No Miami bachelorette party is complete without a day spent out on the water. Here's how to do it right.


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Planning a bachelorette party is a big responsibility - but by choosing things to do that everyone loves, you'll be able to pull off a trip that everyone will be talking about for ages. Yacht and boat charters are the most popular choice for bachelorettes headed to Miami Beach.

Getting Started: the Basics

So, your best friend is engaged, and you're the maid of honor! It's your responsibility to put together an epic bachelorette party for her and all your closest girlfriends. You've chosen Miami as the destination, and the flights and hotel rooms are booked for your crew.

Now it's time to put together the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable fling before the ring. Miami boat rentals are a guaranteed way to give the bride an unforgettable bachelorette party.

Before we get started, check out these resources to help you plan your trip:

You can also check out our complete Miami Boating Guide for insights on where to go and what to expect for your bachelorette boat day. And if you need more ideas on things to do for a bachelorette party in Miami beyond boating, check out this itinerary for 2 Days in Miami by the Beauty Backpacker!

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Planning a Bachelorette Boat Party, Step by Step

Step One: Confer with the Bride

Before you start shooting off inquiries to boat captains, make sure you've got all your details sorted out. Start by asking the bride-to-be what she wants. You might have exciting visions of the yacht trip you want, but if it doesn't match up with what the girl of the moment is hoping for, there's going to be conflict. Get an idea of what she's hoping for and use that to create your plan.

  • What vibe does she have in mind? Bougie and glamorous, loud and boisterous, or relaxing and rejuvenating? The last thing you want is to plan an action-packed itinerary for a bride who wants to sleep on the beach.
  • How much is she willing to spend? It’s common for maids of honor to get carried away in the planning and bite off more than the rest of the party can chew.
  • Does she have a theme in mind? It’s fun to plan the bachelorette weekend along one theme so everyone can dress up and match. Fun ideas we’ve seen lately are Barbie (no Kens allowed), disco party, cowgirl rodeo, and tropical vibes.

Step Two: Plan for Miami’s Weather

Weather is everything. While you're most likely to enjoy sunshine and warmth in Miami, it rains almost every day during hurricane season in Miami (June-November). While it's impossible to predict the weather, try to plan your vacation sometimes that’s not June-August for the boating excursion. Ask the captain what the rainy day policy is.

My fiancé and I did our bachelor and bachelorette party in Miami. We rented two of JD’s boats and our boat day was the best part of the entire weekend. It was so much fun! The boats were beautiful, JD and the captains were very accommodating, and they took us to a fun location!

Step Three: Compare Prices

Before finalizing a booking for a boat or yacht, ask for a price estimate on the cost per person. Communicate the details to the other attendees so they know what to expect financially and what they will get for their money. This will make it easier to get everyone to cough up the cash, rather than booking it and then demanding to be paid back later.

Step Four: Make a Party Boat Packing List

While you might think you can go off memory, it's so much easier to have a checklist when organizing an activity for a large group. Make a master list and communicate with the bridesmaids about what each person should bring. Here’s a baseline to get started:

  • Snacks (check out the best snacks for a boat day here)
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Alcoholic drinks (if allowed)
  • Cooler
  • Ice
  • Charged Bluetooth speaker
  • Towels
  • Swimsuits
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
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Communicating with the Captain

When sending off your inquiry, making your expectations and desires as clear as possible is the best way to ensure the perfect boat day. Always sort out the basics:

  • Pick-up time and date
  • Price and fees
  • Desired duration of a cruise (all day or just an afternoon/morning?)
  • Amount of guests
  • Included amenities, food, and drink
  • Excursions and stops

You’ll want to get the most bang for your buck and show the bride a great time on her Miami bachelorette party boat. Decide what makes sense with the rest of your itinerary and go from there.

Once you've sorted out the basics, feel free to get more detailed. Miami boat captains are experts at providing unforgettable boat cruises and yacht parties. They will give you insight on where to stop, and let you know about any special extras that can be included on board such as floaties and watersports activities. Some captains do not allow red wine onboard, so that's something to keep in mind and ask about.

It's also nice to include a few brief details about your group so the captain has an idea of who you girls are and what you're hoping to experience on your day out.

What a great way to celebrate our girl on her bachelorette party! The crew was so much fun which added to our already perfect boat day! I highly recommend using this boat for your next outing!

The Best Types of Boats to Rent for a Bachelorette Party

Miami is host to a huge variety of boats, from luxury superyachts to budget powerboats. Here are some different boats you can choose from so you can get an idea of which one will be best for your bachelorette boat bash:

Pontoons: Affordable and Fun

Pontoon rentals in Miami are great for casual cruising and bigger groups. They are typically quite affordable and easy to stop and jump off for swimming breaks and sunbathing on deck. Pontoon rentals in Miami start at $100/hour, so they are also a very affordable option, especially when you divide up the cost amongst your crew.

