Question 1

What's included in a charter?

Accepted Answer

Every charter includes a USCG licensed captain, fuel, ice, coolers, Bluetooth sound system, and all required safety equipment. Some yachts include additional amenities like jet skis, paddleboards, or snorkeling gear — check individual yacht details.

Question 2

What's NOT included?

Accepted Answer

Food, alcohol, and crew gratuity are not included. You're welcome to bring your own provisions or we can recommend local catering options. Each vessel's configured minimum and collection method applies.

Question 3

How many guests can I bring?

Accepted Answer

Per USCG regulations, most yachts in the managed fleet accommodate up to 13 guests. This includes children and infants. We take safety seriously — no exceptions on capacity limits.

Question 4

What about weather conditions?

Accepted Answer

Miami weather can be unpredictable. If conditions are unsafe, we rebook you free on any future date with availability. We won't cancel for light rain — only for genuinely unsafe conditions. Water temperature is warmest May-October (78-85°F).

Question 5

How does booking work?

Accepted Answer

Select your date, duration, and yacht. The exact deposit shown at checkout reserves your charter. The remaining balance is due on the day of the charter. We accept card, including Apple Pay, and Zelle.

Question 6

Can I bring alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Florida law allows alcohol on private charters. Glass containers are prohibited on most yachts — cans and plastic only. Your captain will not consume alcohol.

Question 7

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, food/drinks, and a good playlist. Non-marking shoes are appreciated. Leave the stress at the dock.

Question 8

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Customer cancellations are final. If weather or mechanical issues prevent safe departure, we rebook you free to any future date with availability.

Question 9

How much does a yacht charter cost in Miami?

Accepted Answer

Private yacht rentals in Miami start from $650 for 4 hours, from $950 for 6 hours, and from $1,300 for a full 8-hour day on the smallest boats. 50'–60' yachts run about $1,450–$2,900 for 4 hours, and larger yachts scale up from there; each listing shows its live price. The captain, fuel for standard cruising, ice, and water are included. Tax, gratuity, and add-ons are shown before you pay.

Question 10

What's the difference between a yacht charter and a boat rental?

Accepted Answer

A yacht charter always includes a USCG-licensed captain and crew — you don't drive the boat yourself. A boat rental is typically a smaller vessel (usually under 24') that you operate yourself with a basic license. All Vice City Yacht Club bookings are captained charters on yachts from 25'–135'.

Question 11

Where do yacht charters depart from in Miami?

Accepted Answer

Vice City Yacht Club charters board across Miami — the Miami River (our largest cluster), Miami Beach Marina (300 Alton Rd), Coconut Grove, Downtown, Haulover, and North Miami. Each yacht's exact pickup location is shown on its detail page and confirmed in your booking email.

Question 12

How far in advance should I book a yacht in Miami?

Accepted Answer

For peak weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus New Year's, Spring Break, and Art Basel), book 2–4 weeks ahead. Weekday charters and off-season trips can often be confirmed 24–72 hours out. Once your deposit is in, the date is yours.

Question 13

Do I need a deposit to hold a yacht?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the exact deposit shown at checkout reserves your charter. The remaining balance is due on the day of the charter.

Question 14

Is gratuity included?

Accepted Answer

No. Each vessel's configured minimum and collection method applies, and you may always give more. A vessel's holiday percentage is per-vessel and can only raise its normal minimum; the holiday calendar includes the Friday-through-Monday Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Direct-to-crew gratuity is shown as a minimum but is never added to charged checkout totals. The exact policy appears on that vessel's detail page.

Question 15

How do I spot an illegal charter in Miami?

Accepted Answer

Two questions expose most of them: Who is the USCG-licensed captain? What happens to my date if weather cancels? A legitimate operator answers both instantly — every VCYC charter runs with a USCG-licensed captain, and the Perfect Day Guarantee rebooks you free if weather or mechanical issues prevent safe departure. If a listing can't answer, the low price is the bait.

Question 16

Are there hidden fees? Is fuel included?

Accepted Answer

Fuel for standard cruising is included, along with the captain, ice, and water. There are no fuel surcharges, docking fees, or surprise 'cleaning fees' — every cost is named before you book. Crew gratuity follows each vessel's configured minimum and collection method. A direct-to-crew minimum is disclosed but never added to charged checkout totals; holiday percentages are per-vessel and can only raise the normal minimum.

Question 17

What's the best yacht trip for a sandbar day in Miami?

Accepted Answer

For Haulover or Nixon Sandbar trips, a 6-hour charter on a 40'–60' yacht is the most popular. You spend about 30 minutes cruising each way and the rest of the day anchored at the sandbar. Bring water shoes, floats, and a waterproof speaker.

