10 Boat Tours in Charleston to Build a Day Around

1.Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,788 reviews · from $44Our pick

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle, cruising from Charleston’s French Quarter toward Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, historic forts, the Battery, Waterfront Park, and the Ravenel Bridge. A licensed captain narrates the route. Choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure.

“the cruise was very enjoyable. We had the perfect weather, so it made it even better. Nice narration on board regarding history of Charleston.”

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2.Charleston Eco Boat Cruise with stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,111 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Ride a small Carolina Skiff from Bowens Island through salt marshes and tidal creeks with a naturalist captain such as Chris, George, Jacob, or Tripp. Watch for dolphins and birds, then spend about an hour on Morris Island beach collecting shells and viewing its inaccessible lighthouse.

“Great experience! Check-in was easy! Boat was nice and clean. Captain was knowledgeable of the area and its marine life. LOVED seeing so many dolphins! Definitely made a special memory during our visit to Charleston!”

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3.Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,352 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

Spend 90 minutes aboard a 1920s Bay-Steamer replica with live English narration from the captain. You’ll pass 75 Charleston landmarks, Fort Sumter, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and the WWII-era Fighting Lady, with indoor or outdoor seating and snacks and drinks available to buy.

“We took the 4 pm boat ride and it was excellent for the group of eight people we were with and it was a nice beginning to our evening and pre-dinner plans. The Captain gave us an overview of the harbour, and the historic sites along the harbor as well as some Civil War history of Charleston. A lot of fun, some dolphins and warm SC sun. Just a beautiful afternoon.”

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4.Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 905 reviews · from $60

Set out from Charleston Maritime Center for a relaxed two-hour sunset cruise on a 45-foot catamaran. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, the Battery, lighthouses, and the Ravenel Bridge, with captains such as Mike, Victor, Robbie, JP, or Tim sharing stories and taking sunset photos.

“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!”

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5.Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 857 reviews · 1 to 11 hours (approx.)

Use Charleston Water Taxi as both harbor cruise and practical transport. Ride between Patriots Point, Aquarium Wharf, Waterfront Park, and Charleston Harbor Resort, watching for dolphins along the way. You can ride for about an hour or spend most of the day hopping between stops.

“The water taxi is easy to use and a great way to move between attractions like the aircraft carrier and the International African American museum. The dolphin sighting was a huge bonus!”

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6.Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 786 reviews · 2h 30m · from $111

Spend 150 minutes aboard SpiritLine Cruises’ Spirit of Carolina, with a made-to-order three-course dinner, live music, harbor views, and a full-service bar. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge from climate-controlled dining decks or the open-air observation deck.

“Staff on board were very pleasant and professional. The food was great quality.”

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7.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly non-narrated sail past Fort Sumter, the Battery, Patriots Point, USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge. Help raise the sails, bring snacks, and buy drinks from the cash bar while the crew answers questions.

“It was a wonderful, and relaxing, sailing experience. Great weather, great conversation with the crew, was very pleased.”

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8.Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 607 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Board the vintage Spirit of Carolina at Patriots Point for a 2.5-hour dinner cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and under the Ravenel Bridge. You’ll share a table for four to six, enjoy a made-to-order three-course meal, and hear live music while Charleston slips by outside.

“Honestly, this was not worth the money. There was no live music as advertised. The meal was very underwhelming. Our dinner entree was forgotten and served cold.”

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9.Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 418 reviews · from $45

Set sail from the Charleston Maritime Center at 9:15 p.m. aboard the 49-passenger catamaran *The Palmetto*. A guide such as Lee, Chase, or Mr. Macy shares Charleston ghost and pirate tales while you enjoy harbor views, drinks for purchase, and a calm evening on the water.

“Chase was the best narrator and made our tour awesome. Great story teller, great personality, and made sure we were all safe throughout the night! Appreciated the accompanying photos she showed us and the many laughs! Captain Mike on the other hand…just kidding they were a great duo and made for a wonderful night of fun and entertainment my family and me. As locals sometimes we forget to stop and just enjoy our beautiful city!!”

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10.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

You and up to five companions sail Charleston Harbor aboard a private crewed yacht for about 2.5 hours. Bring drinks and snacks, request catering, and look for Fort Sumter, downtown Charleston, the Ravenel Bridge, and dolphins. Captains and mates such as Holly, Brian, Will, Zach, and Glenn provide local context and attentive service.

“Zac and Ryan were great, knowledgeable and accommodating for our family. It was a great experience and highly recommend! We will definitely be back!”

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