Frequently Asked Questions
Please review important information below in regards to booking with us!
Before requesting availability for your desired vessel, please ensure all decision-makers are ready to proceed with the deposit. Availability can change rapidly, so being ready to secure will expedite the process.
Our prices are all-inclusive, covering gas, captain, base gratuity, water, ice, and water toys (water mat or inflatables). There are no hidden or extra fees. Guests are responsible for bringing their own food and alcohol.
US Coast Guard regulations limit all privately owned charter yachts to a maximum of 13 passengers (charterer plus 12 guests) regardless of the vessel size.
19 – 36ft: 6-10 Passengers
37 – 42ft: 10-12 Passengers
44ft+: 13 Passengers
Children and infants count the same as adults.
Once a vessel and time slot are decided, availability is requested. If available, a 25-50% deposit is required to secure the vessel, with the remaining balance due upon boarding or 24 hours before departure.
South Florida's tropical climate can be unpredictable, with occasional short bursts of rain. Charters are rarely canceled due to weather, only when deemed unsafe by the captain. Rescheduling options are provided if aggressive weather is anticipated.
Most yachts come equipped with a kitchen (galley), bathroom (head), bedroom (cabin), great speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity for your devices.
Our yachts are privately owned and conveniently located throughout South Florida, including North Miami, South Miami, Surfside, South Beach, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, and Fort Lauderdale. They may be docked at marinas or private residences, offering flexibility and accessibility for your rental needs.
Captains will present popular anchoring locations in South Miami, such as Star Island, Monument Island, Nixon, and Marine Stadium. They can also offer tours of famous mansions or cruises along the skyline. Charter prices are for idle-speed cruising in local areas.
Most vessels include a large water mat or inflatables. Larger vessels may offer additional accessories like water slides, artificial swimming pools, jet skis, or Sea Bobs.
Surfside Boat Rental connects clients with yacht owners for an enjoyable day on the water. We aim to provide the best experience with a smooth transition from booking to boarding. We strive to handle unforeseen circumstances with calm compliance and resolve any issues promptly.
A Bareboat Charter Agreement gives the charterer complete responsibility for the vessel. Once secured with a deposit, the agreement will be sent via email or provided in paper form upon boarding.
We strive to accommodate cancellations when possible. Severe weather (e.g., named tropical storms) will result in rescheduling or in-house credit. Rain and overcast conditions do not qualify for severe weather cancellations. Unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies) require proof for consideration. Cancellations within 24 hours of booking may be refunded if the charter date is 7 days out. Cancellations within 7 days of the departure date forfeit the deposit, credited to the vessel owner. If the owner cancels due to mechanical issues, a full refund or rescheduling will be provided.
Mechanical issues are rare but may occur. We will attempt to transfer you to a similar or better yacht. If unavailable, a deposit refund or rescheduling will be offered.
Bring:
Valid ID of the charterer
Food and beverages (alcohol allowed)
Towels if you plan to swim
Do Not Bring:
Self-tanning lotion or bronzer
Denim or jean clothing
Red wine or staining beverages
BBQ equipment, hookah, or items using open flames
Glitter or confetti
Smoking is generally not allowed inside yachts and is forbidden in cabins or staterooms. Designated smoking areas may be available on the aft deck or flybridge. Please ask the captain and crew before smoking.
Pets are generally not allowed to prevent seasickness, with some exceptions at the vessel owner's discretion.
Jet skis are provided by a third party and can be arranged once your vessel is secured. They typically cost around $150 per hour. Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to have a boating education ID to drive a jet ski.
Specific pickup locations must be requested in advance and may incur additional fees based on distance.
For groups larger than 13 passengers, options include rafting multiple vessels, using a commercial license vessel for formal events, or a stationary luxury yacht tied at the dock.
Additional services such as catering, DJs, bartenders, jet skis, drone footage, massages, Sea Bobs, flyboards, wakeboarding boats, and special arrangements can be added once the vessel is secured. We recommend 72 hours' notice.
For multi-day charters to the Bahamas or Key West, a 2-3 week advance booking is recommended. Local multi-day or overnight charters require less preparation time. Charter price plus an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) covers customs, fuel, port fees, transfers, and crew accommodations.
Special holidays may have premium pricing. Please consider this when requesting a charter during events such as Super Bowl Weekend, Valentine's Weekend, Boat Show Weekend, Miami Music Week, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Father's Day Weekend, July 4th Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, Columbus Day Weekend, Regatta Weekend, Halloween Weekend, Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve Weekend, and Art Basel. Prices are subject to change based on the season.