10 Best Houseboat Rentals In Charleston, South Carolina

Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 4 min read

Charleston is a historic port city in South Carolina which dates back to 1670. The cobblestone streets of the elegant Battery and French Quarter districts of the city are lined with beautiful antebellum houses and horse-drawn carriages are regularly seen. Visit the Waterfront Park and the Battery promenade, overlooking Charleston Harbor, where restaurants and bars can be seen. Head to the federal stronghold of Fort Sumter across the water, where the initial shots of the American Civil War were fired. Also of interest to visit are the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, surrounded by lush grounds and with a zoo. Another visit of interest is Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, with its historic farm structures and farmlands. For an interesting alternative to holiday rentals in Charleston, South Carolina, try out a unique houseboat. Continue reading to find out more about the best houseboat rentals in Charleston, South Carolina.

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 February 05, 2024.

1. Luxurious boat rental right on Ashley River (from USD 800)

Located right on Ashley River in downtown Charleston, this luxurious boat rental features three bedrooms that can sleep six people, a complete kitchen, and a cozy dinette area. For your entertainment, you might want to watch something on the smart television. There’s also a galley and an extensive flybridge that lets you enjoy the views of the river and the city.

Since this rental is centrally located in Charleston, several iconic attractions are nearby. Some of the places that you might want to include in your must-visit in the city are Charleston City Marina, Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Music Farm, Marion Square, and Aiken-Rhett House.

Stayed at this property?

2.02 km (1.3 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
4 reviews  
Boat 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the boat was clean well stocked comfortable for 6 and plenty of room
Host:
super attentive service by brooke and the kyles
Location:
a great restaurant within walking distance and uber was easy pick up
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Other boat accommodations in Charleston, South Carolina

2. Charming yacht with a gorgeous deck (from USD 500)

This yacht vacation rental in Charleston, South Carolina, is a refurbished and carefully curated Hatteras motor yacht. The interiors are tastefully designed with modern furniture while maintaining a vintage vibe. Guests can lounge on the leather couches before converting them into double beds for a good night’s rest. The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed and offers a lot of space.

Equipped for a family of four, the yacht has air conditioning and heaters for a pleasant stay all year round. An internet connection is also furnished inside that lets you stay connected with loved ones back home.

The central attraction is the exquisite deck. Perfect for taking in the fresh air and soaking up the sun while the yacht floats and sways on the gorgeous waters of Charleston, the deck also has a barbeque grill to get that party started.

Stayed at this property?
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
2.21 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
147 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 5 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
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
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
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
Read more reviews

3. Comfortable houseboat with a kitchen near the Battery (from USD 414)

Found in Charleston, South Carolina, this Airbnb houseboat rests in the heart of the historic city and is moored at Charlestown City Marina. Only three blocks away from the iconic Battery, this elegant accommodation makes for a unique place to stay on the sparkling waters of Charleston. The price is for two people and there is an additional charge of 75 USD per person per night for every extra guest you will be traveling with.

Along with useful amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning, a washing machine, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit, guests will also have access to a kitchen that has a stove for preparing meals. After relishing a flavorful meal, you can hang out on the deck while taking in the surreal sights of a scintillating sunset and sipping on a glass of wine.

Stayed at this property?
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
2.16 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
67 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 4 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
huge yacht with plenty of room and everything you will need on board
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and the linens were noticably soft
clean and lage boat
the yacht was very clean and well kept
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
Read more reviews

4. Charter holiday houseboat

Charleston Harbor, South Carolina

Experience a stay on a 38’ Holiday Mansion Houseboat in Charleston, South Carolina. The boat can accommodate up to six guests in comfort. Your captain is on board and can take guests on a cruise on the 1997 boat around Charleston Harbor and Cooper River. Paddleboats are available onboard for additional fun. Rates are available for full-day, half-day and hourly visits on the houseboat.

38' Holiday Mansion houseboat

Price: from 550 USD

Number of guests: 6

Book Now

Stayed at this property?

5. Private yacht in historic Charleston

Private yacht visiting Vaxholm - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bengt Nyman used under CC BY 3.0

This spacious and comfortable vacation rental in SC is moored in downtown Charleston, 1 mi (1.6 km) from the popular attractions of the city, including the Medical University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston. Activities available in the surrounding area include scuba diving, parasailing, surfing, boogie boarding, sailing and hiking trails. The air-conditioned private accommodation includes four bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen and a balcony. Four bathrooms are available onboard. Guests will have access to a TV in the living area with a DVD player. Featured appliances include a washing machine and coffee maker. Transportation is available to guests by limousine/ town car service.

Private yacht in historic Charleston

Number of guests: 2

Book Now

Stayed at this property?

6. Luxury yacht on Ashley River (from USD 350)

Stay on a boat in Charleston, South Carolina, and have the most memorable holiday ever. Have a great time in this deluxe Vrbo vacation rental that sits on Ashley River. It can comfortably sleep six people in two bedrooms.

This yacht charter also features a fully functional kitchen and two bathrooms. Entertainment amenities include board games and four flat-screen TVs with Blu-ray players. Sightings of dolphins are common in this part of Ashley River, so enjoy waking up to some friendly neighbors! For some shopping, head to Charleston City Market, just 1.6 mi (2.5 km) away.

