Events · Biscayne Bay · October · Usually in October
Columbus Day Regatta Yacht Charter
Biscayne Bay's biggest boating weekend, with a captain who knows where to anchor and when to move.
Columbus Day weekend in October is, for many locals, the busiest boating weekend of the year on Biscayne Bay. The weekend grew around a long-running sailing regatta, and today it is best known for the large raft-up of boats near the sandbars in the southern part of the bay. Music carries across the water and hundreds of boats tie up side by side.
Arriving on a private yacht with a professional captain changes the day. You skip the stress of finding a slip, handling the boat in heavy traffic and anchoring in a crowd. The captain decides where to anchor based on wind, tide and how packed the area is. Some groups want to be in the middle of it, others prefer a quieter spot nearby with a view of the scene.
Expect the water to be very crowded, and expect conditions on the day to shape the plan. The captain always has the final say on where the yacht goes and when it leaves. This weekend books out early, and some yachts set minimum hours or holiday rates; your quote will show any weekend minimums before you book.
What to expect on Columbus Day weekend
The southern bay raft-up
Hundreds of boats usually gather near the sandbars in the southern part of Biscayne Bay. It is loud, busy and very social.
The captain picks the spot
Wind, tide, depth and crowd size decide where the yacht can anchor safely. The captain makes that call on the day.
A quieter option nearby
If your group prefers space, the captain can look for a calmer anchorage with the scene still in view.
Your base for the day
Shade, cold drinks, a bathroom and a place to rest between swims: things you will value in a crowd.
Book well ahead
Smaller and mid-size yachts go first for this weekend. Some set minimums, which your quote will show before you commit.
A sample Columbus Day weekend charter
10:00
Board at the marina; the captain talks through the plan and the conditions.
10:30
Cruise south down Biscayne Bay past Key Biscayne.
11:45
The captain finds an anchorage based on the crowd and the weather.
12:00
Swimming, music and lunch on board while the raft-up fills in around you.
15:30
Leave ahead of the main rush back north.
17:00
Return to the marina.
Yachts for Columbus Day weekend
Day yachts from 60 to 88 feet, each with a captain and crew who handle the bay on its busiest days.
60' Azimut
Supreme
Up to 13 guests · From $2,800 / 4 hours
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60' Azimut
Supreme II
Up to 13 guests · From $2,800 / 4 hours
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82' Pershing
Milagros
Up to 13 guests · From $5,200 / 4 hours
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88' Princess
Freedom
Up to 13 guests · From $6,800 / 4 hours
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Columbus Day Regatta in Miami?
It started as a sailing regatta on Biscayne Bay and grew into one of Miami's biggest boating weekends. Today most people know it for the large raft-up near the sandbars in the southern part of the bay over Columbus Day weekend in October. We have no affiliation with the regatta or any organizer.
Where do the boats gather during Columbus Day weekend?
Most boats gather near the sandbars in the southern part of Biscayne Bay, south of Key Biscayne. The exact spot changes with the tide and the crowd, so we never promise a particular anchorage. The captain picks a place that is safe for the yacht and fits your group.
Is Columbus Day weekend very crowded on the water?
Yes, it is usually the busiest weekend of the year on Biscayne Bay. Expect heavy boat traffic, slow returns and a lot of noise around the raft-up. A professional captain handles the boat in those conditions, and you can ask for a quieter anchorage if you prefer.
How far ahead should I book for Columbus Day weekend?
Several weeks ahead, and earlier if you want a specific yacht. Smaller and mid-size day yachts are the most requested for this weekend. Some owners also set a minimum charter length or a holiday rate, which your quote will show before you book.
Can the captain anchor right in the middle of the raft-up?
Sometimes, but it is never guaranteed. Depth, wind, the size of the yacht and how packed the area is all matter. The captain has the final say on where to anchor and when to move, and will always put the safety of the guests and the boat first.
Plan more time on the water
Plan your Columbus Day weekend
Tell us which day you want, the size of your group and if you want to be in the middle of the action or a little apart. An advisor will reply with yachts and prices.
Altrove Yachts is a charter broker and arranges yachts from third-party operators. Availability, pickup marina and pricing are confirmed in writing with every quote.