The harbor is generally calm and Kismet handles small chop well; seasickness is uncommon in these waters.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Guests may bring food and beverages; catering is also available from Caviar and Bananas (call (843) 577-7757).

Are children allowed?

Yes. Kismet is a Coast Guard–certified commercial vessel and is stroller accessible; supervise children during swim stops.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Full refund up to 7 days before departure; within 7 days a 50% refund; no refund within 24 hours. Trip protection is optional.

Do you have a bathroom on board?

Yes, Kismet is equipped with a nice bathroom for guest use.

Charleston Harbor Yacht Charter: Swim with Dolphins and Historic Forts Aboard Kismet

Q: How far can you pick up or drop off?

Pickups and drop-offs are available as far north as Isle of Palms and as far south as Rhetts Bluff on Kiawah Island; Shem Creek drop-offs are a common add-on.

Adventure Brief

Spend a few hours aboard Kismet for a private yacht cruise through Charleston Harbor—historic forts, skyline views, floating hammocks and near-guaranteed dolphin sightings. Choose sightseeing, a swim stop or a full party charter for up to 23 guests.

2–4 hours

easy

From $1,322.52

Charleston Harbor is the tidal heart of downtown Charleston, South Carolina, where historic brick waterfronts give way to salt marsh, sandbars and a low blue horizon. Aboard Kismet - Private Weekend Charter May-Sept, a classic crewed picnic yacht berthed at Safe Harbor City Marina (I Dock, 7 Lockwood Dr.), you can watch history and coastal ecology unfold from the water. The cruise routes thread past The Battery and Waterfront Park, under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, by Castle Pinckney and the Yorktown aircraft carrier, and out to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, with views of Fort Moultrie and Fort Johnson along the way. Lowcountry tidal creeks and sandflats collect shorebirds and wading species; dolphins often bow-ride the wake near Drum Island and around harbor shoals, providing one of the region's most predictable wildlife shows. Kismet specializes in social charters for up to 23 guests: two-, three- and four-hour options let you choose a focused history circuit, an anchoring swim, or a full-party afternoon. The boat carries Sun Chill water hammocks and floats that let non-swimmers lounge in the current without effort, a practical amenity that makes swim stops inclusive. For groups who want to keep celebrating ashore, the crew offers drop-offs at Shem Creek (additional fee). Practical details matter: standard weekend flat-rate pricing runs about $1,200 for two hours, $1,800 for three, and $2,400 for four; a 16% base gratuity is added and customary yacht tips are 18–20%. Charters require a 50% refundable deposit; cancellations outside seven days receive full refunds, within seven days a 50% refund, and there is no refund within 24 hours. Safety orientation is mandatory and Kismet is a Coast Guard–certified commercial vessel; guests should board 15 minutes before departure for briefing. Food and drink are welcome, and Caviar and Bananas provides optional catering — call (843) 577-7757 and ask for Ryan or visit http://www.caviarandbananas.com to arrange delivery to the boat. The crew can pick up as far north as Isle of Palms and as far south as Rhetts Bluff on Kiawah Island. Why book this trip? Kismet compresses Charleston's maritime story into a single social afternoon: historic forts, city skyline, saltmarsh ecology and friendly dolphins, all from a comfortable, fully crewed yacht with bathroom, Bluetooth stereo and floating hammocks. Boarding: the dock entrance is labeled Safe Harbor; follow signs to the bathroom facilities, then two docks to I dock to meet Kismet. Stroller accessible and suitable for all ages, the vessel thrives in warm months when harbor surface temps reach the mid-80s for swimming. The captain decides cancellations; trip protection is available today.

About Charleston Yacht Charters

Charleston Yacht Charters operates out of Charleston, South Carolina, offering private and public yacht charters on Motor Yacht Kismet and similar vessels. The company provides a range of curated harbor experiences including private morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises, beach excursions with swimming and shark-tooth hunting, dolphin sighting charters, and a hospitality appreciation sunset cruise for industry professionals.

Trips include the Southern Charm private morning and afternoon cruises and beach excursions, each limited to a six passenger maximum, designed for intimate groups seeking scenic views of historic forts, waterfront homes, and the Intracoastal. Private sunset cruises offer two-hour charters for relaxed evening views and tailored itineraries for snacks, drinks, and quiet exploration. Dolphin-focused trips aboard Kismet emphasize wildlife viewing, flexible routing, and optional swimming stops with water hammocks.

Charleston Yacht Charters emphasizes safety and personalized service, working with experienced captains and crew to create memorable, tailored outings. Catering and gourmet options are offered on select yachts and can be included for private charters. The Hospitality Appreciation Sunset Cruise is a public offering specifically for hospitality industry professionals, providing a social, restorative experience on the water.

With an understanding of Charleston’s maritime history and coastal ecosystems, Charleston Yacht Charters designs each excursion to showcase the harbor’s natural beauty and historic landmarks. Reservations are organized by trip type, time of day, and guest count to ensure an enjoyable and exclusive experience for families, groups, and industry guests. Charters accommodate families, parties, and hospitality industry groups with flexible scheduling and customizable onboard catering options.

Charleston Harbor Yacht Charter: Swim with Dolphins and Historic Forts Aboard Kismet

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