Inshore Boating Destinations in Charleston: Discover the Best Spots for Your Next Adventure

As a boater in Charleston, South Carolina, I know firsthand that many people spend their days offshore in search of fish. However, not everyone is interested in offshore fishing or wants to spend their day miles away from the Lowcountry. Fortunately, Charleston has plenty of inshore boating destinations to explore, both on the sea islands and along the rivers and creeks.

In this article, I will share 12 of the best inshore boating destinations in Charleston for those looking for a relaxing day on the water. Whether you’re interested in exploring downtown Charleston from the water or taking a leisurely trip down one of the area’s scenic rivers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the summer months.

Choose a Destination for Your Next Inshore Boat Trip

If you’re looking for a great inshore boating destination in Charleston, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in exploring secluded beaches, observing nesting birds, or cruising the ICW, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the top inshore boating destinations in Charleston:

1. Bird Key

Bird Key is a seabird sanctuary located at the mouth of the Stono River. While it’s only accessible from October 16 through March 14, it’s still worth visiting as an inshore boating destination. If you’re a bird enthusiast, you can bring your binoculars or long lens and spend hours observing the island’s nesting birds from the water.

To get to Bird Key, take the Stono River toward the coast. If you’re coming from Charleston, you will turn port side as soon as you pass through the Elliot Cut. If you’re coming from points west, such as the John P. Limehouse Landing on Johns Island, you will turn starboard when you see the Elliot Cut ahead of you and the Stono Bridge on your right.

2. Bull Island

Bull Island is located north of Charleston on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). It’s a great destination if you’re looking for some solitude, as there’s a good chance you’ll have the island and its 6.5 miles of undisturbed oceanfront beach to yourself.

To get to Bull Island from the Charleston harbor, you will take the ICW about 15 miles from the Pitt Street Bridge—passing Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Dewees Island, and Capers Island along the way. Once you get past Capers Island, turn starboard, and you can anchor on the inshore side of the beach on Bull Island (on your left) well before reaching the ocean.

3. Capers Island

Capers Island is located slightly closer than Bull Island, which makes it a slightly more popular inshore boating destination in Charleston. But, if you go early or in the offseason, you can expect to be there alone—if not with just one or two other intrepid souls.

To get to Capers Island from Charleston, take the ICW past Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Dewees Island. Once you are past Dewees Island, you will want to take the third inlet on your starboard side. If you take one of the first two, you risk hitting the bottom close to low tide. Anchor on the southern tip of the island across from Dewees Island.

4. Cat Island

Cat Island is a small inshore island on the Wando River. It’s a popular destination in Charleston not only for its relative remoteness, but also because it’s a good place to find sharks’ teeth.

To get to Cat Island, go under the Clements Ferry Road Bridge (just after passing Shipyard Park), and look for the small beach surrounded by trees.

5. Cruising the ICW

Cruising the ICW is a great way to spend the day if you don’t have a specific destination in mind. The ICW runs along Charleston’s entire Atlantic coast, separating the mainland from the Holy City’s sea island.

To get to the ICW, you can launch from various marinas and public boat landings around Charleston. The ICW follows the Stono River from the North Edisto River through the Elliott Cut and Wappoo Creek, goes around the Battery in Charleston Harbor, and then continues behind Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.

6. Historic Plantation District

The historic plantation district on the Ashley River is another inshore boating destination where you won’t get off of your boat, but will have plenty of classic Lowcountry views. Much of this area is idle speed only, so once you get here you will be going slowly and focusing on taking in your surroundings.

To get to the historic plantation district from Charleston, take the Ashley River inland. Once you pass under the I-526 bridge, stay to the right near the docks, as the left side of the river can get shallow. Follow the river as it bends around to the left until you get to the idle speed zone.

7. Morris Island

While Morris Island sits at the opening of the Charleston harbor into the Atlantic Ocean, you can anchor just off of the north side of Morris Island without going offshore. Morris Island is popular among boaters for shelling and shark tooth hunting, in addition to its uncrowded beach and ocean views.

To get to Morris Island, follow the navigation aids in the Charleston harbor past Fort Sumter. Watch your depth finder, and turn right when you start getting close to the beach. Anchor on the tip of the island or on its inland side on Schooner Creek.

8. Seabrook Island Beach

While Seabrook Island is a gated community, boaters can access Seabrook Island Beach from the water. Cherry Point Boat Landing is the closest public launching location, but boaters can get to the beach from the Wadmalaw River, North Edisto River, and Bohicket Creek as well.

To get to Seabrook Island Beach, anchor on the inland side of the island, as you can mostly get out of the current, and the land drops off relatively quickly—making it less likely that you will get stranded if you aren’t watching your boat the whole time.

9. Shem Creek

Shem Creek is a popular destination for boaters in Charleston. It’s home to several restaurants and bars, as well as a number of fishing charters and boat rental companies.

To get to Shem Creek, head up the Cooper River and turn into the creek when you see the red day markers. Be mindful of the current, as it can be strong.

10. Stono River Sandbar

The Stono River Sandbar is a popular destination for boaters in Charleston. It’s a great place to anchor and swim, kayak, or just relax on the sand.

To get to the Stono River Sandbar, head up the Stono River and look for the sandbar on your starboard side. Anchor on the inshore side of the sandbar.

11. The Battery

The Battery, located at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, is a popular spot for boaters starting their journeys on one of Charleston’s rivers. It offers a classic view of the city, with historic homes south of Broad, Oyster Point, and the Ravenel Bridge all visible from this vantage point.

The Charleston harbor can be bustling on good boating days, and the water in this area can be choppy. It’s important to check the conditions before heading out, as you should always do when boating. On less crowded days with calm conditions, reaching the Battery is not more challenging than reaching any other destination.

To reach the Battery, take the Ashley River to the end of the Charleston peninsula, or follow the Cooper River under the Ravenel Bridge, staying between the navigation aids past Shutes Folly. Keep an eye on the surface conditions and be mindful of the tide to avoid bottoming out.

12. Wolf Island

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top inshore boating spots around Charleston?

Charleston has a plethora of inshore boating spots to choose from. Some of the top inshore boating spots include Shem Creek, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Kiawah Island. These locations offer calm waters, beautiful scenery, and plenty of wildlife to observe.

Where can I find the best sandbars accessible by boat in Charleston, SC?

There are several sandbars accessible by boat in Charleston, but some of the best include Morris Island and Capers Island. These sandbars offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.

What options are available for boat rentals in Charleston?

Charleston has several options for boat rentals, including boat clubs, private boat rentals, and guided tours. Some popular boat rental companies in Charleston include Charleston Boat Rentals, Coastal Expeditions, and Tidal Wave Water Sports.

Can you recommend some good kayaking locations in Charleston, SC?

Charleston is an excellent location for kayaking, and there are several great spots to explore. Some popular kayaking locations include Shem Creek, Folly Beach, and the Ashley River. These locations offer calm waters, beautiful scenery, and plenty of wildlife to observe.

Is the Ashley River a good location for saltwater boating?

Yes, the Ashley River is an excellent location for saltwater boating. The Ashley River is a tidal river that flows into the Charleston Harbor, and it offers calm waters, beautiful scenery, and plenty of wildlife to observe.

What are the sailing conditions typically like in Charleston waters?

Charleston offers excellent sailing conditions for both novice and experienced sailors. The prevailing winds are typically from the southwest, and the waters are generally calm and protected, making it an ideal location for sailing. However, it is always important to check the weather forecast and tidal charts before setting sail.