South Florida’s stunning coastline, bustling waterways and year-round sunshine make it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels.
For residents in our luxury South Florida apartments, boat clubs offer the perfect way to enjoy Florida’s stunning aquatic lifestyle without the hassle, storage and expense that comes with boat ownership. So, whether you're looking to cruise Biscayne Bay, fish the Atlantic waters or soak up the sun on the deck of a Boston Whaler, these Miami boat clubs provide members with access to premium vessels and exclusive experiences just minutes from your apartment!
Three Miami boat clubs for apartment renters
Freedom Boat Club Miami
Located in downtown Miami at the Miami Beach Marina, Freedom Boat Club offers one of the most accessible entry points to the boating lifestyle here in Miami. The club operates on a membership-based model where you pay an initial fee ranging from $5,000-$7,000, followed by monthly dues between $350-$500 based on your chosen plan — there’s plenty to choose from!
The club maintains a diverse fleet of vessels, including boats with center consoles, deck boats and pontoons, with most vessels being under three years old (so you know they’re in good shape!). All new members will receive comprehensive training sessions with licensed captains, making this an excellent option for boating newcomers and experienced sailors alike!
What really sets Freedom Boat Club apart, however, is its reciprocal membership program, giving you access to over 300 boat clubs across the country. This makes it particularly appealing for residents in Wynwood and Downtown Miami who might travel often and want boating access both here at home and away!
Carefree Boat Club
Carefree Boat Club operates multiple locations throughout Miami, including one near Dinner Key Marina and another in Aventura.
The club offers unlimited boat usage (subject to reservation availability) and maintains a member-to-boat ratio of 10:1, ensuring good access even during peak times! Their diverse fleet includes fishing boats, bowriders and pontoons, so there’s sure to be something available for any kind of excursion you’ve got planned.
What makes Carefree particularly attractive is their focus on community, as they host regular fishing tournaments, environmental clean-up days and social gatherings both internally and externally! They also provide more extensive training programs than most clubs, making them welcoming to beginners and just challenging enough for experienced boaters!
South Florida Boat Club
This private, membership-based club gives you access to a wide fleet of boats ranging from bow riders and center consoles to cruisers and more — and with several marina locations across Miami, North Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, it offers plenty of flexibility for anyone who wants to hit the water on their own schedule!
The club offers multiple membership tiers based on your boating wants and needs. The Boat Club level starts at $199 per month and includes boats up to 23 feet; for more space and access to premium options, the Cruiser Club starts at $299/month and extends access up to 27-foot vessels; their highest tier, the Yacht Club, starts at $399/month and includes all boats in the fleet — plus the option for captain services. Each plan comes with an initial entry fee and includes on-the-water training and a 24/7 online reservation system, making it easy to plan your next outing.
One of the key advantages of the South Florida Boat Club is its flexibility. After the initial contract, memberships go month-to-month, allowing members to adjust or cancel without long-term commitments. However, like most clubs, there are some usage restrictions that can affect availability during peak times, so it’s smart to review the terms or attend an open house before signing up.
For those of us enjoying the vibrant lifestyle of luxury apartment living in Miami, boat clubs offer the perfect complement to urban living — providing easy access to Miami's stunning waterways without the commitments of boat ownership! Whether you're based in Wynwood, Downtown Miami, the Design District or Dadeland, there's sure to be a boat club nearby that can match your boating aspirations and budget.
When considering membership, think about factors beyond just price: location convenience, fleet variety, reservation policies and community events all contribute to finding your perfect nautical match. Most clubs also offer trial memberships or guest passes, making it easy to experience a club’s wide array of offerings before committing to full membership.
With Miami's 250+ annual days of sunshine and miles of diverse waterways to explore, joining a boat club might just be the perfect addition to your South Florida lifestyle!
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Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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