Semi-Private Charleston: Party Boat Charter – 2 Hours

Planning a celebration in Charleston? If you’re looking to add a splash of fun and a few Instagram-worthy moments to your trip, a 2-hour semi-private party boat cruise might just be your best bet. Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette party, or simply a desire to soak up Charleston’s scenic coastlines with friends, this cruise promises a lively, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of flexibility.

What we really like about this experience is its balance of social intimacy and shared fun. You get the exclusivity of your own group, yet the boat’s shared with another small party—making it ideal for those who want a more intimate vibe with a dash of social energy. Plus, the stunning views of Downtown Charleston, the Ravenel Bridge, and Yorktown Aircraft Carrier are hard to beat. The only thing to consider? Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to bring your own snacks and beverages to fully personalize the celebration. This cruise is perfect for groups who love a bit of sunshine, dancing, and great scenery without breaking the bank.

If you’re seeking a memorable, laid-back way to celebrate while enjoying some of Charleston’s best sights, this cruise offers good value and a chance to just relax and have fun in a beautiful water-based setting.

Key Points

• Semi-private setting: Enjoy your celebration with a small group, sharing the boat with another party for an exclusive yet lively vibe.
• Stunning scenery: Get breathtaking views of Charleston’s waterfront, including the Ravenel Bridge and Yorktown Aircraft Carrier.
• Customizable experience: Bring your own drinks and snacks to make it truly your own.
• Music & dancing: Use the Bluetooth sound system to play your favorite tunes and dance on deck.
• Comfort & convenience: Spacious boat with cushioned seating, side tables, a bathroom, and stocked coolers with water and ice.
• Affordable fun: At $65 per person, it offers a good mix of value, scenery, and social experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The 2-hour cruise departs from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, a hub of maritime activity just a short drive from downtown Charleston. The meeting point is at Captain Cocktail’s dock at Water’s Edge restaurant, a casual spot with a lively waterfront vibe. Arriving about 20 minutes early helps you handle parking and check-in comfortably, especially during busy weekends.

Boarding the boat feels like stepping into a relaxed, maritime lounge—spacious with cushioned seats and side tables perfect for setting down drinks or snacks. Given the boat’s capacity of up to 20 guests, it maintains an intimate atmosphere, where you can easily chat with your friends or the crew. The crew is described as professional and friendly, ensuring your cruise is smooth and enjoyable.

Once on board, the scenic cruise begins. The boat glides along the waterways, offering views of historic downtown Charleston across the water, the iconic Ravenel Bridge, and passing by the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier—a fitting backdrop for photos and a reminder of Charleston’s naval history. The sunshine and fresh air elevate the experience, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen to stay comfortable, as the deck is open and bright.

The music system is a highlight—Bluetooth-enabled so you can play your favorite playlist, whether that’s your party anthems or a chill playlist for relaxing. Many reviews mention how fun it is to dance and sing along as the boat moves along the water.

Drinks and snacks are priced separately, but the coolers are stocked with complimentary water and ice, a thoughtful touch for beating the heat. You’ll want to bring your own drinks—beers, wines, or whatever you prefer—to keep the party lively. The cruise allows BYOB, giving you the freedom to indulge at your own pace.

Capturing moments is easy with the stunning backdrop—many guests mention how Instagram-worthy the scenery is. Whether it’s the city skyline at sunset or the open water stretching out before you, these moments make for memorable photos.

Duration and group size make this cruise appealing. At just 2 hours, it’s enough time to unwind without feeling like a long day at sea. The small group size keeps the vibe cozy and manageable, while the shared boat with another small party introduces a social element that can lead to new friendships.

What Sets It Apart

While many harbor tours focus purely on sightseeing, this cruise emphasizes celebration and fun. The option to customize your experience with your own drinks and snacks, combined with dancing and stunning scenery, elevates it beyond a typical sightseeing tour. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine socializing with scenic relaxation.

