Is a private charter more expensive than a shared cruise?

Per boat, yes; per person it often is not. These are priced for the whole vessel, so a group of four to six frequently pays close to what individual tickets on a shared sightseeing cruise would cost.

Are drinks and food included?

Usually not. Most Miami charters provide a cooler and ice and expect you to bring your own; one option includes champagne. The inclusions are listed explicitly on each Viator product page.

How many people can come?

Capacity varies by vessel, from small boats to 12 guests on the larger yachts. The maximum is stated on the product page and is a legal limit, not a guideline.

Can we stop at the sandbar?

Only on charters that offer it, and only when tide and conditions allow. If the sandbar is the reason you are booking, choose the option that names it rather than assuming a standard cruise will detour.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Captains cancel for weather and each operator's rescheduling and refund terms are on the product page. Booking early in your stay leaves room to move the trip.

Private boat charters in Miami: what two hours actually buys

A private charter in Miami is priced per boat, not per person, which is what makes it competitive: split four ways, a two-hour charter often lands close to a shared sightseeing cruise, and you set the route. The four options below are the only Miami private charters with a substantial review history. They differ in vessel size, whether the captain follows your plan or a fixed loop, and whether extras such as drinks are provided or brought aboard by you.

What you are choosing

You are choosing a whole boat for your group rather than a seat on a shared cruise — and then how long, how big and how flexible.

The main differences

Entry-level private hours: The cheapest way to have a boat to yourselves, on a set route around the bay.
Larger vessels and tailored itineraries: More space, more range, and a captain who will build the afternoon around you.

Indicative prices

From $44 to $199, as supplied by Viator — confirmed at checkout.

4 eligible options on this page.

Every option shown has at least 1,000 traveler reviews. Booking, availability and the final price always happen on Viator.

Entry-level private hours

The cheapest way to have a boat to yourselves, on a set route around the bay.

Entry-level private hours: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
Option	Best for	Reviews	From (indicative)
2-Hour Miami Private Boat Tour: Skyline & Star Island	Small groups who want the lowest possible entry price into a private boat	4,118	$44
Private Boat Ride in Miami with Experienced Captain and Champagne	Couples and short celebrations rather than a full afternoon out	1,682	$99

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

2-Hour Miami Private Boat Tour: Skyline & Star Island

4.9 ★4,118 reviews· 2 hours

See Miami from the water on a private two-hour boat tour reserved exclusively for your group. Cruise from the Miami River toward Biscayne Bay, passing Star Island, waterfront homes, and Miami Beach while enjoying beautiful skyline views. Because this is a relaxed sightseeing cruise rather than a high-speed speedboat ride, you can completely unwind and enjoy the scenery at your own pace with no oth

Indicative from $44 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Best for: Small groups who want the lowest possible entry price into a private boat
What you get: A two-hour private boat from the Miami River around the bay, with a cooler, ice and a Bluetooth stereo provided
Key difference: You bring your own drinks and food — the boat, captain and cooler are what you are paying for
Booking ahead: The most-reviewed private charter in Miami by a wide margin; the vessel you see in the listing must be selected at booking

Private Boat Ride in Miami with Experienced Captain and Champagne

4.9 ★1,682 reviews· 1 hour

It is a unique experience as it allows our guests to experience Miami from the sea. Miami Bay Tour consists on: Starting from the luxury Coconut Grove area heading to the impressive Miami Skyline and cruising along Biscayne bay enjoying the stunning views of: Miami River, Celebrity mansions, Miami Beach Coast, dolphins/seabirds,Star Island, Fisher Island, Downtown Miami and Brickell buildings. Fro

Indicative from $99 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Best for: Couples and short celebrations rather than a full afternoon out
What you get: A one-hour private boat ride with an experienced captain and champagne as described on the product page
Key difference: The shortest charter here — an occasion rather than an outing, and priced accordingly
Booking ahead: Single-hour slots are scheduled tightly; sunset hours book out first

2 eligible options in this group.

Larger vessels and tailored itineraries

More space, more range, and a captain who will build the afternoon around you.

Larger vessels and tailored itineraries: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
Option	Best for	Reviews	From (indicative)
Miami 2-Hour Private Yacht Tour with Mami River & City Views	Groups of up to a dozen who want room to move on board	1,629	$79
Private Miami Boat Charter: Sightseeing, Sunset & Sandbar	Anyone who wants to choose the itinerary rather than accept one	2,171	$199

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

Miami 2-Hour Private Yacht Tour with Mami River & City Views

4.9 ★1,629 reviews· 2 hours

Enjoy two hours on the water with a private Miami yacht cruise reserved exclusively for your group. Relax while your selected captain handles the navigation, take in Miami city and waterfront views, and enjoy a more personal alternative to crowded sightseeing boats. Bring your own drinks for the cooler with ice and water, connect your playlist to the onboard Bluetooth sound system, and enjoy the a

Indicative from $79 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Best for: Groups of up to a dozen who want room to move on board
What you get: A two-hour private cruise on a 34–37ft vessel past Star Island, the Venetian Islands and the skyline, with swim time
Key difference: The larger hull is the point — space to sunbathe and swim rather than simply sit and look
Booking ahead: Fewer of these vessels are available than the entry-level boats; weekend afternoons go earliest

Private Miami Boat Charter: Sightseeing, Sunset & Sandbar

5.0 ★2,171 reviews· 2 hours

Experience Miami the way it’s meant to be seen—on your own private boat, with the flexibility to make the day exactly what you want. With multiple options available, you can choose between sightseeing, island stops, half day trips, sandbar time, or a sunset cruise, all tailored to your group. This is the Miami’s top-rated private boat charter experience, known for delivering a smooth, well-organi

Indicative from $199 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Best for: Anyone who wants to choose the itinerary rather than accept one
What you get: A private Miami charter configurable as sightseeing, a sandbar stop, a half day or a sunset cruise
Key difference: The only option here where the route is genuinely yours to set, and the highest rated of the four
Booking ahead: Sandbar and sunset configurations are tide- and daylight-dependent, so dates matter more than usual

2 eligible options in this group.

Frequently asked questions

Is a private charter more expensive than a shared cruise?: Per boat, yes; per person it often is not. These are priced for the whole vessel, so a group of four to six frequently pays close to what individual tickets on a shared sightseeing cruise would cost.
Are drinks and food included?: Usually not. Most Miami charters provide a cooler and ice and expect you to bring your own; one option includes champagne. The inclusions are listed explicitly on each Viator product page.
How many people can come?: Capacity varies by vessel, from small boats to 12 guests on the larger yachts. The maximum is stated on the product page and is a legal limit, not a guideline.
Can we stop at the sandbar?: Only on charters that offer it, and only when tide and conditions allow. If the sandbar is the reason you are booking, choose the option that names it rather than assuming a standard cruise will detour.
What happens if the weather is bad?: Captains cancel for weather and each operator's rescheduling and refund terms are on the product page. Booking early in your stay leaves room to move the trip.

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