Boat Hire in Miami — 2027 Guide: Biscayne Bay, the Sandbars, Key Biscayne and Florida's Boating Rules

Miami is a city turned towards the water. Between the mainland and the island of Miami Beach lies Biscayne Bay, a shallow sea known for its sandbars, the canals through the city and a small colony of stilt houses in the middle of the bay. A boat here is not a luxury but a way to see the city from the side where it looks best. This guide explains where you can go by boat from Miami, which Florida rules you should know and when the best time to be on the water is.

What we currently offer

To be upfront: there are currently no published boats or trips for Miami or the rest of the United States on the location page, so this guide does not list prices. It is meant for guests who are planning a trip and want to see what awaits. If you want a boat in Miami, send us an enquiry through the contact page and we will check what can be arranged. If you are also travelling by campervan, see our campervan hire guide for Miami.

Where you can go from Miami

• Biscayne Bay. Shallow, calm water between the city and Miami Beach, with the skyline in view from the water. Ideal for a short outing, sun and a swim at anchor.
• The sandbars. The bay has sandy sandbars, such as Haulover and Nixon, where boats anchor at weekends for swimming and company. Because the water is shallow, keep an eye on the tide and the depth.
• Key Biscayne. The island just off the city, with beaches, the Cape Florida lighthouse and the calm waters of the bay.
• Stiltsville. A group of houses on stilts in the middle of the shallows, a few kilometres from Key Biscayne. Only a few remain, and you see them up close from a boat.
• Biscayne National Park. South of Miami, mostly a marine park with coral reefs and mangroves, suited to snorkelling and full-day trips.

Boating rules in Florida

• Proof of training. Florida has no boating licence in the classic sense. People born on or after 1 January 1988 who operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more must carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card and photo ID. Exemptions apply, for example if the boat is operated by a licensed master or if you are accompanied by someone over 18 who holds the card. The same applies to foreign visitors, and rental operators check documents before the hire. The simplest solution is to hire a boat with a captain.
• Manatee zones. Parts of the bay have slow-speed zones to protect manatees. Follow the signs and avoid shallow seagrass.
• Rules can change. Check the requirements with the operator and on the FWC website before your trip.

Season and weather

• November to April is the dry, pleasant season: less humidity, mild days and the best time for a boat.
• June to November is hurricane season and brings short, heavy downpours; boating depends on the forecast.
• Summer is hot and humid, and afternoons often bring thunderstorms. Plan outings for the morning.

A boat in Miami with Crystalium Booker

We do not currently have boats in Miami on offer, but we will gladly help you check the options. Send us an enquiry through the contact page with your date, number of guests and preferred route. Do you hire out a boat in Miami or elsewhere in the United States? List it with us and we will present it to guests in 29 languages.