Private Afternoon Boat Ride and Beach Excursion

Exploring Charleston from the Water: A Look at the Private Boat Ride and Beach Excursion

If you’re considering experiencing Charleston beyond its charming streets and historic sites, this Private Afternoon Boat Ride and Beach Excursion offers a fantastic way to see the harbor, relax on quiet beaches, and even hunt for ancient fossils. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a memorable, flexible adventure that appeals to many travelers.

One of the standout features is the customizable itinerary—you’re in charge of your day, with options to visit islands, dig for shark teeth, or enjoy local eats. Plus, the boat itself, the Southern Charm, promises a smooth, comfortable ride with the capability to reach lively speeds of 30 mph, covering a lot of ground in just three hours. The second big plus? The personalized touch of a private captain making sure your experience is tailored to your interests.

However, a consideration is the additional costs for extras like beach chairs, coolers, and cabanas. While the base price is $499 for up to six people, those extra comforts can add up if you want to make a full party out of your beach time. This tour is perfect if you’re after a flexible, laid-back day on the water, especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family who appreciates personalized service.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with some fun beach time, enjoy a private setting, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for added comfort. It’s especially appealing for those celebrating special occasions—like bachelorette weekends—or anyone who just wants an authentic Charleston water adventure with a personal touch.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: You can tailor your trip with stops and activities you enjoy most.
• Comfortable boat: The Southern Charm offers a smooth ride and enough space for up to six guests.
• Multiple activities: Beach lounging, shelling, shark tooth hunting, or dining at Shem Creeks.
• Extras cost extra: Towels, chairs, coolers, and cabanas come at additional fees, so budget accordingly.
• Expert guidance: The captain is experienced and ready to take you where you want to go.
• Great value for small groups: Combining scenic views, private service, and optional activities makes this a unique option.

The Experience in Detail

Imagine cruising along Charleston’s historic harbor aboard a sleek, private boat, feeling the breeze and watching the city skyline drift behind you. That’s exactly what this Private Afternoon Boat Ride promises. The Southern Charm, a comfortable and fast vessel, can zip around the harbor at speeds up to 30 mph, making sure you’ll see a lot in just about three hours.

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You’re not tied to a fixed schedule or route. The captain will tailor your voyage based on your interests. Want to explore the quieter islands? Looking for that legendary 50-million-year-old Megalodon shark tooth on Morris Island? Or maybe just craving some time on a pristine beach with friends or family? It’s all up to you.

The Itinerary and Key Stops

The tour begins at 17 Lockwood Drive, right in the heart of Charleston. From there, your captain will guide you through the historic harbor, passing by notable landmarks and scenic views. The journey is like having your own water-based tour of Charleston’s most picturesque spots.

One of the major highlights is visiting secluded island beaches. These are not crowded tourist spots but quiet, unspoiled areas perfect for shelling, shark tooth hunting, or simply soaking up the sun. Many reviews mention the thrill of searching for fossils, with some guests reporting they found impressive finds—like the coveted Megalodon teeth, which date back millions of years. The captain can take you to these special spots, creating a personalized fossil-hunting adventure.

Beach Time and Extra Comforts

Once ashore, you can choose to lounge on the sand or explore the shoreline. Want to enhance your beach experience? You can add beach chairs, cabanas, towels, coolers, and even a JBL Bluetooth speaker for an additional cost. These small touches turn an already fun trip into a party atmosphere.

Guests have raved about how easy it is to bring your own food and drinks onboard, making this a relaxed, picnic-style outing. The boat comes equipped with a cooler filled with ice, bottled water, and soft drinks, so you stay refreshed throughout.

The Food and Social Element

While the tour itself is about the scenery and adventure, many guests also take the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Shem Creeks, a local hotspot with many restaurant options. This is an ideal way to combine a water adventure with some delicious Southern-style seafood or casual bites.

In summer, the addition of water hammock rafts might be available—perfect for swimming and relaxing in the water. This feature, along with the ability to bring your own food and entertainment, makes for a true party on the water.

The Captain and Crew

The reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly captains, with names like Dustin, Quent, Scott, Hailey, and Monique coming up repeatedly. They’re praised for their attentiveness, sense of humor, and informative commentary, making the trip both fun and educational. The captains’ flexibility and personal approach seem to be key ingredients in creating memorable outings.

Value and Pricing

At $499 for up to six guests, this private tour offers a solid value considering the personalized service, private boat, and flexible itinerary. When you factor in the chance to hunt for fossils, enjoy secluded beaches, and possibly combine this with a meal or drinks, it becomes an experience worth splurging on, especially for small groups or special occasions.

Keep in mind that extras like beach chairs ($5 each), towels ($5 each), coolers ($20), and cabanas ($30) add to the cost, so planning ahead can help you budget. But these are optional, and many reviews mention just bringing their own supplies, making the trip more economical.

Booking in Advance

This tour is quite popular, often booked around 60 days in advance, especially during peak summer weekends or holiday periods. If you’re planning a summer weekend getaway, booking early is a good idea to secure your preferred date.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is ideal for small groups who want a personalized, flexible day on the water without the crowds. It’s especially suited for celebrating special occasions, like bachelorette parties, or for anyone interested in a laid-back adventure that combines sightseeing, beach time, and fossil hunting.

If you’re traveling with friends or family and enjoy being outdoors, this tour offers a balanced mix of exploration and relaxation. But keep in mind, if you’re looking for a more structured or guided tour with historical commentary, this might feel a bit casual. Still, the freedom to customize makes it a big plus.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it’s a private boat experience with a relaxed vibe, so children who can handle boating and beach time should enjoy it. Always check with the provider if you have very young kids.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard? Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages, which can be enjoyed during the trip or at the beaches.

What are the additional costs I should expect? Extras like beach chairs ($5 each), towels ($5 each), cabanas ($30), and coolers ($20) are available at additional costs. The boat itself comes with a cooler and ice.

How long is the trip and what does it include? The tour lasts around 3 hours, during which you’ll cruise the harbor, visit beaches, and have time for activities like shelling or fossil hunting, depending on your preferences.

Is there parking nearby? The meeting point is at 17 Lockwood Drive, which is centrally located and near public transportation options—though it’s best to check local parking details in advance.

What if the weather isn’t ideal? The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This private boat and beach excursion in Charleston offers a flexible, personalized way to see the harbor, relax on secluded beaches, and hunt for ancient fossils. The experience is built around your preferences, with a friendly, knowledgeable captain guiding the way. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a relaxed but adventurous day, especially those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, beach time, and a bit of fossil-spotting fun.

While the cost might seem high at first glance, the exclusivity, customization, and the chance to create a tailored Charleston water adventure make it worth considering. Just remember to factor in the potential costs of extras if you want to maximize your comfort and fun.

If you love the idea of cruising the harbor with the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path beaches, this tour is definitely worth looking into—and booking early to secure your spot.