United States

The US charter market is vast, but for sailors chartering a yacht, the story concentrates heavily in one place: South Florida. Miami, Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys form a self-contained cruising ground with steady winter trade winds, protected water on the bay side and open Atlantic reef diving on the ocean side, and the Keys double as the most practical US jumping-off point for a Bahamas crossing. This page covers that Florida and Caribbean-gateway charter market rather than the country's inland or Pacific-coast boating scenes.

Sailing Regions

Biscayne Bay, bordered by Miami and Key Biscayne, is a shallow, largely protected bay dotted with islands, including Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key inside Biscayne National Park, both popular overnight anchorages a short sail from Miami's marinas at Dinner Key and Coconut Grove.

South from Miami, the Florida Keys run roughly 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West, with charter activity split between the Atlantic reef side, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the calmer Gulf-side flats and backcountry. Key Largo and Islamorada are common first stops from Miami; Marathon, roughly the halfway point, has full marina facilities; Key West is the classic end point, with its own sailing culture and sunset-sail tradition. The Keys sit on roughly the same latitude as the Bahamas' Bimini, making them, or a direct Miami departure, the standard US launch point for a Gulf Stream crossing into the Bahamas.

Best Time to Sail & Wind

November through May is the main season, with steady 15-20 knot east to southeast trade winds and comfortable temperatures. December through February can bring Northers, cold fronts from the northwest with gale-force gusts and rain, generally settling by March; February to April is often the most reliable stretch for a Keys-to-Bahamas run. Summer, June to November, is Atlantic hurricane season, with highest risk August through October, when South Florida charter activity slows significantly.

Licence Requirements

Under US Coast Guard rules, a true bareboat charter (no crew supplied, full control handed to the charterer) is legally distinct from a day or crewed charter, and most Florida operators run captained trips for that reason: a vessel carrying paying passengers with a captain aboard generally needs a USCG-credentialed operator, commonly an OUPV or six-pack license. For genuine bareboat rental, operators typically require proof of sailing competency, an ASA or US Sailing certification or equivalent, before releasing the boat unskippered.

Sample Itinerary

- Day 1: Depart Dinner Key or Coconut Grove marina, Miami; sail Biscayne Bay to Boca Chita Key for the night.
- Day 2: Elliott Key and the northern reefs of Biscayne National Park.
- Day 3: Sail south to Key Largo; snorkel the reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Day 4: Short hop to Islamorada for diving and sport-fishing atmosphere.
- Day 5: Return north to Miami, or continue south toward Marathon for a longer Keys run.

(Sailors continuing to the Bahamas typically extend from Key Largo or Miami via Bimini, weather permitting.)

FAQs

Can I charter a yacht bareboat in Florida without a captain?
It's possible, but less common than in the Caribbean; most Florida operators run captained charters. Where bareboat rental is offered, you'll usually need an ASA or US Sailing certificate or equivalent and to pass an on-water checkout.

Is South Florida a good base for sailing to the Bahamas?
Yes. Miami and the Keys sit close to the Gulf Stream and Bimini, roughly 50 miles from Miami, making this the standard US departure point for a Bahamas crossing, best attempted November to May outside hurricane season.

When should I avoid chartering in South Florida?
August through October carries the highest hurricane risk; winter (December-February) is generally excellent but can bring short-lived Norther fronts with strong, gusty winds.

Do I need a Coast Guard license to charter in Florida?
Only if you're the paid captain of a charter carrying passengers, which requires a USCG credential such as an OUPV. As a guest, you need sailing competency proof for bareboat, or nothing for a captained charter.