Marina Info: Charleston, SC
This is working list of the available marinas in Charleston and may not include all marinas at this time.
Charleston is a popular destination for boaters and tourists alike.
The harbor is home to many recreational and commercial boaters. The town hosts many marinas to accomodate the numerous recreational boaters, cruisers, and sailors. During our time in Charleston, we have stayed at many marinas. Here are some of our favorites.
Charleston Maritime Center
The Maritime Center is a busling marina located in the heart of Charleston Harbor. The marina is home to multiple boat tour companies and shares the waterfront with the African American Museum and SC Aquarium. This marina is one of our favorites because of it’s short walks to historic downtown and the night life on King St. Not to mention the great views of the Ravenal bridge.
Amenities
Bathrooms
Boater showers
Free laundry
Fuel dock (unavailable as of February 2025 for repairs)
Pump-out station
Personal Safety
Access to the marina bathrooms, showers, and laundry room have restricted access. Boaters receive a code upon check in that grants access to the building.
The docks are under video surveillance and are decently lit.
The museum is patrolled by security guards who limit access to the waterfront through that property at night. The museum is very well lit.
Storm Safety
The marina faces the mouth of the harbour and is not protected from winds or swells coming from the ocean.
The marina is also vulnerable to winds from the northeast and east.
However, the marina is protected from winds from the west and northwest, as those winds will hit the city first.
Nearby Shops
Harris Teeter grocery store - 0.4 mile walk
West Marine (West Ashley) - 4.7 mile drive
Nearby Restaurants
Charleston plays host to hundreds of amazing restaurants, but these are our favorites close to the marina.
Saffron Restaurant & Bakery - 0.4 mile walk
Taco Boy - 1.6 mile walk
Heavy’s Barburger - 2.3 mile walk (worth it)
Port of Call restaurant collection - 1.5 mile walk
Entertainment
Historic downtown, Charleston City Market, Battery Park
For history, good food, and shopping
Check out Bulldog Tours for guided food tours, ghost tours, and more!
King Street
For nightlife, good food, and shopping
SC Aquarium - a 0.3 mile walk from the marina
Harbour Tours located at the marina
Charleston Sailing Adventures
Sandlapper Tours - check out their haunted tours!
Charleston Harbor Tours
Charleston Water Taxi - stops at the marina and makes a loop betwee Patriot’s Point and downtown
International African American Museum located next to the marina
Requires tickets in advance
Cooper River Marina
Cooper River Marina, while only 2 miles past the maritime center, feels more off the beaten path. The marina is located in a small nature park that includes a short walking trail along the riverbank. You can find unique shells, plants, and even shark teeth on the muddy riverbanks! While the marina is great for nature lovers, it is not great for those without a car. (Uber will pickup and drop off!)
Amenities
Bathrooms
Boater showers
Paid laundry
Boaters lounge with TV and WiFi
Pump-out station
Personal Safety
Access to the marina bathrooms, showers, and laundry room have restricted access. Boaters receive a code upon check in that grants access to the building.
Access to the docks is restricted at night. Boaters receive a code upon check in that grants access to the docks.
The docks are under video surveillance and are decently lit.
Storm Safety
The marina lies further inland than the maritime center and is better protected from winds or swells coming from the ocean.
The marina is also vulnerable to winds from the northeast and east.
However, the marina is protected from winds from the west and northwest, as those winds will hit the city first.
Nearby Shops
Marina ship store - located on-site
US Foods - 3.8 miles drive
Food Lion - 4.1 miles drive
West Marine (West Ashley) - 8.1 mile drive
Nearby Restaurants
Santi’s Mexican Restaurante - 3.7 mile drive
Hometeam BBQ - 4 mile drive
Entertainment
Fishing off the pier
Wildlife
Dinghy ride to Drum Island
Isle of Palms Marina
IOP Marina is a popular marina and boat ramp located on the ICW.
Amenities
Bathrooms
Boater showers
Paid laundry
Fuel Dock
Pump-out station
Personal Safety
Access to the marina bathrooms, showers, and laundry room have restricted access. Boaters receive a code upon check in that grants access to the building.
Access to the docks is restricted at night. Boaters receive a code upon check in that grants access to the docks.
The docks are under video surveillance and are well lit.
Storm Safety
This marina is located on the ICW and is fairly protected.
Nearby Shops
Harris Teeter - 2.4 mile drive
West Marine (Mt. Pleasant) - 8.2 mile drive
Nearby Restaurants
Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar - located on-site
IOP Marina Outpost - located on-site
Entertainment
Kayak tours - located on-site
Live music at Islander 71 - located on-site
IOP beach - 0.7 mile walk
IOP downtown - about 3 miles
St. John’s Yacht Harbour
Located on the Stono River, St. John’s Yacht Harbour is a quiet, protected marina.
Amenities
Bathrooms
Boater showers
Paid laundry
Pool
Pump-out station
Personal Safety
The docks are under video surveillance and are well lit.
Storm Safety
The marina is located on the Stono, far from the ocean.
The marina is proctected from swell from the ocean.
Nearby Shops
Food Lion shopping center - 1 mile walk
CVS - 1 mile walk
West Marine - 5.9 mile drive
Marina Store - locate on-site
Nearby Restaurants
Zeppelin Pizza Co.
Maria’s Mexican Grill
Entertainment
Terrace Theatre
The City Dock - Charleston City Marina
Also called the “Mega Dock”, is a Safe Harbor Marina.
Amenities
Bathrooms
Boater showers
Paid laundry
Boaters lounge with TV and WiFi
Pump-out station
Fuel dock
Personal Safety
The docks are under video surveillance and are decently lit.
Storm Safety
The marina lies on the Ashley, on the far side of the peninsula, so it’s protected from swell from the ocean.
The marina is also vulnerable to winds from the southwest and west.
However, the marina is protected from winds from the east and northeast, as those winds will hit the city first.
Nearby Shops
Harris Teeter - 1.5 mile walk
West Marine (West Ashley) - 2.9 mile drive
Nearby Restaurants
Marina Variety Store & Restaurant - located on-site
Entertainment
King Street - 1 mile walk
Historic Downtown - 1.2 mile walk
