In every price
A captain (and on most yachts a stewardess or mate), fuel, taxes, a cooler with water, ice and sodas, towels, a water mat, Bluetooth sound and party lights. Each boat lists exactly what’s on board.
Plan & book
Let’s plan your day on the water.
Send the concierge your boat, date and group, and we’ll confirm availability and lock it in with a small deposit. Prefer to talk? Call or text any time.
Good to know
Deposits, weather & changing plans
Deposit & balance
Your deposit, from $300 to $1,500 depending on the yacht, reserves the boat and time slot. The balance is paid in person on the day, plus a refundable security hold set by the owner. A 10–15% crew tip is suggested, never required.
Weather
Refunds are issued only if the captain decides it’s unsafe to depart because of severe weather or a mechanical issue. Light rain, clouds or mild wind aren’t reasons to cancel.
- 14+ days before
Your deposit isn’t lost. Reschedule on the same yacht within a year, or transfer the booking to a friend or family member.
- Within 14 days
The deposit is forfeited to cover the owner’s preparation and scheduling.
- Day of, not boarding
The deposit is non-refundable and goes toward crew and preparation (captain and stewardess).
FAQ
Renting a boat in Florida
The questions we hear most. Anything else, the concierge is a call away.
(305) 857-5723
How does renting a boat with Good Times Charters work?
Good Times Charters is a booking platform that puts you in contact with a carefully vetted network of boat owners and captains. The boats we list live up to our standards for reliability, hygiene and safety. We do the work, so you don’t have to.
Once the deposit is paid, the boat is booked and assigned to you on the date and time slot you selected. You’ll get a confirmation from Good Times Charters with instructions for the day. A few days before the charter, the owner will ask you to review and sign a bareboat charter agreement and select the crew from our network. A bareboat charter is a boat rental agreement where the renter has full control of and responsibility for the vessel, including navigation and crew management.
Will I need to pay anything else on the day of the charter?
Besides the balance of your charter, most owners ask for a fully refundable security deposit or hold on a credit card. The amount depends on the size of the boat (the bigger the boat, the more it costs to replace something that breaks) and is stated in your contract.
A tip for the crew is encouraged: 10% to 15% is suggested, never enforced.
Is my charter insured?
All our boats carry bareboat charter insurance from start to finish. You can also buy additional coverage through buoy.rent.
Do I need boating experience to book?
No. Every rental includes a hired captain as part of the bareboat charter agreement, and the cost of the captain and mate is already in the price. Good Times Charters connects you with the best network of captains and mates in Miami.
Are the boats equipped with life jackets and safety gear?
Yes. All our boats hold a current certification from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which means enough personal flotation devices for adults and children, fire extinguishers, a visual distress signal, a sound-producing device, lighting and everything else required for the boat’s size. Every boat also carries a first aid kit.
Can I change the route or destination during my charter?
Absolutely. Cruise wherever you like, as long as there’s enough time to get back to port before your charter ends.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. Every boat is stocked with fresh ice, water and soft drinks. You’re welcome to bring your own food and alcoholic beverages, and we can put you in touch with local catering companies. Please drink responsibly: safety first.
Do you offer instruction for first-time renters?
The boat rules are in the contract from the owner, and your captain goes over them, plus all the safety instructions, before you leave the dock, so you and your guests are safe for the whole trip.
What should I do if there’s an emergency on board?
Stay calm and listen to the captain and crew. They will notify the authorities, follow safety protocols, use the equipment on board, give first aid if needed and keep the boat visible with lights, flares or distress signals. Stay on board if possible and follow the radio for instructions.