About this tour
When Em from our team took Southern Charm out, we were cruising a proper center console with a professional captain steering us through the harbour for two to three hours. You're looking at secluded island beaches for shark tooth hunting or shelling, mansion spotting, and a sunset run that covers serious ground — the boat does 30mph so you'll hit multiple spots. The vibe is relaxed, the boat's got decent facilities (cooler, ice, sound system, water, soft drinks), and you're welcome to bring your own food and booze. It's the kind of slow-paced water afternoon that works well for a small group or a couple wanting to avoid the crowded beach scene.
Highlights
- Captain handles all navigation while you lounge and scan for shark teeth.
- Two hours covers multiple harbour zones — historic areas and mansion-lined waterways.
- Bring your own food and drinks; they'll chill it in the boat's cooler.
- Stop at quiet island beaches, not the packed public strips.
- Bluetooth stereo onboard; sunset timing slots you in for good light.
- Rain ponchos provided — weather won't completely derail the outing.
- Option to get dropped at Shem Creek restaurants or arrange catering.
What to expect
The day starts with you and your group boarding at the dock, then it's straight onto the water. The captain knows the harbour well and hits a rhythm of cruising to viewpoints and beaches where you can hop off to hunt shells or wade. The boat's stable enough for lounging, and the speed means you're not stuck in one spot getting bored — you'll see different stretches of water, the big houses, and mangrove banks. The soft drinks and water keep you hydrated, but the real advantage is the BYOB setup; bring a cooler of your own food or a few drinks and you've got a proper private experience without resort pricing.
We found the sunset timing works well if you book late afternoon; the light gets golden and the water calms a bit. The harbour isn't wilderness, but it's quieter than beach clubs and you get a local's-eye view of how the area really sits. The emergency porta potty exists but isn't the holiday highlight, so plan ahead if that matters. Two hours feels unhurried; three hours is richer if your group's keen to spend longer on the beaches.
Good to know
This is a genuinely private boat experience without the mega-charter vibe. If you want to control the day — where you stop, how long you stay, what you eat — this delivers. Shark tooth hunting appeals to kids and shell collectors. The BYOB angle makes it cheaper and more flexible than a catered boat tour. Sunset cruises suit couples or friend groups wanting something low-key.
It's not recommended for anyone with spinal issues or poor cardiovascular health due to the boat motion. Infants must sit on a lap; strollers aren't practical on a moving boat. You're exposed to sun and wind, so sunscreen and a hat are essential. Beach add-ons (umbrella, chairs, towels, speaker) cost extra and aren't worth it if you're only stopping briefly. Gratuities aren't included. The boat has a cooler, but it's not removable to the beach — bring your own if you want cold drinks on sand.
Two to three hours. Small groups work best. Soft drinks and water included; bring your own food and alcohol. Wear water-appropriate shoes and sunscreen. Check weather; rain ponchos help but don't guarantee comfort in heavy storms. Peak season expect longer queues at the dock.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.