How many people can the Solaris accommodate?

Private charters accommodate up to ten passengers per booking.

Where does the charter depart from?

Charters depart from Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own refreshments or arrange catering in advance for the private charter.

Is the sandbar safe for children?

Yes; the sandbar’s shallow water is generally family-friendly, but supervise children and follow the captain’s safety instructions.

What should I know about tides?

The sandbar’s exposure depends on tides—book with the captain to target the best tidal window for wading and lounging.

Can we extend the charter time?

Yes. You can add more time at checkout or arrange extensions with the captain subject to availability.

Private Sandbar Escape Aboard Solaris — Hilton Head Island | Private | Sailing

Solaris - Sandbar Sunbathing Charter delivers a private slice of Lowcountry coast just off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This 3.5‑hour escape departs from Harbour Town and eases out across the tidal creeks to a sandbar that is only reachable by boat. The sandbar itself is a wide, waist‑deep shelf of pale quartz sand ringed by shallow water, low marsh grasses, and scalloped oyster beds—an ideal spot for sunbathing, wading, and picnicking with the people you care about.

Board the Chris Craft Launch Solaris with up to ten guests, and a captain who handles the navigation so you can relax. The ride across the estuary provides up-close views of the Lowcountry’s salt marshes and their pattern of tidal channels, the kind of landscape that has defined coastal South Carolina for centuries. Look for fiddler crabs, shorebirds, and the low-slung profiles of distant maritime pines, and note how the sandbar shifts with tides and storms—a living feature built by currents and coastal sediment.

This charter stands out because it pairs private access to a fragile shoreline with a small-group, customizable format. Bring a cooler and a towel, or arrange catering for a celebration; the Solaris is set up for a leisurely picnic or a hands-off day aboard. The captain can drop anchor close to shore so swimmers can wade in waist-high water or stay aboard to lounge in shade. For families, the shallow, protected lagoon around the sandbar makes for safe, easy swimming; for groups seeking calm, it’s a place to float on the tide and read or share a meal.

Timing and tides matter. The sandbar is most exposed around lower tides and grows wider in summer; the same shallow water that invites splashing can disappear on an outgoing tide, so coordinate with your captain. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a sun umbrella, as the only shade on the sandbar is what you bring. Because the sandbar is accessible only by boat, it’s also quieter than crowded public beaches—an appealing balance of solitude and socializing.

If you’re staying on Hilton Head Island, this private charter turns an ordinary afternoon into a memorable coastal ritual. Solaris - Sandbar Sunbathing Charter is both an introduction to the Lowcountry’s living coastline and an easy, elegant way to celebrate time outdoors with family and friends.

Reservations are made through the Solaris listing and the charter departs from Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island. The private vessel fits up to ten passengers; the captain recommends tide windows and can add time at checkout. Because the sandbar is a highly dynamic habitat, please pack out all trash, avoid trampling marsh vegetation, and follow leave-no-trace practices to protect oyster beds and shorebird nesting areas during peak summer months.

About Vagabond Cruise

Vagabond Cruise operates a diverse fleet from Hilton Head Island, offering narrated wildlife excursions, specialty dining cruises, private charters, and seasonal holiday sailings. Flagship vessels include the Tammy Jane, Spirit of Harbour Town, Solaris, Vagabond, and the historic Stars & Stripes, each tailored for experiences ranging from two-hour crabbing and shrimping expeditions to multi-hour trips to Daufuskie Island and Savannah. Guests can choose guaranteed dolphin encounters on ocean and estuary cruises, relaxed sandbar sunbathing charters, intimate Solaris private charters for up to ten guests, or festive themed sailings such as fireworks dinners, holiday brunches, and the Gregg Russell Bubble Gum Cruise. Dining options feature Lowcountry menus and plated dinners crafted by award-winning chefs, buffet brunches, and specialty Gullah Geechee cuisine, with indoor climate-controlled cabins and open-air decks available. Educational offerings include narrated naturalist sunset dolphin cruises, stargazing sessions with “Bill the Sky Guy,” and paranormal ghost tours led by local experts. The company highlights hands-on marine experiences—baiting crab pots, hauling shrimp nets, and sorting fresh Carolina shrimp—designed for families and curious travelers. Safety and professional service are provided by experienced captains and trained crew, with full-service bars and private tables on select vessels. Vagabond Cruise partners with Sea Pines Resort for catering on exclusive Solaris charters and coordinates holiday events throughout the season. With a broad calendar of daily and special-event sailings, Vagabond Cruise delivers reliable, locally rooted maritime adventures across the Lowcountry. Bookings are available online with flexible options for groups, families, and private celebrations and seasonal themed departures.