Is this the year for a boat tour during your Charleston Coast vacation? You should put a boat excursion on your bucket list. We would go so far as to say you haven’t truly experienced our coast until you’ve seen its shores from the water. There is nothing quite like feeling the wind on your face, seeing dolphins in the wild and viewing beautiful landmarks from a different vantage point.
Fortunately for visitors to our Island communities, there are plenty of charters to take you to sea. There are a few things to ask before booking a tour.
Safety is priority No. 1, so choose a reputable charter company with experienced, licensed, and U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains. Be sure they have all safety equipment onboard, such as life jackets. The captain usually goes over safety protocols before you leave the dock.
Ask how long the excursion will be - a couple of hours on the water is generally ample time if your family is not used to being on a boat. Ask about restrooms, water, and shade.
Check to see where the boat leaves the dock. There is sure to be a charter leaving from a marina close to your vacation rental.
Decide what type of tour you want. If you want an active excursion where you get exercise, book a kayak or paddle board trip with an outfitter such as Coastal Expeditions, Tidal Trails Tours/Kayak, or Water Dog Paddle Co.
Check with Bohicket Marina & Market on Johns Island for easy access from your Seabrook Island or Kiawah Island rental for a motorboat tour. If you like the idea of a sailing trip, Capt. Jack’s Kiawah Sailing and Dolphin Watching charters out of Bohicket Marina.
On Isle of Palms, Barrier Island Eco Tours offers naturalist-led boat tours to Capers Island Preserve, an undeveloped barrier island. Guests report seeing dolphins, sea turtles, herons, pelicans, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Their trips include family tours, sunset dolphin tours, crabbing charters, and more.
If a Charleston Harbor Tour is what you crave consider whether you want a public or a private tour. If you like the idea of an affordable privat tour consider companies like Blue Life Charters. They offer 2.5hr private luxury boat tours within the harbor area at affordable prices for everyone.
Start planning your Charleston Coast Vacation by browsing our luxury vacation rentals on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Isle of Palms, and Wild Dunes!