How long is the boat ride from Charleston to Beaufort?

Charleston, South Carolina, is a fantastic place to live! Full of history, charm, and culture, Charleston is a beautiful city. It’s also one of the busiest cities in South Carolina. If you’re in need of a break, escape the chaos and crowds in Charleston, SC, for a Beaufort, SC, getaway! Here, you can enjoy a slow, relaxing weekend away that will leave you feeling refreshed. 

If you’re thinking about traveling to Beaufort, be sure to check out our Vacation Guide. It’s completely free and easily accessible. In our Guide, you can find all of our favorite places to go, from delicious restaurants to adorable boutique shops. It’s a fantastic tool to utilize as you plan your Charleston, SC, to Beaufort, SC, getaway!

What to Do on a Charleston, SC, to Beaufort, SC, Getaway

There’s no better place to enjoy small-town charm and a peaceful weekend away than in Beaufort, South Carolina. Just one hour and 30 minutes from Charleston, Beaufort is the perfect destination to relax and enjoy time with loved ones without a packed itinerary. Here are our favorite ways to experience all that Beaufort has to offer!

1. Enjoy a Peaceful Afternoon on the Water 

One of the coastal Sea Islands, Beaufort is a wonderful place to enjoy the water. Take a paddleboarding lesson or a kayaking tour to see the local ecosystem and fascinating wildlife. There are also several boat tours available. You’ll be surprised by how quiet our waters are compared to Charleston! We highly recommend Captain Dick’s dolphin cruises and sunset tours at Beaufort River Tours.

2. Wander Through our Historical & Quaint Downtown

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as strolling through our beautiful downtown. If you’re escaping from the city to get away from the chaos of everyday life, there is no better way to reconnect with loved ones than walking hand in hand through our boutique shops. Linger in one of the many delicious restaurants or take a cup of coffee to go as you explore the historic streets lined with antebellum mansions. If you’re interested in taking home a piece of local art, head to one of the galleries in town, such as the Rhett Gallery, for a truly unique piece. This is a wonderful place to find a memento from your trip or a special gift for someone. 

3. Taste the Local Flavors

Charleston has a thriving food scene that’s hard to beat. However, you won’t be short on delicious cuisine during your trip out of town. Beaufort is one of the best places to find fresh, locally-caught seafood, and our restaurants have a friendly, inviting atmosphere that you’ll love. Enjoy crab, shrimp, and more at some of our favorite restaurants in town! Want a truly unique experience? Try your hand at Lowcountry crabbing and catch your own dinner! Many places in town offer crab pots and bait. Sit out on one of the docks, enjoy the scenery, and wait for dinner. Crabbing is fun, easy, and a unique way to experience Lowcountry life.

Your relaxing weekend away begins at the Cuthbert House Inn

Our gorgeous, historic antebellum mansion is the perfect setting for your weekend getaway from Charleston, SC, to Beaufort, SC. With luxurious suites and a full Southern-style breakfast every morning of your stay, you will be able to relax from the moment you step into our B&B. Be sure to take a look at our many different specials and packages to make your stay even more special!

Check our availability and contact us to start your much needed weekend getaway to Beaufort today! We look forward to hosting you soon. 

How long is the boat ride from Charleston to Beaufort?

CURRENT SCHEDULE: Monday’s, Thursday’s, Saturday’s & Sunday’s
Departure at 11 a.m.

Adults $40/12 & under $20


Beaufort was meant to be seen by water.   Departing from the downtown Beaufort marina at the Waterfront Park, this fun escape is the perfect introduction to Beaufort’s incredible history and abundant wildlife.

As we cruise along the waterfront, the captain shares stories about local history, beginning with Native Americans and into Spanish exploration, French settlement and English colonization.  Along the way, we’re likely to see playful bottlenose dolphins, nesting bald eagles and ospreys on the hunt.

Fun for all ages, this 1.5 hour cruise is a relaxing– and cool- break from the mainland.

How long is the boat ride from Charleston to Beaufort?

Private tours are available year round!  Charters are tailored to your group and can be arranged any time of day. Simply fill out this short inquiry form and we’ll get back with you promptly.

Things to Know

TOUR DURATION
1.5 hours

ARRIVE EARLY
Arrive 15 minutes early and meet at the Downtown Beaufort Marina where you will board the boat.

WHAT TO WEAR
Dress for the weather.  A light windbreaker jacket is often welcome, even on warm days.

WHAT TO BRING
Drinking water, binoculars. Please bring payment with you on the day of your tour.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour is a boat cruise and is suitable for most ages and abilities.

ABOUT THE BOAT
Motor vessel Godwit is a US Coast Guard-certified passenger carrying vessel with a master captain at the helm.  This boat holds more than 30 people comfortably and has a sun shade that covers the boat.

WEATHER
Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that we decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.

GRATUITY
Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!

NEED TO CANCEL?
You’ll need to cancel 48 hours prior or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.

You Could Say This Tour Is...

Birding, Dolphins & Wildlife, Young Kid Friendly

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

514 Mill Street
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text

Is Beaufort South Carolina worth visiting?

But this underrated town is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the South—let alone the US. Located on Port Royal Island among the largest Sea Islands dotting the southeast Atlantic coast, Beaufort was lined with mansions built by plantation owners pre-Civil War.

What is the distance between Charleston and Beaufort?

There are 49.16 miles from Charleston to Beaufort in southwest direction and 70 miles (112.65 kilometers) by car, following the US-17 route. Charleston and Beaufort are 1 hour 23 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .

How far is Savannah from Charleston by boat?

It runs for 112.50 miles from Savannah, Georgia (where it joins the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Jacksonville to Savannah)) to Charleston (South Carolina) (where it joins the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Charleston to Wilmington)).

Is there a ferry from Charleston to Beaufort SC?

There is no direct connection from Charleston Beach to Beaufort.