Hi I am planning a surprise bithday trip to Miami for my husbands 40th. We have never been before and wish to charter a sailboat with captain for a couple of days,also stay in nice hotel, eat out alot,go to a spa etc.Please let me know any ideas sugestions as we have no idea what Miami is like and I really want to make this a special surprise for him. Thanks so much

Go to www.Moorings.com as they are the largest charter company in the world.

I would do a little research and figure out whether you want a cat or a monohull (cat has two hulls and mono means one).

The only advice I can give to you is that sailing is a lot like camping except everything you own gets covered in salt water. It is a beautiful wonderful experience and like millions of others, you very well may come out of this experience sailors!

There was a very recent thread on Miami Hotels. (type Miami into the search box.) When on business, I like the Mandarin Oriental. However, it isn't really close to the beach,

The Delano is nice if you're looking for something in more of a tourist area.

In terms of the boat, the Moorings is a well known charter outfit. You might also consider calling the hotel concierge, once you have it picked, and getting their help. (If you have an AMEX Platinum card, their concierge service is really good about helping out on these kind of things. I've used them several times for help with tours and restaurant reservations.)

Think carefully about chartering a sailboat for more than one day, unless you plan on chartering it for 4-5 days and going to the Bahamas or the Keys. If all you are going to do is daysail in the Miami area, one day should be sufficient. This isn't like sailing up in New England or out in 'Frisco, where the sheer peace of sailing is topped off by gorgeous views of the coast; no, unless you think gazing at miles of mangroves coast or white beaches built up with condos is nice scenery, I think one day would be sufficient. For example, it would take you all day to sail through Biscayne bay from Miami to the Keys and the most noticable landmarks you would see would be "Mt Trashmore" (a landfill) and the Turkey Point Nuclear power plant. But its your money, so whatever floats your boat.

Larry, it took us around 36 hours to get from Biscayne Bay to the Galleon Marina in Key West.

Sailing in the keys is a mode of transportation because the water is so shallow. You have to stay a couple of miles offshore.

Thanks so much for your help. I have looked at the moorings website and it doesn't appear that they have a location in Miami. Although I am nopt familiar with the are is there another company that you would reccomend?? Thanks again

kelly
I know you said Miami but let me recommend Captiva Island. There is a wonderful resort and yacht club there where you can take sailing lessons if you are not already sailors, South Seas Resorts at: http://homer.coconet.com/ssrc/ssp.html there are other websites about this resort also if you would like to check it out. It would certainly be a special place to go.

I have had alot of experience with this type of travel, a nice itinerary would be to sail from Miami to Key West
maybe make a stop at Little Palm Island enroute (very private and romantic) the best spa experience would be the Pier House in Key West. Make sure you choose the right boat (a catamaran would be nice lot's of deck space)and also the right captain it makes a big difference and sets the tone for your trip! I have first hand experience with the ones that I have booked and would be glad to share it with you....What time of year is your husband's birthday? Also, if you want restaurant suggestions let me know as I fancy myself a bit of a gourmand!

If you are still interested in several days' sailing out of Miami, try Florida Yacht Charters. Or, better yet, fly to the Bahamas (Abaco) or BVI, and do a crewed charter out of there with the Moorings or one of the other reputable charter companies. If you visit www.traveltalkonline.com and check out the British Virgin Islands board, you'll find LOTS of sailors with lots of advice, links to trip reports, etc.

Thanks so much for your help. I will look into your recommendations and hopefully plan a great trip.If anyone has more to add please do..restaurants,or other ideas Thanks. Kelly