3 hour BYOB Morning Boat and Beach Excursion on Southern Charm

Charleston’s 3-Hour BYOB Boat and Beach Adventure on Southern Charm

This private 3-hour boat tour on Southern Charm offers a relaxed way to explore Charleston’s harbor, combining scenic cruising with time on secluded beaches. Priced at $499 per group, accommodating up to 6 guests, this tour is perfect for those seeking an intimate, customizable experience with BYOB options and plenty of opportunities for swimming, shelling, and shark tooth hunting.

Captain Dustin guides the vessel at speeds of up to 30 mph, passing iconic sights like the Charleston Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and Yorktown aircraft carrier. The tour features stops at quiet island beaches, ideal for lounging, exploring, or catching glimpses of dolphins. The flexible itinerary means you choose whether to relax in the sun, visit restaurants, or hunt for 50-million-year-old Megalodon teeth. While the tour provides a cooler with ice and soft drinks, guests can bring additional food and beverages, making it a fun, party-like outing.

Key Points

• Private 3-hour harbor cruise for up to 6 guests on Southern Charm
• Includes scenic passes by Charleston Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and Yorktown carrier
• Stops at secluded beaches for swimming, shelling, shark tooth hunting, or relaxing
• Speed of up to 30 mph allows covering extensive harbor areas in a short time
• BYOB policy with options to add beach chairs, coolers, and more (additional fees apply)
• Flexibility to customize activities with stops for dining or beachside lounging

Start Point and Duration of the Charleston Harbor Tour

This private boat tour departs from 17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC. The entire experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, making it a compact yet comprehensive way to see many highlights of the harbor area. The half-day format appeals to travelers wanting a relaxed, yet engaging outing without a full-day commitment.

The three-hour cruise covers a broad sweep of Charleston’s waterfront, passing historical landmarks and scenic vistas. The duration allows enough time for multiple stops and sightseeing, with the flexibility to extend activities at the beaches or enjoy a leisurely cruise back to the start point.

Cruising Past the Charleston Battery and Historic Homes

One of the key highlights is the sail past the Charleston Battery, where pre-antebellum homes line the waterfront. This area showcases elegant historic architecture and provides stunning views of the harbor. The guide offers insights about the homes and their significance, enriching the experience without overwhelming the sightseeing.

This part of the cruise offers a laid-back introduction to Charleston’s maritime charm. Guests enjoy the gentle breeze and panoramic views, perfect for photo opportunities. Since this is a private tour, the narration can be tailored to your interests, providing an engaging yet personal experience of the city’s historic waterfront.

Passing Under the Ravenel Bridge and Its Significance

The Ravenel Bridge is another major sight along the route, often passing underneath as the captain shares its history. This cable-stayed bridge, a key transportation link, is a striking feature of Charleston’s skyline. The guide discusses its engineering and role in the city’s development, adding context to the scenic views.

Getting close to the bridge allows for excellent photos, especially with the harbor and city in the background. Passengers appreciate the opportunity to see such iconic architecture from the water, making the cruise both scenic and educational.

Approaching the Yorktown Aircraft Carrier and Fort Sumter

The Yorktown aircraft carrier is visible from the harbor, providing a reminder of Charleston’s naval significance. The captain shares its history and role in maritime defense, adding a layer of military heritage to the tour.

On some trips, there may be a chance to get close to Fort Sumter, the site of the start of the Civil War. While the proximity can vary, seeing this historic fort from the water offers a powerful view of Charleston’s deep-rooted history. The captain’s commentary helps visitors appreciate the importance of these landmarks in America’s past.

Secluded Beaches for Relaxing, Shelling, and Shark Tooth Hunting

The tour’s beach stops are a major draw, providing access to secluded island beaches away from crowded tourist spots. Guests can lay out on beach chairs, hunt for shark teeth, or collect shells along the shoreline.

The beaches are perfect for swimming or simply relaxing in the sun. The tour includes beach chairs, cabanas, beach towels, and a beach cooler with ice, making it easy to spend quality time on the sand. For those wanting to party on the beach, additional options like beach chairs, cabanas, or speakers can be added for extra fun (fees apply).

Water Activities and Customization Options

Guests have the freedom to bring additional food and beverages onboard, turning the trip into a personalized party. Optional add-ons include beach chairs (each $5), cabanas ($30), beach coolers and ice ($20), and a Bluetooth JBL speaker ($10).

For a more leisurely experience, the water hammock can be added, providing a comfortable float to relax in the water. The captain is happy to customize the route to include lunch at Shem Creek, where a variety of restaurants await, or to extend beach time for more sunbathing or shark tooth hunting.

Onboard Amenities and Practical Details

The Southern Charm boat comes equipped with bottled water and soft drinks included in the tour. For safety and comfort, the vessel provides rain ponchos and an emergency porto potty—helpful for unpredictable weather. The Bluetooth stereo ensures your favorite tunes set the mood, whether cruising or relaxing on the beach.

Guests should note that beach towels, chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas are available for rent at additional costs. The boat’s cooler is large and filled with ice, but the Yeti cooler and beach Bluetooth speaker are optional extras for beachside fun.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins and ends at 17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it convenient for those staying in town. The experience is designed to accommodate most travelers, and since it’s a private tour, your group enjoys a flexible and personalized schedule.

Reviews Highlighting the Experience

Although only three reviews are available, they speak highly of the experience. Dustin’s knowledgeable and friendly approach ensures guests see key sights and enjoy the beaches. One reviewer notes dolphins often appear, enhancing the scenic value.

Another praises the ability to customize the trip with stops and activities, such as adding a water hammock for lounging. The attentive service from Quent and Monique ensures guests stay hydrated, happy, and well taken care of, with efforts like pulling floats into the water before arrival and taking photos.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather Policy

Booking this private excursion is straightforward, with confirmation received immediately. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility to adapt plans if needed.

In case of bad weather, the tour is subject to cancellation, with options to reschedule or receive a full refund. Because weather impacts outdoor activities, travelers should consider scheduling during favorable conditions for the best experience.

Who Will Love This Charleston Boat Tour?

This private boat trip is ideal for small groups who want to enjoy flexibility and personalized service. It suits those interested in scenic cruising, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting like dolphins. The BYOB policy and optional extras make it perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply relaxing in style.

Since the tour is most suitable for most travelers, physical requirements are minimal, though guests should be comfortable sitting on a boat and walking to beaches. It’s an engaging, leisurely way to explore Charleston’s harbor, blending history, nature, and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, guests can bring any food or beverages onboard, making it easy to customize your experience.

Are there any additional costs for beach accessories?
Yes, renting beach towels, chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas incurs extra fees, as listed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, families with children should consider the boat’s pace and the ability to walk on beaches.

What sights will I see during the cruise?
Expect views of Charleston Battery, historic homes, the Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown aircraft carrier, and potentially Fort Sumter.

How fast does the boat go?
The Southern Charm reaches speeds of up to 30 mph, allowing extensive sightseeing within three hours.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is available.

How many people can this tour accommodate?
Up to 6 guests per private boat, making it an intimate outing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at 17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the captain can tailor the stops, including dining or beach activities, based on your preferences.

What amenities are included onboard?
Bottled water, soft drinks, Bluetooth stereo, rain ponchos, and an emergency porto potty are provided.

Is there parking nearby?
The meeting point is accessible, with options for public transportation.

Experience the perfect blend of scenic cruising, beach relaxation, and personalized fun with this Southern Charm boat tour. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique way to explore Charleston, this tour offers a memorable, tailored outing.