Charleston Boating Guide

Charleston, South Carolina is renowned for its colorful antebellum homes lining its scenic waterfront, charming cobblestone paths, and a reputation for friendliness, it is no wonder that Charleston is one of the most desirable vacation destinations on the east coast. It is also widely recognized as being one of the premier boating cities along the Eastern Seaboard. It's a great destination to rent a boat and get out on the water with friends or family that you're traveling with.

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Boating and Renting a Boat in Charleston

In addition to the sights, entertainment, and experiences to enjoy in the city, Charleston offers tourists the chance to enjoy the waters of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, as well as historic Charleston Harbor. One of the best things to do in Charleston is to rent a boat. Travelers are sure to be delighted by this lovely coastal city renowned for its Southern charm and nautical culture.

Boasting one of America’s largest ports, Charleston is arguably one of the best boating cities on the Eastern Seaboard. Charleston Harbor is one of the largest ports in the country, and since it is formed by the convergence of two rivers, it ensures that the city functions as the ideal jumping-off point for a plethora of watery adventures. Boat harbor tours of Charleston are a popular choice for visitors, they'll give you a taste of the city from a new perspective. Try a sailboat rental or eco-tour of Charleston and see highlights like the Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach, or Sullivan's Island. You might even see dolphins swimming by your boat!

Going to Charleston for a bachelorette or bachelor party? A must-do is renting a party boat or a cruising tiki hut in Charleston! It's a super fun way to bring everyone together for relaxed cruising, drinks on the water, and stops for a swim, perfect for celebrating a groom or bride-to-be. Pontoon boat rentals and houseboat rentals in Charleston are also great choices for bigger groups coming to party.

Couples visiting Charleston looking for a romantic thing to do can book a sunset sailboat cruise or a dinner cruise and enjoy seeing the sights while enjoying a meal and drinks on a private boat charter. Watch the sun go down in the city and cruise with your loved one while in Charleston, a perfect activity for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Book a luxury yacht rental in Charleston with a captain and crew to work out all the little details for your sunset dinner cruise.

Want to get some exercise during your visit to Charleston? Fitness-focused travelers will love kayaking in Charleston. With kayak rentals and kayak tours of the river, harbor, and shoreline areas around Charleston, there's ample opportunity to sneak in a workout while enjoying time out on the water.

Charleston has some of the best fishing opportunities on the east coast, so anglers visiting must book a fishing charter to get in on the action on a fishing boat. Guided fishing charters are a popular thing to do in Charleston, and you'll get a chance to enjoy deep sea fishing. What kinds of fish are there to catch in Charleston? A solid list of red drum, flounder, trout, sheepshead, sharks, and black drum.

Want to explore the waters of Charleston at high speed? Rent a jet ski in Charleston and zip across the rivers or in the harbor for a thrilling experience.

Landside Attractions in Charleston

On land, there's plenty to do in Charleston. Carriage tours are a popular way to see downtown Charleston. Visit the Charleston Aquarium, Fort Sumter, Sullivan's Island, and the McLeod Plantation Historic Site. All over the city are exquisite examples of historical architecture, some buildings date back to the 1700s. Make sure you check out Rainbow Row in Charleston during your visit. The Battery is an area of the city that is of particular interest to many history buffs. Located in downtown Charleston, the seawall and promenade that make up the Battery feature beautiful antebellum homes and views. It is close to many well-reviewed restaurants that dish up delectable, varied fare. Local seafood dishes are among the many culinary highlights to be found in the city.

Charleston also has a reputation for hosting a thriving artistic community. Multiple theatre companies make their homes within the city’s limits, and there are many art museums that feature a wide variety of mediums. It has a storied tradition of contributions to music, particularly during the golden age of jazz. To keep this tradition alive, an event called “The Sound of Charleston” is hosted every week at Circular Congregational Church, during which local musicians and vocalists can showcase their talents. Charleston also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year to celebrate many art forms. The Spoleto Festival is an art festival that runs the curse of 17 days and is considered to be one of the country’s most prestigious performing arts festivals. Other festivals celebrate everything from art and music to fashion, film, food, wine, antiques, and even wildlife.

Enjoy the Hospitality of Charleston

Whether being drawn along the centuries-old streets by a horse-drawn carriage, sitting in a cozy restaurant enjoying incredible local cuisine, or out on the water enjoying all of the aquatic activities that Charleston has to offer, boaters are sure to remember their visit to one of the most charming cities in the United States. Historic and cultural experiences abound, and there is never a lack of diversions on the water to keep any boater active. There are many beautiful sights to see on the scenic streets of Charleston, but from no vantage point is she more lovely than away from the shore.

Want to rent a boat in Charleston? Check out our Charleston boat rentals on the Getmyboat app - making it easier than ever before to find and book boat rentals when traveling.