If you’re looking for an Edisto boat ramp, you have several choices: two Charleston County public landings on the north side of the island, the state park’s Live Oak Boat Landing on Big Bay Creek, and the private ramp at The Marina at Edisto Beach. From there, the North and South Edisto rivers, St. Helena Sound and the ACE Basin are all within reach.
This guide covers where to launch, where to get fuel and supplies, what you can and can’t do on the beach, and the tides and shoals that catch visiting boaters off guard.
At a Glance
- Public landings: Steamboat Landing and Dawho Landing (Charleston County); Live Oak Boat Landing (Edisto Beach State Park)
- Marina: The Marina at Edisto Beach, 3702 Docksite Road, (843) 631-5055
- Fuel: Non-ethanol gas and marine diesel at the marina
- Beach launching: Kayaks and sailboats only; no motorboats or jet skis on the sand
- Rentals: No storefront powerboat or jet ski rentals found on Edisto; kayaks and paddleboards are available
- Tip: Check the tide before you launch – some landings and creeks get very shallow at low water
Edisto Boat Ramps and Landings
| Landing | Location | Water | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steamboat Landing | End of Steamboat Landing Rd off SC-174 (7626 Steamboat Landing Rd) | Steamboat Creek and the North Edisto River | Charleston County public landing |
| Dawho Landing (Hwy 174 Bridge landing) | Off SC-174 near the McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge (3699 SC-174) | Dawho River and the Intracoastal Waterway | Charleston County public landing |
| Live Oak Boat Landing | Edisto Beach State Park, off Palmetto Rd via Oyster Row Ln | Big Bay Creek to the South Edisto River and St. Helena Sound | State park ramp and courtesy dock |
| The Marina at Edisto Beach | 3702 Docksite Rd | Big Bay Creek | Private ramp |
SCDNR keeps a statewide list of public boat landings with locations.
Steamboat Landing
Steamboat Landing sits at the end of Steamboat Landing Road on the north side of the island and opens onto Steamboat Creek and the North Edisto River. Launch here if you plan to fish or explore the North Edisto side of the island.
Dawho Landing
Dawho Landing is on Little Edisto Island beside SC-174, near the McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge that brings you onto Edisto. It launches into the Dawho River and the Intracoastal Waterway, which makes it handy if you’re heading inland or north along the waterway.
Live Oak Boat Landing (Edisto Beach State Park)
The state park’s boat ramp and courtesy dock are on the park’s western boundary, on Big Bay Creek. From here it’s a short run to the South Edisto River, St. Helena Sound and the ACE Basin. The boat launch fee is the park’s per-person admission – as of 2026, $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors, $4 for ages 6–15 and free for 5 and under – paid at the landing. Fishing isn’t allowed from the landing or its dock. See Edisto Beach State Park for park hours.
The Marina at Edisto Beach
The Marina at Edisto Beach (formerly known as Edisto Marina) is on Big Bay Creek at 3702 Docksite Road. It has a private ramp, a ship’s store with bait, tackle, drinks, snacks and apparel, and fuel – non-ethanol gas and marine diesel. The marina also runs creek and sunset boat tours and hosts fishing tournaments. Call (843) 631-5055 or visit themarinaeb.com for ramp fees, hours and slip availability.
If you’re bringing your own boat for a week, arrange dockage or a slip with the marina well before your trip. Fuel prices and availability change, so call ahead if you’re counting on a fill-up.
Boat Rentals, Tours and Charters
We didn’t find any storefront pontoon, center-console or jet ski rental business on Edisto. Peer-to-peer rental websites list boats in the area, but check insurance, the boat’s condition and the owner’s rules carefully.
For most visitors, a guided trip is the easier way to get on the water:
- Fishing charters: See our Edisto fishing guide.
- Dolphin and eco tours: See Edisto eco tours.
- Kayaks and paddleboards: Edisto Watersports & Tackle (3731 Docksite Road, 843-869-0663) rents both. See kayaking and paddleboarding on Edisto.
Launching From the Beach
Town of Edisto Beach rules prohibit motor vehicles on the beach and jet skis or motorboats on the sandy beach, and nothing may be launched over the dunes. Kayaks, sailboats and other non-motorized craft can be launched from the beach using the access paths, and kayaks and sailboats may be stored overnight on the sand – but never on the dunes.
Boating Rules and Safety
South Carolina boating laws apply on all Edisto waters, including registration, life jacket requirements, operating under the influence and idle-speed (no-wake) rules near docks, people in the water and anchored boats. Read the current SCDNR boating regulations before you go, especially if you’re visiting from another state.
- Watch your wake. Creeks are lined with private docks, kayakers and people crabbing. Slow down around docks, landings and the marina.
- Respect wildlife. Dolphins are common in the creeks; enjoy them from a distance and don’t chase or feed them. Feeding alligators is illegal, so don’t toss scraps or bait at ramps and docks.
- Morgan Island: The monkey colony on Morgan Island, south of Edisto in St. Helena Sound, can be viewed from the water only. Landing on the island is prohibited.
- Botany Bay: You can reach the Botany Bay beach by boat, but preserve rules still apply: it’s closed Tuesdays and on hunt days, and nothing may be collected. See Botany Bay.
- Weather: Summer thunderstorms build quickly. Check the Edisto weather forecast and head in at the first sign of lightning.
Tides, Currents and Shoals
Edisto’s tides rise and fall roughly twice a day, and the range is big enough to drain small creeks at low tide and flood marsh grass at high tide. Tidal currents run hard in Big Bay Creek, the inlets and the rivers, which makes docking and launching tricky at peak flow. Shoals shift around the inlets and the mouths of the North and South Edisto rivers, so don’t rely on old charts or GPS tracks alone.
- Check the Edisto tide charts and plan your return before the water drops.
- Launch and retrieve near slack tide if you’re new to these ramps.
- Run the creeks at mid-to-high tide until you know them, and trim up in skinny water.
- Carry an anchor, a paddle, a VHF radio or charged phone, and plenty of water.
Edisto Boating FAQ
Where is the public boat ramp on Edisto Island?
There are two Charleston County public landings – Steamboat Landing off Steamboat Landing Road and Dawho Landing off SC-174 near the bridge – plus the Live Oak Boat Landing in Edisto Beach State Park and a private ramp at The Marina at Edisto Beach.
Is there boat fuel on Edisto?
Yes. The Marina at Edisto Beach on Docksite Road sells non-ethanol gas and marine diesel. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Can I launch a jet ski from Edisto Beach?
No. Jet skis and motorboats aren’t allowed on the sandy beach, and nothing may be launched over the dunes. Use a boat ramp instead.
Can I rent a boat on Edisto?
We didn’t find a storefront powerboat or jet ski rental on Edisto. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards, or book a fishing charter or boat tour with a captain.
How much does it cost to launch at Edisto Beach State Park?
The launch fee is the park’s per-person admission: $8 for adults, $5 for SC seniors, $4 for ages 6–15 and free for children 5 and under (2026).
Plan Your Trip
Once you’re on the water, explore the ACE Basin, try crabbing and shrimping in the creeks, or fish the sound with our fishing guide. Before a beach day, review Edisto Beach public access and rules.