Stayed at this property?

2.79 km (1.8 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
156 reviews   Wifi Available
yacht 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning worked great
very comfortable space easy to grab an uber and get to town quickly
Cleanliness:
the beds were very comfortable and key areas (beds bathrooms and living space) were very clean
Host:
martin was the best host
the property manager was very responsive
they were accommodating hosts in every respect
the on-site staff was friendly and responsive
martin was very hospitable and he definitely deserves 5+ stars rating
Location:
the location was great in terms getting around various parts of the city and surrounding areas (with a car)
great location and martin was so helpful with everything
best location and boat size is perfect for a couple seeking an out of the ordinary vacation experience
Read more reviews
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7. Spacious weekend yacht with outdoor seating (from USD 375)

This large yacht makes for an ideal weekend getaway home in Charleston. It’s best for eight people like a family or a group of friends. It has four stylish bedrooms and bathrooms, a beautiful salon, a kitchen, and more. An outdoor deck offers comfy seating and stunning views of the surroundings. This yacht is docked at Charleston City Marina where local beaches, shops, and some kid-friendly restaurants are just a short distance away.

Stayed at this property?
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
2.22 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
house boat 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
plenty of room well kept cool a/c and amenities
things we liked: the beds were super comfy
the full kitchen is great
not enough towels no wash cloths no sheets on 3 beds upon arrival
Cleanliness:
ship was nice and clean despite the age of the ship
boat is well kept clean and organized
Host:
captan dave is a great host
owners were very helpful and friendly
dave was a great host
dave is a fantastic host
dave the owner was a super nice guy very helpful and easy to deal with
Location:
the location was great for a morning walk
enjoyed this getaway which was close to everything
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8. Well-appointed yacht with unobstructed water views (from USD 463)

A group of friends or couples are sure to enjoy spending time by the ocean on this stylish yacht. It boasts unobstructed views of the water from the outdoor deck and has comfy patio furnishings, deck lighting, outdoor pillows, and blankets for when it gets cold. This yacht also has a fully furnished living room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen is stocked with some breakfast essentials and snacks. Waterfront Park is conveniently located just 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away, ideal for those who are traveling with young children.

Stayed at this property?

2.14 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
9 reviews   Wifi Available
yacht 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the boat was super clean and comfy
Host:
christian was very accessible and helpful
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

9. Vintage yacht with modern amenities (from USD 411)

Experience a beautiful weekend with your loved ones in this vintage yacht that is docked in the picturesque Charleston Harbor. It’s equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms that up to four people can fully utilize. Highlights include leather couches and a spacious sun deck ideal for taking in the views. For some shopping and leisure, head to Charleston City Market, just 1.1 mi (1.7 km) away.

Stayed at this property?

2.15 km (1.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
52 reviews   Wifi Available
yacht 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the boat has a/c so it was comfortable sleeping
accommodations were great and the extra amenities (full showers bathrooms) in the marina were convenient and well-maintained
Cleanliness:
the boat is very clean and well taken care of
Host:
owner was most gracious
the owner is super kind and friendly
awesome place with a awesome owner
dan was helpful and showed us around the boat and marina
host very helpful and easily accessible
Location:
great location for all our events
also great location close to downtown
walkable to town or you can use the free shuttle
the marina variety store and restaurant by the gas station is great for breakfast and brunch
was great to be in the marina close to all with great food options and much to see
Read more reviews
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Nearby houseboat option

10. Houseboat on Goat Island

Stay in style on a converted landing barge, which is now a comfortable houseboat. The mooring spot is ideal for inshore fishing and beautiful views. Nature trails can be enjoyed in the surrounding areas and there is a fire pit available for outdoor cooking. Fishing is available from the covered 35’ dock where the boat is moored. The boat has a saloon and well-equipped galley with all necessary appliances. Sleeping arrangements include one bedroom with a queen-size bed, a second bedroom with a queen-size bed and two sofas in the living area. A bathroom is available onboard. Please note, a boat is necessary to travel to and from Goat Island. If no boat is available, a shuttle boat is available in the harbor.

Stayed at this property?
Isle of Palms, South Carolina, United States
13.45 km (8.4 mi) from Palmetto Carriage Works
10 reviews  
Houseboat 2 Beds 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were comfortable and the couches in the living space were very comfortable too
gorgeous views comfy beds and i loved cooking in the spacious kitchen
Host:
i contacted the host and he was gracious
host were wonderful they answered our every need
wow this is a gem pure peace and the host is an amazing individual everything was stupendous loved it
Location:
this place is the best for getting away from it all
Read more reviews

Enjoy relaxation on the water

While on vacation, spend the day exploring all the historic and fascinating attractions of the city; go on a sail; head to the nearby beaches; play a round of golf or browse the shops. Dine out in the excellent restaurants close by, or go on a food tour, before heading back to your comfortable accommodation in one of the best vacation boat rentals in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Frequently asked questions about houseboat rentals in Charleston, South Carolina


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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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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