Very — Nixon's and Haulover both host 300+ boat raft-ups on Saturday. Sunday is slightly calmer, Monday is surprisingly quiet.
Holiday
Memorial Day Weekend
South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Keys)
Next occurrence
4 days (Friday through Monday)
Upcoming occurrences
| Year | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Keys) | |
| 2028 | South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Keys) |
About Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer boating season across the US. In South Florida it functions as a four-day weekend (Friday through Monday), with Saturday and Sunday as peak sandbar days. Urban Beach Week overlaps in Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale runs parade events along Las Olas and A1A, and the Florida Keys see a wave of visiting boaters arriving by truck. Weather is near-ideal (82-87°F, low humidity, calm morning seas) and the weekend effectively kicks off Miami's peak summer charter period.
Why charter for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is one of the three biggest raft-up weekends of the year (along with July 4 and Labor Day). CharterXO customers book for three use cases: (1) a Saturday sandbar day with 8-15 friends, (2) a family-friendly Sunday cruise with a protected anchor stop, and (3) a Monday 'recovery' day after two big nights out. Booking advice: the Saturday noon slot is the single most-requested charter of the year's first half — reserve 6-8 weeks out. Monday has wide availability and often offers weekday-like pricing since most out-of-town visitors fly home early.
Best routes
- -Nixon's sandbar Saturday raft-up
- -Haulover sandbar day party
- -Biscayne Bay family cruise
- -Key Biscayne beach anchor
Suggested boat types
- -50-70ft sport yacht
- -45-60ft catamaran
- -40-50ft center console
- -Party boat 60ft+
Price range
$899-$3,800 per charter
Booking lead time
Book 6-8 weeks in advance (Saturday slot)
FAQs about charters for Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday: 6-8 weeks out. Sunday: 4-6 weeks out. Monday: 2-3 weeks out. Friday is often the best value and least crowded day.
Usually yes. Late May averages 82-87°F with calm seas and limited afternoon storms. Occasional late-season cold fronts pass through — captains track these 5-7 days out.
Memorial Day is calmer water and less humid — better for family groups. July 4 is hotter and the prime fireworks-viewing weekend. Labor Day is the smallest of the three.
Most CharterXO sport yachts include a solid factory sound system. Portable speakers are typically welcome; large PA-style DJ setups require owner approval. Message the owner before booking.
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Ready for Memorial Day Weekend?
Book 6-8 weeks in advance (Saturday slot). Book a CharterXO yacht to watch from the water — no traffic, no parking, no landside chaos.
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