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Private Yacht Charters from Charleston City Marina across Charleston Harbor and the Lowcountry
Charleston Yacht Charters: Lowcountry Luxury across the Harbor
A Charleston yacht charter is a fully crewed private boat rental departing from Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River that gives your group exclusive access to Charleston Harbor and the Lowcountry, including Fort Sumter, the historic Battery, Rainbow Row, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Shem Creek, and the tidal creeks and barrier islands of the South Carolina coast, aboard a luxury vessel with an experienced captain and crew.
Charleston is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the United States, founded in 1670 on a peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet to form Charleston Harbor, a broad sheltered estuary that opens to the Atlantic Ocean. The harbor is steeped in American history, from the colonial port and the antebellum waterfront to Fort Sumter, the island fortress where the American Civil War began in 1861. Day Yacht Charters builds every charter around your group, with local captains who know the harbor, the tides, the barrier islands, and the maze of tidal creeks that define the Lowcountry.
Below you will find our featured Charleston fleet, followed by a complete guide to cruising the harbor: the marina and historic waterfront, Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, the Battery and Rainbow Row, Shem Creek and the dolphins, the barrier islands and beaches, sample itineraries, the onboard experience, and full logistics for getting to Charleston and Charleston City Marina.
Please note that the yachts shown on our website may not always reflect the most current availability, as we do not have a dedicated web designer to update the listings. Some yachts may be unavailable for reasons such as being sold by the owner, undergoing maintenance, relocated, or already booked by another client. To see a complete and up-to-date list of yachts available for rent in Charleston, we recommend contacting us directly. We can provide detailed information, including photos, pricing for day trips, and confirm the availability of any specific yacht.
Experience the Luxury of Charleston Yacht Charters - Private Charters Available across Charleston Harbor and the Lowcountry
Charleston yacht charters offer access to Charleston Harbor and the Lowcountry, departing primarily from Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River, near the historic district and the Battery at the tip of the peninsula. Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1670, set on a peninsula on the central South Carolina coast where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet to form a broad sheltered harbor that opens to the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the Holy City for its many historic church steeples, Charleston is celebrated for its preserved colonial and antebellum architecture, its Lowcountry cuisine, and its central place in three centuries of American history, from the colonial port to Fort Sumter, the harbor fortress where the American Civil War began in 1861. The United States dollar is the currency, English is the language, and the prime charter season runs roughly March through November, with the spring and fall offering the most pleasant temperatures and the calmest, clearest conditions of the year. Day Yacht Charters operates a fully crewed fleet from Charleston City Marina with local captains who know the harbor and the Lowcountry intimately: the tides that govern the harbor and the creeks, the best vantage points for the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge, the dolphin grounds around Shem Creek and the harbor, the salt marshes and tidal creeks, and the pristine beaches of the barrier islands. Charter guests arrive through Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 12 miles from the historic district, with direct flights from across the eastern and central United States. Charleston City Marina, home to the famous Megadock, sits on the Ashley River a short distance from the historic peninsula, the Battery, and the major downtown hotels. The combination of a historic harbor, abundant wildlife, beautiful architecture, and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry makes Charleston one of the great charter grounds of the United States East Coast.
Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River is the primary departure point for Charleston yacht charters and one of the largest and best-known marinas on the United States East Coast, home to the Megadock, one of the longest floating docks in the country. The marina sits on the western side of the Charleston peninsula on the Ashley River, a short distance from the historic district, the Battery, and the downtown hotels, with deep-water berths, full marine services, and direct access to the harbor. From the marina, charters cruise down the Ashley River and around the tip of the peninsula past the Battery within 15 to 20 minutes, reaching the open harbor and the historic waterfront, and can cruise to Fort Sumter at the harbor mouth in roughly 30 to 40 minutes or up to Shem Creek across the harbor in about 30 minutes. Most Charleston yacht charters depart Charleston City Marina in late morning or early afternoon to catch the best light and the calmest conditions, returning by early evening for day charters or staying out for the sunset. The classic harbor cruise route rounds the Battery at the tip of the peninsula, with its antebellum mansions and seawall, cruises the historic waterfront and Rainbow Row, runs out to Fort Sumter at the harbor mouth for a close cruise around the fortress, passes beneath the soaring Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and crosses to Shem Creek to find the dolphins among the shrimp boats. Charters with more time continue out to the barrier islands and beaches of Sullivan's Island and beyond. Most Charleston charter guests arrive through Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 12 miles northwest of the historic district and roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive from Charleston City Marina, with direct flights from across the eastern and central United States, including New York (around 2 hours), Atlanta (around 1 hour), Washington (around 1.5 hours), Chicago (around 2 hours), Dallas, and many other hubs, plus seasonal service from further afield. From the airport, the marina and the historic district hotels are a short drive or ride share away. The combination of a famous, full-service marina near the historic district, excellent domestic air access, and direct cruising to the harbor, Fort Sumter, and the Lowcountry waterways makes Charleston City Marina the natural choice for Charleston yacht charters.
