Top 10 Charleston South Carolina Yacht Rentals | Best Charleston Yacht Charters

Recommendation: Book a four-hour sunset catamarans experience through boatsetter for your group to secure easy travel, wonderful memories, and a classic sailing vibe that fits a wedding, bachelorette celebrations, or simple trips with friends.

To pick the right option, filter by capacity, crew, and inclusions. A half-day rental typically accommodates 6–12 guests, while full-day itineraries handle larger groups. Typical pricing ranges from about $800 to $1,800 for a half-day, and $2,200 to $3,600 for an all-day experience, depending on vessel, season, and port of departure. Look for itineraries that will highlight skyline views, harbor highlights, and coastal coves, with a focus on easy boating and comfortable seating for conversation with friends. Booking through boatsetter helps compare options quickly and securely.

Vessel categories include classic catamarans and sleek monohulls, with options for onboard catering, open-bar upgrades, and snorkeling kits. Catamarans offer stability, really smooth rides for groups, while monohulls provide a faster profile for a more intimate vibe. Look for captains with harbor credentials and a plan to guide guests to the best overlooks, quiet coves, and dramatic waterlines–these details will elevate your travel memories and highlight the day.

For celebrations like a wedding or a bachelorette, request a tailored setup: a dedicated host, curated playlists, and a photo-friendly route that keeps the best moments on deck. Some rental options include catered snacks or light bites; others allow BYO beverages with a small corkage fee. With the right vessel and crew, visions of laughter, dancing on the deck, and quiet sunsets while boats glide by become real, and exploring the coastline is easy with a flexible schedule.

Booking tips: start with guest count, desired vibe (sunset, snorkeling, harbor tour), and must-haves. Compare at least two options, verify captain credentials, safety gear, and cancellation terms, and ensure your chosen rental is booked well in advance, especially for weekends. If one choice fills quickly, have backups ready so your group will land on a suitable itinerary. With careful planning, a wonderful day on the water is within reach and you will return home with memories that last.

Top 10 Charleston South Carolina Yacht Rentals and Charters

Serene Wave – 60 ft motor cruiser for up to 40 guests. Length: 60 ft. uscg-licensed captain; climate-controlled salon; shaded aft deck; full galley. This select vessel is ideal for group charters, and the spacious layout helps you really make memories with friends. Renting this boat makes memories that last years; book easily through Boatsetter for an effortless travel plan and a seamless check-in. The ultimate experience for your crew, with a proven track record of booked trips. источник: boatsetter

Coastal Classic – 45 ft classic wooden runabout for up to 12 guests. Length: 45 ft. uscg-licensed captain; polished teak deck; wraparound seating; ideal for intimate day trips. A refined option for your rental, with a warm, vintage vibe that makes memories across many years. Booking is easy through Boatsetter; your group can travel in comfort. источник: boatsetter

Harbor Vista – 72 ft catamaran for up to 60 guests. Length: 72 ft. USCG-licensed captain; spacious, stable platform; multiple lounges; ideal for group charters and corporate events. Select this vessel for a truly memorable coastal voyage with friends, where renting becomes an effortless travel plan. This option highlights coastline vistas and visions of sunset sails. источник: boatsetter

Sunset Pearl – 40 ft sailing yacht for 8 guests. Length: 40 ft. Classic sails; roomy cockpit; cozy interior; uscg-licensed captain; perfect for intimate charters at golden hour. Your rental for a perfect voyage can be booked easily; travel with friends and family for a memorable sunset. Booked slots often fill quickly; this is a reliable pick for such occasions. источник: boatsetter

Ocean Crest – 65 ft high-speed motor yacht for up to 28 guests. Length: 65 ft. Sleek exterior; fast, smooth ride; uscg-licensed crew; LED lighting; ideal for evening charters; select this for a premium experience. Renting provides a private space for your group; easy booking through Boatsetter; memories quickly accumulate. источник: boatsetter

Palmetto Belle – 50 ft luxury motor cruiser for up to 20 guests. Length: 50 ft. Modern amenities; climate control; spacious salon and bow seating; uscg-licensed crew; perfect for corporate or family gatherings; group charters available. Book this rental to travel in style; your journey will feel effortless with easy online booking. Memories to cherish for many years. источник: boatsetter

Island Dream – 52 ft lagoon catamaran for up to 40 guests. Length: 52 ft. Spacious layout; shallow draft; ideal for harbor and island hopping; uscg-rated crew; perfect for travel with friends and family; rental includes a captain and crew; booking is easy via Boatsetter; this option highlights the beauty of coastlines and memories. источник: boatsetter

