Daniel Island Marina: Boat Slips, Fuel, and Waterfront Dining in Charleston

What Daniel Island Marina Offers

Daniel Island Marina sits on the Wando River in Charleston's Daniel Island neighborhood, about 15 minutes north of downtown. The facility operates year-round and handles boats up to 65 feet, with covered and open slip options, transient docking for visitors, and a fuel dock that sells both gasoline and diesel. The marina also has a ship's store stocked with basic supplies, ice, and tackle, plus a full-service restaurant and bar on the property called Vickery's.

The location puts you within the Charleston Harbor system, with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and nearby creeks and rivers. The Wando River itself is a working waterway with commercial traffic, so the marina maintains a channel and dredges regularly. Slip holders and transient boaters both use the same facilities—fuel dock, pump-out station, and water connections—though slip holders have reserved spaces and transient boaters tie up at designated docks on a first-come basis.

Key Takeaways

• Daniel Island Marina accommodates boats up to 65 feet with both covered and open slips, plus transient docking for short-term visits.
• The fuel dock sells gasoline and diesel, and the ship's store carries ice, tackle, and basic supplies for boaters.
• Vickery's restaurant and bar sit directly on the marina property, open to both slip holders and the public.
• The marina is located on the Wando River with direct access to Charleston Harbor, the Intracoastal Waterway, and nearby creeks.
• A pump-out station and water connections are available for all boaters, and the facility operates year-round.

Slip Rentals and Boat Storage

Daniel Island Marina rents slips by the month or year, with rates varying by slip size and whether you choose covered or open docking. Covered slips protect your boat from sun and weather but cost more than open slips. The marina does not publish rates online, so you will need to call or visit in person to get current pricing and availability. Slip holders receive 24-hour access to the property and reserved parking.

The marina also offers dry storage for smaller boats and trailers, though space is limited and availability changes seasonally. If you own a boat but do not use it regularly, dry storage can be cheaper than renting a slip, especially for boats under 30 feet. The ship's store staff can answer questions about storage options when you call.

Transient Docking and Day Visits

If you are passing through Charleston or want to spend a day on the water, Daniel Island Marina accepts transient boats at the visitor dock. Transient rates are charged by the night or by the day, and you tie up at designated spaces rather than a reserved slip. Water and power connections are available at transient docks, and you can use the fuel dock, pump-out station, and ship's store just as slip holders do.

The marina does not require reservations for transient docking, but calling ahead during busy seasons (spring and fall) is wise to confirm space is available. The Wando River can get crowded on weekends, particularly during good weather, so arriving early in the day improves your chances of getting a spot close to the fuel dock or restaurant.

Fuel, Pump-Out, and Basic Services

The fuel dock operates during marina business hours and sells both unleaded gasoline and diesel. Fuel is pumped by marina staff, so you do not pump it yourself. The dock also sells ice, which is useful if you are heading out for a day trip or stocking your boat's cooler. A pump-out station is available for holding tank waste, a service many boaters need before heading offshore or staying out for multiple days.

Water connections are available at all slips and at the transient dock, and the marina has a ship's store with basic supplies—sunscreen, snacks, batteries, fishing tackle, and replacement hardware. For major repairs or haul-outs, the marina does not have a full service yard on-site, but staff can recommend nearby boatyards in the Charleston area.

Vickery's Restaurant and Waterfront Dining

Vickery's occupies the main building at Daniel Island Marina and serves lunch and dinner daily, with a full bar and outdoor seating overlooking the Wando River. The menu focuses on seafood and casual American fare—shrimp, fish, burgers, and sandwiches—and the restaurant draws both boaters and locals who drive to the marina to eat. Happy hour runs in the late afternoon, and the bar stays open into the evening.

The restaurant is open to the public, so you do not need to be a slip holder or have a boat to dine there. Parking is available in the marina lot, and the waterfront setting makes it a popular spot for sunset dinners and weekend gatherings. During peak season, arriving early or calling ahead for a table is recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Getting to Daniel Island Marina

Daniel Island Marina is located at 18 Clements Drive, Charleston, SC 29492, on the north side of Daniel Island. From downtown Charleston, take I-526 north toward Mount Pleasant, then exit onto Daniel Island Drive. Follow signs to the marina, which sits at the end of Clements Drive near the Wando River. Parking is free for marina visitors and restaurant guests.

If you are arriving by boat, the Wando River entrance is marked by navigation buoys, and the channel is well-maintained. The marina's location on the Intracoastal Waterway makes it easy to reach from other coastal marinas in South Carolina and North Carolina. GPS coordinates and detailed directions are available on the marina's website or by calling ahead.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Daniel Island itself is a planned residential community with parks, trails, and a golf course, so if you are staying overnight or visiting for a day, there are things to do beyond the marina. The island has a public beach access point, and several parks offer walking trails and picnic areas. The Charleston Museum and historic downtown are a short drive away, making it easy to combine a boat visit with exploring the city.

The Wando River and nearby creeks are popular for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Dolphins are common in the river, and the area is part of the Charleston Harbor ecosystem, so birdwatchers often spot herons, egrets, and osprey. If you are renting a slip for a few days or longer, the marina's location gives you access to both the river and the broader Charleston waterway system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum boat size Daniel Island Marina can accommodate?

The marina accepts boats up to 65 feet in length. Larger vessels may be turned away or directed to other facilities in the Charleston area. Call the marina directly to confirm your boat's dimensions and ask about availability for your specific size.

Can I bring my boat for a day visit without a reservation?

Yes, transient docking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, during busy seasons like spring and fall weekends, calling ahead to confirm space is available is a good idea, especially if you want a spot near the fuel dock or restaurant.

Does the marina have a restaurant on-site?

Yes, Vickery's restaurant and bar operate at the marina and are open to the public. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily with waterfront seating, a full bar, and a menu focused on seafood and casual American food.

What services are available for boaters?

The marina offers fuel (gasoline and diesel), a pump-out station, water connections, ice, and a ship's store with basic supplies and tackle. For major repairs or haul-outs, the marina staff can recommend nearby boatyards in Charleston.

Is there parking at Daniel Island Marina?

Yes, free parking is available for marina visitors and restaurant guests. Slip holders also receive reserved parking as part of their rental agreement.