Freeport Marina: Boat Slips, Fuel, and Waterfront Dining on St. Helena Island

What Freeport Marina offers and where to find it

Freeport Marina sits on St. Helena Island near Beaufort, about 45 minutes south of Charleston. The facility operates year-round and serves recreational boaters, fishing charters, and day-trippers looking for waterfront access. You can rent boat slips by the day, week, or season; fuel up at the dock; and grab food and drinks at the on-site restaurant without leaving the water.

The marina sits on Calibogue Sound, the body of water between St. Helena Island and Daufuskie Island. This location puts you close to saltwater fishing grounds, barrier island beaches, and the Intracoastal Waterway. If you're trailering a boat, there's a public boat ramp on the property, so you don't need a slip to launch.

The address is 1 Calibogue Cay Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. Parking is available for vehicles and trailers. The marina is accessible by car via Lady's Island and St. Helena Island Road, or by water if you're already on the sound.

Key Takeaways

• Freeport Marina rents slips for boats of various sizes and offers daily, weekly, and seasonal rates.
• Fuel, ice, and basic supplies are available at the fuel dock during operating hours.
• The marina has a public boat ramp, so you can launch a trailered boat without renting a slip.
• An on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner with views of Calibogue Sound and dockside seating.
• The location on St. Helena Island puts you within reach of fishing, shrimping, and day trips to nearby islands.

Slip rentals and boat storage options

Freeport Marina offers wet slips—meaning your boat stays in the water—in a range of sizes to fit different vessels. Slips accommodate boats from small center consoles to larger cruisers and sailboats. Daily rates are available if you're passing through, and weekly or seasonal rates apply if you're staying longer. Contact the marina directly for current pricing, as rates vary by slip size and season.

The marina does not advertise dry storage (boat lifts or covered storage on land), so confirm availability if that's what you need. Most visiting boaters use the wet slips. If you're a local and want year-round storage, ask about seasonal rates when you call—many marinas offer discounts for multi-month commitments.

Reservations are recommended during peak season (May through September) and on weekends. Walk-ups are often accommodated if space is available, but calling ahead ensures you have a slip waiting. The marina office can tell you slip availability and any restrictions on boat type or length.

Fuel, water, and dockside services

The fuel dock dispenses both gasoline and diesel. Hours vary by season, so confirm before you arrive, especially if you're coming in early morning or late afternoon. The dock also stocks ice, which is useful if you're fishing or spending the day on the water. Basic marine supplies and snacks are available at the marina store.

Water hookups are available at most slips for rinsing down your boat or filling tanks. Restrooms and showers are on the property. If you need repairs or maintenance, the marina can refer you to local boat mechanics and service providers, though work is not performed on-site.

The restaurant and waterfront dining

Freeport Marina's restaurant overlooks Calibogue Sound and serves lunch and dinner daily. The menu focuses on seafood—shrimp, fish, and crab prepared simply—along with sandwiches, salads, and casual entrees. You can eat at a table inside or on the deck with a view of the water and docked boats. The bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails.

The restaurant is open to the public, so you don't need to rent a slip or own a boat to eat there. It's a popular stop for locals and visitors exploring St. Helena Island. Seating can fill up on weekends and during peak season, so arriving early or calling ahead is wise if you're planning a specific time.

Fishing and water activities from the marina

Calibogue Sound is known for saltwater fishing—redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and tarpon are common catches depending on the season. The marina is a departure point for fishing charters, and several captains operate out of Freeport. If you have your own boat, you can launch from the public ramp and fish the sound or venture to deeper water offshore.

The location also puts you close to Daufuskie Island, a car-free barrier island with beaches, historic sites, and a small community. Day trips by boat are popular. Some boaters use Freeport as a base for exploring the ACE Basin (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers), a vast estuary known for wildlife viewing and kayaking.

How to reach Freeport Marina and what to bring

From Beaufort, take Lady's Island Road south toward St. Helena Island. Follow signs for Freeport Marina or use GPS with the address 1 Calibogue Cay Road. The drive takes about 15 minutes from downtown Beaufort. Parking is free for marina guests and restaurant visitors.

If you're trailering a boat, the public ramp is well-maintained and has plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. If you're renting a slip, bring your boat documentation and proof of insurance. For a day visit to the restaurant, casual waterfront attire is standard—no dress code applies.

Cell service is reliable on St. Helena Island, so you can call ahead to confirm slip availability, fuel hours, or restaurant reservations. The marina's phone number is listed on their website and in local directories.

Nearby attractions and things to do on St. Helena Island

St. Helena Island is home to the Penn Center, a historic site and educational institution founded after the Civil War to serve formerly enslaved people. The center preserves Gullah Geechee culture and history and is open to visitors. The island also has several small restaurants, shops, and a public beach access at Hunting Island State Park, about 20 minutes from the marina.

If you're staying overnight, accommodations range from vacation rentals to small inns on and near the island. Many visitors combine a marina visit with exploring the island's history, natural areas, and local food scene. The Beaufort waterfront is a short drive away and offers additional dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to rent a slip?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during May through September. You can call the marina to check availability and hold a slip. Walk-ups are often accommodated if space is open, but you risk not finding a slip during busy times.

Can I launch my trailered boat at Freeport Marina?

Yes, there is a public boat ramp on the property. You do not need to rent a slip to use the ramp. Parking for vehicles and trailers is available. The ramp is maintained year-round, though conditions may vary after heavy rain or storms.

What are the restaurant hours?

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, but hours vary by season. Call the marina to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you're planning an early lunch or late dinner. The bar may stay open later than the kitchen.

Is the marina accessible by water only, or can I drive there?

You can reach Freeport Marina by car via St. Helena Island Road and Calibogue Cay Road. Parking is available for vehicles and trailers. You can also arrive by boat on Calibogue Sound if you're already on the water.

What kind of fish can I catch in Calibogue Sound?

Redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and tarpon are common in the sound depending on the season. Spring and fall are peak fishing seasons. The marina staff and local fishing charters can advise on current conditions and what's biting when you arrive.