The term bareboat charter can be confusing. It may sound as though a yacht is handed over with no captain, no assistance, and no amenities. In Miami, however, the term usually describes the legal structure of the rental—not the type of experience you have on the water.

A properly structured bareboat charter gives the person signing the agreement, known as the charterer, temporary control of the vessel during the charter period. The charterer has the right to select the captain and crew. Most guests still choose a qualified professional captain, so they can relax and enjoy the trip rather than operate a large motor yacht themselves.

What does “bareboat charter” actually mean?

In a bareboat or demise charter, the vessel owner temporarily transfers possession and control of the yacht to the charterer. One of the most important parts of this arrangement is that the charterer—not the yacht owner or booking company—has the final right to choose the captain.

Aura presents qualified captain and crew options during the booking process. The charterer selects and approves the captain and crew for the trip. Any captain and crew used for the charter must satisfy the applicable licensing, experience, insurance, and vessel-specific requirements.

Does bareboat mean you have to drive the yacht?

No. A bareboat charter does not automatically mean that you must operate the yacht yourself.

Aura does not offer self-operated yacht rentals, and guests are not permitted to drive the vessels themselves. Every trip must be operated by a qualified professional captain approved for the selected yacht. During booking, the charterer selects and approves the captain and crew from the qualified options presented for that vessel. This allows the group to focus on the celebration, sightseeing, swimming, music, and time together.

The selected captain remains responsible for safe navigation. Your preferred route can be discussed in advance, but the final itinerary may need to change because of weather, marine traffic, bridge conditions, water depth, charter duration, or other safety considerations.

Why do some Miami yacht charters allow up to 13 people?

Federal rules distinguish between crew-provided charters and valid bareboat charters. On many uninspected vessels under 100 gross tons, a crew-provided charter is generally limited to six passengers. A properly structured bareboat charter may carry up to 12 passengers plus the charterer, subject to the approved capacity of the specific vessel.

This is why you may see an advertised maximum of 13 people for some Miami yacht rentals. The total is not simply 13 interchangeable passengers: one person signs as the charterer, and the remaining members of the group are passengers. The selected captain and mate serve as crew rather than members of the guest party.

Vessel capacity still matters. A yacht cannot carry more people than its approved safe capacity, even when the bareboat structure would otherwise permit a larger group.

What is the charterer responsible for?

The charterer has more authority than a guest on a traditional crew-provided trip, but that authority comes with responsibilities. Depending on the agreement, these may include:

• Selecting and approving the captain and crew
• Making sure the guest count remains within the permitted limit
• Completing the charter agreement, waivers, and required safety documents
• Following vessel rules and the captain’s safety instructions

The charter agreement controls the specific responsibilities for each booking. Guests should review it carefully and ask questions before departure.

What can you expect when booking with Aura?

Aura’s team guides guests through the process so the legal structure does not make the experience feel complicated. You choose a yacht, date, start time, and preferred type of itinerary. The charterer then reviews the required documents and selects and approves the captain and crew for the trip.

Aura charters generally provide the amenities guests expect for a private Miami yacht experience, including local fuel, ice, water, coolers, a Bluetooth sound system, and a floating water mat, depending on the selected vessel and booking. Captain and mate arrangements are confirmed separately in accordance with the charter documents.

You can bring food, snacks, and permitted beverages. Exact inclusions and onboard rules can vary by yacht, so review the listing and confirmation details for the vessel you select.

Bareboat charter questions

• How are the captain and crew selected?

Aura presents qualified captain and crew options that meet the requirements of the selected vessel. The charterer reviews the available options and selects and approves the captain and crew for the trip. Guests are not permitted to operate the yacht themselves.

• Can our group have 13 guests plus the person who signs?

No. When a vessel is advertised for up to 13 people under this structure, that generally means 12 passengers plus one charterer, subject to the yacht’s approved capacity. It does not mean 13 passengers plus an additional charterer.

• Can we choose our itinerary?

You can request the experience and destinations you prefer. The selected captain will confirm what is practical and safe based on the departure marina, charter length, weather, traffic, and water conditions.

• Is a bareboat charter less luxurious?

No. “Bareboat” is a legal and operational term. It does not mean the yacht lacks luxury features or that you will be left without professional assistance.

Plan your Miami yacht charter

Understanding the bareboat structure helps you book with confidence, especially when planning a trip for more than six people. Explore Aura’s yacht fleet, review our daytime Miami yacht charters, or visit our frequently asked questions before reserving your trip.