Charleston Harbor is the centerpiece of any Charleston yacht charter, a broad sheltered estuary formed where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet at the tip of the peninsula and open to the Atlantic between Sullivan's Island and Morris Island. The harbor has been the heart of Charleston since the city's founding in 1670, and cruising its waters is the finest way to experience three centuries of American history alongside the natural beauty of the South Carolina coast. From the harbor, the historic peninsula presents its classic profile: the church steeples of the Holy City, the antebellum mansions of the Battery, and the colorful houses of the waterfront, best seen from the water as generations of sailors have seen them. Fort Sumter sits at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, a brick island fortress built on a man-made sand bar after the War of 1812 and famous as the place where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in April 1861. Now a national monument administered by the National Park Service, the fort can be cruised close around on a charter for dramatic views of its weathered brick walls and its commanding position at the harbor entrance, a perspective that conveys its strategic importance far better than any photograph. The nearby Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island and the Morris Island Lighthouse add to the harbor's rich maritime history. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge soars across the Cooper River at the northern side of the harbor, a striking cable-stayed span that opened in 2005 and stretches roughly 2.5 miles, with two diamond-shaped towers rising more than 570 feet above the water, making it one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in North America. Cruising beneath the Ravenel Bridge, with its fan of white cables overhead and the harbor opening ahead, is a highlight of a Charleston charter, and the bridge forms a dramatic modern counterpoint to the historic skyline of the peninsula. A charter can linger at the Battery, drift past Fort Sumter, and pass beneath the great bridge at its own pace, taking in the full sweep of the harbor.
The Charleston peninsula, seen from the water, is one of the most beautiful historic waterfronts in the United States, and a yacht charter offers the ideal vantage point on its three centuries of preserved architecture. The Battery, at the southern tip of the peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet, is a fortified seawall and promenade lined with grand antebellum mansions, their pastel facades, columned piazzas, and manicured gardens facing the harbor. White Point Garden, the shaded park at the point, marks the very tip of the peninsula. From the water, the Battery presents the classic Charleston scene of stately homes above the seawall, and a charter rounding the point takes it in from the perspective for which these houses were designed. Just up the Cooper River side of the peninsula, Rainbow Row is a celebrated stretch of thirteen colorful historic houses along East Bay Street, painted in soft pastels of pink, blue, green, and yellow, among the most photographed scenes in Charleston and one of the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the country. The historic waterfront also includes Waterfront Park with its famous Pineapple Fountain, the old Customs House, and the church steeples that give Charleston its Holy City nickname, including St Philip's and St Michael's, which have guided sailors into the harbor for centuries. Cruising the historic waterfront, especially as the late afternoon light turns the mansions and steeples gold, is one of the great pleasures of a Charleston charter. The captain can bring the yacht close along the Battery and the waterfront for photography, point out the historic landmarks, and time the cruise for the golden hour when the peninsula glows. From the water, with the Battery, Rainbow Row, the steeples, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge all in view, Charleston reveals itself as one of the great historic harbor cities of America.
