If you’re searching for the best party boat Charleston, SC experience for your next group celebration, you’re in the right place. Charleston is basically made for being on the water, warm weather, unreal sunsets, skyline views and just enough sea breeze to keep the vibes perfect.
Whether you’re planning a bachelorette weekend, bachelor party, birthday bash, corporate outing or just a “we survived this week” celebration, a party boat is hands-down one of the most memorable ways to do Charleston.
Below are five of the best party boat companies in Charleston, each offering something unique depending on your group size, vibe and budget.
1) Charleston Yacht Tours (CYT) – Best Private Party Boat in Charleston, SC
If you want a true private party boat rental in Charleston, SC, Charleston Yacht Tours is the top-tier option for groups who want to celebrate in style without sharing the boat with strangers.
One of the biggest reasons people love Charleston Yacht Tours is the full private charter experience. Instead of spending your night in traffic or bouncing between bars, you and your crew can hit the harbor and enjoy the city from the best seat in town: the water.
They accommodate groups of up to 20 guests on luxury, high-end boats built for comfort and unforgettable memories. Every trip is designed to feel effortless, thanks to experienced captains and first mates who keep things safe, smooth and fun from start to finish.
Why Charleston Yacht Tours stands out:
- Private bachelor & bachelorette party cruises
- Fully stocked with ice + Bluetooth speakers
- Bring your own food and drinks (instant party)
- Optional catering through Ripley Light Yacht Club
- Customizable private harbor tours (history, skyline, wildlife, barrier islands and more)
- Corporate yacht charters for team outings, retirements and celebrations
You’ll also cruise in comfort with essentials like a bathroom onboard, a great sound system and a cooler ready for whatever your group brings. If you want a party boat experience that feels premium, private and well-managed, this is it.
2) Charleston Party Cat – Best for Large Bachelorette Groups (Up to 45 People)
Charleston Party Cat is basically a bachelorette party headquarters on the water. If you’re traveling with a big bride tribe and want a high-energy, built-for-parties catamaran, this is one of the most popular choices.
Their party boat charters go up to 45 people, making them ideal for larger groups who want the full “girls weekend” experience without splitting into multiple boats.
What makes Charleston Party Cat a favorite:
- Customizable bachelorette cruises
- Strong party energy with a host + sound system
- Ice, water, coolers and restrooms included
- Drinking games, floats and extra party add-ons
- Minimum 2-hour cruises (3 hours recommended for swim time)
If you want a social, bachelorette-focused cruise with lots of amenities included, Charleston Party Cat is a strong pick.
3) Harborbarchs – Best Booze Cruise for Meeting New People
Harbor Bar Charleston is best known for its public party boat tours, where your group can party together while also cruising with other fun travelers.
It’s one of the best options if you’re visiting Charleston with a smaller group and still want that energetic booze cruise vibe without paying full private charter rates.
Highlights of Harbor Bar Charleston:
- BYOB + BYO snacks
- Premium sound system + party lighting
- Harbor views of Fort Sumter, Patriots Point and USS Yorktown
- Tours run daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
- Cruise duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Capacity: 7–26 travelers
- Pricing: $45 weekdays / $55 weekends
- Winter-friendly setup with roof panels + blankets
They also run seasonal promotions (like early bird discounts), making them a fun and budget-friendly party boat option.
4) Tiki Tours of Charleston – Best Tiki-Themed Bachelorette Party Boat
If your group wants something totally different (and totally Instagram-worthy), Tiki Tours of Charleston delivers the ultimate floating tiki party.
Their star attraction is the Friki Tiki, a 32-passenger tiki island boat built for dancing, drinking games, music and summer swim stops.
This is one of the best options for bachelorettes who want a “highlight of the weekend” experience, especially if your group loves themed parties.
Why brides love the Friki Tiki:
- BYOB (coolers, ice and bottled water provided)
- Restroom onboard (yes!)
- Bluetooth sound system for your playlists
- Swim mats and float stops (May–Sept on select trips)
- Photo-perfect views of the bridge + skyline
- Optional upgrades like catering, DJs, bartenders and more
They offer both semi-private and private options, depending on whether you want to share the party or take over the whole boat.
5) Stoked Party Boats – Best for Smaller Private Groups (Up to 12 Guests)
If your group is smaller and you want a laid-back private pontoon vibe, Stoked Party Boats is a great option.
Their boats are spacious, comfortable and perfect for day cruising, dolphin spotting, sightseeing or sunset celebrations.
What Stoked Party Boats offers:
- Private pontoon rentals for day and sunset cruises
- Up to 12 guests per boat
- Option to book two boats for up to 24 guests
- Popular packages include:
- 2-hour dolphin & harbor cruise
- 5-hour boat tour
- 2-hour sunset cruise
- BYOB friendly (bring your own food and drinks)
They also offer discounts on certain days, which is great if you’re trying to stretch your budget.
Final Thoughts
All five of these offer fun, memorable ways to enjoy Charleston on the water, but if you’re looking for the best overall party boat Charleston, SC experience, Charleston Yacht Tours clearly has the upper hand.
Why? Because they combine what most groups actually want in one package: private charters, luxury comfort, experienced crew, customizable tours and an easy BYOB party setup, all while keeping your group safe and taken care of from start to finish.
If you want a party boat that feels truly special (not crowded, not chaotic and not cookie-cutter), Charleston Yacht Tours is the one to beat.