Last verified: August 2026
Quick answer
There is no single Miami inclusion standard. A quote may include captain, crew, local fuel, water, ice, towels, and basic floating equipment—or may treat several of those as separate. Tax, gratuity, catering, alcohol, premium toys, dock fees, and overtime frequently require explicit confirmation.
| Item | Possible treatment | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Captain and crew | Included or separately contracted/paid | Who provides and pays them? |
| Fuel | Local cruising included, allowance, or separate | Which route and speed are covered? |
| Water, ice, towels | Often included, but quantities vary | How much is provided? |
| Mats and basic toys | Included on some yachts | Which items are operational that day? |
| Tax and gratuity | Often additional | What rate or policy applies? |
| Jet skis and premium toys | Usually optional or conditional | Price, license, age, weather, and availability? |
| Dock, landing, cleaning | Included or separate | Which locations and conditions trigger fees? |
| Overtime | Separate hourly rate | How is partial time billed? |
What is the difference between the quote and total commitment?
The quote may start with vessel time; the commitment includes every required charge and accepted term.
Ask for a written breakdown before paying. If a line is unknown, it should remain explicitly pending rather than silently assumed.
Are captain and crew included?
Sometimes, but the operating arrangement determines how they are selected, contracted, and paid.
Confirm the licensed captain requirement, crew count, payment path, and gratuity treatment. Do not use a generic ‘captain included’ claim across all charters.
What does ‘fuel included’ mean?
It should mean the written quote covers fuel for a defined operating plan—not unlimited distance, speed, or route changes.
Some quotes include local cruising fuel; others use allowances or separate fuel charges. The route, speed, vessel, generator use, and repositioning can affect the answer. Define the intended itinerary, allowance, exclusions, and change conditions in writing.
Are food and drinks included?
Water and ice may be standard, while catering and alcohol are commonly separate or arranged under vessel rules.
Confirm outside-food policy, glass restrictions, refrigeration, delivery timing, cleanup, and any service fee.
Are jet skis and water toys included?
Basic mats or noodles may be included; powered or premium equipment often is not.
Availability can depend on vessel equipment, licensing, age, weather, anchorage, insurance, and a separate operator.
What to ask before you book
- Exact vessel, date, duration, route, and guest count
- Captain and crew selection and cost
- Fuel allowance and exclusions
- Tax, gratuity, dock, cleaning, and administrative fees
- Water, ice, towels, food, drink, and catering
- Exact toys, licenses, and weather conditions
- Overtime and cancellation terms
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask before paying a Miami yacht deposit?
Ask for the exact vessel, operating party, approved guest count, complete cost breakdown, inclusions, exclusions, cancellation and weather terms, and the written steps that create confirmation.