Private Yacht Charter Charleston: BYOB Sailing with Dolphins
See Charleston's waterfront landmarks from your own sailboat, not from the shore.
A private yacht charter in Charleston puts you on a crewed sailboat for 2.5 hours, sailing past Fort Sumter and under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge while the captain handles the boat. You bring your own beverages and food, or request gourmet catering, and choose between a daytime cruise or a sunset sail on a 32-foot, 36-foot or 30-foot motor yacht, with up to six guests total. A professional photographer can be added on request.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sail and explore Charleston harbor
- Set sail from the docks
- See downtown Charleston from harbor
- Sail by Fort Sumter
- View historical sites from yacht bow
- Photograph Ravenel Bridge at sunset
- Return to docks
The experience
The boat leaves the docks at Ashley River Marina, and the captain sets the course through Charleston harbor while you settle in. The sail circles the entire harbor, passing downtown Charleston's waterfront, then heads toward Fort Sumter at the mouth of the harbor: the Civil War site sits on the water where you can photograph it from the bow. The route brings you under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, a cable-stayed span that frames the skyline. Sunset departures time the crossing so the light hits the bridge and the downtown buildings behind it. The whole loop takes 2.5 hours and returns you to the same dock.
You choose the boat size and the time of day at checkout. The 32-foot and 36-foot sailboats are crewed: the captain and crew handle all the sailing while you sit back. The 30-foot option is a motor yacht if you prefer a steadier ride. Daytime cruises let you see the harbor in full light. Sunset tours catch the city's evening glow and the bridge lit against the darkening sky. Bring your own drinks and snacks, or arrange gourmet catering ahead of time. Soda and bottled water are included. A professional photographer can document the sail if you want images from the water.
Parking is next door at 17 Lockwood Drive. From there it's a 4–5 minute walk along Lockwood Drive to the marina at 33 Lockwood Drive. The captain meets you in front of the marina building 10–15 minutes before departure. The crew speaks English and Spanish. Infants and small children can come along, and service animals are welcome.
What’s included
- Crewed yacht with professional captain.
- soda and bottled water.
- 2.5-hour sail circling Charleston harbor with views of Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
- choice of daytime or sunset departure.
- option to bring your own food and drinks or arrange gourmet catering.
- professional photographer available on request.
Options for this experience
2 optionsInformation
Lasts 2h 30m, runs every day except Saturday at 15:30, from US$ 599 per group, with a live guide in English and Spanish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Operated by Blue Life Charters
Is this one for you?Choose the sailboat if you want the experience of being under sail. Pick the motor yacht if you prefer a steadier platform for photos and conversation. Sunset departures suit anyone timing the light for photography or a romantic evening on the water. Daytime cruises work better if you want to see the harbor in full detail and the bridge in bright sun.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 7 alternatives
- 87 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 2h
- Every day
- 09:30
- 96 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- start times · Every day
- 2
- 1,033 reviews
- 4.89★
- Duration
- 2h
- start times · Every day
- 4
- 7 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 1h 15m
- start times · Every day
- 4
- 10 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 2h–4h
- Mon–Thu
- 15:30
- 214 reviews
- 4.99★
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- start times · Tue–Sun
- 17
- 65 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- start times · Every day
- 4
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What do I actually see on a Charleston yacht charter?
Fort Sumter National Monument sits at the harbor mouth where you'll sail past it from the water. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge frames the downtown skyline as you pass underneath it. The entire route circles Charleston harbor, so you see the waterfront and historic sites from the bow instead of from land.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the yacht?
Yes, bring your favorite beverages, a picnic, or any food you want. Soda and bottled water are included. You can also request gourmet catering ahead of time if you'd rather have the crew prepare a meal.
What's the difference between the sailboats and the motor yacht?
The 32-foot and 36-foot options are crewed sailboats where the captain handles the sailing. The 30-foot option is a motor yacht, which offers a steadier ride if you prefer not to be under sail.
How many people can fit on the yacht?
Up to six guests maximum per USCG regulations. You can book a private charter for your group, and a professional photographer can be added if you want photos from the water.
What time does the charter depart, and how long does it take?
All tours are 2.5 hours in length. You choose between daytime cruises or sunset sails at checkout. The captain meets you at the marina 10–15 minutes before your departure time to brief you and get underway.
Where do I park, and how do I get to the boat?
Park at 17 Lockwood Drive, next door to the marina. From the parking lot, walk 4–5 minutes along Lockwood Drive to the Harborage at Ashley River Marina (33 Lockwood Dr), where your captain will meet you in front of the marina building.
Private Yacht Charter Charleston: BYOB Sailing with Dolphins
2h 30m · EN · ES
from US$ 599 per group