CHARLESTON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Kismet: Weekend Harbor Swimming & History — Private May–Sept Charters for up to 23
A privately crewed classic picnic yacht that mixes shoreline history, dolphin sightings and anchored swim parties — this guide explains what to expect on Kismet’s 2–4 hour Charleston harbor charters.
Kismet: Weekend Harbor Swimming & History — Private May–Sept Charters for up to 23.
Glide through Charleston Harbor aboard Kismet — a fully crewed classic picnic boat that threads past the Battery and downtown, under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and out toward Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. The vessel is set up for sightseeing, swimming and leisurely anchored float time in warm waters; dolphins and a variety of shore birds are frequent companions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A classic, fully crewed picnic boat for private groups
Kismet is Charleston’s premier private yacht charter — a classic-styled picnic boat with plenty of room for family or a celebration and a Master Captain plus a first mate to handle navigation and service while you relax.
Anchored swim parties with water hammocks
Charters routinely anchor for swim and raft parties; the operator provides Sun Chill water hammocks so guests can lounge in the water without exertion, and summer water temperatures often make swimming comfortable.
A harbor route through Charleston’s forts and landmarks
Typical cruises pass by major landmarks — the Battery, Castle Pinckney, Forts Sumter, Moultrie and Johnson, the Yorktown aircraft carrier and downtown Charleston — offering guided history for those who want it.
What the day feels like
How the charter feels
On Kismet the rhythm is unhurried: choose a two-, three- or four-hour window and either circle the harbor for a compact history-and-sightseeing tour or head straight for an anchorage where the crew will set up water hammocks and give you time to swim, lounge and watch dolphins play in the bow wake.
THE YACHT
A classic, fully crewed picnic boat for private groups
Kismet is Charleston’s premier private yacht charter — a classic-styled picnic boat with plenty of room for family or a celebration and a Master Captain plus a first mate to handle navigation and service while you relax.
SWIM & FLOAT
Anchored swim parties with water hammocks
Charters routinely anchor for swim and raft parties; the operator provides Sun Chill water hammocks so guests can lounge in the water without exertion, and summer water temperatures often make swimming comfortable.
THE HISTORY
A harbor route through Charleston’s forts and landmarks
Typical cruises pass by major landmarks — the Battery, Castle Pinckney, Forts Sumter, Moultrie and Johnson, the Yorktown aircraft carrier and downtown Charleston — offering guided history for those who want it.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Charters operate as weekend private bookings May–September; durations available are two-, three- and four-hour options. Mornings tend to be calmer, and spring through fall water temperatures can reach the mid-80s to mid-80s–high 80s, making swim stops comfortable.
For summer: sunscreen, cool clothing, towels, and any alcoholic beverages or food you plan to consume (catering is also available). In cooler months bring warm clothing; guests may bring coolers aboard.
Operator can pick up or drop off as far north as Isle of Palms and as far south as Rhetts Bluff on Kiawah Island; Shem Creek pick up or drop off is available for an additional fee ($275).
Onboard catering (beer, wine, champagne and gourmet menus) is available through the operator’s recommended provider and can be delivered to the boat prior to departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Will I get seasick in the harbor?
No — the operator reports the harbor is very calm and the boat handles small waves easily; seasickness in the harbor is extremely rare.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes — guests may bring any food or beverages they wish; catering is also available through the suggested provider.
Can I bring a cooler?
Yes — bringing a cooler aboard is allowed.
What happens if the forecast predicts rain?
The operator cancels fewer than 1% of charters for foul weather; they typically show up for the charter and make a decision with the captain on the rare occasions when conditions are poor.
Can I bring children?
Yes — Kismet is a Coast Guard–certified commercial vessel and the operator states it is safe for all ages.
How long should I book for my group?
Two hours is good for a sightseeing loop, three hours allows sightseeing plus an anchored swim without feeling rushed, and four hours is the popular choice for summer parties and larger celebrations.