How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Boat in Charleston?

Spending a summer day on a boat is one of the best ways to soak up the sun, feel the breeze and enjoy a refreshing escape from the everyday. Charleston, with its picturesque waterways like the Ashley River and Charleston Harbor and historic sites such as Fort Sumter and The Battery, provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. 

But before you set sail, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. The price of chartering a boat can vary depending on the type of boat, the duration of your trip and any additional services you might need.

Types of Boat Charters Available in Charleston

The vessel is the main contributor to the overall cost of your boat charter. Depending on what you want to do, there is a range of boats available to hire for group fishing trips to bachelorette parties. Some of the most common boat charter options include: 

• Private charters: Charleston private boat charters offer a personalized way to explore the city. You’ll have exclusive use of a boat, a professional crew and luxurious amenities like catering and guided tours. Perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, special celebrations and corporate outings, these charters provide customizable itineraries and activities like fishing, snorkeling and sunset cruises.
• Group charters: Meeting a group of friends or family for a special occasion? Group charters are a fantastic way to celebrate birthdays, host a festive bachelorette party or enjoy a fun-filled booze cruise in Charleston, SC. At Blue Life Charters, our boats can comfortably accommodate small groups of up to six people, so you can plan an intimate get-together with your closest friends and family.
• Luxury yacht charters: A Luxury boat charter in Charleston, SC, offers a more exclusive experience of the area’s maritime beauty. Blue Life Charters’ Beneteau luxury yacht Llibertat features impeccable design, lavish lounges, private sundecks and plush accommodations. The world-class service, gourmet dining by skilled chefs, and personalized excursions make luxury yacht rentals perfect for a special celebration or a luxurious escape.
• Sailing charters: Sailing charters offer a thrilling way to explore Charleston’s waterways, combining the excitement of sailing with the beauty of the coastal landscape. Blue Life Charters provides an excellent sailing option with the Llibertat, a 2000 Beneteau Oceanis 362 sailboat.

The Llibertat sailboat is a high-performance vessel cruising sailboat with a variety of amenities, and a spacious design. It features two V-berth cabins with private entries to comfortably accommodate mutiple sailors onboard.

Factors Influencing Charter Costs

In addition to the type of charter you want, there are several other important factors to consider when calculating the total price of hiring a boat and crew, including:

• Size and type of boat: Larger boats with more luxurious amenities and bigger passenger capacities generally command higher prices. Specialized boats like sport fishing yachts or sailboats may also have different pricing structures because of their unique features and capabilities.
• Duration of charter: Hourly, half-day and full-day charters are typically available, with longer durations incurring higher fees. However, extended charters often provide better value if you want a more immersive and leisurely experience on the water.
• Seasonality: Like many coastal destinations, Charleston experiences peak and off-peak tourist seasons, which can also impact charter costs. Demand for charters tends to be higher during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, resulting in increased prices because of higher demand. The cooler months may offer more affordable rates, making them an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers.
• Crew and amenities:While some charters include a captain and crew, others may require additional staffing fees. Catering services for dinner cruises in Charleston, SC, entertainment options and other amenities like a photographer can also increase the overall cost but add value and personalization to your cruise.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the base charter fee, it’s important to factor in additional expenses that may occur during your boating adventure to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

• Tips for crewmembers. While not mandatory, it is customary to tip the captain and crew for exceptional service. Typical gratuity rates range from 15% to 20% of the charter cost, recognizing the hard work and dedication of these professionals in ensuring your satisfaction.
• Additional equipment rental. If you plan on engaging in activities like fishing, water sports or other specialized pursuits, you may need to rent some specialized equipment, which can add to the overall cost. Inquiring about these additional expenses in advance can help you budget accordingly.

Average Rates at Blue Life Charters

See the Best of the Lowcountry With Blue Life Charters

Discover the ultimate Charleston experience with Blue Life Charters. From thrilling fishing expeditions and relaxing sightseeing tours to a romantic sunset cruise in Charleston, SC, we’ll take care of the details, ensuring your private boat charter creates memories that last a lifetime.

Contact Blue Life Charters to book your boating experience.