| Quick answer Groups of 10 to 16 need a boat that is legally certified to carry that many passengers. Many small charter boats run on a six-passenger license, so a bigger group must book a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected boat, split across two boats, or join a larger shared cruise. On a whole-boat charter, divide the price by your headcount to compare it with per-person tickets. |
Ten to sixteen people is the trickiest group size on the water. It is too many for most small charter boats and too few to justify renting a big party boat. Here is how the rules work, what your options are, and how to compare prices fairly.
Why groups over six run into trouble
Most small charter boats operate under a six-passenger captain’s license, often called a six-pack. That license allows no more than six paying passengers, no matter how big the boat is. To carry more, a boat must be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and hold a Certificate of Inspection that states its maximum number of passengers.
Some operators try to get around the limit with “bareboat” arrangements, where the group supposedly rents the boat and hires a captain separately. Done to dodge the passenger limit, that is illegal, and it can leave your group uninsured. Our post on USCG-inspected, six-pack and bareboat charters explains the difference. For any group over six, ask to see the boat’s Certificate of Inspection.
Your options for a group of 10 to 16
Book one USCG-inspected boat
Everyone rides together, with one captain and one plan. Check that the passenger count on the certificate covers your whole group, including children.
Split across two six-passenger boats
This works, but your group is on two boats with two captains, it is harder to stay together on the water, and two charters often cost more than one larger boat.
Join a larger shared cruise
A big sightseeing or party boat can take your whole group at a per-person price. You will share the boat with other guests, and you give up control of the music, timing and route.
Charter a yacht
Larger yachts can be certified for bigger groups. Expect a higher price and, usually, a more formal feel.
How to compare the price
Private charters are priced per boat, so divide the total by your headcount. On our boat, for example, a two-hour private charter at $800 works out to $50 a person for 16 guests, a three-hour sandbar charter at $1,200 to $75 a person, and four hours at $1,500 to about $94 a person. Add tax, booking fees and a tip for the crew if you would like to leave one. Then compare that number with per-person tickets elsewhere.
Planning checklist for a group charter
- Final headcount. Everyone aboard counts toward the limit, including babies.
- Pickup point. Where the boat boards, and whether it can pick up closer to where you are staying.
- Restroom aboard. Essential for a group on a trip of two hours or more.
- Drinks and food. BYOB rules, coolers and ice, and whether catering is allowed.
- Music. Whether you can play your own playlist.
- Shade. Enough cover for 16 people at midday.
- Weather plan and cancellation policy. Get both in writing.
Where Barefoot Tiki fits
Our tiki boat, “Boat Drinks,” is USCG-certified for up to 16 passengers, and every cruise is run by a licensed captain. It has a thatched roof, a private restroom, a sound system you can stream to, and three coolers with ice and bottled water. It is BYOB for guests 21 and over, and catering is welcome. Private charters start at $750 for a 1.5-hour Dolphin & Mimosa cruise; see all private charters. We board in downtown Sarasota, and private charters can add a free pickup at Nora Patterson Park on Siesta Key or Ken Thompson Park near Lido and Longboat Key.
Groups book us for bachelorette parties, birthdays, family reunions and team outings. If your group is 17 or more, you will need a larger boat or two separate trips.
Group charter FAQ
How many people can go on a private boat charter in Sarasota?
It depends on the boat’s license. A six-passenger charter may carry no more than six paying guests. A USCG-inspected boat may carry the number on its Certificate of Inspection. Ours is certified for 16.
Do children count toward the passenger limit?
Yes. Every passenger aboard counts, including children and infants. Only the crew does not.
Can we bring our own alcohol on a private charter?
On our boat, yes: guests 21 and over may bring their own drinks, and food and snacks are welcome. Other boats set their own rules, so ask before you book.
Can the boat pick us up on Siesta Key?
Our private charters can add a free pickup at Nora Patterson Park on Siesta Key or Ken Thompson Park near Lido and Longboat Key. Public cruises board in downtown Sarasota.
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