What to know about renting a boat in Charleston, SC

Renting a boat to cruise on the rivers in Charleston is an unforgettable way to experience the city. Rent a speedboat and explore at a fast pace, feeling the wind whip through your hair as you see the sights from a new perspective. Traveling with a big family or group? Rent a houseboat or overnight yacht while in Charleston with a large party, so you’ll have sufficient space to spread out and enjoy your boating day with comfort.

To explore Charleston at a laidback pace on the water, make sure you book a sailing charter during your stay. Soak up the sun and enjoy the breeze as a skipper steers the boat in the beautiful waters of the Atlantic.

Fishing charters are a favorite activity to book for tourists in Charleston. Fishing is deeply ingrained in the culture and history of this seaport, and local anglers are happy to take you out for a day of reeling in great catches. Try spearfishing or deep sea fishing on a charter from Charleston. It’s sure to be a day of your vacation that you’ll never forget!

In the summertime, the city comes alive with visitors taking over the beaches, and there’s no shortage of water sports to try. Book a kiteboarding lesson to try this exciting sport, learning from the pros on the beach. It's so fun to watch kiteboarders, and getting to learn how to do it yourself is incredible.

For travelers who love organized tours, there are eco and historical boat tours of Charleston. Enjoy learning and exploring from the comfort of a boat cruise. Book a group or private tour to learn more about the rich history and culture of this American city.

A unique thing for both visitors and locals to try in Charleston is a scuba diving trip or lessons. Earn your certification or enjoy time spent underwater, exploring cool dive sites.

If you prefer to get some exercise during your travels, check out your options for paddle sports in Charleston. One popular water activity is stand-up paddleboarding. It's a wonderful upper body workout and it enables you to cruise along the coastline at your own pace. No matter your travel fitness preferences, you’ll find the perfect way to get out on the water and get a workout during your stay in Charleston.

Are you planning a bachelorette party for the bride-to-be in Charleston? Check out our Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide to see why a bachelorette boat party is a must-do!

Looking for more information about Charleston? Check out this Charleston Travel Guide!

Boating Events in Charleston

One major boating event in Charleston is the annual Charleston Boat Show. This 3-day event showcases hundreds of beautiful boats and marine recreational vendors. Be sure to stop by if you’re a boating enthusiast in the city for this weekend.

The Sperry Charleston Race Week is an event not to be missed if you’re in Charleston in April. This exciting sailing event hosts teams from all over Charleston and other parts of the country. There are lots of great events going on during the regattas, and it’s an awesome competition to watch from shore. The races start from Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.

Other Things To Do

While on land in Charleston, there’s no shortage of activities to do, things to see, and meals to eat. If you want to see more of the city, try a classic carriage tour or walking tour to learn more. You’ll see the idyllic Market Street, and pass by the Charleston Museum Mile.

Need a beach day? Head to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island for a relaxing day of soaking up the sun and laying in the sand. If you want more time in nature, try hiking around John’s Island, where you can see the magnificent Angel Oak tree.

Marinas in Charleston

There are many marinas located throughout the city in Charleston. Some of the top marinas include the Charleston City Marina, The Harborage at Ashley Marina and Bristol Marina. These marinas are good spots to go if you need boating advice, or want to take a walk and admire some stunning vessels. The marinas of Charleston are located conveniently close to downtown, and there are nearby restaurants and points of interest at all of them.

Using GetMyBoat to Rent Your Next Boat

Experiencing the water has never been easier thanks to GetMyBoat. GetMyBoat allows you to search quickly, compare prices, submit inquiries, and pay for your boat rental or charter from the convenience of your phone or computer. We offer a secure platform for travelers to facilitate a seamless rental transaction. For boat owners, we connect millions of boaters to their boat and provide the security and safety checks on each transaction.

Search for the perfect experience now and book your dream day out on the water.

About Charleston

A stunning port city in South Carolina, Charleston is teeming with charm and history to draw in visitors interested in getting a taste of southern cooking and lifestyle. Two rivers divide the city, the Ashley and the Cooper, which lead out into the Atlantic Ocean. The skyline of Charleston has no tall buildings, it is all classical architecture dating back from the Civil War and earlier. The exploding food scene in this city has put it on the map, and the hospitality has made many travelers fall in love with Charleston.

The best time of year to visit Charleston is during the shoulder seasons of summer when you can avoid some of the humidity and heavy rains that come June through August. Winters are mild, although it will be too cold to enjoy a beach day. April and May or September and October are the best months to take time to visit Charleston.

To get to Charleston, the easiest way is by flight to the Charleston International Airport, from where you can rent a car to get to the city center or take a taxi to get to your accommodation. The city is well connected to major highways if you’re arriving by car, and there is an Amtrak train station as well as a Greyhound bus terminal in Charleston.

Charleston Boat Rental FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Charleston?

Boat rentals in Charleston vary in price but on average cost $200/hour for a mid-size pontoon or powerboat rental. You can find large party boats for over $500/hour, or budget fishing boats for as cheap as $100/hour.

Where can I boat in Charleston SC?

Charleston, South Carolina offers some great boating hot spots like Folly Beach, Mount Pleasant, or Morris Island, famous for its idyllic lighthouse.