Semi-Private Charleston: Party Boat Charter – 2 Hours

If you’re looking to add a splash of fun and a touch of style to your Charleston trip, a 2-hour semi-private party boat cruise might just be the perfect choice. Designed for celebrating birthdays, bridal parties, or simply enjoying a day on the water with friends, this experience offers a relaxed yet lively way to soak up Charleston’s scenic coastlines. Whether you’re in town for a special occasion or just want a memorable afternoon, this cruise promises good vibes, great views, and plenty of opportunities for fun.

What we really like about this experience is how flexible it is — you can dance to your favorite tunes or keep it chill with friends while enjoying the scenery. Plus, sharing the boat with another small group keeps the atmosphere exclusive while still offering a lively social vibe. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that it’s not suited for children under 16 or guests with mobility challenges, mainly due to the dock setup. This cruise fits best for adults seeking a casual, customizable celebration on the water, with a focus on fun, scenery, and good company.

Key Points

• Relaxed & customizable: Bring your own drinks and snacks to make the party your own.
• Stunning views: Cruise past Downtown Charleston, the Ravenel Bridge, and even Yorktown Aircraft Carrier.
• Great value: For around $65 per person, you get two hours of semi-private boat time with a friendly crew.
• Ideal for celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a fun day out.
• Limited accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with mobility challenges.
• Shared vibe: You share the boat with one other small group, keeping it intimate but lively.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From the Cruise

This experience is all about enjoying breathtaking views and a laid-back party atmosphere. The boat, accommodating up to 20 guests, offers plenty of cushioned seating, side tables, and a bathroom — all important for comfort during your two hours on the water. The crew is described as professional and friendly, working hard to create a seamless experience whether you’re there to dance or relax.

The cruise departs from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant, with a straightforward check-in process at the Water’s Edge restaurant dock. Arriving 20 minutes early helps ensure smooth check-in and parking. Once aboard, the boat’s Bluetooth sound system allows you to play your favorite tunes, setting the perfect mood for your celebration. You’re encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks — a little personal touch that can really elevate the experience.

The scenery along the route is stunning, with views of Downtown Charleston, the Ravenel Bridge, and even the Yorktown Aircraft Carrier. This makes for great photo opportunities, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a bachelorette or birthday. The captain and crew are also happy to curate the vibe, whether you want to dance or keep it more relaxed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $65 per person, this cruise includes the 2-hour semi-private boat charter, the friendly crew, and complimentary water and ice in coolers. The Bluetooth sound system is also part of the package, so you can blast your playlist or enjoy the vibe the crew creates.

However, it’s important to note what’s not included: food and drinks (besides what you bring), gratuity, and parking. You’ll want to plan ahead if you’re craving snacks or additional beverages. Since BYOB is allowed, bringing a few drinks or snacks is a popular choice, making it easier to customize your celebration.

The Route and Scenery

During the cruise, you’ll glide along scenic coastlines that show off Charleston’s waterways in all their glory. The views of downtown from the water are particularly photogenic, and many guests have mentioned how perfect the backdrop is for Insta-worthy shots. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying a leisurely afternoon, the scenery helps make the moments memorable.

One review mentioned how “the breathtaking views of Charleston and the gorgeous bridges make for perfect photos,” which captures the appeal well. The boat’s size and layout also mean that everyone has a good vantage point, whether you’re standing or lounging.

The Vibe and Atmosphere

This isn’t a party with a DJ or nightclubs, but the Bluetooth sound system and the option to bring your own music make the atmosphere fun and relaxed. Some guests have shared that the crew curates the vibe based on your preferences, whether you want to dance or just enjoy the scenery with a cold drink in hand.

Sharing the boat with another small group means you get a lively, yet intimate experience. This semi-private setup is ideal if you want to keep things a bit more exclusive but also enjoy some shared fun. It’s perfect for smaller groups looking to celebrate without the chaos of a big party boat.

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Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early: Aim to get there 20 minutes before departure to allow for parking and check-in.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks: To personalize your celebration, pack your favorites — the crew is welcoming of BYOB.
• Dress appropriately: Light clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves for sun protection.
• Limitations: If you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair or has significant mobility challenges, this experience might not be suitable due to dock design.
• Timing options: Cruises are available in the morning, afternoon, or sunset, so choose what fits your plans.
• No smoking or pets: Remember, smoking and pets aren’t allowed on the boat.

Cost-Effectiveness & Value

At $65 per person for two hours, this cruise is a pretty decent deal, especially considering you’re getting a semi-private experience with beautiful views and a friendly crew. Sharing the boat with another group keeps the vibe lively without feeling crowded, and the ability to customize your drinks and playlist adds a personal touch. When you factor in the scenic photos, relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate in style, the price feels reasonable.

Many reviewers have pointed out the good value for money, especially when compared to other private or larger tours with less flexibility. Plus, the full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance makes it a low-risk option for last-minute plans or uncertain schedules.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise works best for small groups of adults looking for a casual, customizable way to celebrate or just enjoy Charleston’s waterfront. It’s ideal for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or even a weekend getaway with friends. If you’re after a lively, scenic experience that you can personalize, this is a solid choice.

If you’re traveling with children under 16 or require accessibility accommodations, you might want to consider other options, since this tour isn’t suited for those needs. The emphasis on private celebration, the boat setup, and dock access make it more of an adult-focused outing.

Final Thoughts

For a relaxed yet fun way to experience Charleston from the water, this semi-private party boat cruise hits the sweet spot. You get to enjoy breathtaking views, a customizable atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate in style, all at a reasonable price. Its intimate size and flexible vibe appeal particularly to small groups and special occasions.

While it’s not a full-blown party boat or a tour packed with narration, the personal touches — like bringing your own drinks and music — make it feel tailored to your group’s mood. Just remember the limitations regarding accessibility and children under 16.

If you’re looking for a way to mark a special day or simply want a memorable afternoon on the water, this cruise offers a straightforward, enjoyable option without the fuss of larger tours. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy Charleston’s stunning waterfront, capture some great photos, and create some fun memories with friends.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 16 due to the nature of the boat and dock setup.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, BYOB is allowed, so you can bring your favorite drinks and snacks to customize your celebration.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts for 2 hours, providing plenty of time to relax, dance, and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the 2-hour semi-private boat charter, a friendly crew, complimentary water and ice, and a Bluetooth sound system.

Is parking available?
Yes, but you’ll need to find parking near the Water’s Edge restaurant dock. Arriving early helps.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. You might also want to bring a towel or a hat for sun protection.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
No, due to the dock design, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility challenges.

When are the tours available?
Multiple time slots are available, including morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises, so you can pick what fits your schedule.

This cruise offers a relaxed, scenic way to celebrate or just enjoy Charleston’s waterways, with enough flexibility to make it your own. Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette, or just a fun day with friends, it’s worth considering if you’re after a memorable, intimate water experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: