About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team took the Southern Charm out, we got a proper taste of the US harbour without the tourist crowds. You're on a centre console with a professional captain, zipping across the water at 30 knots to hit secluded island beaches, hunt for shark teeth, or just sprawl on the sand. The boat's yours to shape — you call what happens next, whether that's lunch at Shem Creeks or a long walk on Morris Island hunting Megalodon fossils. Three to four hours covers serious ground, and the BYOB setup means you're not paying the usual mark-ups on drinks.
Highlights
- Captain-led touring covers historic harbour spots and hidden beaches in real time
- Shark tooth and fossil hunting on secluded island access points
- Bring your own food and drinks — no venue markups
- 30mph cruising covers multiple locations in one run
- Bluetooth stereo and cooler with ice supplied on the boat
- Flexible itinerary — your call on lunch stops or beach time
- Small-group feel on a centre console, not a crowded party boat
What to expect
The three hours move fast. You'll start on the water with a professional captain running you past the harbour's historic bits, then head out to quieter island beaches where the real exploring happens. Shark tooth hunting is genuinely absorbing if you're into that sort of thing — Mia spent a decent chunk of time poking around the sand. The boat's got a solid sound system, cold drinks, and ice on tap, so you can set up a proper beach day without the vendor hassle. The pace is whatever you want: some groups do a quick stop and push on; others plant themselves for a long stretch. Weather can shift fast on the water, so they hand out rain ponchos if needed. The only catch is the 30mph speeds aren't everyone's cup of tea — it's a workable ride, but not glassy smooth.
Lunch options pop up naturally if you want them — Shem Creeks has restaurants within reach — but bringing your own eats keeps it cheaper and easier. Morris Island's worth the walk if you're serious about fossil hunting. Overall, it reads as a flexible, captain-knows-the-spots approach rather than a locked itinerary.
Good to know
Dead solid value if you BYOB and skip the rental add-ons. The captain actually knows the spots and takes direction, so it's not a scripted circuit. Secluded beaches mean less crowding than commercial beach tours. Three hours covers heaps of harbour, so you're not stuck in one spot. Works for mixed fitness levels and most ages.
It's a 30mph boat — you'll feel the chop, so not great if you have spinal issues or poor cardiovascular fitness. Infants have to sit on a lap the whole time. Those optional rentals (chairs, speakers, umbrellas) add up fast — budget an extra £40–50 if you want the full beach setup. The boat's cooler and ice aren't removable to shore, so the £20 Yeti rental makes sense if you're anchoring for hours. Peak times will draw crowds. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone. Rain ponchos are provided, but weather can still shut it down. Public transport is nearby if you're not driving.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.