augustine Municipal Marina: The marina offers 100 moorings for vessels up to 200 feet. Great amenities and friendly staff.
Loggerhead Marina, Jupiter: can accommodate vessels with a max length of 250 ft and with a max draft of 1.8m (6ft). 24 hour-service and security and fuel Dock and Truck delivery available.
Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, Fort Lauderdale: An ideal destination or yachts with an expansive resort and many amenities. Can accommodate vessels up to 400 feet long.
Epic Marina, Miami: In the center of downtown Miami and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet (super yachts) and offers excellent mooring with great access to Biscayne Bay.
Miami International Airport: the primary airport offering 1,00 daily flights to 167 domestic and international destinations, 23 miles away from Fort Lauderdale
Soverel Harbour Marina, Palm Beach: 5 nautical miles from Palm Beach and offers space for 146 vessels for yachta that can go up to 100 feet. Surrounded by restaurants and stores.
Palm Beach International Airport: 3.5 miles west of Palm Beach and only 30 minute drive to Soverel Harbour Marina.
Garden Cove Marina, Key Largo: Gives direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Areas such as the Upper Keys are in close proximity for your trips. The Marina has 14 wet slips and has all the amenities you need for your vessel.
55 miles from Miami International Airport and 105 miles from Key west.
Marathon Marina and Boatyard, Florida Keys: Can berth up to 125 vessels up to 125 ft. in length. Clean facilities and helpful staff.
Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco island, Bahamas: One of the largest marinas great for your island hopping trips in the Bahamas. Can accommodate 200 slips all year long.
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