Self-Drive Boats: Sober Fun

Bareboat or self-drive boats that you can rent on your own are perfect for smaller, intimate groups on a budget. You can rent boats in Miami for as little as $49/hour, make sure someone in your group has boating experience and is okay with being a sober driver. You'll get a chance to see the highlights of Miami from the water without breaking the bank.

Luxury Yachts: All Eyes on You

If your group has money to spend, consider booking a luxury yacht rental for your bachelorette boat party. Cruise in opulence around the Miami skyline and hot spots. Most luxury yacht charters in Miami come with lily pads, tubes, and other float toys, sometimes even jet skis!

You'll feel like queens cruising around on your yacht, stopping at sandbars in style. You can also book a boat for an overnight Miami weekend yacht cruise, sleeping onboard in fully-equipped cabins.

We had an amazing time! Alex was a great captain, he was on time, communicative, a good driver, professional and fun! We came for a bachelorette and we were able to fully celebrate on the went to a small beach we anchored at. So glad we make a playlist and for Alex’s awesome speakers!

Sail Boats: Slow Sunset Views

Would your group rather cruise by wind power? Consider a sailing tour around Miami. A skipper will sail you on a catamaran and or monohull sailboat and provide a chill boating experience from Miami. Sail around the sandbars and islands, cruise into the open ocean, and relax on your sailboat with your best friends. Sunset sailing tours are a great option too.

Group Boat Rides: Honorable Mention

If you're on a tight budget or planning your boat cruise very last-minute, you have the option of booking individual tickets on a group boat tour in Miami. Party boats and cruises with other visitors can be an incredible experience.

They’re great for groups of social girls looking to meet new people during their bachelorette party, and there is usually a great crew and bartenders on board to make sure your cup stays full and that everyone has a great time.

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Miami Sandbars for Bachelorette Boat Parties

Miami is a beloved boating destination for all the fun islands and sandbars you can hop around to during your party. What’s a boat party if you can’t hop out and swim? You're likely to encounter other bachelorette groups and other boaters out enjoying the sunshine and stopping for a sandbar party. Some food and drink vendors will even deliver food to your boat.

Some of the top sandbars and islands to stop at in Miami by boat include:

  • Haulover Sandbar: Off the coast of Haulover Beach and Bal Harbour Beach
  • Nixon Sandbar: Off the coast of Key Biscayne
  • Islamorada Sandbar: Along the Whale Harbor Channel

All are great options for bachelorette parties looking to blast some great music and dance on board or meet other people who pull in on their boats. The best islands in Miami have crystal clear water perfect for a quick swim or stopping for a dance party on your boat. It's a great way to get into the social atmosphere of Miami during the daytime, and you'll want to continue parting well into the night.

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On Land Itinerary

Once you're ready to get back to land, there's so much to do in Miami to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Restaurants

  • Wet Dreams: R-rated shaped donuts? Say no more.
  • Baoli Miami: Located in Mid-Beach, this place is a restaurant, bar, and nightclub all in one.
  • Kiki on the River: Greek food overlooking the Miami River
  • Little Bayside Grill: A stunning view from the Belle Isle
  • The Rusty Pelican: Seafood and waterfront views on Virginia Key
  • Whiskey Joe's: American food and a view
  • Area 31: A view of the Miami skyline and gorgeous plated meals

Nightlife

There’s no shortage of nightlife in Miami. Bars, clubs, speakeasies - you name it. Check out this Miami Beach Restaurant Guide for more insights! Here are a few Miami bachelorette favorites:

  • LIV Miami: Miami’s most famous nightclub. No shortage of celebs and long lines here.
  • E11even: 24/7 clubbing? In Miami, you have the option.
  • STORY: 27,000 square-foot club with bottle service and a large dance floor
  • Club Space: Techno music until the sun comes up
  • Rosa Sky: A rooftop bar with amazing cocktails. Make sure to reserve a table.

Beaches

Miami is home to world-famous beaches with pristine sand and a party vibe anywhere. Here are a few of the best options for bachelorette parties:

  • South Beach: Miami’s crown jewel of beaches. Nightlife is a few minutes walk away!
  • 12th Street Beach: Clean, quiet, and conveniently located, this is one of Miami’s best beaches for parties that want a little space to spread out.
  • Haulover Beach Park: After you party at the sandbar, relax and soak up some rays at Haulover Beach.

Let Getmyboat Help Plan Your Trip

Planning a bachelorette party is a big responsibility - but by choosing things to do that everyone loves, you'll be able to pull off a Miami itinerary that everyone will be talking about for ages.

Yacht and boat charters are the most popular choice for bachelorettes headed to Miami Beach. On your private party yacht, you can drink and dance the day away, stopping at sandbars and islands and admiring the Miami skyline from the water. And what if we told you, you could book the whole boat day right from your phone with the Getmyboat mobile app?