The Miami bachelorette boat day
A few hours on turquoise water is the part of the trip everyone remembers. Here's how to get it right.
The sandbars
Miami's best-known party spots on the water are its sandbars: shallow patches where boats anchor and people wade, float and hang out.
- Haulover Sandbar sits by Haulover Inlet in north Miami Beach. It's the lively one, and it gets crowded on weekends.
- Nixon Sandbar is off Key Biscayne, a short ride from mainland marinas, and it can feel a little calmer.
Sandbars are shallowest around low tide, so ask your captain to time the trip with the tides.
Picking a boat
- Headcount first. Many smaller charters can only carry six paying guests. Bigger groups need a larger boat licensed for more people, so give the exact number.
- Captain included. Book a charter with a licensed captain so nobody in your group has to drive.
- Know what's included: fuel, ice, coolers, a speaker, floats, towels, and how many hours you're actually on the water.
- Read the rules: ask about glass, food and decorations. Many boats want cans and plastic only, and confetti is a no on the water.
- Get it in writing: the meeting point, the start time and the weather policy.
Weather and timing
Summer afternoons in Miami often bring sudden thunderstorms, so a morning start is the safer bet. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If your trip falls in it, ask how the charter handles weather cancellations before you pay.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen, and one friend in charge of reapplying
- Hats and sunglasses with a strap
- More water than you think, plus snacks
- A waterproof phone pouch
- A cover-up and dry clothes for the ride back
- Photo props that won't blow away, like a bride sash or matching swimsuits
- Cash to tip the crew
Want us to book it?
Tick Boat day in the planning form on the home page and tell us the headcount and the date. A P* On Call planner will come back with options.
Quick answers
How long should the boat day be?
Around four hours suits most groups: enough for the sandbar and a cruise, with energy left for dinner.
Can we drink on the boat?
Guests 21 and over usually can on a charter with a captain, but every charter sets its own rules. Ask before you pack the cooler.
Want a planner to build it?
Send your dates and the crew on the home page. A P* On Call planner replies with a weekend plan you can change.