Short answer: Pick a half day (about 4 hours) for first timers, kids or a tight schedule. Pick a full day (about 8 hours) to run farther and spend more time on bigger fish. Local published rates show a full day costs about 1.6 to 2 times a half day.
Published Fort Lauderdale private charter rates for up to six people: one boat lists $700 for a half day and $1,100 for a full day, another $800 and $1,500, another $900 and $1,800.
That works out to a full day costing about 1.6 to 2 times a half day on those boats.
It is your first trip, you have kids aboard, anyone gets seasick, or you have plans later that day.
You want more lines in the water, a longer run, or a shot at a specific big fish. Ask the captain what the extra hours buy on that date.
Rates from the captains' own published price pages. See sources.
Preview of the booking flow. Nothing is sent and no card is charged.
Example listings Sample boats that show how listings will look. No real captains are listed yet. See all trips in this area
Example Offshore Sportfishing
Moderate Full deposit back 7 or more days out, half back 3 to 6 days out. Weather: captain's call.
Next open: Fri, Oct 23Sat, Oct 24Sun, Oct 25
Example Offshore Sportfishing
Moderate Full deposit back 7 or more days out, half back 3 to 6 days out. Weather: captain's call.
Next open: Fri, Oct 23Sat, Oct 24Sun, Oct 25
Example Offshore Sportfishing
Moderate Full deposit back 7 or more days out, half back 3 to 6 days out. Weather: captain's call.
Next open: Fri, Oct 23Sat, Oct 24Sun, Oct 25
Trip price, deposit, balance due on the dock, and any fuel or extra charge are shown on one line before checkout. No booking fee for anglers.
The captain makes the safety call. If the captain cancels for weather, you pick a new date or get your deposit back. The rule is shown before you pay.
A trip is only confirmed when the captain accepts it. Listings that stop answering get paused, so you never book a ghost boat.
Your booking names the boat and captain. Any swap needs your OK, or you get your deposit back.
Only anglers who finished a trip can review. We do not filter or bury bad reviews. Captain cancellations show on the listing too.
After you book you get the captain's phone and the marina, dock and slip. A reminder text goes out the day before.
Call or text a real person if the boat is not where it should be. Draft promise: hours and number to be set before launch.
Usually about 4 hours. A full day is usually about 8 hours. Each listing shows exact times.
On three Fort Lauderdale boats with published rates, a full day costs about 1.6 to 2 times a half day for twice the time. It is worth it if you want more time to fish or a longer run.
A half day. Shorter trips are easier on young kids and anyone new to the ocean.