FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We offer extraordinary adventures and long lasting memories.

Here are some common questions people often ask about your yacht charter day, how to prepare, and what to expect.

Can I speak to a yacht charter specialist?

Yes of course, We're here to serve you during our normal business hours of 8AM-8PM daily, and via SMS: 954-732-7931 after hours. Or if you'd prefer, please inquire via our Contact page.

  • Can I invite more than 13 guests?

    No, you can't. (Unless stated on the yacht bio) The US Coast Guard rules state that when you rent a private yacht, you can only have a maximum of 12 guests, 13 including yourself. This limit applies whether you are cruising, anchored, or tied to a dock or another yacht. If your group is larger than 13 people, you will need to rent multiple yachts.

    How come some boats have a maximum capacity of 12 passengers and others even less?

    Years ago, the US and other yachting hotspots made laws to protect local boat makers and passenger safety. One of these laws, called the Jones Act, stated that a boat cant have more than 6 or 12 paying passengers unless it is Coast Guard inspected. There are many factors to decide if a boat can have up to 6 or 12 passengers for hire, but most yachting spots allow up to 12 guests unless the boat is Coast Guard certified for more.

    VERY IMPORTANT - DO NOT SHOW UP ON THE DAY OF THE CHARTER WITH MORE THAT 13 GUESTS AND BEG THE CREW FOR AN EXCEPTION. MORE THAN 13 WILL NOT HAPPEN

  • What's the process to book?

    To book your reservation, you need to pay a 50% deposit of the total boat rental cost. You can only pay using a credit or debit card, Zelle or CashApp. If the vessel is under 70 feet, you must pay the full amount 48 hours before the departure date. If the vessel is 70 feet or larger, you must pay the full amount 72 hours before the departure date.

    How do I pay my final balance?

    The credit or Debit card on file is used to furnish your final payment balance 48 / 72 hours prior to your departure date. If the card on file for any reason declines, charter can be forfeited for failure to administer payment in full prior to the departure and all payments made will not be refunded

    What if I miss the 48 hour final payment date?

    Failure to pay in full by the designated time will result in the cancellation of your reservation and the loss of all payments made

    What is a Charter Agreement?

    A Charter Agreement is a legal document between the broker, customer, owner, and crew that states the important terms of your yacht rental. It includes details like the yacht's features, travel date, planned locations, pickup and drop-off information, insurance, and cancellation rules

    Do Liability Waivers Need To Be Signed By all Guests?

    Yes, All passengers wishing to board the yacht must sign a liability waiver.

    Do I need to have a credit or debit card on file?

    Yes, there are several reasons for this. It guarantees that your reservation is secure. It also covers the remaining payment 48 to 72 hours before your departure. Furthermore, certain boats may ask for an security deposit to cover potential damages, but you will receive a full refund if no damages occur during your rental

    Why do you charge a security deposit?

    A damage deposit is held for any damage or excessive cleaning associated with the charter. If there is no damage, the damage deposit will be refunded at the end of the charter.

    Do I need to have an ID and the credit card used at booking to get on the yacht on the day of my charter?

    Yes, the card used to make the booking and your matching ID must be brought in person on the day of the charter

    Why is there a 3.5% credit card convenience charge?

    We care a lot about keeping your information private and secure at South Beach Yacht Charters. To handle credit card transactions, we work with a highly reputable company that is well-known worldwide. We don't keep any of your sensitive payment information on our servers, and we follow the strictest requirements to ensure your safety. The 3.5% fee helps us cover the cost of credit card processing.

    Do you accept cash?

    No, We're completely digital, with the exception of wire, ACH, and RTP for charters over $10,000. The booking process takes place virtually. If you'd like to give a gratuity to your crew in addition to the included tip, cash is appropriate, although most have the ability to accept digital gratuities.

    Do you accept virtual credit cards or gift cards?

    No, We do not accept virtual credit cards or gift cards that do not display card information. Card number, expiration date, CVC number, and name of authorized cardholder must be displayed on the card used and brought in person the day of your charter to board your charter vessel

    Can I split the payment between 2 of my credit cards or with someone else?

    No, We do not accept split payments from multiple parties’ credit cards or from multiple cards from the same person. All credit card payments must be from 1 primary charter guest on 1 credit card only.

  • A Tip is included in the final price at checkout for your convenience. Many people don't realize there's a distinction between tips and a gratuity. Tips are To Insure Prompt Service and a Gratuity is a thank you, Our crew provides excellent service even though tips are already included. You are welcome to add a gratuity to say thank you via your credit card or give it directly to the captain at the end of your charter. The captain will ensure that any gratuities are divided evenly among the crew.

  • You can cancel your charter up to 48 hours (2 business days) before the scheduled date. Send us a written notice, which can be done by email. If you cancel before the 48-hour mark, we will refund your payment, minus a 15% processing fee. However, if you cancel within (less than) 48 hours of the charter date, no refund will be given and the full charter balance will be charged

    What if there is hazardous weather at the time of my departure?

    We do offer charter hazardous weather cancellation refunds and charter rescheduling without additional fees. Rain is not hazardous weather. Hazardous weather for the incense and purposes of this cancellation consists of High Winds of 30 mph or greater, Severe Thunderstorms : A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following: hail one inch or greater, winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), and / or waterspouts or tornados, (lightning is not a criteria for a severe thunderstorm as all thunderstorms produce lightning), and any weather event greater than what is listed here.

  • Unforgettable experiences, breathtaking tropical views, and stunning skylines

    Complimentary Iced Cooler, Bottled Water, and Canned Sodas for Mixers.

    Plastic ware - Cups, Plates, Utensils, and Napkins

    Kitchen Utensils - Knives, Cutting Boards, and Wine Openers

    Bathrooms. Please remember Do not to flush anything including the boat toilet paper. You can accidentally break the toilet by clogging it and you will be responsible for the cost to fix it

    Slow Speed Cruising on Local Inland Waters

  • Any additional food or beverage items you'd like *see restrictions under food

    Towels if you'd like to and plan on swimming.

    Sun Protection Sunscreen, Hats, long sleeves, sun glasses the sun is intense, especially when you're on the water. This can lead to fast sunburns.

    A change of clothing is highly recommended, having an extra set of clothes ensures you'll always feel fresh, comfortable and in some cases warm

    A phone charger. Although most of the boat will probably have one it is best for you to bring yours

  • We will not extend your charter over the contracted end time if you come late; the charter officially begins at the contracted start time. We recommend arriving no more than 15 minutes early. If the vessel is available to extend your charter and you choose to extend, a price adjustment can be made.

  • Yes, you are more than welcome to bring any additional food or beverage items you would like with you on the day of your charter. However, we do not allow red wine or any other foods or beverages that stain onboard. We do offer catering options in the event you would like us to supply food for your charter but will need a minimum of 24-hour notice.

    Can I bring a birthday cake?

    Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a birthday cake. However, do not bring an ice cream cake or ice cream, we do not have a freezer. And do not bring candles, we do not allow open flames onboard

  • No, For insurance reasons, cooking and grilling is not permitted by customers, however, microwaving is allowed.

  • Yes, However please remember that you are on a yacht. We kindly request that you refrain from using tape on the walls, applying glitter or confetti on the yacht (including on foods or in body lotion), and bringing balloons onto the outside decks. If you have any questions about specific items, please feel free to contact us.

  • Yes, feel free to bring your favorite playlist and device. You'll be able to listen to music on the boats system via AUX or Bluetooth. Although most of the yachts have the necessary cords I suggest you still bring your own

  • Yes, Kids are welcome, however, children must be supervised by an adult from the charter party at all times. It is not the responsibility of the crew. While a vessel is underway, children under the age of 7 are required by law to wear a life jacket. Please inquire with a yacht charter specialist to supply them with ages so we can accommodate with proper life vests. It is very important for you to mention children during the booking. If you show up on the day of the charter with children and the proper life jackets aren’t available the children will not be going onboard.

  • No, As much as we love our furry friends, pets are not permitted onboard any charter vessel for insurance, damage and future guest reasons.

  • No, Smoking is not permitted aboard , however, vape products that do not produce open flame may be allowed at the crew's discretion, please ask your captain before you smoke. Illegal substances are prohibited, and failure to comply will result in termination without a refund.

  • No, ABSOLUTELY NOT As long as cannabis is illegal federally, it's unlawful on yachts nationwide. If fact ALL ILLEGAL DRUGS of any kind ARE PROHIBITED. If the crew smell marijuana on any of your guests as they board or find out any or part of this rule is being broken, this is immediate grounds for the charter to be terminated without any refund

  • Pets are not allowed onboard

    Self-tanning oils or 'bronzers' not allowed onboard . They tend to stain the yacht's upholstery and are very difficult to remove.

    Black denim or colored jean articles of clothing not allowed onboard as the dyes can seep into the yachts upholstery when wet.

    Dyed hair/wigs/weaves not allowed onboard. The ink seeps out from moisture and humidity and can stain and damage the yacht

    Red wine or other obviously staining beverages not allowed onboard. When spilled they can damage and stain the yacht’s interior and upholstery.

    BBQ equipment, hookah, shisha, or other items that utilize open flames, gas, propane, coals, etc not allowed onboard .

    Glitter or Confetti either by itself or in foods or body lotions not allowed onboard.

    *****VERY IMPORTANT, If the charterer or any of their guests should damage upholstery, flooring, or any other surface with the dye from wet clothing, hair, beverages, or from smoking, or create damage in any way the CHARTERER will be charged to repair or replace the damaged items and or surfaces*****

  • No, Due to the sensitive nature of the yacht's flooring and deck, shoes are not to be worn onboard the boat.

  • Each Yacht is in different locations and when viewing the yachts you will see where they are located. When you book the yacht you will be sent a map of where the docking location is along with parking instruction.

    Please note that each yacht is located in different areas and if you choose a yacht from one location for another location there may be additional costs for yacht crew to travel. fuel and dockage for the picking up of your guests