Top 8 Houseboat Rentals In South Carolina, USA

Allen
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

There are plenty of ways to enjoy South Carolina. With its bustling cities, stunning natural beauty, welcoming locals, and rich heritage, this state is waiting to make your holiday in the South special. Relax in local beaches such as Hilton Head Island Beach and Sullivan’s Island Beach all day long and make some new friends while at it. South Carolina also offers an array of Southern cuisines, ranging from cornbread to meat n’ three. Discover the state’s regional history by visiting popular museums such as South Carolina State Museum and The Charleston Museum. Don’t skip the luxury of renting a houseboat while visiting the state to experience Southern hospitality in unique accommodations. Keep reading to know more about the top houseboat rentals in South Carolina, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 20, 2025.

1. Clean and spacious houseboat in Lake Hartwell

Do you want to experience a restful stay on the water without giving up any of the conveniences of a home? Book this clean and comfortable houseboat that sleeps eight guests. This rental is 88 feet (26.8 meters) long, so you have plenty of room to hang out in and outside the space, including the rooftop deck and living room.

Inside, you’ll find a hot tub for your relaxation. Flat-screen TVs are also available to keep you up to date. Jet ski rentals are also possible, with a fee of 150 USD per day.

Starr, South Carolina, United States

322.05 km (200.2 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
house boat 8 Guests 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly and helpful owner
the property owner was a gem to deal with and was wonderful we can’t wait to stay again
owner definitely wants to ensure guests have a great stay and could not be nicer to deal with
Location:
perfect location highly recommended
very relaxing weekend with all activities within walking distance
great location at marina- simple access
Amenities & Room:
a beautiful comfortable well equipped houseboat
Read more reviews

Other boat accommodations in South Carolina

2. Two Too Many in Shelter Cove Marina, Hilton Head Island

Stay at this small boat that offers a relaxing waterfront retreat in the heart of Shelter Cove Marina, where you can spot dolphins and manatees. The location of this rental is perfect for unwinding while being close to shopping centers, beaches, and other amenities that Hilton Head Island has to offer.

Two Too Many is ideal for one or two guests. If you’re into homemade meals, use the kitchenette with a mini-fridge, stove, Keurig coffee machine, and other appliances to prepare food to your liking.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

100.71 km (62.6 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
51 reviews   Airbnb superhost icon Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 2 Beds 2 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts are hospitable and friendly
we can’t thank the owners enough for such a great spot
parking was easy and accommodating
Location:
it is in a fantastic location: lots to do and see
Cleanliness:
the boat is beautiful and clean and comfortable
the boat was clean the beds were very comfortable and the space was the perfect for us
Read more reviews

3. Carver yacht for four guests in Hilton Head Island

This 40 feet (12 meter) Carver yacht is moored at Shelter Cove Marina. This fully air-conditioned boat is clean and can accommodate two couples or a family of four members. The owner leaves behind two bicycles for you to use to explore the island.

Not only that, you have access to a toaster, a refrigerator, and a microwave in the kitchen for storing and preparing your food. After cooking, spend time on the sunny deck or the living area with a comfortable leather couch, 36-inch flat-screen TV, and a rocking chair.

Brunswick, Georgia, United States

12641.18 km (7854.9 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
9 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
the host leslie is very helpful and was there upon request to assist with the issues we were having
Location:
great location great entertainment for a couple or a whole family
great location to retire for the night and morning coffee
Cleanliness:
the boat itself was clean and adequate for 2 couples
Read more reviews

4. Beautifully restored Hatteras yacht in Charleston (from USD 1659)

Spend your holiday in Charleston aboard this two-bedroom Hatteras yacht. It is a great alternative to a hotel. Restored with care, this rental comes with modern conveniences such as air conditioning and a flat-screen TV for a fabulous time on board. You’re surrounded by birds, yachts, and dinghies that are a sight to behold while staying in this rental.

Sit outdoors on the large sun deck while sipping coffee or whiskey each evening and end your day in comfortable beds. Long-term stays are also welcome here.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

2.21 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
149 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 5 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
dan was a great host
excellent stay the yacht was amazing and dan was a great host
dan was a great host and the boat was exactly as described
dan is a great host
thank you dan for being an outstanding host
Location:
great place and close to everything
location is also convenient - only a short drive or a nice walk from the heart of charleston
great location and a unique charleston experience
great place to stay fantastic location beautiful setting marina shuttle makes getting around town easy loved it
nice relaxing quiet marina location
Cleanliness:
our floating home was just as advertised; it was neat tidy clean and spacious
it yacht was clean and the master bed was so comfortable
it was clean comfortable and very convenient to exploring charleston
marina was clean and conveniently located
the legacy is spacious and gorgeous shower on board and a very nice bath house nearby
Amenities & Room:
wonderful boat all necessary amenities great marina super comfortable bed & pillows
the a/c worked good and gave us a break from the weather
it was comfortable convenient to downtown with views
beautiful master state room with an extremely comfortable and roomy bed
we chose to sleep on the couch/futons instead of the bunks and they were very comfortable
Read more reviews

5. Restful two-bedroom houseboat in Charleston (from USD 528)

Try something different from the usual hotel stay in Charleston by dwelling in this fully air-conditioned boat for six. This rental in Charleston City Marina is sparkling clean and comes with plenty of fresh bed sheets, blankets, and pillows.

