How long is the cruise?

The Sandlapper Music Cruise runs approximately two hours, advertised Sundays from 4:00–6:00 PM.

Where do I check in and park?

Check in at the Charleston Maritime Center ticket booth 30 minutes prior; metered parking is on Concord Street and additional parking at the South Carolina Aquarium garage on Calhoun Street.

No, beer and wine are available for purchase from the onboard snack bar; bring cash or card.

Yes—up to three song requests are welcomed during the set; send requests ahead if you have a specific favorite.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The listing does not specify accessibility details; contact Sandlapper Tours or the Charleston Maritime Center directly to confirm access accommodations.

What should I do if I get seasick?

Sit mid-ship, face forward, get fresh air on deck, and use over-the-counter remedies or motion-sickness bands as needed.

Harbor Sessions: Sandlapper Music Cruise — Live Acoustic Sundays in Charleston

On a sunwashed Sunday evening, Sandlapper Music Cruise leaves the docks at the Charleston Maritime Center and slides out into the Lowcountry’s tidal web of creeks and harbor channels. For two hours aboard a 45-foot Palmetto Catamaran, local duo Justin Wideman & Cailyn Marietti turn the boat into a floating listening room: acoustic covers, sing-alongs, three audience song requests, and the easy rhythm of passing water. The boat's covered areas let passengers enjoy the breeze and shaded seating while Charleston's skyline, marsh grass, and bobbing shrimp boats float by.

The cruise meets at the Charleston Maritime Center, with metered parking on Concord Street and additional parking at the South Carolina Aquarium parking garage on Calhoun Street. Check in at the blue-and-white ticket booth under your reservation name 30 minutes before departure. Sandlapper Tours runs the outing, which seats up to 49 people and serves beer and wine from a small snack bar (drinks sold separately). It's an accessible way to experience the harbor - no tide-reading or navigation experience required - making it an easy, social option for visitors and locals alike.

What makes this experience distinct is the collision of music and place: the Lowcountry's salt marshes, oyster beds, and historic port architecture form a soundtrack as memorable as the setlist. Look for the fringing marsh cordgrass and palmetto silhouettes against late afternoon light; you may spot working shrimpers, gannets diving, or the blinking navigation lights of Cooper River traffic. The Palmetto Catamaran's stability makes it comfortable for photography, conversation, and small-group gatherings, and the live acoustic format keeps the mood relaxed and interactive.

Practical details: arrive 30 minutes early, bring cash or card for drinks, and expect a two-hour window (4:00–6:00 PM on Sundays during the season). This cruise is ideal for couples, small groups, and anyone seeking an easy evening on the water without the fuss of a larger concert or nighttime harbor tour. Charleston itself dates to 1670, and the harbor has long been the social and economic heart of the city - this cruise is a contemporary twist on that tradition, combining performance and place.

During summer evenings the light softens over mangrove-like maritime forests and the air carries salt and cooked seafood aromas from nearby docks, with the hum of distant ferry engines - an unmistakable Lowcountry perfume. The cruise's short length makes it a reliable prelude to dinner on King Street or a low-key date night after exploring historic homes and cobblestone streets. Song requests are welcomed, which helps the boat feel like a small, even social listening room.

About Sandlapper Water Tours

Sandlapper Water Tours is a Charleston-based operator that runs small-group and private cruises across Charleston Harbor. The company operates a 26-foot Carolina skiff for two-hour private charters where guests choose nature, history, or sunset themes, bring their own food and drinks, and use an onboard cooler and stereo. For shared cruises, Sandlapper offers the Carolina Blue, a 33-foot monohull carrying up to 21 passengers for harbor tours, sunset sails, and swim stops with a friendly crew; and the Palmetto, a 45-foot catamaran hosting up to 49 passengers for haunted-history evening cruises and relaxed sunset excursions. Tours emphasize local stories, historic landmarks, and coastal wildlife including dolphin sightings. Crews are described as attentive and knowledgeable, guiding guests safely while providing a casual, intimate atmosphere. Booking options include private skiff charters for personalized itineraries and scheduled public cruises for small groups who prefer a social experience. The business highlights flexibility—customizable routes, BYO food on private trips, and on-deck music on the skiff—while maintaining safety standards appropriate to each vessel type. Pricing, departure points, and exact capacity are provided at booking to ensure transparent expectations. Sandlapper Water Tours partners with local operators and adheres to regional marine regulations, reinforcing reliability and local expertise. Ideal for families, couples, and small groups seeking flexible, scenic experiences of Charleston Harbor, the operator focuses on memorable, photo-friendly outings that showcase the city's maritime character without sacrificing comfort or safety. Advance online booking plus clear cancellation policies simplify planning, and local guides add history, context, and reassurance daily.