15 Best Boating Destinations In South Carolina
South Carolina has some of the best boating destinations in the United States. Most of these marinas and sailing points have exceptional tides and currents. In addition, the majority of these places have complete dock utilities and nearby services, completing anyone’s boating experience. Because of these features, many boating enthusiasts and boaters prefer South Carolina’s marinas and harbors.
Suppose you’re planning to go to any boating destination in South Carolina. In that case, you have a lot of different places you can moor your boat. You can check out their amenities and extras so you can pick your preferred locations based on their offers. For that purpose, here’s an article to guide you. So read on!
Charleston Harbor
Charleston Harbor is one of the Palmetto State’s best boating destinations. The marina takes pride in 17,000 feet of linear dockage, covering more than 40 acres of water. It also offers 400-plus slips without height restrictions. It has a 24-hour fuel line with diesel and gas pumps and complimentary pump-out services. What’s more, it offers ice and beer for your refreshments.
If you choose this marina, you can try and experience watching dolphins and birds in the area. It also boasts of various amenities, including:
- bait and tackle
- oil recycling
- dog parks
- captains lounge
- laundry room
>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations in the US
Bohicket Marina
This destination is positioned between Seabrook and Kiawah Islands. It’s one of Lowcountry’s stunning marinas where you can experience Instagram-worthy Charleston sunsets. Also, Bohicket Marina is home to 90 dry storage slips, about 200 wet counterparts, and a great string of restaurants and shops where you can taste the best dishes and cocktails in the area.
At Bohicket Marina, you can access the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. In case your service yacht has some trouble, you can charter a boat from one of the rentals. In addition, you can keep your boat securely in the area’s boat storage. Enjoy the fishing charters with the diverse inshore and offshore options.
Cooper River Marina
This marina is situated two miles north of Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Many boaters choose Cooper River Marina because of its top security, docking assistance, and easy marina access. Some of its features are its deep-water slips and pump-out services. It also offers bait and tackle, wireless internet, a dog park, and oil recycling.
Cooper River Marina has floating concrete docks, a climate-controlled captain’s lounge, laundry facilities, and boat storage. In addition, this marina holds different boating activities, such as rowing events and competitive racing. These features make this boating spot ideal for recreational and transient boaters.
Bristol Marina
Briston Marina is one of the newest options in downtown Charleston you might want to try. It has 145 wet slips and 63 drive-on docks. During summer, you can enjoy watching fireworks displays from the baseball games in the area. Enjoy top-notch amenities for small crowd meetings on the docks, including a significant gazebo.
In addition, you have shore power, fresh water, and cable TV hookups in the vicinity. You can also enjoy dry boat storage in various seasons. Furthermore, you can access the open water hassle-free with Bristol Marina. Whether you’re going to sail or wakeboard, go ahead and try this harbor, and have the Bristol experience.
Shem Creek Marina
Shem Creek Marina is known for its waterfront restaurants and shops. This marina is situated on Mount Pleasant across the Cooper River. If you’re hoping for a tropical island getaway, this option is good. Also, this marina has boat storage made of lumber bunks.
Beginner boaters may find docking on it challenging because of its massive boat traffic, narrow passages, and strong currents. Yet, its many amazing activities, such as dolphin sightseeing, delectable food, and great music, compensate for the docking difficulties.
>>Also Read: Best Boating Destinations in Florida
Isle Of Palms Marina
This marina may only have 50 slips, but it offers a variety of amenities, including beach access, double-wide ramps, floating docks, and complimentary internet. In addition, Isle of Palms Marina offers deck assistance and private showers to boaters.
You can take advantage of many boat rentals that offer different types of deck boats and dual consoles. If you’re inexperienced with boating, you can hire boat rentals to still enjoy the seascape.
St. Johns Yacht Harbor
This is a newly structured marina in Stono River. Its facilities include 176 wet slips and 55 over-water slips. Today, more than 200 water slips are in progress. St. Johns Yacht Harbor also offers free weekly pump outs, engine and mechanical assistance, and deck and covered cabanas.
