Catamaran rental in Miami: what it costs and when it beats a yacht
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A catamaran rental in Miami costs from about $219 an hour for a 38 ft cruising catamaran to $700 to $1,500 an hour for a large party catamaran, based on prices listed in 2026. YATR lists 40 to 65 ft catamarans from $500 an hour with a captain. The big reason to choose one: some Miami party catamarans are certified to carry 40 to 100 guests, where most yachts stop at 13.
On this page
Miami catamaran prices
| Catamaran | Listed price | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| Leopard 38 (cruising) | from $219 an hour | small group |
| 40–65 ft catamarans (YATR) | from $500 an hour | 10–30 |
| Large party catamarans | from $700 an hour | up to 42–49 |
| 50 ft party catamaran | $1,200 an hour, 4-hour minimum | party group |
| 60 ft sunset cruise with open bar | $1,500 an hour | party group |
Sources: Getmyboat Miami catamaran listings and YATR, checked October 15, 2026. One party catamaran listing includes a captain, a mate and a bartender; ask what each listing includes.
How many guests can a catamaran carry?
It depends on the vessel's paperwork, not just its size. The U.S. Coast Guard requires a Certificate of Inspection for any vessel carrying more than six passengers for hire (U.S. Coast Guard). Inspected party catamarans can be certified for large groups: Miami Charters lists catamarans for 42, 49 and 100 guests, plus smaller ones for 23 to 25.
A catamaran that is not inspected for more passengers has the same limit as any charter yacht. Before you book for a big group, ask for the passenger number on the Certificate of Inspection. For other options, see yachts for more than 13 guests.
Catamaran vs motor yacht
| Catamaran | Motor yacht | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride | Twin hulls: less rocking, stable at anchor | Faster; can roll more at anchor |
| Space | Wide decks and trampolines for the size | More enclosed salon and cabins |
| Big groups | Some are certified for 40–100 guests | Most charter yachts limited to 13 |
| Price, 13 guests | From about $219–500 an hour | 50–59 ft: $1,700–3,800 for 4 hours (Yachts Miami Vice) |
YATR describes catamarans as offering "exceptional stability (less rocking)" and a smooth ride in choppier conditions, which helps anyone prone to seasickness.
When to choose a catamaran
- Your group is over 13 and you would rather be together on one boat than split across two yachts.
- Someone gets seasick, or you have young children: the twin hull is steadier at the sandbar.
- You want deck space for sunbathing and dancing more than an air-conditioned salon.
- You want to sail: some catamarans are sailing boats, a quieter way to cruise Biscayne Bay.
Choose a motor yacht instead if you want speed for a longer run (to Key Biscayne and back, or along Miami Beach), an enclosed cabin, or a more formal setting.
Tips before booking
- Confirm the passenger certificate for groups over 13.
- Check the minimum: party catamarans often require 4 hours.
- Ask about the bar: some include a bartender or open bar; others are bring-your-own.
- Compare totals: gratuity, tax and platform fees are often extra on marketplace listings.
FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a catamaran in Miami?
Listed Miami prices run from about $219 an hour for a 38 ft cruising catamaran to $700 to $1,500 an hour for large party catamarans, often with a 4-hour minimum. YATR lists 40 to 65 ft catamarans from $500 an hour with a captain.
How many people fit on a catamaran in Miami?
It depends on the vessel's Coast Guard certificate. Smaller catamarans take a small group; inspected party catamarans in Miami are listed for 42, 49 and even 100 guests. Always check the passenger number on the Certificate of Inspection.
Is a catamaran cheaper than a yacht in Miami?
Per hour, smaller catamarans usually are: from about $219 to $500 an hour, against $1,700 to $3,800 for 4 hours on a 50 to 59 ft motor yacht. For large groups, a certified party catamaran is often cheaper per person than booking two yachts.
How much is it to rent a catamaran for a week?
Weekly crewed catamaran charters are priced differently from Miami day trips. In the Bahamas, 12knots' data puts a typical 40 to 50 ft yacht at about $7,420 to $13,070 a week, and new catamarans and crewed charters can cost well above that. See our guide to renting a yacht for a week.
Sources
Pages we used for the figures in this guide, last checked Oct 15, 2026. Operator and marketplace price lists are their own published figures; rules and fees come from official government sources.
- Getmyboat: Cruising catamaran rentals in Miami (listed hourly prices, capacities, minimums)
- YATR: Miami boat rental (catamaran prices and sizes)
- Miami Charters: Party catamarans (guest capacities)
- Yachts Miami Vice: Yacht rental prices Miami 2026 (Aug 14, 2026)
- 12knots: How much does it cost to rent a yacht for a week (Oct 6, 2026; 40–50 ft sample)
- U.S. Coast Guard: Illegal charter press release (passenger-for-hire rules), May 8, 2025
Prices on this page are estimates from published sources, not quotes or offers. Yacht prices change with the season, the day of the week, the yacht and availability; only the booking confirmation from the operator or booking platform is binding. Rules and taxes shown are general information, not legal or tax advice.