Motor Yacht Charter USA
From the protected waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the island chains of the Florida Keys, the United States offers motor yacht charterers a range of cruising grounds that few countries can match in sheer variety, infrastructure, and scale.
Motor Yachts Available in USA
Browse our selection of motor yachts available for charter in USA.
Crewed Motor Yacht Azimut 54
Azimut 54 · 2010
From
$3k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Marquis 43
Marquis 43
From
$3k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Marquis 40 SC
Marquis 40 SC · 2008
From
$3k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Uniesse 70
Uniesse 70 · 2008
From
$3k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Cranchi 43
Cranchi 43 · 2012
From
$4k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Azimut 42
Azimut 42 · 2003
From
$4k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Azimut 58
Azimut 58 · 2008
From
$4k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht C’EST LA VIE
Azimut 62 · 2005
From
$4k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Azimut 70
Azimut 70 · 2011
From
$5k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Joyce 84 Flybridge
Joyce 84 Flybridge · 2008
From
$6k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht DR NO
Ferretti 75 · 2011
From
$7k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Pershing 90`
Pershing 90
From
$7k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht Lazzara 84
Lazzara 84 · 2008
From
$8k/week
Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht CECE
Vanquish 45 · 2022
From
$23k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht ELLEON
Grand Banks 64 · 2003
From
$25k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht JUS CHILL`N
Cheoy Lee Bravo 84 · 2012
From
$30k/week
Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht SMART
Vanquish 40 · 2021
From
$30k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht NORTHERN LIGHT
Hatteras 74 · 1987
From
$30k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht CARPE DIEM
Lazarra 75 · 2007
From
$30k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht CORAGGIO
Lazzara 80 · 2004
From
$30k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht WHAT`S NEXT
Marlow 74 · 2004
From
$32k/week
Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht LION
Sunseeker 72 · 2006
From
$36k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht BEAR PAW
90ft Custom · 1967
From
$36k/week
Crewed Motor Yacht CINQUE MARE
Ferretti 880 · 2006
From
$40k/week
Other Vessel Types in USA
Chartering a motor yacht in the USA means choosing between very different experiences: the tidal creeks and colonial port towns of the Eastern Seaboard, the subtropical reef passages of South Florida, the glacier-fed fjords of Southeast Alaska, or the fog-wrapped headlands of coastal Maine. Each region has its own sailing character, its own provisioning culture, and its own pace. What connects them is an exceptionally well-developed marina network, strong regulatory clarity, and the kind of logistical reliability that charterers on complex itineraries genuinely depend on.
The American charter market supports an unusually broad fleet. Motor yachts from 42 to over 100 feet are available across the major departure hubs, from Fort Lauderdale and Miami in the south to Newport, Annapolis, and Seattle further north. Whether you are planning a ten-day Gulf Stream passage through the Bahamas and back, a week among the San Juan Islands, or a high-summer cruise along the Maine coast between Boothbay Harbor and Mount Desert Island, the right vessel exists in the fleet.
Why Charter in Motor Yacht charter in USA
The United States coastline runs to over 95,000 miles when you include tidal channels, bays, and island passages. For motor yacht charterers this translates into an almost unlimited choice of anchorage, with protected waterways that allow overnight runs in comfort and open-water passages for those who want them. The Intracoastal Waterway alone provides more than 3,000 miles of sheltered navigation along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, making it possible to move between states without exposure to offshore conditions.
Marina infrastructure in the US is among the best in the world. Superyacht-capable facilities at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale, Newport Shipyard in Rhode Island, and Roche Harbor in Washington State handle everything from routine provisioning to full refit. Fuel, water, shore power, and concierge services are standard at any major marina, and the density of fuel docks along the ICW means range anxiety is rarely a factor even on less fuel-efficient hulls.
The culinary geography of the American coast is underappreciated as a charter draw. Blue crab on the Chesapeake, stone crab claws in Biscayne Bay, lobster hauled aboard in Penobscot Bay, Dungeness crab in Puget Sound — each cruising ground has a distinct food identity that a good charter crew can integrate directly into the onboard experience. Local fish markets, farm stands accessible by dinghy, and waterfront restaurants that expect superyacht tenders at their docks all add texture to the itinerary.
