The liveaboard lifestyle finds its perfect match along South Carolina’s coast. With mild winters, over 200 days of sunshine annually, and protected waters along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, living aboard year-round becomes genuinely enjoyable rather than just survivable.
Liveaboard marinas in South Carolina welcome full-time residents with open arms. The Intracoastal Waterway runs the length of the coast, connecting Charleston, Beaufort, and Myrtle Beach to countless anchorages and coastal destinations. The marina culture here stands out – tight-knit communities where liveaboards share knowledge, help during storms, and create lasting friendships.
State regulations remain reasonable, though individual marinas set their own policies on fees and availability. From Charleston’s historic charm to Beaufort’s Lowcountry tranquility and Myrtle Beach’s entertainment, each location offers unique opportunities for making your boat your home.
Table of Contents
- St. Johns Yacht Harbor (Johns Island, Charleston)
- Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina
- Lady’s Island Marina (Beaufort)
- Harbourgate Marina (North Myrtle Beach)
- Port Royal Landing Marina (Beaufort Area)
- Myrtle Beach Yacht Club (Little River)
- Dataw Island Marina (St. Helena Island)
- Find Your Perfect Dock
- FAQs – Top 7 Liveaboard Marinas in South Carolina
St. Johns Yacht Harbor (Johns Island, Charleston)
Here’s the thing about St. Johns Yacht Harbor – it’s got that sweet spot between being close enough to Charleston’s action and far enough away to actually relax. Located just minutes from historic downtown Charleston, this marina sits on Johns Island along the Stono River, giving you easy access to Charleston Harbor without dealing with the tourist crowds that swarm the downtown docks.
The liveaboard community here consistently ranks it among the best facilities on the East Coast, particularly praising the bathrooms – and trust me, when you’re living aboard, exceptional restrooms aren’t just a luxury, they’re essential. With 177 wet slips and 47 dry-lift spaces, there’s plenty of room, though you’ll want to get on that waitlist early.
What makes St. Johns stand out is the complete package. The marina uses smart technology for seamless monthly billing and features a custom app for scheduling launches and retrievals. The floating docks are positioned just south of ICW mile marker 472.5, and facilities include pristine restrooms and showers that rival country clubs, a sparkling saltwater pool, a well-stocked ship’s store, and professional-grade laundry facilities. Plus, there’s a courtesy car available – free to use.
Pros:
- Full amenities, including yacht-club-quality bathrooms and showers
- Active and supportive liveaboard community
- Close proximity to Charleston (about 4 miles)
- Smart marina technology with a custom app
- Free courtesy car for provisions and errands
- Direct ICW access
Cons:
- Higher slip rates (around $2.50 per foot)
- Waitlists for permanent slips due to popularity
- Strong tidal currents require careful timing
- Need a car to access downtown Charleston regularly
Related: 10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in Florida
Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina
If you’re after the full luxury liveaboard experience right in the heart of Charleston, Safe Harbor Charleston City is where the yachts play. Previously named Marina of the Year, this facility is home to the famous MegaDock – a 1,530-foot floating fuel dock that hosts some of the world’s most prestigious yachts. We’re talking about a marina that’s literally seconds from Charleston’s historic downtown.
With 19,000 feet of linear dock space covering 40 acres of water at ICW mile marker 469.5, this place is massive. The amenities match the scale – spotless facilities, full-service repair shop, and an hourly shuttle service into downtown that makes exploring the city a breeze. You can walk to a Publix for provisions, and there’s even an on-site restaurant, though availability varies.
Here’s what you need to know: the Ashley River current runs swift here, so timing your arrival at slack tide is crucial. The dockhands know their stuff and will help you navigate it, but it’s something to plan for. Also, if you end up on the outer MegaDock, you’re looking at nearly a three-quarter-mile walk to shore – great exercise, less great in a downpour.
Pros:
- Prime downtown Charleston location with walkable access
- World-class facilities and professional staff
- On-site fuel dock with competitive prices
- Free shuttle service to downtown attractions
- Full-service repair and maintenance available
- Part of Safe Harbor’s nationwide network
Cons:
- Premium pricing (rates from $2.95-$5.05 per foot nightly)
- Limited liveaboard availability
- Long walks from the outer docks to the shore
- Strong tidal currents require careful timing
- Can be exposed to boat wakes from passing traffic
Lady’s Island Marina (Beaufort)
Tucked away on Factory Creek, Lady’s Island Marina sits just across the swing bridge from Beaufort’s historic downtown, giving you that perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility. Located about half a mile from ICW marker 536, this 75-slip marina offers 25 transient slips and has developed a reputation among cruisers as a friendly, well-run operation.
What sets Lady’s Island apart is the genuine hospitality. The marina features clean shower rooms, free washers with $2.50 dryers, a boater’s lounge, and a courtesy car. The dock office, restrooms, and amenities are housed in a historic boathouse over the water, and there’s even a 2,000-square-foot workshop where tenants can tackle DIY repairs.
The location works perfectly for provisioning – within a mile walk, you’ll find Publix, Walgreens, multiple banks, and several restaurants, including the on-site Dockside Restaurant. A 1.5-mile walk across the bridge takes you into Beaufort’s downtown historic district. Many liveaboards praise the friendly community atmosphere, where boaters look out for each other and share local knowledge freely.
Pros:
- Friendly staff and welcoming liveaboard community
- Excellent facilities with free laundry washers
- Walking distance to groceries and restaurants
- Courtesy car and loaner bikes available
- Protected location with calmer waters
- Reasonable rates ($2.35/ft daily)
Cons:
- Liveaboard reservations are limited to 3 months maximum
- Limited transient slip availability (25 slips)
- Some dock access is blocked by stairs and pedestals
- Not ideal for those wanting year-round permanent slips
Related: 10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in California
Harbourgate Marina (North Myrtle Beach)
Situated right on the ICW at mile marker 347.7 between the swing bridge and fixed bridge, Harbourgate Marina puts you in the thick of North Myrtle Beach’s vacation atmosphere. This is a resort-style operation with 100 floating dock slips and a condo-hotel complex wrapped around it, so you’re getting more of a vacation vibe than a quiet cruising stop.
The setup here is interesting – the marina is part of a larger resort that features a pool, restaurants like Filet’s Steakhouse on-site, and Captain Dilligaf’s Tiki Bar for evening drinks. You’re just minutes from Cherry Grove Beach and within easy reach of Barefoot Landing, House of Blues, and championship golf courses. For liveaboards who want entertainment and dining options within walking distance, it’s hard to beat.
The downside? Liveaboards are limited to transient use only, and you’re dealing with significant noise from motorcycle traffic, especially during Bike Week. The marina sits on a busy highway with no sidewalks, making walking or biking less pleasant than you’d hope.
Pros:
- Convenient ICW location near ocean access
- On-site restaurants and tiki bar
- Close to North Myrtle Beach entertainment
- Well-protected harbor in Coquina Harbor
- Resort amenities, including a pool
- Walking distance to multiple dining options
Cons:
- Transient liveaboards only, no long-term
- Noisy location with heavy traffic and motorcycle noise
- Busy, touristy atmosphere year-round
- Limited slip availability due to resort occupancy
- Not ideal for those seeking peace
Port Royal Landing Marina (Beaufort Area)
Firmly anchored in southern hospitality, Safe Harbor Port Royal Landing blends Lowcountry culture with a premium boating lifestyle. Located directly on the ICW at mile marker 539, just half a mile south of red marker 244, this marina offers 160 slips accommodating boats up to approximately 140 feet.
What makes Port Royal Landing special is the strong cruiser community that’s developed here. The marina features 600 feet of easy-access face dock, floating concrete docks, 15 feet of water at mean low water, and coded restrooms and showers. There’s an on-site restaurant, Marker 244, and complimentary access to a nearby pool, spa, and sauna adds resort-level amenities without the resort-level chaos.
The staff consistently earns praise for being welcoming and helpful. West Marine and Ace Hardware are just half a mile away, and there’s a farmers’ market on Saturdays. The scenic town of Port Royal provides easy access to outdoor activities and cultural treasures, while still maintaining that laid-back Lowcountry feel.
Pros:
- Strong, friendly boating community
- Excellent staff and personalized service
- Modern facilities with concrete floating docks
- Access to resort amenities (pool, spa, sauna)
- Safe, well-protected location
- Close to provisioning and services
Cons:
- Smaller facility with limited slip availability
- Port Royal town offers limited nightlife
- Swift tidal currents require attention when docking
- Further from major city attractions than Charleston marinas
Related: 10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in Washington
Myrtle Beach Yacht Club (Little River)
Located in the well-protected waters of Coquina Harbor at ICW mile marker 346, Myrtle Beach Yacht Club sits in Little River – the northernmost marina option in South Carolina. You’re just four miles from the Atlantic Ocean via Little River Inlet, with no bridges to slow you down, making this a favorite for boaters who want easy ocean access.
