On the water · CHARLESTON HARBOR CRUISES
Dolphins are resident here, so the wildlife is not a season. The 15 below compare the schooner sails, the historic harbour loop past Fort Sumter and the sunset departures, with prices and how long each one runs.
Spend 90 minutes aboard a 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht with live English narration from the captain. You will pass Fort Sumter, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Civil and Revolutionary War sites, and more than 75 harbor landmarks. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, watch for dolphins and pelicans, and buy drinks or snacks on board.
“The captain was knowledgeable and full of local stories.”
Meet Sandlapper Water Tours at the Charleston Maritime Center for a two-hour sunset ride on a 45-foot catamaran. Captain Mike, Victor, Robbie, Tim, JP, and other crew members have been praised for mixing local facts, humor, music, and personal attention. Expect Fort Sumter, the Battery, dolphins, the Ravenel Bridge, and sunset photos, but not a formal narrated tour.
“This was a great sunset cruise. Victor was very fun to talk to. He encouraged everyone to have their pictures taken with the perfect sunset. The music was great. It was a beautiful relaxing evening!”
Spend 2.5 hours aboard Spirit of Carolina with a made-to-order three-course dinner, live music, harbor views, and a full-service bar. You will pass Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge from climate-controlled dining decks or the open-air upper deck. Tables usually seat four to six, so couples may share.
“Enjoyed the dinner cruise immensely. My wife and I had a good time and the food was good. Also enjoyed the music and the scenery. Overall 5 Stars. Thank you.”
Spend 90 minutes on Charleston Harbor with a licensed English-speaking guide, passing Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and Ravenel Bridge. Guides such as Denny, Vicky, Vic, and Russell have been praised for lively storytelling. Dolphins may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“Very nice cruise on the water and a very knowledgeable guide. We even saw some dolphins. Well worth the time and money.”
Board the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly quiet sail around Charleston Harbor. The crew raises the sails by hand, points out Fort Sumter, Patriots Point, USS Yorktown, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge, and may let you help with the lines. Bring snacks, buy drinks on board, and watch for dolphins.
“The crew is pleasant and outgoing. It was really a nice experience especially for my wife who is not a friend of water.”
Board Sandlapper Water Tours’ 45-foot catamaran, The Palmetto, at the Charleston Maritime Center for a 90-minute evening cruise. Guides such as Lee, Chase, and Mr. Macy tell ghostly Charleston stories while Captain Mike and others steer past harbor sites tied to pirates, battles, and local legends. Drinks and snacks are available to buy.
“It was a fun and relaxing way to tour Charleston and learn about some of its history! Lee and the captain were great.”
Set out from Charleston’s Maritime Center on a 45-foot power catamaran for a two-hour evening cruise. You’ll pass the Battery, Fort Sumter, islands, lighthouses, and the Ravenel Bridge, with chances to spot dolphins and shore birds. Captains and hosts such as Mike, Victor, JP, and Robbie mix local stories with music, photos, and drinks available from the onboard bar.
“Captain Robert and Victor were so much fun. Was an amazing way to complete our last night in Charleston.”
Spend four hours seeing Charleston from a climate-controlled coach and Charleston Harbor boat. A licensed guide leads the 90-minute city tour past historic homes, churches, the Old Market, Rainbow Row, and the Battery, followed by a narrated cruise with views of Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown. English only, with no hotel pickup.
“Very informative and very relaxing after a very active weekend.”
Join the captain and crew aboard the three-masted Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 1.5-hour Charleston Harbor sail. You can help raise sails reaching 84 feet, pass Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and watch for dolphins. This is mainly a peaceful boat ride, not a fully narrated history tour. Drinks are sold on board.
“The crew was very personable and the ship was perfect. They raised sail as soon as the ship was away from the dock. Well priced and worth it.”
Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes with a live, City of Charleston certified guide. Hear stories about Fort Sumter, the Civil War, the Holy City, and former residents while passing The Battery, USS Yorktown, Castle Pinckney, and Ravenel Bridge. Choose Aquarium Wharf or Patriots Point, and expect a large boat with restrooms and covered seating.
“Wonderful tour of Charleston Harbor. Guide packed a lot of information and history into the hour and half trip.Nice covered boat and comfy chairs. The operators were very helpful!”
Spend two to four hours aboard Fate, a private 50-foot sailing yacht for up to six people. Captain Scott, Will, Adam, and first mates Sam or Monique may guide your cruise past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, and possibly Fort Sumter. Soft drinks and water are included, and you can bring your own alcohol.
“The Sailboat is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a sail around the harbor. Captain Will & First mate Sam were great hosts and super knowledgeable! They made the trip that much more enjoyable... Highly recommend...”
Spend two hours aboard Kismet, a private picnic boat for groups of up to 15, with Captain Quent, First Mate Hailey, and a professional crew. Cruise past Charleston landmarks, bring your own drinks, then anchor near an island for swimming, rafts, and water hammocks. Bottled water, soda, ice, and a bathroom are included.
“Can’t share photos cuz we had too much fun! Honestly both Quent and Hailey were such a lovely surprise, went above and beyond, and made our trip perfect. Thank you so much!”
Spend 90 minutes on a 39-foot pontoon boat from Ripley Light Marina, pedaling past the Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and USS Yorktown. Bring drinks, snacks, and ice for the onboard coolers. Captain Paul, Captain Anna, Captain Mike, and their crew are known for a friendly party atmosphere suited to birthdays and bachelorette groups.
“We loved Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party! They were so kind and fun for our bachelorette party. Everyone loved the boat and had so much fun! We really appreciate it!”
Board the 45-foot catamaran Palmetto for a 90-minute evening cruise through Charleston Harbor. Your English-speaking guide shares ghost stories, pirate lore, shipwreck tales, and Gullah superstitions while you view the Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, skyline, and haunted waterfront locations from the water. Ed is one guide praised for his lively Charleston history.
“our group completely enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was enthusiastic & shared different stories from other haunted Charleston tours. The boat was. comfortable with amenities. Definitely recommend.”
Captain Gene takes your private group around Charleston Harbor aboard a comfortable Grady White. Expect two to three hours of bridges, forts, dolphins, city views, and flexible commentary, with stops near White Point Battery, Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, Shem Creek, and the Wando River.
“Captain Gene was an amazing guide! Graciously collected me from my hotel and regaled me with his many experiences in Charleston! Immediately out of the slip we encountered dolphins! Water birds everywhere and a very busy harbour! Far larger than I anticipated the varied boat traffic was interesting as well as the helicopters overhead. I felt very welcomed and safe with Captain Gene! I highly recommend taking his tour!!”
Fifty countries, one thing in common: the best view is from the deck.
