Miami and Palm Beach Yacht Guide: Season, Marinas, and Local Brokerage Tips
Miami and Palm Beach Yacht Guide
This guide is for yacht buyers, sellers, and seasonal cruisers evaluating Miami yachts for sale or considering Palm Beach yachts for sale as part of a South Florida purchase decision. Whether you’re shopping for a slip, planning marina logistics, or timing your entry into the Florida yacht season, this hub helps you understand how Miami and Palm Beach differ and which region best fits your cruising goals, service expectations, and resale plans.
Season Calendar
Boat shows to anchor around:
+ Miami International Boat Show (February)
+ Palm Beach International Boat Show (March)
Both attract global buyers and drive short-term market urgency.
Season |
Notes |
| October-April | Prime season; boat shows, brokerage activity, strong charter traffic |
| May-July | Favorable weather and lighter marina pressure |
| August-September | Hurricane monitoring period; haul-outs and maintenance windows |
Marinas and Berths
Miami is built for convenience and proximity to nightlife, with slips near beaches, dining, and international air access. Popular options include:
+ Island Gardens Deep Harbour: Megayacht capacity, downtown adjacency
+ Miami Beach Marina: Access to the Atlantic in minutes
+ Haulover Marine Center: Convenient for service and dry storage
Palm Beach caters to owners seeking privacy, security, and refined yachting services:
+ Rybovich Superyacht Marina: Tier-one service and refit access
+ Palm Harbor Marina: Protected berths and deep-water access
+ Sailfish Marina: Gateway to The Bahamas and offshore routes
Fees and Procedures
Slip rates vary by location, length, and season. Expect:
+ Peak season premiums from October–April
+ Insurance verification for vessels over 50ft
+ Advance dockage reservations for yachts over 100ft at Rybovich or Island Gardens
+ Pilot fees and bridge considerations for inland routes
Buyers and sellers should clarify berth transfer rights before closing, as these can materially affect negotiation leverage in popular marinas.
Routes and Itineraries
+ Miami → Key West: 120 NM of protected cruising
+ Palm Beach → Abacos, Bahamas: 60 NM Gulf Stream hop
+ Miami → Fort Lauderdale → Palm Beach: Ideal for sea trials and brand comparisons
South Florida’s dense marina network allows efficient multi-day viewing tours with a broker.
Local Survey and Service Resources
Miami and Palm Beach host:
+ Yard facilities for haul-outs, paint, electrical, and mechanical work
+ Surveyors familiar with European, American, and production-build systems
+ Brands with dedicated hubs for Princess, Sunseeker, Azimut, Ferretti, and Catamarans
Palm Beach is often preferred for refits and quiet storage, while Miami excels in rapid access to parts, crew, and suppliers.
Specs or Quick Facts
Category |
Miami |
Palm Beach |
| Vibe | Luxury + nightlife | Private + refined |
| Access | Airport + downtown proximity | Quieter channels, easy Bahamas access |
| Buyer Profile | International + chater-focused | Seasonal residents + long-range cruisers |
| Best Fit | Turnkey lifestyle ownership | Discreet berthing and long-term care |
Key Questions Buyers Ask
+ Which market moves yachts faster, Miami or Palm Beach?
+ How competitive are slip rates in the high season?
+ Where should I sea trial if I want both coastal and offshore conditions?
+ Are surveyors and refit facilities available nearby?
+ Should I list or shop before the Miami or Palm Beach boat shows?
Decision Factors and Tradeoffs
Choose Miami if:
+ You want global visibility and fast brokerage activity
+ Charter and lifestyle amenities matter
+ You need international travel access
Choose Palm Beach if:
+ You prioritize privacy and maintenance facilities
+ You plan long-range cruising to the Bahamas
+ You value berthing stability and less crowding
Cost and Timelines
+ Viewing tours: 1–3 days
+ Survey + sea trial: 7–14 days
+ Closing: typically 30–90 days, depending on vessel size and paperwork
+ Seasonal dockage: increased rates during February–April show circuit
What to do Next
1. Browse Miami and Palm Beach yachts for sale to compare features and pricing.
2. Connect with a local broker who can coordinate showings and sea trials.
3. Attend a regional boat show for maximum inventory exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this take?
Most South Florida transactions close in 30–90 days, depending on survey schedules, title checks, and insurance approvals.
What does it cost?
Ownership varies by yacht size, slip rates, and season. Dockage and insurance typically peak from October–April.
What are common mistakes?
Ignoring seasonal marina rates, underestimating survey lead time, or choosing based solely on marina glamour rather than usage patterns.
How do I compare options?
Use Yachtr’s filters to benchmark location, slip access, and resale comps or consult a broker for a tailored analysis.