Private Custom Boat Cruise Charleston, SC
Private Trip
Excursion
Private boat cruise for up to 13 guests through Charleston waterwaysLicensed captain included with fuel, ice, and bottled water providedCustomizable itinerary featuring sightseeing, sandbars, and sunset options
Want to see Charleston from a completely different angle? This private boat cruise puts you and up to 12 friends on the water for a day that's built around exactly what you want to do. No crowded tour boats, no rigid schedules - just you, your group, and Charleston's stunning waterways. Whether you're planning a family reunion, celebrating an anniversary, or just need to get away from it all, this custom cruise delivers the kind of flexibility that makes perfect days happen naturally.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll craft your route based on what your group is most excited about. Maybe you want to cruise past Rainbow Row and see those famous pastel houses from the harbor perspective. Or perhaps you're more interested in finding a quiet sandbar where everyone can swim and hang out. The boat handles beautifully in Charleston's mix of rivers, creeks, and harbor areas, so you'll cover some serious ground during your four-hour minimum trip. The vessel comfortably fits up to 13 people and comes equipped with all the basics - your captain, fuel, ice, and bottled water are included in that $550 starting rate. Additional hours run $200 each, which is pretty reasonable when you split it among the group. You're welcome to bring your own cooler, snacks, and music to really make it your own experience. The boat has a solid sound system, so don't forget to create that perfect playlist ahead of time.
Charleston's waterways can be tricky if you don't know them well, but that's where having a licensed local captain really pays off. They handle all the navigation through the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, plus they know which sandbars are safe for swimming and which spots offer the best sunset views. The boat itself is modern and comfortable - not some old charter vessel that's seen better days. You'll have plenty of seating, shade when you need it, and easy access for getting in and out of the water at stops. The captain takes care of all safety equipment and protocols, so you can focus on enjoying your time rather than worrying about logistics. They're also great at reading groups and adjusting the pace accordingly. If you want to cruise fast between spots, they're game. If you prefer a slow, scenic ride while everyone chats and takes photos, that works too. Most tours include 2-3 different stops depending on what the group wants to see and do.
Even though this isn't specifically a wildlife tour, Charleston's waters are absolutely loaded with interesting marine life that you're likely to spot during your cruise. Bottlenose dolphins are the stars of the show here - these playful mammals are active year-round and often approach boats out of curiosity. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so timing your cruise around those periods increases your chances of good dolphin encounters. Charleston's dolphins are known for their social behavior, and it's not uncommon to see pods of 6-8 individuals swimming together. They seem to enjoy riding boat wakes and will often follow alongside for several minutes. Brown pelicans are another consistent highlight, especially during spring and summer months when they're nesting on nearby islands. These large seabirds are amazing to watch as they dive for fish, and they're surprisingly graceful for their size. The area also hosts plenty of shorebirds like herons, egrets, and ibis along the marsh edges. If you're cruising during late spring or summer, keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles surfacing to breathe. They're more common than most people realize, but you need to know what to look for since they don't stay at the surface very long.
This type of private boat cruise books up fast, especially during peak season from April through October. The combination of reasonable pricing, flexible itinerary, and quality equipment makes it a customer favorite for good reason. You're getting world-class access to Charleston's scenic waterways without the hassle of dealing with crowds or someone else's schedule. The $550 base rate for four hours breaks down to less than $45 per person when you fill the boat, which is pretty tough to beat for a private charter experience. Most groups end up adding an hour or two once they're out there because four hours goes by faster than expected when you're having a good time. The boat runs year-round, though spring through fall offers the best weather for swimming and sandbar stops. Winter cruises can be beautiful too - just dress appropriately and focus more on sightseeing than water activities. Contact Fly Fishing of Charleston to check availability and lock in your dates. They're responsive about answering questions and can help you plan the perfect route based on your group's interests and the day's weather conditions.
Charleston, SC