Charleston's $14 Billion Tourism Boom Fuels Record 2026 for Award-Winning Carolina Marine Group

Private boat tour company celebrates 8 consecutive Charleston Choice Awards as travelers seek personalized experiences.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:19pm

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A bold, geometric illustration depicting the Charleston harbor and skyline in a sweeping, monumental style, capturing the grand scale and romance of travel without any literal depictions of people or text.As Charleston's tourism industry reaches new heights, private boat tour companies like Carolina Marine Group are poised to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized travel experiences.Charleston Today

Charleston's tourism industry is booming, with a $14 billion economic impact documented by the College of Charleston. Eight-time Post and Courier Charleston Choice Award winner Carolina Marine Group is poised to capitalize on this growth, offering fully private charters and personalized experiences that align with the nationwide shift toward private, customized travel.

Why it matters

As Charleston's tourism industry reaches new heights, Carolina Marine Group's guest-centric model positions the company to thrive. Their focus on private, personalized outings matches the evolving preferences of travelers, especially in the lucrative bachelorette and bachelor party markets.

The details

Founded in 2014 by Captain Dave Gugliotti, Carolina Marine Group operates out of the Charleston City Marina, offering private charters for groups of up to 18 passengers. Clients can customize their music, route, and refreshments, making each charter unique. The 2026 season lineup includes harbor tours, dolphin watching, sunset cruises, celebration cruises, corporate outings, and more.

  • Charleston's tourism industry reached a $14 billion economic impact in 2026, according to the College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis.
  • Carolina Marine Group has won the Post and Courier Charleston Choice Award for 8 consecutive years.

The players

Carolina Marine Group

A Charleston-based private boat tour company founded in 2014 by Captain Dave Gugliotti.

Captain Dave Gugliotti

The founder of Carolina Marine Group, with over 30 years of experience on the Charleston Harbor.

College of Charleston's Office of Tourism Analysis

The organization that documented Charleston's $14 billion tourism economy in 2026.

Post and Courier

The local newspaper that has awarded Carolina Marine Group the Charleston Choice Award for 8 consecutive years.

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What they’re saying

“I have spent over 30 years on this water and I still love every single trip. When people come to Charleston and spend a few hours out on the harbor with us, they leave with something they did not expect. That is what keeps me doing this.”

— Captain Dave Gugliotti, Founder, Carolina Marine Group

What’s next

Interested parties can book their 2026 Charleston Harbor experience with Carolina Marine Group by visiting their website or calling (843) 779-5711. Spring and summer charters fill up quickly, so early booking is encouraged.

The takeaway

As Charleston's tourism industry reaches new heights, Carolina Marine Group's personalized, guest-centric approach positions the company to thrive. Their focus on private, customized experiences aligns with the evolving preferences of modern travelers, especially in the lucrative celebration travel market.