Midday departures · 2.5 hours

Private Daytime Charter

Charleston’s unspoken rule: on a beautiful day, take off work and get on the water. Blue skies, bright water and the best light for photos.

Check daytime dates
Couple standing on the deck of Esprit de Joy beside the boat's name, with the historic homes of the Charleston Battery behind them

A private daytime sail with Charleston Harbor Sailing is a 2.5-hour charter on Charleston Harbor for up to 6 guests aboard the sailboat Esprit de Joy, with a USCG-licensed captain who has run more than 700 charters, for $500 per boat. Departures are late morning or early afternoon, shifting with the seasons, and BYOB is welcome.

  • 2.5 hours
  • Up to 6 guests
  • BYOB welcome
★★★★★
“My boyfriend and I had the most wonderful afternoon in the harbor with Captain Will during our visit to Charleston. It was a sunny but crisp day, and we were really excited to get the sails up. The boat trip ended up being the highlight of our trip and we have already shared with our friends in the area that they all need to book this boat!!”
Eva · Google review

What you’ll see

  • The Battery and Rainbow Row
  • Fort Sumter
  • Castle Pinckney
  • The Ravenel Bridge
  • The USS Yorktown
  • Dolphins, if you’re lucky
Group of friends standing on the stern of Esprit de Joy, with the boat's name and Charleston, SC on the transom, before a private daytime sailFour friends smiling in the cockpit of Esprit de Joy on a sunny private daytime charter in Charleston, SCFour friends in sundresses sitting on the deck of Esprit de Joy under sail on a sunny day on Charleston Harbor

How your daytime sail goes

  1. Step 1Meet at the marinaArrive 15 minutes early at The Harborage at Ashley Marina, 33 Lockwood Dr. Your captain meets you in the parking lot and walks you to the boat.
  2. Step 2Head into the harborWe motor down the Ashley River and raise the sails once we reach open water, wind permitting. Want a turn at the wheel? Just ask.
  3. Step 3Sail the landmarksPass the Battery and Rainbow Row skyline, Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, with the Ravenel Bridge and the USS Yorktown in view.
  4. Step 4Watch for dolphinsCharleston Harbor is home to bottlenose dolphins, so keep an eye out on the way back to the marina.

Good to know

  • We provide water, a cooler, koozies, souvenir cups and champagne flutes.
  • We leave 5 minutes after departure time. Parking and directions
  • It’s cooler and breezier on the water than on land, so bring a light layer.
  • Want food? Catering can be delivered right to the boat.
  • Cancellations are only for weather, at the captain’s discretion; we’ll reschedule you or refund. No-shows are charged in full.

Daytime sail questions

What times does the daytime sail leave?

Late morning or early afternoon. Times shift with the seasons, so check the 2027 schedule. Each sail is 2.5 hours.

How much is a private daytime sail in Charleston?

$500 for the whole boat, up to 6 guests. That works out to about $83 per person for a group of six.

Will we see dolphins?

Often. Dolphins live in Charleston Harbor year-round, and guests spot them on both daytime and sunset sails. We can’t promise a sighting, but it happens often.

Can we bring kids?

Yes. Up to 6 guests total, including children. Kids under 13 wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, which we provide.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes, Esprit de Joy has a bathroom on board.

More answers on Plan Your Sail.

Couple on the bow of Esprit de Joy during a private sunset sail in Charleston

Prefer golden hour?

Private Sunset Charter

Departs about 2 hours before sunset, so you are on the water as the sun goes down. $550 per boat.

See the sunset charter
Call Check daytime dates · $500
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