The marina offers 153 slips with 18 transient spots and has that classic yacht club feel – there’s even an Officer’s Club where slip holders and transients can enjoy cool drinks and decent food in a relaxed atmosphere. Liveaboards are welcome year-round for $50/month in addition to slip fees, making it one of the more affordable options in the area.
The location gives you the best of both worlds: you’re minutes from pristine beaches and the excitement of the Grand Strand, but tucked behind a protective line of beach and forest. Many liveaboards appreciate the hurricane-hole protection and the friendly community, though some note the marina can feel a bit impersonal compared to smaller operations.
Pros:
- Affordable rates ($3/ft daily, $16/ft monthly)
- Year-round liveaboard policy welcomed
- Excellent ocean access with no bridge restrictions
- Protected hurricane-hole location
- On-site Officers Club for socializing
- Good fuel prices and in-slip pump-outs
Cons:
- Can feel touristy and busy during peak season
- Limited nearby amenities require a car
- Facilities are older (though clean and well-maintained)
- Location on a busy highway with no sidewalks
Dataw Island Marina (St. Helena Island)
If you’re looking for the most exclusive liveaboard experience in South Carolina, Dataw Island is an 870-acre gated community that takes luxury living to another level. The full-service marina offers up to 15 boat tie-ups along with 83 wet slips, 300 dry stacks, a 50-ton boat lift, and yes – they do permit liveaboards.
Here’s where Dataw separates itself from every other marina on this list: property owners get privileged access to two private championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills, tennis courts, pickleball, indoor and outdoor pools, and a grand clubhouse. Liveaboards can purchase club packages to access these world-class amenities, including fine dining at Sweetgrass Restaurant and lunch at the Outpost.
The marina is three miles from the ICW and about 30 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, accessible via a scenic drive over the island’s bridge and causeway. Transient boaters get access to clean restrooms, bicycles for riding around the historic island, and genuinely knowledgeable staff. But make no mistake – this is upscale, private island living.
Pros:
- Exclusive gated community with 24/7 security
- Access to two championship golf courses
- World-class amenities (tennis, pools, fitness center)
- Beautiful natural setting with pristine surroundings
- Full-service boatyard with 50-ton travel lift
- On-site dining at clubhouse restaurants
Cons:
- Expensive slip rates and club fees are required
- Restricted access (must be approved)
- Limited slip availability in an exclusive community
- Three miles from ICW requires planning
- Premium pricing reflects luxury positioning
Find Your Perfect Dock
Choosing among South Carolina’s liveaboard marinas comes down to lifestyle and budget. Charleston offers urban sophistication with premium facilities. Beaufort delivers Lowcountry charm at moderate rates with welcoming communities. Myrtle Beach provides affordable options with excellent ocean access. Dataw Island caters to those seeking exclusive, resort-style living.
Visit marinas as a transient first, talk with current liveaboards, and experience the community vibe. South Carolina’s year-round boating weather, welcoming marina culture, and diverse coastal towns create ideal conditions for calling your boat home along these beautiful waters.
FAQs – Top 7 Liveaboard Marinas in South Carolina
Why don’t marinas allow liveaboards?
Some marinas restrict liveaboards due to local zoning laws that classify them as residential use, which can conflict with commercial marina permits. Others worry about increased utility costs, liability concerns, or overwhelming their facilities like bathrooms and laundry. Marinas in tourist areas may prefer transient boaters who generate higher revenue. However, many South Carolina marinas welcome liveaboards since they provide stable, year-round income and often help maintain security and community atmosphere at the docks.
Can you live on a boat at the marina?
Yes, you can live on a boat at many marinas, but policies vary significantly by location. Most marinas that allow liveaboards require an additional monthly fee (typically $50-130) on top of slip rental and charge extra for utilities. Some limit the number of liveaboard slips or require applications with background checks. You’ll need to follow marina rules about waste disposal, noise, and guest policies. Always confirm a marina’s liveaboard policy before committing, as some only allow transient stays.
