Carolina Marine Group | Top Boat Rental in Charleston, SC Skip to content

Carolina Marine Group

17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401

About

Charleston, South Carolina, is the setting for Carolina Marine Group’s private captained boat tours and charters on Charleston Harbor. For travelers comparing boat rentals or a boat rental near Charleston, the company offers customizable outings with Captain Dave, including historical harbor tours, sunset cruises, celebrations, and party boat trips. Groups can choose the music, refreshments, and pace for a day on the water, with options for couples, small groups, and parties of up to 18 guests.

The fleet includes the restored Hatterass for intimate harbor cruises, the Ship of Fools party boat for swimming and dancing, and Southern Comfort for overnight yacht stays downtown. Party-charter guests can bring food and drinks, connect a playlist by Bluetooth, and use onboard water toys, while the captain handles the vessel. Contact Carolina Marine Group to plan a private Charleston harbor outing.

Features

  • Private captained harbor tours
  • Custom tour planning
  • Private party charters
  • Historical harbor tours
  • Overnight yacht stays

Amenities

  • Restrooms & Showers
  • Cooler & Ice
  • Audio & Entertainment
  • Water Sports Gear
  • Swim Platform & Ladder
  • Sun Protection
  • Parking

Why book with us

  • Choose the music for your private tour
  • Bring food and drinks aboard
  • Swim from the platform and boarding ladder
  • Explore Charleston history with Captain Dave
  • Plan a private cruise for your group

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included with a rental at Carolina Marine Group?

Rentals from Carolina Marine Group include life jackets, safety equipment, fuel, cooler storage, fishing gear, a bimini top, a sun deck, a Bluetooth stereo and an onboard restroom. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in South Carolina?

South Carolina law does not set a numeric minimum age to operate a rented motorboat or personal watercraft. Under S.C. Code Section 50-21-95, a person born after July 1, 2007, must meet one of the law's qualifications before operating a vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. For a rental, a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator's name qualifies. SCDNR says the rental certificate is valid for 30 days. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Do you need a boating license in South Carolina?

Yes, some recreational operators need a South Carolina boating safety certificate rather than a traditional boating license. Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have one before operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. The rule states no separate minimum operator age; an uncertified person may operate when accompanied by a qualified adult at least 18.

Exemptions include people born on or before the cutoff, nonresidents with another state's equivalent certificate, and holders of qualifying Coast Guard credentials. Renters may use an SCDNR approved rental safety certificate, valid for 30 days and only on rented craft. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Where can you go boating from Charleston, South Carolina?

From Charleston, you can boat Charleston Harbor, the Ashley and Cooper rivers, Shem Creek, or the Intracoastal route through Wappoo Creek and Elliott Cut to the Stono River. The harbor offers sheltered water but also carries oceangoing traffic through its jettied entrance. The Ashley has a marked slow, no-wake zone near the municipal marina. Shem Creek is narrower and entered through a marked dredged channel. Wappoo Creek and Elliott Cut are current-sensitive connectors.

Public put-ins include Remley’s Point on the Wando River, Shem Creek, Wappoo Cut, Riverland Terrace on Wappoo Creek, and Folly River.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

What are the most popular boating destinations near Charleston, South Carolina?

From Charleston, boaters go to Morris Island, Capers Island Heritage Preserve and Shem Creek. Morris Island is reachable only by boat and pairs a beach stop with views of its historic lighthouse. Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island with beach and salt marsh, making it the nature-focused choice. Shem Creek offers a different outing: a working harbor for recreational and shrimp boats, with public docks plus waterfront restaurants and bars.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (jamesislandsc.us)

Location

17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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