Blue Tide – 36 ft classic speedboat for up to 12 guests. Length: 36 ft. Quick day trips; nimble handling; comfortable seating; certified crew; ideal for a fast-paced agenda. Renting this boat is an easy way to travel and capture memories; book online with Boatsetter. источник: boatsetter

Atlantic Voyager – 55 ft luxury motor cruiser for up to 24 guests. Length: 55 ft. Upscale interiors; full-service galley; uscg-licensed captain; perfect for fine-dining charters; robust accommodations; select for corporate events or milestone celebrations. Booking is simple; travel in comfort with your group. источник: boatsetter

Sea Whisper – 45 ft sailing catamaran for up to 20 guests. Length: 45 ft. Stable platform; bright interiors; windward beam; uscg-qualified crew; ideal for longer voyages; rental includes crew; book your session via Boatsetter; memories await your crew. источник: boatsetter

Charleston Yacht Rentals: Quick, Practical Steps to Book

Take stock of your people, the preferred length, and the date; use a trusted источник to compare boats, catamarans, and other sea-ready vessels quickly to find the perfect match.

Check Boatsetter and similar platforms for verified captains, safety gear, and transparent inclusions; a well-described listing helps you avoid surprises and speeds up the process. This step highlights the best options.

Reach out to a local contact such as Mike to confirm docking spots, weather contingency plans, and what’s included with trip length and onboard amenities.

Define your budget and booking window; such preparation makes it easy to lock in a date and secure a reservation before the popular places come booked.

For a memorable outing, consider a bachelorette group or family gathering on a catamaran or a comfortable day boat; these options have steady seas and offer ample shade, seating, and deck space to create memories from the first hello to the last toast.

Make sure to clarify the departure point, estimated length, and crew experience; this helps you come away with a wonderful, well-planned experience and a plan that fits your group and occasion.

With these steps, you can secure a well-planned, memories-filled boating day that could become the highlight of your trip; after booked, share the details with your group to ensure everyone is aligned.

Find the perfect boat: compare capacity, amenities, and price

Start with a 52–60 ft catamaran for a 12–20 person group; its length and dual hulls provide a broad, shaded deck and a stable ride, creating memories that will endure with their friends. This classic setup is the ultimate option for weddings or milestone gatherings, featuring a central daybed and an outdoor galley that keeps the flow easy as you move from the cockpit to the bow.

Capacity varies by vessel: catamarans typically host 12–40 people, with 3–6 cabins and a wide beam; longer hulls deliver more usable length for lounges. For a 12–20 person crowd, a 52–60 ft model works best; larger groups can opt for 70–80 ft catamarans or capable mono-hull motor cruisers that accommodate 24–40 while keeping comfort high. Choose among models with years of experience in event hosting to reduce surprises, and look for those that offer select options based on your needs.

Amenities to compare: on-board bar, galley, shaded lounge, flybridge, water toys (kayaks, paddleboards), Wi‑Fi, climate control, and a premium sound system for highlight moments. Catering and deck service vary by vessel; some outfits include full-service catering, others allow external vendors, so pick the option that fits their preferences. For safety, uscg-certified crews and ample life-saving gear are standard; источник.

Pricing snapshot: typical half-day base ranges 2,500–4,000 USD; full-day 5,000–9,000 USD, influenced by length, guest count, and season. Add-ons like catering, open bar, and decor can add 1,000–3,000 USD. Most operators bill by hour plus crew, fuel, and port fees; many offer all-inclusive packages that simplify planning and booking, making the process easy and predictable for your rental.

Booking tips: assemble a short list of 3–4 candidates, verify that their capacity matches your guest list, and confirm the exact length and deck layout to ensure this will be comfortable for your group. Read reviews for reliability and service quality, and request a detailed inclusions sheet before you commit. With a well-chosen vessel, you can make this memory-rich experience come together smoothly, and your guests will talk about it for years.

Select a captain: verify licenses, experience, and local knowledge

Always choose a captain with a current USCG license and years of hands-on command on boats of similar size. When you start, ask if the skipper is Mike or another seasoned professional, and verify their local knowledge of tidal patterns, shoals, and channel markers.

Prefer captains who have logged many trips on catamarans or classic runabouts; such background translates into steady handling, smoother docking, and a spacious layout for guests.

Safety checks: request proof of license, up-to-date safety credentials, and a clean safety record. Use official verifications (источник) or the license number and, if possible, cross-check on the USCG database.

Gauge their local knowledge: a captain who can outline preferred anchorages, sheltered routes, and weather-ready plans will tailor your trip for a bachelorette party or family travel, making the outing truly enjoyable.

Booking approach: compare options on Boatsetter and direct rental providers, read reviews from many people, and ask for a short trial in calm conditions to confirm comfort with the crew.

