Book a private, customizable cruise from the Charleston Maritime Center—perfect for proposals, anniversaries, and small corporate events. Intimate groups (max 6) enjoy catered meals, champagne, and local harbor sights with flexible timing.
Book a private, customizable cruise from the Charleston Maritime Center—perfect for proposals, anniversaries, and small corporate events. Intimate groups (max 6) enjoy catered meals, champagne, and local harbor sights with flexible timing.
Book with Gatsby Charters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gatsby Charters · Charleston, South Carolina
Set sail from the Charleston Maritime Center for a private, tailored experience aboard Custom Charter. Located on the water in Charleston, South Carolina, this bookable service creates personalized cruises—champagne toasts, catered meals, and celebrations designed to fit the moment. The crew builds an itinerary around your goal: a sunset proposal, an anniversary dinner, a corporate reception, or a seafood-forward lunch while islands pass by.
What makes these charters stand out is the combination of small-group intimacy (maximum 6) and flexible options. Boats leave from the Charleston Maritime Center, giving immediate access to Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and the Lowcountry coastline. Natural features define the trip: tidal marshes edged with cordgrass, wide estuary channels, and the shoals and oyster beds that feed the harbor’s ecology. Expect low, flat saltmarsh islands punctuated by live oaks and sea grapes; birdlife such as brown pelicans and cormorants is common, and bottlenose dolphins often weave near the bow.
A Custom Charter is also a chance to experience local maritime history. Charleston Harbor has been a working port since colonial times; passing gun batteries and historic forts tell the story as your skipper navigates channels mapped for centuries. The crew can arrange catering and champagne for an elevated meal under open sky, or keep things simple with light bites and craft cocktails. Because pricing varies by duration and service choices, the operator crafts a quote after you outline guest count and preferences.
Practicalities: meet at the Charleston Maritime Center where the crew checks safety briefings and confirms route and provisioning. Trips vary in length—half-day sails and evening cruises are common—so communicate dietary needs and accessibility concerns ahead of time. The small group maximum makes this option ideal for intimate proposals, photography sessions, and client entertainment without the crowd.
Safety and comfort are priorities. The charter provides experienced crew, life jackets, and basic safety gear; guests are encouraged to bring layered clothing against harbor winds and a camera for low-angle light across the water. Weather can shift quickly—especially during summer storms—so flexible planning is part of the service.
For travelers who want a private waterfront celebration or a quiet, curated harbor exploration, Custom Charter offers a personalized way to see Charleston from the water. It’s a practical luxury: local knowledge, custom menus, and the calm of a small boat make for memorable time on the harbor.
Reserve directly through the booking page or by contacting the operator; pricing varies by duration and menu choices. Note the cancellation policy: full refund with five days’ notice, 50% refund with three days’ notice, and no refund for cancellations within 72 hours. Because the vessel accommodates just six guests, early booking is advisable for holiday weekends and sunset slots and summer.
easy.
2–6 hours.
Light activity; guests should be able to step on board and stand for short periods. Not suitable for people who require extensive mobility assistance without advance notice.
Meet at the Charleston Maritime Center where the crew will check you in and run a brief safety orientation.
The vessel accommodates a maximum of 6 passengers.
The policy provides a full refund with five days’ notice, a 50% refund with three days’ notice, and no refund for cancellations within 72 hours of the charter.
Yes—catering is customizable. Share dietary needs when booking so the crew can arrange appropriate meals.
The captain monitors conditions and may reschedule or offer a refund per the cancellation policy; summer thunderstorms can cause last-minute changes.
Yes—Custom Charter specializes in fully customized itineraries for celebrations, proposals, corporate events, and private dining on the water.
Charleston Harbor has been an active maritime hub since colonial times, and passing forts and batteries offer a glimpse into that long history.
Guests are asked to avoid single-use plastics, follow captain guidance on no-wake zones, and respect bird nesting areas to minimize impact.
Gatsby Charters operates professional private sailing charters based in Charleston, South Carolina. The company offers a curated selection of private charters — including 2 Hour Private Charter, 3 Hour Private Charter, and Custom Charter — to showcase Charleston Harbor, sunset vistas, and coastal scenery. Each experience is private and tailored to the group's preferences, whether guests seek a short sunset cruise, a relaxed three-hour sightseeing sail, or a fully customized event with gourmet dining and champagne. Gatsby Charters specializes in private group experiences for celebrations, proposals, anniversaries, corporate outings, and small social gatherings. The custom charter option enables clients to design an itinerary and onboard service that matches the occasion, from curated menus to special amenities. All departures are from Charleston, leveraging local knowledge of harbor landmarks, historic waterfront views, and ideal sailing conditions. As a business featured on The Adventure Collective, Gatsby Charters is presented to travelers seeking memorable maritime experiences in Charleston. The company emphasizes safety, guest-focused service, and attentive planning to create effortless private cruises. Booking information, availability, and customization options are provided through the company's reservation channels. Photography-friendly scenery, sunset access, and a private-boat atmosphere make these charters a compelling choice for visitors and locals alike. For travelers prioritizing privacy, scenic harbor exploration, and bespoke celebrations on the water, Gatsby Charters offers focused private sailing options in Charleston, South Carolina. Trips highlight sunset views, harbor sights, and opportunities to unwind peacefully on the water, with options suited to both casual outings and special events. Reservations are available online.
Book with Gatsby Charters