Charleston: Private Boat Rental; Captain and Mate; Up to 22

Imagine cruising through Charleston’s storied harbor on a spacious, well-equipped boat, with your friends or family along for the ride. That’s exactly what a private charter with Captain Cocktail Cruises offers—an opportunity to relax, celebrate, and take in some iconic sights. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a reunion, or just want a unique way to see Charleston, this boat experience promises a memorable day on the water.

What instantly stands out is the vessel itself—a 35-foot party pontoon catamaran designed for comfort and fun, with a bathroom, partial shade, a top deck, and coolers stocked with water and ice. Plus, the crew is USCG Certified, ensuring safety and professionalism. We love the flexibility of the experience—it’s perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to special milestones. But, a possible consideration is the price point, which might seem high at first glance, yet offers significant value given the amenities and exclusivity.

This tour suits those who want a personalized, laid-back cruise with plenty of options to customize their day. If you enjoy being on the water, like lively atmospheres with music and games, and want to avoid big crowds or overly commercial tours, this private charter could be just right.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience: Perfect for celebrating special occasions or just enjoying the water with friends.
• Comfortable vessel: Spacious boat with amenities like a bathroom, shade, and top deck for sunbathing or dancing.
• Scenic routes: Passes notable sights such as USS Yorktown, Ravenel Bridge, and Charleston’s historic downtown.
• Activities onboard: Swimming, floating on water mats, party games, music, and photo props add fun elements.
• Flexible scheduling: Available 7 days a week, from 9 am to 10 pm, with durations from 2 to 4 hours.
• Inclusive and thoughtful features: Coolers, water, floating mats, and party gear make it a lively yet relaxed experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Booking and Pricing: Is it Worth the Cost?

At $1,100 for groups up to 14 (or up to 22, depending on the boat size), this private rental isn’t your cheapest option, but it strikes a good balance between exclusivity and value. When you consider the private use of a 35-foot vessel, the amenities onboard, and a crew of a USCG Certified Master Captain and Mate, the price includes a lot of safety, comfort, and fun.

Reviewers often mention the “great value” for such a personalized outing, especially since you can BYOB (no glass bottles, please). The boat comes stocked with bottled water and ice, and the option to bring your own drinks makes it easier to customize your celebration without extra costs.

The Vessel: Comfort and Convenience

The boat itself is designed to enhance your experience. The partial shade helps keep the mid-day sun at bay, while the top deck offers space for sunbathing, dancing, or simply taking in the views. The bathroom with running water is a thoughtful touch that allows guests to stay comfortable without rushing back to shore.

Multiple reviews praise the spaciousness—the boat can comfortably accommodate up to 22 guests, making it ideal for larger groups or small parties wanting a more intimate yet lively setting. The perimeter cushioned bench seating and side tables also contribute to a relaxed vibe.

Scenic Route and Highlights

As the boat cruises through Charleston Harbor, you’ll pass notable landmarks such as the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier—a marvel of naval history—and glide under the Ravenel Bridge, with its distinctive cable-stayed design. The route also takes you past the historic downtown and back toward Shem Creek.

The experience isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about soaking in the atmosphere. You’ll see the bustling waterfront from a different perspective and get some excellent photo opportunities, especially with photo props provided onboard.

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Activities and Fun Features

What makes this trip stand out is the array of onboard activities. The boat is equipped with a premium Bluetooth stereo with lighted speakers, so you can set your playlist for the cruise. There are party and drinking games, microphones, and photo props to liven up the mood.

When anchored, guests can swim in the water, relax on floating mats, or lay out on water saddles and foam noodles. The boat provides all the gear, making it simple for guests to enjoy a refreshing dip or lounge in the sun.

The Cruise Itinerary: What to Expect

The typical 2 to 4-hour cruise offers a balance of sightseeing and leisure. The itinerary includes cruising past Charleston’s historic sights, then anchoring for swimming and relaxing. The cruise can be tailored to your preferences, whether that’s a lively party with music and games or a more subdued scenic tour.

For those with a special occasion, this private charter offers flexibility—you can choose your departure time (from morning to evening). The 7-day availability means you can plan around your schedule, and the full cancellation policy allows peace of mind if plans change.

Practical Considerations

While this experience is mostly straightforward, a few details are worth noting. Arrive about 15 minutes early to handle parking and boarding logistics. The meeting point is at Shem Creek, a lively area with restaurants and bars, making it convenient to grab a meal or drinks before or after your cruise.

Guests should bring towels and sunscreen, especially since much of the boat is open-air. No pets, weapons, smoking, glass, or nudity are allowed, ensuring a family-friendly environment. Also, the experience isn’t suitable for children under 4, wheelchair users, or those over 350 lbs.

Reviews and Feedback

While specific reviews aren’t quoted here, the overall feedback highlights a fun, flexible, and well-equipped experience. Guests appreciate the professional crew, the beautiful scenery, and the opportunity for swimming and photos. Some mention that the boats are clean and comfortable, with plenty of space for everyone to relax or dance.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re looking for a private, customizable boat outing with friends or family, and enjoy a lively, relaxed atmosphere, this cruise offers excellent value. It’s ideal for celebrations, reunions, or just a fun day on the water away from the crowds. The amenities onboard and scenic route make it a memorable way to experience Charleston.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a guided tour with a set itinerary, you might find other options more suitable. This experience prioritizes personalization and fun, rather than structured sightseeing, so it’s best suited for those who want control over their day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this boat rental private?
Yes, the boat is reserved solely for your group, whether it’s up to 14 or 22 guests, depending on the vessel size.

What is included in the price?
The rental includes a USCG Certified Captain and Mate, the vessel, a Bluetooth stereo, coolers with ice and bottled water, floating mats, party games, microphones, and a bathroom.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely. You can BYOB, but glass bottles are not allowed, except for champagne.

How long is the cruise?
Cruises typically last from 2 to 4 hours, offering enough time to relax, see sights, and enjoy swimming or partying.

Is there a restroom onboard?
Yes, the boat features a bathroom with running water, providing convenience during your trip.

What are the departure times?
The boat operates 7 days a week, from 9 am to 10 pm, so you can choose a time that fits your schedule.

Are there age restrictions?
The minimum age to participate is 4 years old. The experience isn’t suitable for children under that age.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Towels, sunscreen, and your favorite drinks (no glass). If you want to take advantage of swimming or sunbathing, bring additional beach gear.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this private boat rental with Captain Cocktail Cruises offers a lively, tailored way to see Charleston from the water. With its spacious vessel, friendly crew, and fun amenities, it’s a great choice for groups looking to celebrate, relax, and create lasting memories on the harbor. Whether you want a party vibe, scenic sightseeing, or a mix of both, this experience stands out as a flexible and enjoyable option for those who value comfort and personalization.

You can check availability for your dates here: