The Best Things to Do at Bohicket Marina & Market

Bohicket Marina and Market is conveniently situated between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, making it an excellent place to explore on your next Kiawah Island vacation! Whether during the day or by night, there is something for everyone in your family or group to enjoy — a boardwalk that is made for strolling, kayaking and paddleboarding, incredible sailing charters, private cruises aboard the Black Ghost, and fantastic fare overlooking a phenomenal view. Join us in discovering some of the top things to do at Bohicket Marina and Market below.

What beats a relaxing sunset sail, a paddleboarding adventure, or a fun-filled afternoon on a pirate ship? We don’t think much does! No matter which you choose, you’ll be greeted with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking views from every angle. What are the best ways to explore these magical waters? We’re glad you asked!

GO ON A SAILING ADVENTURE

Pack a cooler and set sail from the marina to explore the coastal South Carolina waterways with friends and family! Captain Chad with Holy City Sailing offers 3-hour daytime sails (longer for an additional fee), serene sunset cruises, and dolphin watching. Because our rivers and creeks are home to an abundance of dolphins, sightings are almost guaranteed! Even if you don’t happen to see dolphins, you’ll be blown away by the majestic coastal scenery and other wildlife you’ll see along your tour. This is hands down one of our favorite experiences, and Captain Chad is always a pleasure to work with!

Your vessel is a late model Beneteau 373, a past Boat of the Year award winner, that is equipped with all the comforts of home, including a toilet, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and more! Captain Chad’s custom tours that leave from Bohicket Marina are also ideal for special occasions such as marriage proposals, overnight trips, a romantic evening, retirement parties, fun with friends, or entertaining your guests. Learn about scheduling a private sailing charter with Holy City Sailing.

PADDLEBOARD & KAYAK

If you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely paddle through the marsh to take in the natural beauty of the area that can only be seen from the water, then Water Dog Paddle Co. is the place to check out! No matter if you’ve never been on a stand-up board or if you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll find a wide range of options for everyone — from guided tours during the day and at sunset to on-water fitness and yoga classes.

They offer three main types of eco-adventures by kayak or stand up to choose from: The Dolphin Paddle, The Dolphin Paddle at Sunset, and The VIP Exclusive Dolphin Paddle for those who wish to go on a private tour with their family and friends! Every tour is led by an experienced and trained tour guide and includes a brief “ground school” for those who may need a bit of guidance on the best practices.

If you prefer to go without a guide, Ryan and his team also offer daily and weekly rentals of SUP boards, tandem kayaks, and single kayaks. Find out more about Water Dog Paddle Co.

PIRATE ADVENTURE CRUISE

Kids will love a swashbuckling adventure on the 45-foot wooden pirate ship, the Black Ghost. The cruise begins with face painting, pirate gear, and the language of pirates. Join the crew for a little over an hour in non-stop singing of songs, finding treasures, and reading maps on the North Edisto River. Ready to discover the world of pirates? Learn all about Pirates of Charleston.

OUR FAVORITE PASTIME: WALKING THE BOHICKET BOARDWALK AT SUNSET

One of our favorite ways to end a day filled with beach adventures and exploring Kiawah Island by bike is to enjoy the wide and welcoming boardwalk while catching the most spectacular sunsets here at the marina. While the eastward-facing beaches are best to see a sunrise, it is the westward view that Bohicket Marina affords that displays the most majestic sunsets in all of Charleston.

ANNUAL EVENTS AT BOHICKET MARINA

Speaking of fishing, the marina is home to the annual Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament! The always lively event is scheduled to take place from May 5th through the 8th of this year. Other events happening this year that you don’t want to miss include:

The Bohicket Dolphin Slam, a one-day event, is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th, 2021.

Salty Dog Cafe: Live Music on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 9pm and on Sundays from 5pm to 8pm.

Easter Egg Hunt at Salty Dog Cafe: This year the annual Bohicket Marina Easter Egg Hunt will be hosted by none other than the Salty Dog Cafe. Enjoy a special brunch menu from 10am to 4pm and join in for an hourly hunt for eggs with the kids! There will also be numerous prizes and treats to satisfy your sweet tooth available.

The Bohicket Half & 5K: The only locally organized half marathon in the Lowcountry that is hosted annually in November. Now in its 4th year of having a half marathon, this road race benefits the Exchange Club of Kiawah–Seabrook and the Charleston Running Club and is a USATF Certified course. https://bohickethalf.com

Over the years, we’ve seen many wonderful restaurants come and go at Bohicket. At the time of writing this, March 2021, there are two fantastic dining options. We’re excited to see what this year holds for the other spaces that once had recent greats like Lokal, Nacha Mama’s, and Luciano’s Pizzeria.

FISCHER’S SPORTS PUB & GRILL

Fischer’s has a reasonably priced menu with items including grilled or fried seafood baskets, chicken tenders, burgers, and wings. Happy hour is from 3:30pm to 7pm from Monday to Thursday and they also have Crab Leg Night every Tuesday starting at 5pm! A favorite for locals and those docked at the marina, they usually are open after midnight in the busy season. Since all other venues on and near Kiawah Island close fairly early, this is the perfect spot to grab a late-night drink without traveling to Downtown Charleston. The kitchen does close at 9pm nightly. Learn about Fischer’s Sports Pub & Grill.

SALTY DOG CAFE

Enjoy an unbeatable view of Bohicket Marina and Lowcountry sunsets at Salty Dog Cafe! Indoor and outdoor waterfront dining is offered with a menu that includes the freshest of seafood, salads, steaks, pasta, and daily chef specials. Live music on the waterfront is on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 9pm and Sundays from 5pm to 8pm. There is typically live music during other nights of the week. Check out their online calendar to find out what’s happening: bohicket.saltydog.com/cafe.

EXPERIENCE BOHICKET DURING YOUR NEXT KIAWAH ISLAND VACATION

When you’re ready to start planning your next island getaway, you can browse through our vacation homes on Kiawah Island. Or, you can contact us directly! Our team would be happy to help answer any of your questions and help you find the perfect Kiawah Island vacation property for you. Either give us a call or send us an email!