The cost of $65 per person is quite reasonable for a private or semi-private experience with such vistas. Comparing it to larger, more impersonal boat tours, this offers a more intimate setting—something many travelers find more appealing.

Authentic reviews note the value for money—”It’s such a good value for what you get,” said one guest. Others appreciated the flexibility—”We loved that we could bring our own drinks and just relax.” The only noted downside was the absence of food, but for many, this is easily remedied by bringing a picnic or drinks onboard.

The Itinerary and Experience Flow

The cruise kicks off at your scheduled time, with a brief safety overview from the crew. Since the cruise is relatively short, it’s designed for maximum scenic impact and fun rather than detailed commentary. Instead, it’s about enjoying the moment—dancing, snapping photos, and basking in the sun.

The boat glides past Charleston’s historic waterfront, offering ample opportunities for photos. It then sails along the waterways, providing views of notable landmarks like the Ravenel Bridge, a modern feat of engineering, and the USS Yorktown, a reminder of Charleston’s naval past.

Depending on the time slot—morning, afternoon, or sunset—you’ll find different moods: the warm glow of sunset, the lively buzz of daytime, or the peaceful serenity of morning. Many reviewers mention that sunset cruises offer particularly stunning views—”Watching the sun set over Charleston from the water was magical.”

The cruise ends back at Shem Creek, leaving you with plenty of time to continue your Charleston adventure or enjoy dinner nearby.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Arrive 20 minutes early to handle parking and check-in smoothly.
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—the deck is open and sunny.
• Prepare your drinks and snacks ahead of time; the cruise allows BYOB.
• Use the Bluetooth sound system to customize your playlist.
• Capture photos early—the scenery is beautiful at all times but especially at sunset.
• Secure your personal items—the boat is open, so keep valuables close.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience suits groups of friends, couples, or small families celebrating a special occasion in an informal, fun setting. It’s particularly great for bachelorette parties or birthdays where dancing and socializing are part of the plan. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate, relaxed water experience without the crowds.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children under 16 or have mobility challenges, this cruise may not be suitable due to dock and boat design limitations. Plus, if you’re looking for an included meal or guided commentary, this experience might fall short—it’s really about fun, scenery, and your personal playlist.

Final Thoughts

The Semi-Private Charleston Party Boat Cruise offers a lively, scenic way to celebrate in Charleston—blending scenic views with a social, customizable atmosphere. For just $65 a head, you get a good balance of value, fun, and memorable moments. It’s great for those who want an active, lighthearted experience with their friends, while still enjoying the natural beauty and iconic sights of Charleston’s waterways.

The boat’s relaxed vibe, stunning scenery, and the ability to make the cruise your own make it stand out as a fun, flexible way to enjoy Charleston’s waterfront. Whether you’re celebrating or just looking to unwind with friends, this cruise delivers a memorable water experience that’s worth considering.

FAQs

What is included in the price of $65 per person?
The price covers a 2-hour semi-private boat charter, a professional and friendly crew, complimentary water and ice, and access to the Bluetooth sound system.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, the cruise allows BYOB, so you can bring your preferred beverages and Snacks to customize your celebration.

Is food provided?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy onboard.

How many people can the boat accommodate?
The boat accommodates up to 20 guests, making it suitable for small groups seeking an intimate experience.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, at Captain Cocktail’s dock near Water’s Edge restaurant.

What should I bring with me?
Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended since the deck is open and sunny.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, due to the dock and boat design, it cannot accommodate wheelchairs or guests with significant mobility challenges.

What time slots are available?
Cruises are usually available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, including sunset options.

To sum it up, this semi-private Charleston cruise provides a lively, scenic, and customizable way to celebrate or simply enjoy Charleston’s waterways. Its combination of stunning views, relaxed vibe, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for small groups wanting a memorable water adventure. Keep in mind the open deck and BYOB policy to tailor your experience fully. Whether you want to dance, take photos, or just relax in the sun, this cruise manages to strike a nice balance between fun and scenic beauty — perfect for a laid-back, memorable Charleston outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: