Best Miami Boat Rentals Starting at $30/hr

Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay is Miami’s most popular body of water for boating, situated between Key Biscayne and Elliott Key, which is home to Biscayne National Park. Known as the largest marine park in the continental U.S., its home to Florida’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as active wildlife, turquoise waters, and more than a dozen shipwrecks. This area is ideal for families to go snorkeling, swimming, diving, and to see sea life.

• Moorage: Dockage is widely available at various marinas surrounding the bay, starting with Bal Harbour and Haulover Boat Ramp in the north, and Black Point Park and Marina in the south.

• Wake zone: Yes - in some areas

• Pro Tips: Be sure to check out Monty’s in Coconut Grove, or the Rusty Pelican, located on Virginia Key, to grab a bite to eat and enjoy views of Biscayne Bay.

• Hours: The Bay is open 24/7, with the waterway at its most crowded during the middle of the day on weekends.

• Lat/Long: 25.5722° N, 80.2321° W

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Stiltsville

Head south and check out Miami’s infamous Stiltsville, a small group of houses perched on stilts 10-feet above the water, said to be established in the 1930s. This is a protected park within Biscayne National Park, surrounded by calm waters that are buzzing with active sea life and tropical reefs. Raft-up parties frequently take place near Stiltsville, so plan for a party vibe if visiting on a Saturday or Sunday.

• Moorage: Key Biscayne Yacht Club or the Matheson Hammock Park & Marina are the closest locations for dockage in proximity to Stiltsville.

• Wake zone: No

• Pro Tips: Just north of Stiltsville, be sure to cruise by the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which is situated on the southern shores of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

• Hours: Biscayne National Park’s grounds at Convoy Point are open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm, with holiday hours varying.

• Lat/Long: 25.6546° N, 80.1744° W

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Elliott Key

Elliot Key is the most northern Florida Key in the chain and only accessible by boat. It is uninhabited, but does have a harbor, marina and campground facilities for overnight stays. This is a family-orientated destination, far from the Miami party scene and is a great staycation escape for a quick dose of island life. 

When finding a boat for rent, coordinate with the boat’s owner to see if he/she allows for multi-day bookings to allow for a camping experience on the island.

• Moorage: Elliott Key has a harbor with 33 boat slips available to hold two boats each. Other nearby dockage is available at Boca Chita Key Harbor.

• Wake zone: Yes - in some areas

• Pro Tips: Boaters can camp on Elliott Key and pay a $35 overnight docking fee. Be aware that at low tide, the Elliott Key harbor shifts to approximately 2.5-feet in depth.

• Hours: Navigable waters are open 24 hours a day, as are the camping facilities on Elliott Key and Boca Chica Key.

• Lat/Long: 25.4397° N, 80.2001° W

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