Beyond the historic harbor, the Charleston Lowcountry is a vast network of tidal creeks, salt marshes, and barrier islands that teems with wildlife and offers a quieter, more natural side of a Charleston charter. Shem Creek, in Mount Pleasant just across the harbor from the peninsula, is the heart of the local shrimping fleet and one of the best spots in the area to watch dolphins. The creek is lined with working shrimp boats, waterfront restaurants, and marshes, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen feeding and playing in the creek and the surrounding water, often right beside the yacht. A charter up Shem Creek combines the charm of the working waterfront with excellent dolphin and bird watching. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the signature animal of the Charleston waters, and pods are seen year-round throughout the harbor and the creeks, frequently riding the bow wave of the yacht or feeding along the marsh edges, sometimes engaging in the remarkable strand-feeding behavior unique to the Lowcountry, in which dolphins drive fish onto the muddy banks. The salt marshes, golden-green expanses of spartina grass laced with winding tidal creeks, shelter great blue herons, snowy egrets, brown pelicans, ospreys, and a rich variety of birdlife, and the quiet creeks are a peaceful contrast to the historic harbor. The barrier islands that line the Charleston coast offer pristine beaches and natural beauty. Sullivan's Island, just across the harbor mouth, has a historic lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, and a quiet beach, while neighboring Isle of Palms offers a longer stretch of sand. To the south, Folly Beach is a relaxed surf town, and the exclusive resort islands of Kiawah and Seabrook offer some of the finest beaches in the Southeast, backed by maritime forest and marsh. A charter can run out to anchor off a barrier island beach for swimming and a quiet afternoon, combining the historic harbor with the natural beauty of the Lowcountry coast.
A 2 hour sunset cruise from Charleston City Marina is the most popular evening option on Charleston Harbor. Departing in the late afternoon, the route rounds the Battery at the tip of the peninsula, cruises the historic waterfront, and runs out into the harbor to catch the sunset behind the steeples and the city, with the Ravenel Bridge and the lighting waterfront framing the return. The sunset cruise covers the harbor and the historic waterfront and is ideal for a romantic evening, a celebration, or a relaxed introduction to the city from the water. A 3 to 4 hour harbor cruise is the classic Charleston charter experience. Departing Charleston City Marina, the route rounds the Battery and Rainbow Row, cruises the historic waterfront, runs out to Fort Sumter at the harbor mouth for a close cruise around the fortress, passes beneath the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and crosses to Shem Creek to find the dolphins among the shrimp boats. The half-day cruise takes in all the signature landmarks of the harbor and the Lowcountry and can be customized around your group's interests, with refreshments and catering served on deck. A full-day 6 to 8 hour charter is the headline Charleston experience. Departing Charleston City Marina in late morning, the route takes in the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge, then runs out through the harbor mouth to anchor off a barrier island beach at Sullivan's Island or further afield for swimming and a Lowcountry lunch served on deck, with dolphin watching in the creeks and harbor along the way. The full-day itinerary offers the complete Charleston experience, from the historic harbor to the pristine beaches and the abundant wildlife, and can be tailored entirely to your group. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, and some add premium catering with fresh Lowcountry seafood, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, local oysters, and a traditional Lowcountry boil served on deck. Weddings, group celebrations, corporate events, and milestone occasions are all popular on the harbor, and our team builds each charter around the occasion.
The Charleston charter fleet includes sport motor yachts in the 32 to 50 foot range ideal for sunset cruises and half-day harbor tours around the Battery and Fort Sumter, larger motor yachts in the 55 to 100 foot range for full-day charters to the barrier islands and for larger groups and events, sailing catamarans for stable family cruising across the harbor and the creeks, and full crewed superyachts for premium charters, weddings, and corporate occasions. Charleston City Marina serves as the daily departure and return point for charters, with its famous Megadock and its convenient location near the historic district. Onboard amenities typically include forward sun pads and aft cockpit seating, comfortable enclosed and open deck space, fresh water swim showers, full galleys for onboard catering, premium audio systems with Bluetooth, swim platforms for access to the water at the barrier island beaches, and complete provisioning to guest preferences. The captain and crew are local professionals with detailed knowledge of the harbor and the Lowcountry waterways, the tides that govern the harbor and the creeks, the best vantage points for the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge, the dolphin grounds around Shem Creek, and the barrier island beaches. The crew handles all navigation, anchoring, and onboard hospitality. Customization options include onboard private chef service with menus built around fresh Lowcountry cuisine: local shrimp, she-crab soup (the Charleston classic), local oysters, blue crab, and flounder, the iconic shrimp and grits, a traditional Lowcountry boil with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, Southern sides, and Charleston sweet tea, alongside crisp white wines and cold local craft beer. Group sizes range from 2 to 25 guests depending on the vessel selected, with the typical sweet spot at 6 to 12 guests. Contact us for current pricing and availability. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Each charter is built around your group's interests, the seasonal conditions and the tides on your charter day, and the specific landmarks, creeks, and beaches you most want to include. Our team handles every detail so your group can focus entirely on enjoying Charleston Harbor and the Lowcountry from the privacy and comfort of your own yacht.
Charleston is reached by air through Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 12 miles northwest of the historic district and roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive from Charleston City Marina. CHS receives direct flights from across the eastern and central United States, including New York (around 2 hours), Atlanta (around 1 hour), Washington (around 1.5 hours), Chicago (around 2 hours), Dallas, Houston, Boston, and many other hubs, with additional seasonal service from further afield. The compact size of Charleston means the airport, the historic district, the marina, and the major hotels are all within a short drive of one another. Domestic travelers within the United States need no documentation beyond standard identification for air travel. International visitors require a valid passport and, depending on nationality, either an ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (for citizens of the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Australia, Japan, and many others, applied for online before travel) or a United States visa. The United States dollar is the currency, major credit cards are accepted everywhere, English is the language, and the United States uses 120 volts at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs. Charleston sits in the Eastern Time zone. Charleston offers a wonderful range of lodging, from the historic luxury hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns of the downtown peninsula to resort properties on the barrier islands of Kiawah, Seabrook, and Isle of Palms, all within easy reach of Charleston City Marina. Many guests pair a private harbor charter with time exploring the city, from the historic district and the City Market to the plantations and gardens along the Ashley River and the celebrated Charleston food scene. The best Charleston charter season runs roughly March through November, with the spring (April through June) and the fall (September through November) offering the most pleasant temperatures, the calmest water, and the clearest conditions of the year. The summer months are warm and humid with the warmest water for swimming at the barrier island beaches, while spring and fall offer mild, comfortable days ideal for cruising the harbor. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 for current pricing and availability.
Charter pricing in Charleston reflects the premium quality of the experience and varies based on vessel size, duration, and group size. Our team works with each client individually to build a charter package that delivers real value and the attention to detail that defines a Day Yacht Charters experience. Call +1 (305) 515-4735 or email info@DayYachtCharters.com for current pricing and availability.
With Day Yacht Charters Charleston, you will have an experienced professional crew, thoughtful service, and a day on the water designed entirely around what your group wants. Contact us today and let us help you build the perfect Charleston Harbor itinerary.
A VIP private charter in Charleston combines the historic beauty of the harbor and the Lowcountry with the personalized luxury that defines a private yacht charter. From the moment you board at Charleston City Marina, every element is curated. A private chef joins your vessel with Lowcountry menus built around fresh local seafood, shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, oysters, and the seasonal flavors of the South Carolina coast. Chilled Champagne, crisp white wines, and cold local craft beer wait at the dock. The captain handles the route past the Battery, the cruise to Fort Sumter, and the run up Shem Creek to find the dolphins. When the late afternoon light turns the harbor gold and the steeples of the historic peninsula glow, your group is on deck with a cold drink in hand. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to design your perfect Charleston VIP charter.
From the deck of a private yacht cruising Charleston Harbor, your group experiences this historic city from the water, the perspective from which Charleston was built and from which it is still most beautiful. Charleston Harbor is a broad sheltered estuary formed where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet at the tip of the peninsula, opening to the Atlantic between Sullivan's Island and Morris Island. The harbor is framed by the historic Charleston peninsula, with its church steeples, the elegant antebellum mansions of the Battery, and the soaring cables of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. At the harbor mouth sits Fort Sumter, the brick island fortress where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in April 1861, now a national monument that charters can cruise close around for views no land tour provides. The captain reads the daily tides and conditions to choose the route, whether that means a harbor and Fort Sumter loop, a cruise of the historic waterfront, or a run out toward the barrier islands. A private charter can linger at the Battery, drift past Fort Sumter, and pass beneath the great Ravenel Bridge at its own pace.
Beyond the historic harbor, the Charleston Lowcountry is a vast network of tidal creeks, salt marshes, and barrier islands that teems with wildlife and makes every charter an experience of the natural South Carolina coast. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the signature animal of these waters, and pods are commonly seen year-round in the harbor and the creeks, often riding the bow wave of the yacht or feeding along the marsh edges. Shem Creek, in Mount Pleasant just across the harbor, is the heart of the local shrimping fleet and a favorite spot to watch dolphins, pelicans, and herons among the working shrimp boats and waterfront restaurants. The salt marshes of the Lowcountry, golden-green expanses of spartina grass laced with winding tidal creeks, shelter herons, egrets, ospreys, pelicans, and a rich variety of birdlife, and the barrier islands offer pristine beaches backed by maritime forest. A charter through the Lowcountry waterways combines the historic harbor with the quiet beauty of the marshes and the abundant wildlife, giving guests the full range of the Charleston coast in a single relaxed day.
Charleston is one of the most distinctive yacht charter destinations on the United States East Coast. The combination of a historic harbor, Fort Sumter, the antebellum Battery and Rainbow Row, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the dolphins and salt marshes of the Lowcountry, and the pristine barrier island beaches creates a charter destination unlike any other. Our local team has years of experience on these waters and builds every charter around the group's interests, the seasonal conditions and the tides on the day, and the specific landmarks, creeks, and beaches each guest most wants to include.
Discover more Southeast and Florida charter destinations with Day Yacht Charters. Browse our Miami yacht charters, Key West yacht charters, or Fort Lauderdale yacht charters for more East Coast options.
Charleston yacht charters depart from Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River, reached through Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 12 miles northwest of the historic district and roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive from the marina. CHS receives direct flights from across the eastern and central United States, including New York (around 2 hours), Atlanta (around 1 hour), Washington (around 1.5 hours), Chicago (around 2 hours), Dallas, Houston, and Boston, with additional seasonal service from further afield. The compact size of Charleston means the airport, the historic district, the marina, and the major hotels are all within a short drive of one another. Call +1 (305) 515-4735 to coordinate your arrival.
Most Charleston yacht charters depart from Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River, one of the largest and best-known marinas on the United States East Coast and home to the Megadock, one of the longest floating docks in the country. The marina sits on the western side of the Charleston peninsula a short distance from the historic district, the Battery, and the downtown hotels, with deep-water berths, full marine services, and direct access to the harbor. From the marina, charters cruise down the Ashley River and around the tip of the peninsula past the Battery within 15 to 20 minutes, and can reach Fort Sumter at the harbor mouth in roughly 30 to 40 minutes or Shem Creek across the harbor in about 30 minutes. The marina is a 20 to 25 minute drive from Charleston International Airport.
A Charleston charter gives your group access to the full sweep of Charleston Harbor and the Lowcountry. Highlights include the antebellum mansions and seawall of the Battery, the colorful historic houses of Rainbow Row, the church steeples of the Holy City skyline, Fort Sumter (the brick fortress where the American Civil War began in 1861) at the harbor mouth, the soaring Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Shem Creek with its shrimp boats and dolphins, the salt marshes and tidal creeks of the Lowcountry, and the pristine beaches of the barrier islands such as Sullivan's Island. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen year-round throughout the harbor and creeks. Your captain selects the best route for the day's tide, light, and your group's interests.
The best Charleston charter season runs roughly March through November, with the spring (April through June) and the fall (September through November) offering the most pleasant temperatures, the calmest water, and the clearest conditions of the year, ideal for cruising the harbor. The summer months of July and August are warm and humid with the warmest water for swimming at the barrier island beaches. Dolphins are seen year-round in the harbor and the creeks. We charter year-round and our local team will recommend the best dates for your priorities, whether you are planning a harbor sightseeing cruise, a beach day at the barrier islands, a sunset cruise, or a celebration. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Yes. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is the signature animal of the Charleston waters, and pods are commonly seen year-round throughout Charleston Harbor and the surrounding tidal creeks, often riding the bow wave of the yacht or feeding along the marsh edges. Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, the heart of the local shrimping fleet, is one of the best spots to watch dolphins among the working shrimp boats. The Charleston dolphins are also known for the remarkable strand-feeding behavior unique to the Lowcountry, in which they drive fish onto the muddy banks. Along with the dolphins, the salt marshes shelter great blue herons, snowy egrets, brown pelicans, and ospreys, making every Lowcountry charter excellent for wildlife watching.
A standard Charleston yacht charter includes the vessel, fuel for the planned itinerary, an experienced licensed captain, professional crew, all safety equipment, basic provisions including water and soft drinks, and on-water hospitality. Customization options include onboard private chef service with fresh Lowcountry cuisine (local shrimp, she-crab soup, local oysters, the iconic shrimp and grits, and a traditional Lowcountry boil with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes), crisp white wines, Charleston sweet tea, and cold local craft beer. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange catering and amenities for your charter.
Group sizes range from 2 to 25 guests depending on the vessel selected. Smaller sport motor yachts from 32 to 50 feet are ideal for couples and intimate groups of up to 12 guests for sunset cruises and half-day harbor tours. Mid-size motor yachts and sailing catamarans from 50 to 70 feet accommodate groups of 12 to 18 comfortably for half-day and full-day charters to Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and the barrier islands. Larger crewed superyachts handle groups of up to 25 for weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations on the harbor. The sweet spot for most Charleston charters is 6 to 12 guests, which fits comfortably on the most popular vessels and allows for personalized crew service and easy movement around the deck for harbor and skyline photography.
Yes. Fort Sumter sits at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, the brick island fortress where the American Civil War began in 1861, now a national monument. A charter can cruise close around the fort for dramatic views of its weathered walls and commanding position, a perspective no land tour offers. Beyond the harbor mouth, the barrier islands offer pristine beaches: Sullivan's Island, just across the harbor, has a historic lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, and a quiet beach, while neighboring Isle of Palms offers a longer stretch of sand, and the resort islands of Kiawah and Seabrook to the south offer some of the finest beaches in the Southeast. A full-day charter can run out to anchor off a barrier island beach for swimming and a quiet afternoon, combining history with natural beauty.
All Day Yacht Charters Charleston charters include water and soft drinks as standard. We offer flexible packages, some include open bar, some allow BYOB, some add premium catering with private chef service onboard. Onboard chef menus typically feature fresh Lowcountry cuisine including local shrimp, she-crab soup (the Charleston classic), local oysters, blue crab, and flounder, the iconic shrimp and grits, a traditional Lowcountry boil with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, and Southern sides, alongside crisp white wines, Charleston sweet tea, and cold local craft beer. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange catering for your charter.
Yes. Charleston Harbor is one of the most beautiful settings in the country for weddings, celebrations, and events, with the historic Battery, the steeples of the Holy City, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge as backdrops. We arrange custom flower arrangements, anniversary and birthday packages with a private chef Lowcountry seafood tasting menu, sunset celebrations on the harbor with the city glowing gold, wedding and engagement arrangements with the historic skyline behind you, and corporate and group events on the water with catering and bar service. Larger crewed yachts accommodate groups of up to 25 for receptions and corporate occasions. The combination of historic beauty, Lowcountry charm, and open water makes every Charleston celebration unforgettable. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to plan your event.
Yes. Charleston offers a full range of charter durations. The most popular evening option is a 2 hour sunset cruise, which rounds the Battery and runs out into the harbor to catch the sunset behind the steeples and the city, with the Ravenel Bridge and the lighting waterfront framing the return. A 3 to 4 hour harbor cruise takes in the Battery, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and Shem Creek with its dolphins. A full-day 6 to 8 hour charter adds a run out through the harbor mouth to anchor off a barrier island beach for swimming and a Lowcountry lunch served on deck. Each itinerary can be customized around your group's interests, the tides, and the occasion. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to plan your Charleston charter.