The kitchen features a coffee maker, a microwave, and a small fridge for light meals and snacks. The best part about this rental is the deck, where you can enjoy a beverage while watching the sunset. That aside, a responsive host awaits your arrival.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

2.04 km (1.3 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
265 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 2 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
christian was an amazing host and ms
great host great boat
christian was an amazing host
our host was very easy to reach and accommodating
the absolute best christian is truly a super host
Location:
a fantastic location for a 2 night stay
definitely a must stay location
close to downtown with a shuttle and bikes to make it easy to get around
first of all the location is great
i would recommend this location as a fun place to visit
Cleanliness:
clean comfortable and very thoughtful touches better than advertised thanks again christian
the marina area is clean and feels very safe
very comfortable and clean
biloxi is impressively clean roomy great craftsmanship with updates of the boat
it was a great stay the boat was incredibly clean and while cozy had great space
Amenities & Room:
the tv and wi-fi worked great
very nice sailboat with heat and air conditioning well stocked with snacks and coffee
we used ac heat just fan and nothing at all during our stay
the boat has incredible amenities that made it very comfortable
biloxi was so comfortable the bed and kitchen were great
Read more reviews

6. Southern Comfort in Charleston (from USD 1085)

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Charleston, book this classic yacht. You get the cool opportunity to stay on a 61-foot (19-meter) long Hatteras yacht that hosts up to eight people. Southern Comfort is a beautiful and spacious rental that boasts a scenic location overlooking Charleston Harbor.

Hang out on the top deck and watch all kinds of maritime activity during your free time. Another amazing feature of Southern Comfort is the reading nook that doubles as a workspace. A short stroll from the marina takes you to the heart of Charleston.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

2.16 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
70 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 4 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Host:
very nice boat and great host
kudos to the owner and crew for making this a unique experience for us
the boat was clean and comfortable but the host was always very responsive
Location:
great location and unique experience
great location in the marina
location for getting around charleston was great
good location with a short walk (or uber) to downtown
beautiful location private peaceful environment
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and the linens were noticably soft
clean and lage boat
the yacht was very clean and well kept
Amenities & Room:
huge yacht with plenty of room and everything you will need on board
Read more reviews

7. First Light in Johns Island (from USD 620)

Let calm waves rock you to sleep at night and wake up to beautiful sunrise views from the First Light. Take a step inside this beautiful boat that sleeps up to five guests and admire its craftsmanship. The boat is docked on private property, and its surrounding area is quiet and scenic.

Enjoy bird watching and spotting crabs, fish, and stingrays off the dock during the day. If you are fortunate enough, you might catch sight of dolphins as well. To top it all, make good use of the TV, DVD player, and stereo for indoor entertainment.

Johns Island, South Carolina, United States

16.29 km (10.2 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
99 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 5 Beds 5 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Host:
rob was a wonderful thoughtful and helpful host
rob was very kind and welcoming
great host boat was really cool and unique
a thoughtful host and a truly unique historical property for those who love great sail boats
rob is a terrific host and graciously provided for all of our needs
Location:
great location on the river
beautiful boat and location
we enjoyed the beautiful location (the neighborhood house and dock) and the boat
the boat is so cute and in a great location
what a wonderful way to spend a few days with family in a beautiful location
Cleanliness:
but other than (website hidden by airbnb) was certainly clean enough
Amenities & Room:
it was so peaceful and quiet out on the deck and comfortable inside
a unique and cozy experience first light was the perfect space for our bachelorette getaway
loved cooking breakfast and enjoying it on deck along with a good book
Read more reviews

8. Tiny yet stylish boat in Hilton Head Island (from USD 16993)

Docked at Shelter Cove Marina, this floating rental is a must if you want extraordinary boat accommodation while in Hilton Head Island. Though small, the boat is clean and well kept, offering the perfect space for three people.

You’ll love being on the boat’s deck at night, as the starry sky is a sight to behold. Having easy access to bikes and paddleboards to help you move around is a great bonus, too.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

100.68 km (62.6 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
9 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 1 Bed 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Location:
san miguel’s restaurant is a great place for happy hour menu to walk too
Cleanliness:
it was very clean and well kept
the boat was clean on the inside but it was too small for me and two of my friends
the boat was extremely clean and incredibly comfortable
Amenities & Room:
the space is very cosy and the living space is comfortable
Read more reviews

Create unforgettable memories in South Carolina

Houseboat tourism is on the rise in South Carolina. These rentals offer a unique experience on the water that’s hard to beat. Book one of these accommodations and make your trip to the state unforgettable.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Allen Muriuki, a travel writer and passionate traveler, focuses on writing to inspire, guide, educate, and entertain. In his free time, he engages in activities such as reading, global travel, and...View profile

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