Sailing Charters Charleston SC

Blue Life Charters runs private sailing charters in Charleston Harbor for up to 6 guests, with a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain at the helm. Book online or call (843) 743-4915. Day and sunset sails run 2 to 2.5 hours from $525 per group, BYOB, with no strangers aboard.

dolphin sighting charleston sc

Private Sailing Charters in Charleston, SC: One Group, One Sailboat

Booking a sailing charter in Charleston usually means choosing between a shared deck and a private boat charter. Blue Life Charters offers the private option: a captained sailboat reserved for one group of up to 6 guests on Charleston Harbor. Check dates at bluelifecharters.com or call (843) 743-4915.

The group chooses the day and the time slot, from a daytime sail to a sunset departure. Once the sails are up, the harbor gets quiet. Fort Sumter, the downtown skyline, and the harbor’s dolphins are all visible from the water, and nobody else is aboard but the captain and crew.

Charleston Sailing Charter Rates for Up to 6 Guests

Rates are per group, not per person. Taxes and gratuity are not included.

Private Day Sail

$525

Sunset Sail

$599

Charleston Sailing Charters Reviews: What Blue Life Guests Say

Blue Life holds a 5.0 rating on Google across 300+ reviews and five consecutive TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice awards, 2020 to 2024.

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Shanna Smith
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We had a great experience with Captain Brian and Darina. They were professional and very friendly. We had a beautiful afternoon on the Harbor and would recommend the tour to anyone.
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Lauren McBride
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What a treat to sail with Brian (captain) and Franzi (First Mate)! We had a seamless experience during our sunset sail to celebrate my sister's 40th birthday! Tour operators communicated clearly, were on time, and Brian navigated the water like a champ while Franzi poured the champagne, helped serve cake, and treated us like queens. They were both so kind and personable! There are many options for sail tours in the Charleston area but your search should stop at Blue Life Charters! :)
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Lori Morgan
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We had a terrific time. Captain Brian and crew Bethany were attentive and wonderful. It was a great day AND we got boarded by the coast guard—as a long term sailor it was great to see all paperwork and equipment in order—and the coastguard crew were polite, respectful and easy on the eyes!!!
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Brian Smith
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We had an absolutely incredible experience with Blue Life Charters! Captain Warren was wonderful from start to finish. Not only did he make the sailboat cruise an amazing experience, but he was also incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. We really enjoyed hearing the stories and learning more about the city while taking in the views from the water. His first mate, Bethany, was fantastic as well. She made sure we had everything we needed throughout the entire trip and went above and beyond to help make my proposal to my fiancée absolutely perfect. It was a moment we’ll never forget, and we’re incredibly thankful to both Warren and Bethany for helping make it so special. The entire experience exceeded our expectations. We’re already planning a trip back with some friends, and there’s no question we’ll be sailing with Captain Warren again. If you’re looking for a great way to experience Charleston from the water, especially for a special occasion, I highly recommend Blue Life Charters. Captain Warren and Bethany truly made this one of the highlights of our trip!
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Amy Chun
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We booked a charter for a chill sail experience and had the best time with Captain Brian and Bethany! Amazing service, some awesome facts and shared stories, and overall the perfect time spent for a bachelorette party adventure. Highly recommend!
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swaggy brooke
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Went on a boat ride with my aunt and parents. Captain Brian and the first mate were both so respectful to my mom about her disability. Really would recommend if you’re looking for something chill and laid back to do. The boat was set up so comfortably and we all had a great time. For sure coming back!
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Brittaney Hendrix
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We had the best time with Capt. Matt!! We had so much fun, we reschedule for the next day! Highly recommend!!
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Joe Cochran
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My wife and I did a tour August 4th 2026 and it was phenomenal. Great crew!! Will book again!

What Is the Difference Between a Private and a Shared Sailing Charter in Charleston?

A Charleston private boat tour results mix private charters with public, per-person sails. They book differently and feel different on the water.

Who Is Aboard

Blue Life Charters

Only your group, up to 6 guests, plus the captain and crew.

Typical shared charter

Your group plus other ticket holders.

Pricing

Blue Life Charters

One group price, plus taxes and gratuity.

Typical shared charter

A per-person ticket.

Schedule

Blue Life Charters

Your group picks an open date and time slot.

Typical shared charter

A fixed departure set by the operator.

On the Boat

Blue Life Charters

A captained sailboat and a private deck. BYOB, with optional catering.

Typical shared charter

Boat type varies, from sailboat to catamaran to powerboat. Deck, food, and drink rules are set by the operator.

For anniversaries, bachelorette weekends, family visits, and small team outings, a private sailing charter means the group has the whole boat. Every Blue Life charter is captained and fully private.

A Licensed Captain at the Helm and Your Own Cooler Aboard

A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain leads every Blue Life sailing charter, with crew aboard. The captain and crew run the boat and watch over guest safety, so the group’s only job is to enjoy the sail. Along the route, the captain names the landmarks on the waterfront and the birds and dolphins that work the harbor.

The charters are BYOB. Guests pack their own food and drinks, or order a spread from catering partner Caviar & Bananas, whose boating menu runs from charcuterie to multi-course dinners. Catering is arranged directly with the caterer ahead of the charter date.