Apart from these, this harbor has fuel docks offering diesel and non-ethanol gasoline. It has top-notch shower spaces and laundry facilities. What makes this option more likable is its nearby restaurants and shopping centers.
Harbor Town Yacht Basin
If you’re into yachting, this boating destination is perfect for you. Located on Hilton Head Island, it’s considered one of the best in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It’s even recognized as Valvtect’s Marina of the Year 2015. Harbor Town Yacht Basin offers 100-plus slips with top-of-the-line facilities, including fuel and marine supplies.
Its amenities include a suite of the following:
- laundry facilities
- nearby ship store
- bait and tackle
- wireless internet
- floating docks
- propeller service
- water hookup
- dog park
Heritage Plantation Marina
Whether you’re a transient or long-term boater, Heritage Plantation Marina has special offers for you to enjoy. This deep-water marina is situated six miles north of Georgetown. It’s known for its gated security and breathtaking views of the oaks, marshes, and rivers surrounding the area.
This boating destination offers a captains lounge, laundry facilities, launch ramps, and dry storage. It can accommodate larger vessels as it has over 600 feet of face dock. A long-term contract may be offered with over 1,600 feet of dockage.
Hilton Head Harbor
This option is a resort and marina offering various amenities and facilities, such as sun decks, on-site paddleboards, and dolphin tours. The marina has a reliable fuel dock and wireless internet. Located in the Intracoastal Waterway, it paves the way for inshore fishing charters, sail and powerboat rentals, and seascape sightseeing.
Apart from these, it includes:
- large-vessel accommodation
- water sports activities
- dinner cruises
- concrete pads
Lady’s Island Marina
If you’re looking for a marina offering 24/7 services, this might be the one for you. Located in Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island Marina is open with five docks and over 70 wet slips. Overseeing the marina is a 2500-foot area that serves as a table space.
This marina also offers liveaboards, laundry facilities, complimentary internet and showers, and ice availability. Apart from these, it also offers DIY boater workshops for those who want to learn the basics of boating. It has electric hookups for maximized boating enjoyment.
Safe Harbor Skull Creek
Looking for top-notch charter boats and a suite of featured amenities? Safe Harbor Skull Creek may be the end of your search. This marina offers unrestricted side ties on its wet slips and 125-foot boat length. In addition, it also provides fresh water and shore power hookups for anyone needing refreshments and power.
This marina has gas and diesel fuel docks. Apart from this, it has ideal access to the open seas. Furthermore, it has nearby restaurants, beaches, and golf courses anybody can enjoy. Because of this, many anglers choose this destination.
Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing
Located in Port Royal, this marina offers its docks for 8-120-foot-long vessels. Also, it has an open max beam and available boat lifts. It houses a ship’s store, boat rentals, and a waterside restaurant. It also has fresh water and shore power hookups to satisfy your needs.
Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing has laundry facilities, a fish preparation table, complimentary Wi-Fi, and community leisure space. It’s also a place for boat brokerage should you wish to trade your boat.
The Harborage At Ashley Marina
Located in downtown Charleston, this marina offers around 230 slips. Generally, it’s open for vessels up to 120 feet in length. It’s also available for transient and long-term boaters. Also, this marina offers gated access, laundry facilities, diesel and gas pumps, and free waste tank pump-outs. It also provides free Wi-Fi access to every slip. You may access shore power and fresh water hookups in this boating destination.
Safe Harbor Beaufort
As its name suggests, Safe Harbor Beaufort offers gated access to a boater’s vessel. Suppose you wish to sail along the Beaufort River or enjoy the Waterfront Park. This marina is open to vessels with 24-105-foot in-water slips and 8-150-foot lengths in transient slips.
Safe Harbor Beaufort offers shore power and fresh water hookups, charter boats, and complimentary internet. In addition, it has a gas and diesel fuel dock. You may go to the ship’s store located in the marina’s vicinity for your boating supply needs.
Best Boating Destinations In South Carolina – Final Thoughts
Boating is one of the top summertime activities in South Carolina. Maybe you’re planning a boat ride or yacht exploration anytime soon. In that case, you can refer to the destinations mentioned in this article. You can compare them to determine which marina suits your preferences and needs to make the most out of your boating.