Bottom line: a captain who blends USCG credentials, years of hands-on work, and proven local knowledge offers the ultimate, easy experience for your voyage.

Set sail: plan itinerary, timing, and weather considerations

Book ahead 6–8 weeks for weekend slots; for a wedding voyage or multi-vessel event, lock in 3–6 months to secure catamarans or classic boats. This approach could save time and avoid crowded slots.

When you outline your route, target 2–3 on-water stops: a scenic harbor approach, a cruise past a lighthouse or historic fort, and a dockside beach or clear-water swim. For larger crews, consider arranging two vessels to keep spacious decks and easy movement between boats.

• Itinerary lengths: Half-day 4 hours; Full-day 8 hours; Sunset sails 2–3 hours. For longer explorations, plan 10–12 hours with a midday dockside break and catering options.
• Timing: Depart early to catch calm seas and cooler temps; late afternoon sails offer golden light and cooler breezes. Use tide windows to favor inlet passages–avoid strong ebb with shallow areas.
• Weather and safety: Check day-of forecasts 24–48 hours in advance; monitor the sea state and wind; have a fallback harbor in mind; hurricane season is June–November–reschedule if storms loom. Follow uscg safety guidelines (источник).

Practical checks before departure

• Confirm booked guests and that their needs are reflected in the plan; share visions for the event with crew; arrange catering and a seating plan if needed.
• Verify vessel length and amenities: spacious decks, shaded areas, restrooms, and sleeping cabins if the trip requires overnighting.
• Pack essentials: sunscreen, hats, water, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof bags, dry clothes, and motion sickness remedies.
• Check navigation and communications: VHF channel 16 on board; ensure a valid license or certificate of inspection per local rules (uscg).

Sample day plans

1. Relaxed half-day: depart pre‑9 am, cruise scenic creeks, morning swim, return by noon; great for travel memories with a small group on one or two boats.
2. Active full day: two vessel setup with a beach stop, a coastal lunch, and a sunset return; ideal for weddings or family reunions with many guests.
3. Evening light: 2–3 hour sunset sail along the skyline, then a dockside dinner or on-board catering; perfect for photography and memories that last years.

Extras to consider

• Special event options: private chef, on-board mixology, or live music to realize their visions.
• Boat types: catamarans offer wide decks and stable platforms; classic boats bring a timeless vibe; plan based on guest ages and mobility.
• Lengths and capacity: choose a vessel length that accommodates the guest list with comfortable spaces; several vessels can be reserved for ceremonies or celebrations, with ample space for mingling.
• Source: источник uscg

Book with ease: transparent pricing, deposits, and cancellation policies

Start with providers that publish a transparent price grid and show every line item before you settle. Look for a clear total that includes taxes, fees, dockage, and any service charges, so you can compare options without guesswork. For couples planning a wedding or a corporate event, this clarity matters just as much as the vessels you select, whether you are exploring the harbor by day or enjoying a private voyage.

Deposits are a standard practice that has proven reliable over years; typically 20-30% of the voyage price is required at booking, with the balance due closer to embarkation. Check whether the deposit is refundable, how refunds are issued (cash or credit toward a future trip), and any non-refundable portions if you cancel late. Many operators publish a policy in writing, and a few offer a small window to reconsider without loss.

Cancellation windows vary by vessel type; catamarans and classic boats often carry stricter rules than private experiences. Favor policies that offer free cancellation within 48 hours of booking for flexibility, and a reasonable grace period of 7-14 days before embarkation to adjust guest counts or date. For peak seasons or longer voyages, look for options that preserve a partial credit if you reschedule rather than a full loss, especially if the voyage length is substantial.

Payment options should include major cards, and where possible, a secure e-wallet; avoid paying the full amount until the day of embarkation if the policy allows. A reputable operator posts a detailed hold policy and confirms the final numbers in writing, including port fees and dockage if applicable. Many providers include safety gear details and insurance considerations, and you can verify that the equipment aligns with uscg standards.

When booked, expect a concise confirmation with the vessel type, length, and itinerary. For families and groups, catamarans offer steadier handling and more shaded deck space–a wonderful option for children, friends, and corporate teams. If you have a vision for a wedding or a sunset cruise, confirm that the operator can tailor the route and on-board service within the published policies and capacity limits.

Ask for a sample contract and a checklist of inclusions: crew, fuel, port fees, cleaning, and a cancellation contingency. Compare at least three options, checking the source источник for policy details and looking for a realistic duration that fits the length of your plans. A strong partner will provide a pre-embarkation briefing, a point of contact like mike who can answer last-minute questions, and a straightforward process to move from inquiry to booked.

When the terms align, you can book confidently, knowing your day on the water is set with a clear plan, a dependable deposit arrangement, and a cancellation option that respects your plans.