What to Bring on Your Charleston Booze Cruise

So you’ve booked your spot on a booze cruise Charleston style and now the real question hits you at 11pm the night before: what exactly do I pack for this thing?

The short answer: your drinks, your sunscreen, a light layer for the breeze, a valid ID, and a great attitude. That covers the essentials. But if you want to go beyond “fine” and into “this was the best day of the trip,” there’s a bit more to it. We’ve seen groups show up perfectly prepared and groups show up completely underprepared, and the difference between the two is always obvious by hour one.

Here’s the complete guide.

What Should You Bring on a Booze Cruise in Charleston?

The most important thing to understand about a booze cruise Charleston experience is that it is BYOB. That means the drinks are entirely on you, which is actually great news for your wallet. You are not paying resort markup on a rum punch. You are buying exactly what your group wants to drink, at Publix prices, and bringing it aboard.

Here is the full packing list, broken into categories so nothing gets forgotten.

 

Drinks and Cooler Essentials

What to Drink on the Friki Tiki

Beer, wine, seltzers, champagne, hard ciders, juice, sparkling water – all welcome. The one rule: no hard liquor. So leave the handle of tequila at the hotel.

A few crowd favorites we see constantly on the Friki Tiki:

• High Noon or Truly hard seltzers (low mess, easy to drink in the sun)
• Canned wine or mini Prosecco bottles (perfect for a sunset toast)
• Beer in cans, not glass bottles
• A sparkling water or two mixed in for hydration between rounds

Choosing cans over glass is often considered the best way to bring alcohol on a cruise like this, as they are safer on deck and easier to chill in our onboard coolers.

Here is a genuinely useful tip: there is a Publix grocery store directly across the street from Brittlebank Park at 185 Lockwood Drive. You can stop there on the way, grab everything you need in one run, and be on the boat in minutes. No planning ahead required.

The Friki Tiki provides coolers and ice on board, so you do not need to haul a big cooler from your hotel. Just bring your drinks in a bag or a soft-sided cooler and the crew will get it sorted.

Bonus: You can also pre-stock the coolers as an add-on. Just tell the team what you want ahead of time, and it will be ice-cold and waiting when you arrive.

Sun and Skin Protection

You would be surprised how fast the sun hits on the water. Charleston Harbor reflects UV from every direction, and even on a partly cloudy day, a two-hour booze cruise Charleston adventure can leave you noticeably pink by the end.

Bring these without question:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) – apply before you board, reapply halfway through
• Sunglasses – polarized are ideal on the water
• A hat – optional but your future self will thank you
• A light jacket or cover-up – the breeze picks up when the boat is moving, and evenings on the water cool down fast even in the summer

Here is something people always forget: just because you have a drink in your hand does not mean you are protected from the sun. Hydration and sunscreen work together. Drink water between your drinks. The Friki Tiki provides bottled water on board, so there is no excuse to skip this.

What to Wear on a Booze Cruise in Charleston

How to Dress for a Day on the Water

Keep it casual and practical. You are on a boat. This is not a rooftop bar.

• Daytime cruise: Swimsuit under a cover-up or shorts and a breathable shirt. Sandals or boat shoes work great. Leave the white sneakers at the hotel unless you want them wet.
• Sunset cruise: A sundress, linen pants, or casual summer wear. You want to look cute for the photos but still be comfortable enough to move around freely.
• Footwear: Something you can slip off easily if you plan to get in the water. Flip-flops are the obvious choice.

If you are doing a swim stop (available on private and semi-private charters from May through September), bring a towel. There are Sunchill floating mats deployed in the calm water off the Ashley River, and you are going to want to use them.

Snacks and Food

The Friki Tiki is BYOB, and the same goes for food. Bring whatever you want to eat. Drinks on an empty stomach are a fast way to peak too early, so this actually matters.

Best options for a booze cruise Charleston day:

• Charcuterie and snack boards (easy to share, no utensils needed)
• Chips, crackers, and dips
• Fruit platters
• Sandwiches or wraps if you want something more substantial

Pro tip: You can also add catering as an add-on through Tiki Tours of Charleston. Local restaurant partners handle the food so you do not have to think about it at all.

The Fun Stuff – What to Bring for the Party

This is where it gets interesting. A booze cruise Charleston trip is not just a boat ride – it is a floating party, and the groups who show up with a plan for the fun always have a better time than the ones who wing it.

Consider bringing:

• A curated playlist – the Friki Tiki has a Bluetooth sound system and it is your boat, your music. Build the playlist in advance. You will not regret it.
• Drinking games – flip cup, ring toss, whatever your crew loves. There is deck space for it.
• Decorations for the bride or birthday person – the crew is happy to help make someone feel celebrated. Sashes, balloons, custom cups all add up fast.
• A waterproof phone case – you are going to want photos near the water and possibly in it. Protect your phone.
• A small dry bag – for valuables like wallets, keys, and anything that cannot get wet

What Not to Bring on a Booze Cruise in Charleston

Equally important:

• Hard liquor – not permitted
• Glass bottles – switch to cans
• Pets – unless they are a certified service animal
• Cigarettes or traditional smoking – smoking is not allowed on board; vaping is fine
• Your most expensive shoes – boats and heels are a bad combination

Ready to Pack Your Bags?

Book Your Charleston Booze Cruise Now

If you are planning a party boat Charleston experience, the Friki Tiki is ready for your crew. Private charters start at $700/hr, semi-private cruises start at $400/hr, and the booking process takes about five minutes. Availability goes fast on weekends, especially during bachelorette and bachelor season.

Book now at tikitoursofcharleston.com/contact-us/ or call 843-990-8454 to lock in your date.

FAQ: Booze Cruise Charleston Packing Questions

Do I need to bring my own cooler? No. Coolers and ice are provided on board. Bring your drinks and the crew handles the rest.

Can I bring food on the Friki Tiki? Yes. Bring whatever you want to eat. Catering is also available as an add-on if you prefer not to worry about it.

What happens if it rains? The Friki Tiki cruises rain or shine. Summer showers in Charleston are common and usually brief. If conditions become genuinely unsafe, the captain decides within one hour of departure and you will receive a full refund or rescheduling option.

Is there a restroom on board? Yes. The Friki Tiki has an on-board restroom. It is for liquid waste only, so plan accordingly before boarding.

Can I swim during the booze cruise? Swim stops are available on private and semi-private daytime charters from May 1 through September 30. The crew deploys Sunchill floating mats in the Ashley River.

How early should I arrive? Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you are on a public or semi-private tour, the boat leaves on time. Refunds are not given for missed boarding.

Want to Customize Your Experience?

See Add-Ons That Elevate the Day

A basic booze cruise Charleston day on the Friki Tiki is already great. But if you want to take it to another level – think live music, a professional bartender, E-foil water sports, a party bus to and from the dock, or a DJ spinning your playlist on the water – the add-on menu is worth a look.

Explore all add-ons and contact the team at tikitoursofcharleston.com/contact-us/ to build the exact experience your group deserves.