If you are planning a day on the water in North Myrtle Beach, you have probably asked the same question most of our guests ask first: how much does a fishing charter cost in Myrtle Beach? It is a fair question, and it is one that a lot of local operators leave unanswered until you call. We would rather just tell you.
Below is a plain guide to what drives the price, what our private trips actually run, and what is included in every booking. No hidden fees, no surprises at the dock.
What drives the price of a private charter
Four things move the number more than anything else.
Trip length. A 4-hour inshore trip and a 14-hour Gulf Stream run are different days entirely, and the price reflects that. Longer trips mean more fuel, more time with your captain, and more fishing.
How far offshore you go. Inshore trips stay in the tidal creeks, marshes and backwaters close to shore. Nearshore trips work the coastal reefs and wrecks. Offshore, deep sea and Gulf Stream trips push farther into open Atlantic water, where fuel and running time climb quickly.
Boat and group size. Every one of our charters is private to your group, so the price covers the whole boat, not a per-person seat on a shared head boat. Base rates cover 1 to 6 guests, and larger parties can be arranged, with a small per-guest charge beyond the base count.
Season and demand. Summer and peak holiday weeks book out earlier, so if you have a specific date in mind, reserve ahead.
Typical private charter rates by trip type
Here is where our numbers sit, so you can plan a realistic budget before you call.
Inshore fishing charters. Light-tackle trips for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum and sheepshead in the creeks, flats and Intracoastal Waterway. We offer 4-, 5-, 6- and 8-hour trips with space for up to six guests.
Nearshore fishing charters. Coastal reef and wreck fishing for Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, bluefish and sea bass. A 4-hour trip is $700 and a 6-hour trip is $950 for 1 to 6 guests.
Shark fishing charters. A private shark trip just off the beach or over nearshore structure. A 4-hour trip is $650 and a 6-hour trip is $850 for 1 to 6 guests.
Offshore fishing charters. Deeper Atlantic reefs, wrecks and ledges for king mackerel, cobia, amberjack, barracuda and black sea bass. A 6-hour trip is $950 and an 8-hour trip is $1,500 for 1 to 6 guests.
Deep sea fishing charters. A full day over offshore bottom structure for sea bass, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, porgies, grouper and amberjack. An 8-hour trip is $1,500, and the 12-hour Gulf Stream bottom trip is $2,800, for 1 to 6 guests.
Gulf Stream fishing charters. Our farthest runs, for deep-water bottom fishing or blue-water trolling for mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna and seasonal billfish. The 12-hour bottom trip is $2,800 and the 14-hour trolling trip is $3,500 for 1 to 6 guests.
Private Intracoastal eco and dolphin tours. A relaxed wildlife-focused alternative to fishing. A 4-hour morning or afternoon tour is $500 for 1 to 4 guests, and a 2-hour evening tour is $350.
Larger groups can be accommodated on select boats. Parties of 7 to 15 guests are charged a modest per-person addition on top of the base rate, so a multi-family vacation or corporate outing stays affordable per head.
What is included in the price
This is where comparing quotes gets tricky, so ask any operator directly. On our trips, the following is part of your rate:
- Rods, reels, bait and tackle
- Fishing license coverage for everyone aboard
- A USCG-licensed captain who guides beginners and experienced anglers alike
- Ice and cleaning of legally retained catches on our offshore and Gulf Stream trips
- Beginner-friendly instruction throughout the day
Every charter is reserved exclusively for your party. You are never mixed in with strangers on a crowded head boat.
How to compare charter quotes fairly
Two trips quoted at the same price can be very different days. Before you book anywhere, ask:
- Is the trip private to my group, or shared with other passengers?
- How many guests does the base rate cover, and what does an extra guest cost?
- Is gear, bait and licensing included, or billed separately?
- How long is the actual fishing time versus travel time?
- What happens if weather forces a cancellation?
A lower headline number often means a shared boat, extra fees, or shorter time on the water.
How to split the cost across your group
Private charters are priced by the boat, which makes them easy to divide. A 6-hour nearshore trip at $950 split six ways is about $158 per person. The same math on a 12-hour Gulf Stream trip at $2,800 works out to roughly $467 per angler for a full day offshore. For larger parties, splitting across 10 to 15 guests brings the per-person cost down further, which is why group trips are such a good value.
A few honest caveats
Catches vary with season, water temperature and conditions. Dolphin sightings and island stops on our eco tours are never guaranteed, and some trips are best suited to groups comfortable spending a long day on open water. If weather does not cooperate, we will work with you on another date.
Planning your trip
Cost is a real part of the decision, but so is what kind of day you want. A 4-hour inshore trip is a great introduction for kids and first-timers. A 6- or 8-hour offshore trip suits families and friends ready for more. The Gulf Stream is for groups who want the full blue-water experience.
Locally operated since 1991, with more than 40 years on these waters, our captains will help you choose the trip that fits your group, your experience and your budget. Check live availability or call or text 843-907-0064, and we will walk you through the options.