Yacht Party in Miami for More Than 13 Guests: The Rules, the Options and How to Plan It
Planning a Miami yacht party for 13 or more guests? Coast Guard rules, certified vessels and two-yacht plans explained. Reply within 15 minutes.
Many groups find out late that a yacht which looks big enough cannot legally take everyone. In Miami, the number of guests a charter yacht may carry depends on its U.S. Coast Guard status, not its length. Here is how the rules work in plain words, what your options are for 13 or more guests and how we plan a party that keeps the whole group together.
Call 305-465-5555 or WhatsApp wa.me/13054655555. A real person replies within 15 minutes.
Why 13 guests is the turning point
- A charter yacht that is not inspected by the Coast Guard can carry no more than 12 passengers, and sometimes fewer, depending on how the charter is set up.
- From 13 passengers up, the vessel must be inspected. It needs a Certificate of Inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard, which states the maximum number of passengers it may carry.
- Crew are not counted as passengers. The limit refers to your guests.
- Children count as passengers. Every guest aboard is part of the number.
Booking a yacht that is not certified for your group puts the charter, your safety and your insurance at risk. We confirm the certified limit in writing before you book.
Your options for a large group
Option 1: one larger certified vessel
For groups of 13 or more, we arrange larger licensed vessels, inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for your group size. This keeps everyone on one deck, with one DJ, one bar and one group photo. See our page on a Miami yacht charter for 20 guests.
Option 2: two yachts cruising together
For some groups, two yachts cruising together is the better plan. Each yacht stays within its own limit, and one concierge coordinates both: the boarding time, the route, the meeting point on the water and the food on each boat. Many groups love it: two decks, two playlists and a meeting point at the sandbar when conditions allow.
Option 3: a yacht plus a villa party
Some celebrations work best as a yacht day for the core group and a party at a waterfront villa for everyone. See our villa collection.
How it works
- Send the date, the exact headcount and the occasion.
- We reply within 15 minutes with honest options: one certified vessel or two yachts together.
- We confirm the certified passenger limit in writing for every vessel.
- We plan the day: catering, drinks, music, a sprinter to bring the whole group to the marina and the route.
- One concierge stays on call for both yachts, until everyone is back at the dock.
Popular large-group occasions
- Bachelor and bachelorette weekends. See bachelorette yacht parties in Miami.
- Milestone birthdays. See birthday yachts in Miami.
- Company days and client events. See corporate yacht charters in Miami.
- Family reunions and holiday weekends.
Tips for a smooth big-group day
- Count exactly. Give us the final headcount, including children, before we confirm.
- Plan the transport. A sprinter or a few cars keep the group together and on time.
- Board on time. Large groups take longer to board, so arrive 15 minutes early.
- Split costs simply. See our guide to splitting a yacht charter cost.
Off-market vessels for large groups
Certified vessels for larger groups book early on weekends and event weeks. Through trusted owners we also have access to Off-market yachts that are never listed online. Ask us early and we show you every option. Browse our yacht charters and our personal concierge service.
Send your date and headcount on our enquiry page or call or WhatsApp 305-465-5555. We reply within 15 minutes.
FAQ
Can you have a yacht party for more than 13 guests in Miami?
Yes, on a vessel inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for that number of passengers, or by splitting the group across two yachts cruising together.
Why are many yachts limited to 12 guests?
Under federal rules, a charter yacht that is not inspected by the Coast Guard can carry no more than 12 passengers, and sometimes fewer. Carrying 13 or more requires an inspected vessel with a Certificate of Inspection.
Is the crew counted in the guest limit?
No. The limit refers to passengers. Every guest, including children, counts.
How do I know a yacht is certified for my group?
We confirm the vessel's certified passenger limit in writing before you book.
Can two yachts stay together for the day?
Yes. One concierge coordinates both yachts: boarding, route, meeting points and food.
How early should we book for a large group?
As early as you can. Certified vessels for larger groups are the first to book on weekends and event weeks.
