Being situate on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by a number of rivers ( we know , location , localisation , localisation ) means that Charleston has no shortage of aquatic activities . Whether you ’re look for something low-down key or an activity that gets your adrenaline pumping , you could find it out on the water in the Holy City !

Dive in and enjoy a swim

Sullivan ’s Island / Folly Beach / Isle of PalmsThe tamest and most universally beloved summer water natural process is an ocean going for a swimming . Charleston is nestled between three gorgeous beach , each with benefit and unparalleled personalities of their own . Folly Beachis a party destination for younger , hipper folks ( think more violent cups and less baby feeding bottle ) whileIsle of Palmsattracts more families with young kids . Book rental propertyWild Dunesif you ’re looking for something a bit more upscale or just pack an umbrella and head word toSullivan ’s Islandif you ’re in the mood for a more residential and relaxed beach day .

Stand on the water

Folly BeachStand up paddleboarding is all the strange - looking rage and Charlestonians were more than happy to hop on the swallow bandwagon ( so eager that the College of Charleston even offer a stand up paddleboarding elective course ) . There are a few company in Charleston that offer swallow rentals and lessons , butCharleston SUP Safarisis one of the best with instructive and patient instructors who will make certain you have an awesome time . Test your flexibility on the piss with some SUP yoga , or choose for a tour .

Grab a paddle and go sea kayaking

Shem CreekIf your only kayaking experience has been on a river , train to have your mind blow . Sea kayaking is a whole dissimilar ballgame – you need more endurance and bicep to fight the moving ridge , but it ’s totally deserving it . you may get down and dirty with Pluff Mudd – the malodorous mud - sand you may observe in South Carolina marshes – on aCoastal Expeditions ’ Shem Creek stumble , get romantic on a sunset duty tour of the Charleston Harbor , or just let a kayak for a duet of hours to search Shem Creek and the Atlantic on your own .

Ride a wave

Folly BeachWhen most people reckon of surfriding , they think of California or Hawaii and mammoth waving that just about swallow a person whole . While Charleston does n’t have any of that , the surfing down at the Washout on Folly Beach is really pop . If you ’re a surfing newbie or involve a refresher course course , the phratry atCarolina Salt Surf Lessonson Folly Beach are more than happy to help you hang up 10 .

Hoist your sails and cruise

Mount PleasantSailboats can be consort with richness and luxury , but it ’s actually a very approachable ( and affordable ! ) activity . Whether you desire to take a sundown sail on the harbor , master of ceremonies a bachelor-at-arms party , or learn some of the basic of sailing for yourself , you have a great time out on the water!Charleston Classic Sailingboards right on over the Cooper River Bridge in Mount Pleasant , where the calmer water offer grotesque views of business district Charleston and easy access to the ocean .

Let the wind take you places on a kiteboard

Sullivan ’s IslandIf you spend much time on wind - swing out Sullivan ’s Island or Isle of Palms , you ’re potential to see adventurers kiteboarding close to the shore . Sealand Adventure Sportson Sullivan ’s Island offers kiteboard lessons so that you may lather in and feel like Dorothy as you get carried off on a gust of idle words – but not blow off path .

Coast high above the water

islet of PalmsIf you ’re feeling extra adventurous ( and are n’t peculiarly afraid of tallness ) , then parasailing is the perfect aquatic activity for you ! Get gazump up to a parachute on the back of a speedboat , feel the malarkey in your hair while you take in awing view of the ocean and the lowcountry . Tidal Wave Water Sports ’ USGC captains have mint of experience to ensure you survive your trip unscathed .

Jump on the motorcycle of the sea

Folly BeachJet Skis ( aka WaveRunners ) are fundamentally the motorcycle of the sea . They can be really fun , but also dangerous if you do n’t operate them right . The folk atFB Watersportshelp make certain you ’re safe and secure and fully trained so you may hop-skip on a spirt Ski and explore the open sea . They also offer Jet Ski safaris – guide tours on Jet Ski that will likely drift your mind . Be sure to plan your reservations in onward motion because they reserve promptly !

Cast a long line

James IslandWhile it ’s easy to grab a rod and reel and plant yourself on the shore , you lose out on a good deal of the experience of taking a sportfishing trip-up . Charleston Charter Fishingtakes you out on the piddle to search the lowcountry and catch Pisces that do n’t usually swim close to shoring . you may choose the amount of time you want to spend on the water , from four to eight hours , and snap up a couple of your fishing buddies for a unique and personalised sportfishing experience . They supply all the equipment ( plus snacks ! ) , so all you have to do is show up and be ready to reel ‘ em in .

Strap into an aqua jetpack

Downtown CharlestonFor the more adventuresome aquatic enthusiast , flyboarding may be the craziest and most fun experience you ’ll have offshore . Flyboarding is potential the close thing to flying by jetpack and use pee and propulsion to leave you to hover 20 ft in the breeze . Hydrofly Watersportssets the mood by charter a boat drive in their floating tiki hutch into the Charleston Harbor so you could see what it ’s like to flee in the air like a dolphin .

Boat tour

Folly BeachIn Charleston , there ’s pretty much a boat tour for almost anything sea - bound – we ’ve got dolphinfish cruises , sundown sail , harbor cruises , afternoon sail , booze cruise ( perhaps the best form of sail ) , dinner cruises , BBQ cruises … the choice are eternal ! One of our favorites is thissunset dolphin cruise , which offers outstanding sunset position and gets you up close and personal with some dolphins in their natural home ground , along the muted marshes and tidal creeks near Folly Beach .

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Folly Beach

Folly Beach|Riddhish Chakraborty/Moment/Getty Images

Folly Beach

Folly Beach|Cvandyke/Shutterstock

Charleston SUP Safaris

Charleston SUP Safaris

Coastal Expeditions

Coastal Expeditions

surfers

Flickr/Matt Drobnik

sailing charleston

Flickr/Paulina Spencer

Sealand Adventure Sports

Sealand Adventure Sports

jet ski charlesto

Flickr/Susan Smith

Hydrofly Watersports

Hydrofly Watersports