Question 18

Can I do a sunset cruise in Miami?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sunset cruises are typically a 3-hour evening charter departing about 90 minutes before sunset (around 5:30–6:30 PM depending on season). They cover the Miami Beach skyline, Star Island celebrity homes, and Biscayne Bay. 3-hour charters start from $500.

Question 19

How many people can fit on a charter yacht in Miami?

Accepted Answer

USCG regulations cap most uninspected charter yachts at 13 passengers (12 + captain). Larger inspected vessels can carry 25, 50, or more. Most Vice City Yacht Club yachts take up to 13 guests; for bigger groups, two boats can tie up together, or ask about an inspected vessel for your event. The capacity is listed on every yacht detail page and is enforced strictly.

Question 20

Can I bring kids on a yacht charter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome and count toward the USCG passenger limit (infants included). Coast Guard–approved life jackets in child sizes are provided on every charter. Strollers and car seats can typically be stowed on board.

Question 21

Are pets allowed on charters?

Accepted Answer

Pet policies are set by each yacht owner. Many yachts allow well-behaved dogs with advance notice; some require an additional cleaning fee. Mention your pet when booking and we'll match you with a pet-friendly vessel.

Question 22

Can we go to Bahamas from Miami on a yacht?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bimini is about 50 nautical miles from Miami and reachable on a same-day round trip via fast yacht (90 minutes each way). Multi-day Bahamas trips to Nassau, Eleuthera, or the Exumas are also available. All passengers need a valid passport; the captain handles customs clearance.

Question 23

Do I need a license to charter a yacht in Miami?

Accepted Answer

No. The USCG-licensed captain operates the vessel. You only need a valid government-issued ID for the booking. International guests can use a passport.

Question 24

Is fishing allowed on the yacht?

Accepted Answer

Light recreational fishing is allowed on most yachts. Dedicated sport-fishing charters with rods, tackle, bait, and an experienced fishing captain are offered on specific vessels and are listed separately on the fleet page. Florida saltwater fishing licenses are included on dedicated fishing charters.

Question 25

What food and drinks can I bring?

Accepted Answer

You can bring your own food, beer, wine, and liquor on private charters in Florida. Glass is restricted on most yachts — cans and plastic only. Add-on catering (charcuterie, sushi, Mediterranean spreads, hot meals) starts around $40 per guest and can be added at booking or at checkout.

Question 26

Can I add a DJ, photographer, or jet skis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add-ons include catering (from $40/guest), professional photography (from $300), DJ + lights (from $120/hour), jet skis (from $200), water-toy packages, decorations, and Champagne service. Browse the full list on any yacht detail page or add them at checkout.

Question 27

What happens if the weather is bad on my charter day?

Accepted Answer

If weather or mechanical issues prevent safe departure, we rebook you free to any future date with availability — on this yacht or a different one. Light rain or scattered showers are not grounds for cancellation.

Question 28

What is the Perfect Day Guarantee?

Accepted Answer

If weather or mechanical issues prevent safe departure, we rebook you free on any future date with availability. Your trip and your payment move to the new date — light rain doesn't cancel a trip, but a safety cancellation never costs you your day on the water.

Question 29

What's the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Customer cancellations are final and non-refundable once the deposit is paid. If the captain cancels for weather or mechanical reasons, we rebook you free on any future date with availability. Full terms are at vcy.club/terms.

Question 30

Do I tip the captain and crew?

Accepted Answer

Yes — each vessel's configured minimum and collection method applies, and you may always give more. A vessel's holiday percentage is per-vessel and can only raise its normal minimum. Direct-to-crew gratuity is disclosed as a minimum but is not part of charged online totals; the exact policy appears on the vessel's detail page.

Question 31

Are charters wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Some larger yachts have wide swim platforms and main-deck access that work for guests with limited mobility. Mention any accessibility needs when booking and we'll match you with a suitable vessel and brief the captain on dock arrival logistics.

Question 32

Can I book a yacht for a wedding, proposal, or birthday?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vice City Yacht Club regularly handles weddings, proposals, bachelorettes, birthdays, corporate events, and music videos. We can arrange floral setups, custom catering, officiant referrals, and photographer/videographer packages. For groups over 13 guests, a USCG-inspected vessel is required.

Question 33

Where can I find real reviews of Vice City Yacht Club?

Accepted Answer

Reviews and photos from past charters are on the company's Google profile, Instagram (@vicecityyachtclub), and TikTok. The current Google Places review sample is also published on the homepage. Call (305) 724-6877 to speak with the team directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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