Learn more about boating in the great state of South Carolina, with a wealth of data gleaned from thousands of boat rentals.

Table of Contents


With over 361,000 registered boats in South Carolina, the state is #10 in the country for most watercraft registrations. Thanks to its expansive coastline, countless lakes, and rivers, and a longer boating season with favorable weather, the state offers ample opportunities for boaters to explore and enjoy its waterways and enjoy other on-water activities like fishing, water sports, and more.  


About This Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating locations in South Carolina.

It contains proprietary boating data for each city or location, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed boat rental bookings and demand data for locations in South Carolina. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.

South Carolina Data

#1: Charleston

Average hourly rental price

$326/hr

Average total trip price

$1,096

Pontoons

Topping the list is Charleston, a historic port city renowned for its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque waterfront. Boaters flock to Charleston Harbor to explore its water channels, visit nearby barrier islands like Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms, or simply soak in the views of the city skyline. It’s a very popular spot for boat parties — bachelor and bachelorette groups come here to enjoy captained cruises around the city during their weekend getaways. 

Charleston is also a great destination for fishing, where anglers can expect to catch everything from Marlin to shrimp. 


#2: Mount Pleasant

Average hourly rental price

$238/hr

Average total trip price

$566

Bowriders

Just across the Cooper River from Charleston lies Mount Pleasant, a town known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning waterfront vistas. Here, Center Console boats are the most popular style, a nod to the vibrant fishing culture of this area. Shem Creek, a picturesque tidal creek lined with seafood restaurants and shrimp boats, is a favorite haunt for boaters looking to indulge in fresh local cuisine and scenic views.Tybee Island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, making Savannah a haven for both relaxation and adventure on the water.


#3: Seneca

Average hourly rental price

$78/hr

Average total trip price

$566

Bowriders

In the upstate region of South Carolina, Seneca, thanks to nearby Lake Keowee, offers a tranquil retreat for boaters looking to cruise in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Keowee's crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, fishing, and water sports, while nearby marinas provide convenient access to boat rentals and services. It has over 300 miles of shoreline, and is a stunning lake escape for a weekend. 


#4: Folly Beach

Average hourly rental price

$262/hr

Average total trip price

$714

Catamarans

Also close to Charleston on the coast of South Carolina, Folly Beach is a popular destination for boaters looking to catch some waves or relax in the sun. It’s known for its laid-back surf culture and vibrant beachfront atmosphere. The Folly River offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the surrounding salt marshes and tidal creeks. It’s a wildlife rich area, so keep your eyes peeled for various species of birds, fish, and other animals while you’re out cruising. 


#5: Lake Wylie

Average hourly rental price

$76/hr

Average total trip price

$403

Bowriders

Spanning the border between South Carolina and North Carolina, Lake Wylie is a sprawling reservoir that offers endless opportunities for boating and recreational activities. It’s a part of the Catawba River chain, and is managed by Duke Energy, which keeps the water levels fairly consistent year-round. Boaters on Lake Wylie can cruise along over 325 miles of its scenic shoreline, anchor in quiet coves for picnics, or indulge in water skiing and wakeboarding. There are several nice public beaches for swimming as well, and it’s a great fishing lake for anglers. 


#6: Lake Hartwell

Average hourly rental price

$84/hr

Average total trip price

$487

Pontoons

Another gem nestled in the upstate region, Lake Hartwell is a vast reservoir beloved by boaters and anglers alike. With over 960 miles of shoreline, the lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, and exploring secluded coves. Popular boating destinations include Clemson Marina and Big Water Marina. There are many boat ramps scattered around the lake, and this area is teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for over 200 species of birds, coyotes, deer, and so much more in the wilderness surrounding Lake Hartwell. 


#7: Myrtle Beach

Average hourly rental price

$192/hr

Average total trip price

$673

Deck Boats

Renowned for its sandy beaches and bustling boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is also a paradise for boaters seeking adventure on the high seas. From deep-sea fishing charters to scenic dolphin cruises, there's no shortage of fun on the water to enjoy. 


#8: Hilton Head Island

Average hourly rental price

$183/hr

Average total trip price

$563

Pontoons

Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Island,” Hilton Head Island is a premier boating destination in the South Carolina Lowcountry for people seeking luxury and relaxation. The island's upscale marinas offer world-class amenities, while its pristine beaches and scenic waterways provide the perfect backdrop for sailing, yachting, and cruising. 


#9: Lake Murray

Average hourly rental price

$110/hr

Average total trip price

$329

Pontoons

Located near Columbia, South Carolina's capital city, Lake Murray is a popular recreational destination known for its blue waters and stunning natural beauty. With over 650 miles of shoreline to explore, boaters can cruise for hours, explore the lake's numerous islands, visit the iconic Lake Murray Dam, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. 


#10: Georgetown

Average hourly rental price

$125/hr

Average total trip price

$421

Center Console

Georgetown, a waterfront town steeped in history and Southern charm, rounds out our list. Boaters can navigate the scenic waters of Winyah Bay, explore the nearby barrier islands of Pawleys Island and Debordieu, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the town's many waterfront restaurants.


In Summary

South Carolina offers a huge variety of waterways that are great for boating and water recreation. Whether you prefer the coast or an inland lake, you can find ideal conditions for cruising. With modest prices on boat rentals, it’s also a very affordable state to enjoy the activity, and there’s a large range and variety of vessel types and styles to choose from. Grab your captain's hat, chart your course, and set sail for an unforgettable maritime journey in the Palmetto State.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.


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