Best Charter Boats in Charleston

The captain of Absolute Reel Screamer Charters in Folly Beach has 35-years of boating experience and claims, “my family has been plying these waters since the early 1700’s.” Group ticket prices begin at $135 for one to two people. A private two-hour adventure explores the salt marshes to search for shrimp, fish, or harvest oysters. They are winners of 2011, 2012, and 2013 Trip Advisor Award of Excellence.

All In One Charters is a locally owned and operated saltwater fishing tour company operating in the Charleston, South Carolina, metro area. It focuses on customizable wildlife, scenic, historic, and adventure boat tours. The two-hour tours feature licensed and certified U.S. Coast Guard Maritime captains that are fully insured by local guides. Other options include inshore, nearshore, and offshore charters that target trout, flounder, black Seabass, sharks, red drum, cobia, and spadefish.

Angler Management in Charleston is owned and operated by Captain Frye, a member of the Coastal Conservation Association, the South Carolina Saltwater Sportsmen Association, The Recreational Fishing Alliance, and the Stono River Fishing Club. He offers customized fishing charters and harbor tours with discounts for fire, police, and military personnel. His 25 years of experience ensures a first class adventure.

Atlantic Breeze Charters covers in-shore, near-shore, and deep sea fishing adventures in Charleston. The rates for a two hour Shark Fishing Trip on the 21-foot Hydrasport Center Console begin at $200. Deep sea fishing tour packages start at six, eight, or 10 hours with overnight trips and tournaments available. All fishing and safety equipment is provided.

Fun is essential aboard Charleston Sail’s yacht named New Horizon as they ply the waters of Charleston’s Harbor with Captains Paul Mitchell and Mary Joan at the helm. Captain Mitchell enjoys sharing his 40 plus years of experience with sailing lessons. Captain Mary Joan is licensed to perform weddings. All tours are private and customized to the requirements of the guests. Sailing lessons are available for aspiring sailors.

Charleston Sailing Adventures sails from downtown Charleston on a 27-foot Stiletto catamaran sailboat and offers a 90-minute Dolphin Eco Sail for six passengers. Rates for adults are $42 and $26 for children. A Fourth of July Fireworks Sail is $75 per person for adults only. Small and medium dogs are welcome as long as they bring their own doggie life jacket. On-line booking and gift certificates are available.

Drum Runner Charters in Charleston focuses on family and fly fishing tours. The Drum Runner is a 24-foot Sea Pro bay boat accommodating up to 6 passengers. A second option is the Miss Emilie, a 17-foot Silver King flats boat “designed for stalking redfish or chasing tailing reds” with three passengers aboard. The latest fish-finding, navigation, and safety equipment outfit each vessel. The company provides all tackle and rates begin at $450.

Harborview Charters in Charleston invites guests to “go boating like a local” on the Island Siren, a 32-foot Beachcat accommodating a maximum of 26 passengers or a 23-foot Sea Pro Bay with room for six. The 2-hour Dolphin Watch tour costs $32 for adults and $22 for children. The Low Tide Shelling Expedition provides guests the opportunity to search for sea glass, whelks, pottery, and starfish. The captain has logged 15 years of active duty in the US Coast Guard and is an expert in marine safety search and rescue.

Island Hopper Charters in Charleston has been serving families since 1997. The company provides privates charters only with online booking and live chat available on their website. Tour prices begin at $135 for two people. Island Hopper Charters won the 2014 and 2015 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

Kiawah Sailing in Charleston is owned and operated by Captain Jack with over 20 years of experience. The Palmetto Tide, a 33-foot sloop accommodates up to six passengers for dolphin watching, island hopping to play golf, or harbor tours. Guest comments include words like “memorable,” “fantastic,” and "relaxing." Tour options start at three hours for $390 and can be customized to fit any occasion.

OM Sailing Charter boasts of being the fastest charter yacht in Charleston’s harbor. The 2005 Leopard 43-foot catamaran sailboat is captained by a professional with over 28 years of boating and sailing experience. Custom tours for all occasions from family fun to bachelor or bachelorette parties are available. One guest comments, “Absolutely perfect way to propose to my [now] fiancé.” Guests can book a two hour day sail for $525, 3 hour sunset for $575, and 6 hours for $1,050.

SeaQuest Boat Rentals in Charleston invites experienced boaters to “be their own captain.” The company offers fully equipped boats, navigational tips, and charts for fishing, dolphin viewing, or touring. Three boat models are available for six to 10 passengers with rates varying by boat size and the hours of use. Discounts are provided for verified boat owners or those with a Coast Guard approved boat safety certificate.

Sister City Cruises in Charleston operates from the MaryTime, a 30-foot Back Cove Downeast-style boat or the Cheers Patty, a 20-foot Dauntless Boston Whaler. Customized overnight cruises on the MaryTime are available for parties of six or less. The Cheers Patty with her small size and low draft provides access to “the jewels of the Lowcountry” found in narrow, shallow creeks. A three-hour Happy Hour Cruise launches Monday through Friday. Specialty cruises include the Watercraft Beer Tasting Cruise at $65 per person or the Full Moon Cruise for $200.

The Schooner Pride is an 84-foot tall ship modeled after an 18th Century coastal trading schooner hosting non-narrated public tours in Charleston. Private tour packages are available for your special events. The Pride has certification for 49 passengers by the US Coast Guard. Trip Advisor awarded them the 2016 Certificate of Excellence. Customer comments include “brought our small dog,” “helped hoist the sails,” and “if you want an out of the ordinary kind of date, then this is the perfect thing.”

The owner and operator of Trio Charters in Charleston has 25 years of boating experience. He offers excursions on his 2008 24-foot Sea Hunt with a focus on conservation and safety. A two-hour crabbing adventure costs $200. A half-day of fishing for redfish, speckled trout or flounder can be booked for up to three anglers for $400.