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Charleston: A Premier Destination for Lowcountry Yacht Charters
Charleston occupies a special place in American yacht charter. The combination of a historic harbor steeped in three centuries of American history, the antebellum beauty of the Battery and Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter at the harbor mouth, the soaring Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the dolphins and salt marshes of the Lowcountry, and the pristine barrier island beaches makes the region one of the most distinctive charter destinations on the United States East Coast. Day Yacht Charters has built our Charleston operation around guests who appreciate this depth and want operational excellence to match. Our captains know the harbor and the Lowcountry waterways intimately, the chefs work with the freshest local seafood and Lowcountry traditions, and our itineraries are crafted around what each group most wants to experience.
Charleston Yacht Charters
Discover the Best Places and Things to Do in Charleston by Yacht
Private Chef Excellence
Fresh Lowcountry cuisine is the heart of onboard dining on a Day Yacht Charters Charleston cruise. A private chef on your charter prepares regional specialties: fresh local seafood including Lowcountry shrimp, she-crab soup (the Charleston classic), local oysters, blue crab, and flounder, alongside the iconic shrimp and grits, a traditional Lowcountry boil with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, and Southern sides, paired with crisp white wines and Charleston sweet tea. Cold local craft beer and a strong coffee round out the day. Call us at +1 (305) 515-4735 to arrange a chef.
Photo and Video Services
Charleston is one of the most photogenic yacht charter destinations on the entire East Coast. The antebellum mansions and the seawall of the Battery, the colorful historic houses of Rainbow Row, the brick fortress of Fort Sumter at the harbor mouth, the soaring cables of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the church steeples of the Holy City skyline, and the golden salt marshes of the Lowcountry at sunset all provide extraordinary backdrops. Drone footage of yachts on the harbor, golden hour shots of the Battery and the steeples, and full-charter cinematic films are all available. Contact us when booking.
Decorations and Add-Ons
Celebrate your milestone on Charleston Harbor. Custom flower arrangements, anniversary and birthday packages with a private chef Lowcountry seafood tasting menu, sunset celebrations on the harbor with the Battery and the steeples glowing gold, wedding and engagement arrangements with the Ravenel Bridge as a backdrop, corporate and group events on the water, and small-group reception styling are all available. The combination of historic beauty, Lowcountry charm, and the open water of the harbor makes every Charleston celebration unforgettable. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735.
Charleston Harbor, the Battery, and Fort Sumter
Charleston Harbor, the Battery, and Fort Sumter together represent the most distinctive Charleston yacht charter experience. Charleston City Marina on the Ashley River serves as the main departure point, near the historic district and the Battery. Charleston Harbor is formed where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet at the tip of the peninsula, framed by the antebellum mansions of the Battery, the colorful houses of Rainbow Row, and the church steeples of the Holy City. Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began in 1861, sits at the harbor mouth, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge soars overhead, and Shem Creek, the barrier islands, and the Lowcountry waterways extend in every direction. The combination of three centuries of history, abundant dolphins, and pristine beaches makes Charleston an iconic yacht charter destination.
Charleston Yacht Charters, Private Boat Rentals across the Lowcountry
Planning Your Charleston Yacht Charter
Planning a Charleston yacht charter typically begins 3 to 8 weeks before the charter date for most dates and 2 to 4 months ahead for peak spring and fall weekends and for milestone celebrations including weddings. Our team works with each client to understand the group composition, the preferred dates, the home base for lodging in the historic district or on the barrier islands, and the priorities of the experience (Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the Battery, Shem Creek, dolphins, the beaches, celebration). We then propose vessel options and recommended itineraries, with a deposit securing the date and the vessel. The balance is due on the charter day. Crew gratuity, typically 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee, is customarily paid at the end of the charter and is separate from the charter price.
Payment options include credit card, PayPal, Zelle, and bank wire. Charter durations in Charleston typically run from 2 hour sunset cruises up to full-day charters of 6 to 8 hours. Most Charleston bookings are 3 to 4 hour harbor cruises taking in the Battery, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge, with 2 hour sunset cruises as the most popular evening option and full-day charters to the barrier islands and beaches as the headline experience. Contact us at +1 (305) 515-4735 or info@DayYachtCharters.com to check availability and begin planning.