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The Charleston City Marina is often deemed the "Mega Marina," as it is easily one of the largest marinas in the southeastern United States. Conveniently located at mile marker 469.5 along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and just a stone's throw away from the historic downtown, the marina is one of the most visited spots and temporary homes for mariners from all across the country. Accommodating for both travelers by land and by sea, with a host of amenities and incredible views of the harbor and the Ashley River, the expansively grand marina is sure to make any visitor yearn for an evening or afternoon on the water, and an adventure on the high seas.
The marina was constructed in 1994 along a large, almost peninsular-like slice of land that's bordered by water in virtually all directions, and is easy to get to off of Route 30 and Lockwood Drive.In addition to the marina, the small region boasts a suite of stores, services, and restaurants aimed at serving all aspects of the maritime community. Among all the attractions and businesses, visitors will find a sailing school, several yacht sale businesses, and the Charleston Yacht Club, all within walking distance of the docks.
The Charleston City Marina has some of the most expansive and impressive docking access along the coastline, with 19,000' feet of linear dock space which expands over 40 acres of water. The "Mega-dock" which accesses these slips, extends 1,530' feet into the water, and is currently the longest free standing floating fuel dock in the southeast.
Visitors who drop anchor for an afternoon, a night, or even a week or two will find plenty of amenities waiting for them onshore. Friendly staff are on site to guide visitors in the right direction for fuel, supplies, or just an overview of what to explore in Charleston, and a courtesy downtown shuttle gives visitors easy access to and from the neighboring historic attractions, shops and restaurants. The airport is also located just 20 minutes away, and vessel maintenance and repairs are offered year round to marina patrons, through the Charleston City Marina's affiliate Charleston City Boatyard.
Mariners who are pulling up anchor will be wowed by the number of services available just steps away from the boat slips. The centrally located Dock Office features an Internet Cafe, (also called the Mega-Cafe), multiple terminals for easy check-in and check-out, a seating area for a warm reception, City Marina merchandise, upcoming events chalkboard, light ship supplies, tourist information and vendor information. There's also a full-service convenience store with fresh brewed coffee and cappuccino, local and international newspapers, calling cards, and a selection of marine supplies and clothing items.
The floating bath house is considered second to none by frequent ICW travelers, with private shower rooms, which include a large private changing area, granite tile, and plenty of space to hang your clothes, as well as a laundry and restrooms.
Additional amenities for dock patrons include, but are certainly not limited to, 24 hour security, cable TV, volume fuel discounts, Deep draft slips with no height limitations, and even a U.S. Customs Port of Entry.
Dockage is available nightly, weekly, and monthly, with rates varying depending on both the size of the vessel and the amount of amenities required. (Rates are generally in the $2.00 - $3.00 per foot per night range, with additional fees for power.) Visitors can view a complete list of rates online at http://www.charlestoncitymarina.com/index.php/dockage-rates/dockage-transient-monthly, and for a look at the action on the Charleston Harbor, can pay a visit to the Charleston City Marina's famous webcam at http://www.charlestoncitymarina.com/index.php/marina-web-cam/.
The marina also hosts a number of events for patrons, including Happy Hours where ICW travelers can meet and mingle, and annual fishing tournaments like the The MegaDock Billfishing Tournament, which is typically held in July. For more information on upcoming events, visit the Charleston City Marina's calendar online at http://www.charlestoncitymarina.com/index.php/events.
Visitors who simply want to get a glimpse into life on the water are also free to stop by and tour the shops and services, or plan an evening at the Marina Variety Store & Restaurant, one of the top-ranked restaurants in Charleston, and home to some incredible views over the water. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is wide open to visitors both staying at the marina, and who are paying a visit to the water-locked site.
The Charleston City Marina is hard to miss for travelers who are passing through via James Island, touring the waterfront downtown, or just cruising by along the Intercoastal Waterway. Easily one of the most impressive and accommodating marinas in South Carolina, the site combines convenience and genuine southern hospitality to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that will make many mariners drop anchor longer than expected.
With the historic sites of Downtown Charleston just a quick shuttle away, and plenty of on-site services and entertainment for mariners and visitors alike, the Charleston City Marina is a boater's paradise, and is sure to make anyone passing through along the Ashley River feel right at home.