Motor Yacht charter in USA Highlights
The Florida Keys, FL — A 120-mile arc of coral islands from Key Largo to Key West, with the only living reef system in the continental US. Motor yachts anchor off Looe Key or Hawks Channel while guests snorkel above staghorn coral, then transit to the famous docks at Key West Bight Marina for the evening.
Biscayne Bay, FL — The shallow, turquoise bay immediately south of Miami is ideal for tenders and water toys. Nixon's Beach and the Stiltsville structures are unique to this bay, and Miami's evening skyline makes for a rarely-equalled backdrop at anchor.
Chesapeake Bay, MD/VA — America's largest estuary, 200 miles long and lined with historic port towns including Annapolis, Oxford, and St Michaels. The bay's protected fetch suits motor yachts of all sizes and the blue crab season from May to October gives the table a clear regional identity.
Penobscot Bay and Mount Desert Island, ME — The most celebrated cruising ground on the Eastern Seaboard for a reason. Acadia National Park fronts directly onto the water, the granite headlands and spruce-covered islands create a landscape unlike anywhere further south, and the lobster eaten within sight of the trap boats that caught it needs no elaboration.
The San Juan Islands, WA — Sixty-odd islands in the protected waters between the Washington mainland and Vancouver Island, with Roche Harbor, Deer Harbor, and Friday Harbor as the principal stops. Orca sightings in Haro Strait are common enough in summer to be reliably factored into the itinerary.
Newport, RI — The historical centre of American yachting, with Bannister's Wharf and Newport Shipyard offering full superyacht services alongside the Gilded Age architecture of Bellevue Avenue. Sailing heritage, excellent restaurants, and straightforward connections to New York and Boston make it a practical base as well as a beautiful one.
Southeast Alaska — Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay — For charterers who want genuine wilderness, this fjord system delivers tidewater glaciers, brown bear on the shore, and humpback whales working the same bait balls as the fishing boats. Glacier Bay National Park requires an advance permit for access, so itinerary planning needs to begin months ahead.
When to Sail
The USA has no single sailing season because its cruising regions span subtropical Florida through subarctic Alaska. Timing depends almost entirely on which coast and which latitude you are targeting.
High Season (Jun-Sep)
Summer is peak season for New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska, where long days, settled winds, and manageable temperatures combine well. Maine averages 15 to 20 knot south-westerlies in July that make for comfortable coastal passages. The San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands see light winds and flat water most days, ideal for the stop-and-linger approach that suits motor yachts. In Florida and the Gulf Coast, summer is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorm activity from convective build-up; experienced crews manage this by running early and anchoring before midday storms develop. Hurricane season runs June through November in the Atlantic and Gulf, so comprehensive weather routing is non-negotiable for any Southern charter during this window.
Shoulder Season (May, Oct)
May and October are the sweet spots for Florida, the Bahamas run, and the Chesapeake. Temperatures are comfortable, anchorages are significantly less crowded than during the winter snowbird season, and the light on the water in both months is exceptional. October in New England catches the tail of summer warmth with the added draw of autumn colour along the forested shoreline — Acadia National Park viewed from the water in mid-October is a genuinely distinctive experience. May on the Pacific Coast offers the last of the stable pre-fog-season conditions before the summer northwesterlies strengthen along the California coast.
Choosing the Right Yacht
Motor yachts dominate charter demand in the USA for practical reasons. The distances between destinations along any interesting itinerary — 60 miles between Key West and Marathon, 40 miles across Penobscot Bay, 90 miles between Seattle and Roche Harbor — suit vessels that can cover ground comfortably at 18 to 24 knots without fatiguing guests. Flybridge motor yachts in the 55 to 80 foot range strike the most useful balance for groups of six to ten: enough deck space for entertaining, the fuel capacity to handle day passages without stress, and drafts that allow access to shallower anchorages that larger vessels cannot approach.