Blue Life Charters supplies all necessary amenities for BYOB, with onboard refrigerators to offer you everything your group needs to keep drinks cold from dock to dock.

The Sailboats: Llibertat and Xocolata

Two sailboats carry Blue Life’s private sailing charters. Each boat sails with up to 6 guests, plus the captain and crew.

blue life charters 36ft sailboat

Sailing Charter Llibertat

Llibertat, our stately 36-foot vessel, offers two cabins with queen beds, a full bathroom, a galley, and plenty of space for up to six guests plus crew. She’s equipped with all the amenities you’d expect from a first-class yacht yet maintains an intimate, comfortable ambiance.

blue life charters 32ft sailboat

Sailing Charter Xocolata

The beautiful 32-foot Xocolata, is equally impressive with two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a spacious kitchen, and a large cockpit with seating for up to six guests and two crew members. With our year-round sailing capabilities in Charleston, SC, we’re always ready to set sail and show you the magic of the Lowcountry.

Charleston Harbor Sailing Charters: Dock to Dock

Each charter begins at the dock at 33 Lockwood Drive in Charleston. After a briefing from the captain, the crew raises the sails and the boat heads into Charleston Harbor. The antebellum skyline slides past, and Fort Sumter is visible from the water. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live in the harbor, so the group keeps an eye on the water. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.

blue life charters crew

Charleston Harbor Sailing Charters at Sunset

Sunset charters are timed for golden hour over the peninsula. Departure times shift with the season:

Spring

5:30 PM

Summer

6:00 PM

Fall

5:00 PM

Winter

3:30 PM

Private Day Charters

Charleston sailing private day charters run in daylight hours, which suits photos and watching for dolphins, pelicans, and shorebirds. Departure times for daytime charters appear on the online booking calendar.

When Is the Best Time to Book a Sailing Charter in Charleston?

Charleston Harbor is open for sailing year-round, and Blue Life runs private charters in every season. Here is how the seasons differ.

Spring

Peak season, including bachelorette weekends. Spring dates fill early, so book ahead. Sunset charters depart at 5:30 PM.

Summer

Strong demand from visitors, long days, and warm evenings on the water. Sunset charters depart at 6:00 PM.

Fall

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and earlier sunsets. Sunset charters depart at 5:00 PM.

Winter

Mild Charleston winters and earlier sunsets. Sunset charters depart at 3:30 PM.

What Sets Blue Life Apart Among Top Sailing Charters in Charleston?

No Strangers Aboard

The boat is booked by one group, up to 6 guests, with only the captain and crew.

Bring Your Own Menu

Pack a cooler or order catering. The group decides what goes on the table.

A Captain Who Knows the Harbor

A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain points out the history and wildlife of Charleston Harbor.

Skyline, Sumter, and Sunsets

Fort Sumter, the downtown skyline, and the evening light over the peninsula.

Guests rate Blue Life 5.0 stars on Google across 293 reviews, and Blue Life won five consecutive TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice awards from 2020 to 2024.

Who Books a Private Sailing Charter in Charleston?

Any group of up to 6 can book the whole boat. Groups book for these occasions:

Sunset Sailing Charters

A sunset sail pairs golden hour with the Charleston skyline. See the Charleston sunset cruise details and book your sailing golden hour.

Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties

A private deck means room for toasts and photos with no strangers aboard. Spring dates fill early, so booking ahead matters. Check out Charleston bachelorette boat party packages.

Anniversaries and Proposals

A private sailboat means no strangers watching a proposal or an anniversary toast. Tell the booking team the plan when reserving. See the Charleston dinner cruise options for a pleasant evening at the sea.

Dolphin Watching and Family Sails

Daytime charters let families look for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the harbor. Learn more about our Charleston dolphin tour.

Birthdays and Corporate Outings

Birthday groups and small teams of up to 6 can book the whole boat. Consider your next team building event on our Charleston corporate event sailing cruise.

Hold a Date on Charleston Harbor

Blue Life Charters runs private sailing charters for groups of up to 6, year-round. Choose a date at bluelifecharters.com or call (843) 743-4915. Spring dates fill early, so book ahead to get your day.

Charleston Sailing Charters Frequently Asked Questions

No. Each Blue Life sailing charter is booked by a single group of up to 6 guests. The only other people aboard are the captain and crew.

Blue Life prices each charter per group, not per head. Rates start at $525 for up to 6 guests, with taxes and gratuity extra. A sunset sail is $599. The booking calendar shows current rates and open dates.

Sunset sailing charters last 2.5 hours.

Six guests, not counting the captain and crew. Children count toward the six.

No. The captain and crew sail the boat. However, you are allowed to contribute to the sailing efforts if you desire.

Yes. Guests bring their own food and drinks. Catering is available from partner Caviar & Bananas, and orders go directly to the caterer before the charter date.

Children can join, and each one counts toward the limit of 6 guests.

The captain makes the weather call before departure. If conditions are unsafe, the charter can be rescheduled or refunded under the cancellation policy.

Layers, flat soft-soled shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. The water feels cooler than the dock after sunset, especially in fall and winter.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins live in Charleston Harbor and often surface near boats, on daytime and sunset sails alike. Because they are wild, sightings are never guaranteed.

As soon as the dates are set, especially for spring, summer weekends, and bachelorette trips. Spring dates fill early, and the booking calendar shows live availability.

33 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401.