Florida Yacht Charter Guide

Surrounded by excellent and varied cruising areas, Florida is the perfect destination for a luxury yacht charter. Whether your dream is chasing big game fish, relaxing in turquoise waters and tropical island beaches, or spotting rare manatees and dolphins as you explore mangroves by kayak, you can find it in Florida. Private boat hire allows you to design your itinerary to explore tropical islands, chic cities, and barrier reefs in the utmost comfort, avoiding the touring crowd. Home of iconic Miami and yachting hub Fort Lauderdale, here you will be in good company as the stunning marinas host some of the finest superyachts who berth up to enjoy the high-end dining, golf, and top up on winter sun.

Best Time To Visit: Winter and spring are warm and avoid the potential rain of summer. November to May offer reliable weather.

Key Cruising Areas: The Intercoastal Waterway on the west provides sheltered sailing perfect for big game fishing. The Keys provide excellent sailing around barrier reefs, and the Everglades (southwest) is a wild, remote area great for bird and wildlife spotting.

Don’t Miss: The Florida Keys are the only living coral reef in the US. The string of tropical islands stretches for 150 km, well-known for great fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Spend a day sailing the turquoise waters of the island, then berth in Key West to sample the famous nightlife.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The makeover of downtown Miami has been accompanied by a wonderful evolution in the restaurant scene. Try the sautéed snapper at the Matador Room for perfect, simple food in an elegant setting.

Best Local Dish: Key Lime Pie is the official state pie of Florida. For an award-winning version of this dessert, sail to Captiva Island where you will find an island paradise of thatched bistros, a beautiful beach, and – of course – fantastic pie!

Local Culture: The fusion of influences led to the unique and edgy Miami Modern (“MiMo”) style. A walk around the art deco district of the city will reveal some interesting street art, or head to one of the museums or galleries – the Bass Museum is set in an impressive old library and hosts world-class exhibitions.

Best Beach: A trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without visiting Miami’s South Beach, but for a quieter spot head to Bahia Honda in the Keys. Particularly known for its magnificent sunsets, ask your crew to take you a picnic ashore and enjoy the balmy evening while the sun dips in the sky.

IYC recommends: In the backwaters of the Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands are a winding maze of mangroves. The islands are wild and rugged, and a charter yacht is an ideal way to explore. Take one of the onboard kayaks and you may see endangered species such as Florida Manatees and turtles.