Seven Days in the Florida Keys by Motor Yacht
A suggested week-long charter route
Depart Fort Lauderdale (Bahia Mar or Port Everglades) in the morning, transiting south through Biscayne Bay. Anchor off Stiltsville for lunch — the seven remaining houses on stilts in the middle of the bay are a genuinely eccentric piece of American history. Continue south to anchor off Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park for the first night.
A 40-nautical-mile run south through Card Sound and into the upper Keys. Anchor off Islamorada in Florida Bay for snorkelling in the afternoon. Islamorada has a strong fishing culture; the charter crew can arrange a half-day flats guide for guests who want to sight-fish for permit or bonefish in the shallows.
Transit to Key Largo and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park designated in the United States. Spend the morning on the reef by tender, then reposition to a calm anchorage in Buttonwood Sound for the afternoon.
Continue south past the Seven Mile Bridge to anchor off Bahia Honda State Park, one of the few natural sand beaches in the Keys. The ruins of the original Flagler railway bridge provide an unusual backdrop for an evening swim. Sundowners on the flybridge as the light drops over the Gulf of Mexico.
Push to Key West. Berth at Key West Bight Marina or anchor in the protected harbour. Spend the afternoon exploring Duval Street, the Ernest Hemingway Home, and the gallery district at your own pace — Key West is best absorbed slowly on foot. Dinner at a waterfront restaurant with the tender dock booked in advance.
A day in the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West. The crossing is open water and can see short, steep chop in prevailing easterlies, so an early departure is standard. Fort Jefferson at Garden Key is one of the most dramatic 19th-century fortifications in the Western Hemisphere, set on a coral atoll surrounded by a National Park with exceptional visibility for snorkelling.
Return transit north. Depending on fuel and weather, re-enter the Intracoastal at Lake Worth for a calmer final leg back to Fort Lauderdale, or run offshore up the Florida coast if conditions allow. Disembark at the departure marina by early evening.
Local Tips
- •Customs and NOAA charts matter early. US Customs and Border Protection requires advance notice for any international return (including from the Bahamas or Canada), and the CBP ROAM app has streamlined this considerably for small vessel arrivals. NOAA nautical charts, while freely available digitally, should be loaded on updated chartplotters before departure — particularly for the Keys and ICW where sandbars shift seasonally.
- •Provisioning in Fort Lauderdale is exceptional, but overstocking is common. Publix and Whole Foods both deliver to major marinas, and specialist provisioners can source imported wines, charcuterie, and dietary-specific items with 24 hours' notice. Fort Lauderdale is one of the best provisioning bases in the Western Hemisphere by volume and variety.
- •Fuel costs vary significantly by region. Florida marinas are competitive; New England and Pacific Northwest marinas can be 30 to 40 percent more expensive per gallon. Brief the captain to plan fuel stops around price, especially on longer transits in the Pacific Northwest where the distance between marinas is also greater.
- •The ICW has bridge schedules that cannot be ignored. Fixed and bascule bridges along the Intracoastal have air draft restrictions and opening schedules that apply strictly. Any motor yacht over approximately 65 feet air draft on the ICW needs careful pre-passage bridge research — this is non-negotiable and not a detail to discover mid-transit.
- •Tipping protocol is clear and expected. A gratuity of 15 to 20 percent of the base charter fee is the established norm for US charters with professional crew. This should be budgeted as a separate line item from the outset and paid in cash at the end of the charter where possible.
- •No-discharge zones and marine protected areas are strictly enforced, particularly in Biscayne National Park, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and Glacier Bay National Park. Charter crews familiar with these waters will manage compliance as a matter of course, but charterers should confirm in advance that the yacht has the correct holding tank capacity and that the captain is current on local regulations for the specific cruising area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to charter a motor yacht in the USA+
What is the difference between a USCG-inspected vessel and a non-inspected yacht+
Which US region is best for a first-time motor yacht charter+
Can I take a US-based charter yacht into the Bahamas+
How far in advance should I book a US motor yacht charter+
What costs are additional to the base charter fee+
Speak to our US charter specialists to match the right motor yacht to your itinerary, budget, and dates.
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