Vista Yachts – Yacht Charters & Boat Rental

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 to rent a livery vessel other than a human-powered vessel. Florida sets no general minimum age to operate a boat, but a personal watercraft operator must be at least 14.

Under section 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must carry the required boating safety credentials. An exemption applies when accompanied by a credentialed or exempt person age 18 or older who is attendant to the operation and responsible for safe operation and violations. The rental operator sets its own booking minimum subject to state law, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida does not issue a boating license, but operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry photo ID and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating education card when running a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft. There is no general minimum age for boats; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, and no one under 18 may rent any vessel other than a human powered one. Exemptions include Coast Guard licensed masters, private lake or pond operators, operators accompanied aboard by someone 18 or older who holds the card or is exempt and is responsible for the vessel, and nonresidents with proof of a NASBLA-approved out of state course. Any non exempt operator may instead pass an FWC approved temporary certificate exam and carry that certificate with photo ID for 90 days.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

From Doral, use Gerry Curtis Park for the Miami River, or Pelican Harbor, Watson Island or Crandon Park for Biscayne Bay. The Miami River is an urban route with drawbridges and strong ebb currents around bends. Biscayne Bay is the broader small-boat choice but is shallow, especially in its upper reaches.

Pelican Harbor suits Intracoastal Waterway cruising, Watson Island provides access to Miami’s downtown harbor, and Crandon places you by Key Biscayne. Follow marked channels around shoals and shallow cuts. The Intracoastal offers an inshore route, while the channel at Haulover Inlet leads toward open Atlantic water.

Source: City of Miami (miami.gov)

After launching on Biscayne Bay, boaters from Doral can make day trips to Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key and Adams Key in Biscayne National Park. Boca Chita is the park’s most visited island, with a harbor, ornamental lighthouse and short walking trail. Elliott Key draws visitors for its marina, picnic areas, wildlife watching and hiking trail. Adams Key offers a quieter daytime stop, with a picnic pavilion and a short trail through tropical hardwood hammock.

Source: National Park Service (home.nps.gov)