The short answer
Our private sunset sail is always the last sail of the day, and it’s timed so the sun goes down while you’re on the water. In 2027 it departs as early as 3:00 PM in December and as late as 6:00 PM in summer. Every sail is 2.5 hours on Esprit de Joy, our 35-foot Jeanneau, for up to 6 guests.
Captain Will sets the schedule so each sunset sail ends within about 30 minutes of sunset. That leaves plenty of light to get you back to the dock, and you still get the golden hour and the sunset itself.
2027 sailing schedule
| Dates (2027) | Daytime sails | Sunset sail | Sunset in Charleston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Feb 7 | 12:30–3:00 | 3:30–6:00 | 5:24–5:57 PM |
| Feb 8 – Mar 13 | 1:00–3:30 | 4:00–6:30 | 5:58–6:25 PM |
| Mar 14 – Apr 25 | 11:30–2:00, 2:30–5:00 | 5:30–8:00 | 7:26–7:56 PM |
| Apr 26 – Aug 22 | 12:00–2:30, 3:00–5:30 | 6:00–8:30 | 7:57–8:31 PM |
| Aug 23 – Sep 19 | 11:30–2:00, 2:30–5:00 | 5:30–8:00 | 7:20–7:55 PM |
| Sep 20 – Oct 3 | 11:00–1:30, 2:00–4:30 | 5:00–7:30 | 7:01–7:19 PM |
| Oct 4 – Nov 6 | 10:30–1:00, 1:30–4:00 | 4:30–7:00 | 6:24–7:00 PM |
| Nov 7 – Dec 31 | 12:00–2:30 | 3:00–5:30 | 5:13–5:23 PM |
A few things to know about the schedule:
- Two or three sails a day. From mid-March to early November there are three sails a day. In winter there are two, because the days are shorter.
- Times change on Mondays. Each new schedule starts on a Monday so weekend times stay the same, except when the clocks change on March 14 and November 7.
- Holidays. We’re closed Thanksgiving week, November 25–29, and for a stretch around Christmas. The booking calendar always shows open dates.
- Arrive 15 minutes early. See parking and directions for The Harborage at Ashley Marina.
The best time of year for a sunset sail
Late spring and summer (April 26 to August 22) have the latest sunsets of the year, around 8:30 PM in late June. The 6:00 PM departure works well after a day at the beach or before a late dinner downtown.
Fall (September through early November) brings earlier sunsets and milder evenings, which makes it a favorite for proposals and anniversaries. The 4:30 PM sail in October puts you back on land in time for a dinner reservation.
Winter (November to mid-March) sunset sails leave as early as 3:00 PM and wrap up around 5:30 or 6:00 PM. The harbor is quieter, and a light jacket is all you need on most days.
Not sure which to choose? Read Sunset vs. daytime sail in Charleston, or see what a private sailing charter costs.
Common questions
What time is the sunset sail in Charleston? It changes with the season. In 2027 it departs between 3:00 PM (winter) and 6:00 PM (summer), timed so sunset falls near the end of your 2.5-hour sail.
What happens if it’s cloudy or rainy? Captain Will watches the forecast closely. If the weather isn’t safe, he’ll help you reschedule. See our weather and rescheduling policy.
How much is a private sunset sail? $550 for the whole boat, for up to 6 guests. Daytime sails are $500.
Will these times change in 2028? Yes. We post a new schedule each year, and the booking calendar always has the current times.
Ready to book?
Sunset sails fill first, especially on weekends. Check available dates or read more about the Private Sunset Charter.
