Miami: 24-Foot Private Boat for up to 8 People

Taking a boat out into Miami Bay is a fantastic way to see the city from a fresh perspective. This tour, offered by Bruschi Boat Rental, features a private 24-foot boat that comfortably accommodates up to 8 people. With reviews consistently rating it 4.8 out of 5 from 77 travelers, it’s clear many find this experience worthwhile — especially those looking for a flexible, fun, and intimate water adventure.

What truly catches the eye is the freedom to chart your own course and the chance to enjoy Miami’s iconic skyline right from the water. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxing day on the water, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering it’s available at a modest $225 for your entire group.

However, a key consideration is that this experience is not inclusive of a captain — you can opt to hire one for an additional fee, which varies by time of year and special dates. It also requires some planning around parking and bringing your own supplies. This tour is best suited for groups wanting a customizable, cost-effective way to explore Miami Bay at their own pace.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Ranges from 2 to 6 hours, allowing you to tailor your day.
• Self-Driven or Guided: Optional captain service available for extra.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Fuel, cooler, and boat cleaning included.
• Personalized Experience: Bring your own music and alcohol to make it your own.
• Ideal for Groups: Max capacity of 8, perfect for friends, families, or small celebrations.
• Stunning Views: See Miami’s skyline, downtown, and Nixon Sandbar from the water.

The Experience in Detail

Setting the Scene

This private boat rental offers a relaxed yet exciting way to see Miami. As you step onto the 24-foot boat, you’re greeted with a clean and well-maintained vessel that provides enough space for your group. The boat is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so you can blast your favorite tunes — a feature that many reviewers, including Paul, appreciated, especially since it allows you to take over the playlist and set a fun, personal vibe onboard.

Exploring Miami Bay

The tour’s flexibility is one of its strongest suits. You’re free to roam between 79th Street and Nixon Sandbar, which is a well-loved spot for boaters wanting to relax and soak up the sun. The Nixon Sandbar, in particular, gets frequent mention as a favorite stop — a shallow spot perfect for a quick swim or picnics on the water.

Many guests love the photo opportunities here, especially with the Miami skyline, skyscrapers, and boats in the backdrop. Reviewer Niall noted the “fabulous time on the water seeing Miami,” and Pauline described their experience as “incredible from start to finish,” highlighting the professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness of Captain Yolepsy Maceira, who was frequently praised for making the trip special.

What’s Included and What’s Extra

The included amenities make this a straightforward experience: the boat rental, cooler with ice, fuel, and cleaning after the trip. There are no hidden charges for these, which helps keep things simple.

However, the captain fee is an extra, priced at $35 per hour from April 1st to August 15th or $30 per hour during the rest of the year. The fee varies on holidays like February 14th, July 4th, and December 31st. If you prefer not to steer yourself, hiring a captain is a worthwhile expense, especially if you want a stress-free experience. Many reviews commend Captain Yolepsy for his knowledgeable guidance and friendly demeanor, making the trip more enjoyable and safe.

The Practicalities

Parking is a minor logistical point — there’s free parking nearby or a $15 fee inside the rental location. The meeting point is flexible; you just need to give a call to get the exact address. The activity ends back at the starting point, so you won’t have to worry about arranging separate transport.

Duration and Flexibility

The 2-6 hour window offers plenty of options depending on your schedule and energy levels. Shorter trips are great for a quick splash and sightseeing, while longer outings allow you to explore more spots or simply relax on the water. This flexibility is highly valued by reviewers who want a tailored experience rather than a cookie-cutter tour.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Authentic and personalized experiences are what many travelers rave about. Multiple reviews mention the host’s professionalism and friendliness. Captain Yolepsy, in particular, is often described as “amazing,” “courteous,” and “fun,” with guests appreciating his willingness to help find the best routes and take photos.

Another big highlight is the ability to bring your own alcohol and music. Guests have noted how this makes the trip feel more like a private party or celebration, especially for special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties. One reviewer, Melina, mentioned that her sister’s bachelorette party on the boat was “awesome,” citing the captain’s friendly demeanor and the overall vibe.

Many reviews also emphasize the stunning views. Seeing Miami’s cityscape from the water is something that photos don’t fully capture, but the comments suggest that the experience is truly memorable. Guests loved capturing moments with the Miami skyline, skyscrapers, and even spotting celebrity homes, thanks to the insider knowledge of some guides.

The Value Perspective

At $225 for a group of up to 8, this tour offers great value. Compared to larger yacht charters or guided tours, this price point keeps it accessible while still offering a personalized, private experience. The extra costs for a captain are reasonable, especially considering the expertise and peace of mind they provide.

Considering reviews, many guests feel they received more than their money’s worth — from the fun atmosphere to the professional guidance and stunning sights. Plus, with the option to reserve now and pay later, it’s easy to plan without immediate financial commitment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a cost-effective, flexible way to enjoy Miami’s waters with a small group. It suits those who want to customize their route and bring their own supplies for a more personal feel. It’s ideal for families, friends, or small celebrations, especially if you’re looking to capture memorable photos or have a fun, laid-back day on the water.

However, it might not be suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users, as explicitly stated. Also, if you prefer a fully guided tour with a captain included at no extra cost, this might not be the best fit unless you’re comfortable hiring a skipper separately.

Final Thoughts

This private boat experience in Miami provides an excellent balance of cost, flexibility, and fun. The ability to chart your own course, play your own music, and bring your own drinks makes it feel more like a private party on the water than a commercial tour. The consistently positive reviews—as high as 5 stars—highlight the professionalism of guides like Captain Yolepsy and the stunning views that make this outing memorable.

For travelers craving a personalized, relaxed way to explore Miami’s iconic waterways, this tour offers value for money and plenty of opportunity for spontaneous fun. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a unique way to see Miami, this boat trip is worth considering.

FAQ

Can I bring my own alcohol on the boat?
Yes, guests are invited to bring their own alcohol and take over the music with the Bluetooth speakers, making the experience more personalized.

Is a captain included in the price?
No, the boat rental price doesn’t include a captain. You can hire one for an additional hourly fee, which varies by season and holidays.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 people can comfortably fit on the boat, making it ideal for small groups of friends, family, or celebrations.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is flexible, ranging from 2 to 6 hours. Check availability to see specific starting times.

Where does the tour start and end?
You’ll need to give a call to receive the exact address, with free parking available nearby or inside the location for $15.

Is the experience suitable for children or special needs?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users, due to safety and accessibility considerations.

In all, this private Miami boat rental delivers a fun, flexible, and beautiful way to experience the city’s waters. Perfect for small groups seeking a personalized adventure, it offers excellent value, stunning scenery, and the chance to make your own memories on the water.