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Boating in Charleston

Charleston and its surrounding areas offer a robust and diverse environment for boating enthusiasts, from casual cruisers to avid anglers. Boaters can explore the wide expanse of Charleston Harbor, navigate the scenic and winding tidal creeks like Shem Creek, Wappoo Creek, and Stono River, or venture out into the Atlantic for offshore fishing and cruising. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) also runs through the area, providing a protected inland route for longer journeys both north and south.

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings:

The region is well-equipped with numerous public boat ramps and landings, making boat access relatively easy. Many of these are maintained by Charleston County Parks and Recreation or South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources. Take a look at the many options as listed on the Charleston County Parks site or SCDNR site. With various amenities and many locations, some locations are more suitable for smaller craft or require attention to tides. Popular public ramps include Remley’s Point, Wappoo Cut, Shem Creek, and Folly Beach.

Charleston County Parks Boat Landings
SCDNR Public Boat Ramps

Marinas and Services:

Charleston boasts a variety of marinas, offering slips for both transient and long-term dockage, fuel (including non-ethanol gasoline and diesel), pump-out stations, repair services, and amenities like restaurants, shops, and sometimes even pools and shuttle services to downtown. Notable marinas include Safe Harbor Charleston City (home to the “MegaDock”), Charleston Harbor Marina, and Cooper River Marina.

Waterway Guide to Marinas in Charleston

Boating Resources:

Favorite Boating Apps:

Local Boating Clubs:

  • Charleston Boat Club Personalized due levels allow members access to the club fleet, you do not own the boat or incur any service or storage fees
  • Freedom Boat Club Charleston Dues allow FBC members unlimited access to the club fleet, you do not own the boat or incur any service or storage fees
  • Seabreeze Boat Club Another option where dues allow members access to the club fleet, which are located in multiple marinas in the Charleston area, you do not own the boat or incur any service or storage fees
  • Carefree Boat Club An additional club allowing members access to the club fleet, you do not own the boat or incur any service or storage fees
  • Carolina Yacht Club A historic sailing and social club in Charleston
  • Charleston Community Sailing A nonprofit organization created to make sailing more accessible