13 Boat Tours in Charleston to Book Ahead

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

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

Ride the Carolina Belle on a 90-minute Charleston Harbor cruise with live captain narration, Fort Sumter views, and Cooper River bridge passes.

“We were running behind to get aboard the boat. All the seats on the upper deck were full so get there early for a good seat. The captain was very knowledgeable and friendly. Someone got engaged on the boat on the way back. Memorable trip for sure. The sunset was beautiful!”

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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

Charleston eco boat cruise to Morris Island Lighthouse. Spot dolphins and sea turtles, then beach-shell with a naturalist guide.

“Hang on to your hat. It gets windy. It was a beautiful day. We saw a few dolphins and had time to walk on the beach and admire the beautiful scenery. Matt was a good guide.”

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3.Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

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

Charleston Historic Harbor Cruise on a 1920s-style bay-steamer: 75 landmarks, Fort Sumter, dolphins, and captain narration in 90 minutes.

“I loved all of it. The boat ride was smooth and the captain was great! I wouldn't improve anything.”

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4.Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise

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

2-hour Charleston Harbor sunset cruise on a 45-foot catamaran. See downtown landmarks, dolphins, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

“The crew were great! There was a lot of history but they did not talk the whole time. I would definitely recommend!”

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5.Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

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

Charleston water taxi cruise with frequent dolphin sightings. Hop between Patriots Point, the Aquarium area, waterfront park, and the marina.

“Not sure if we just had a bad captain but the guy never said a word the entire trip except to the crew. Didn’t even announce what stops we were at. The girl taking tickets was friendly though. Great way to beat the heat but from a sightseeing perspective it was terrible.”

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6.Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

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

Luxury dinner cruise on the Spirit of Carolina with a 3-course made-to-order meal, live music, and Charleston Harbor sunset views.

“It was a beautiful cruise and the meal was excellent. The only thing we thought that would make it better would be to turn down the cabin lights a little bit. If I tried to take a picture outside all I got was reflection off the glass. Otherwise, everything was wonderful.”

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7.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

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

Sail Charleston Harbor on the Schooner Pride to Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge, with dolphin spotting, a cash bar, and sea breeze.

“This was a great experience!! The Captain and his mates were wonderful! There was no commentary in the voyage, but it was not needed……it was a beautiful fall day, and the sun on your face and the wind in your hair was what made the voyage perfect!!”

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8.Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

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

Cruise Charleston Harbor on the Spirit of Carolina for a 3-course dinner, live music, and standout views of Fort Sumter and the Battery.

“Very enjoyable Would definitely come again, the rain made it even more enjoyable and so cozy. We coming back in May.”

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9.Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor

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

Sail a 45-foot catamaran on Charleston Harbor for ghostly pirate and naval stories, with a relaxed night vibe and drinks for purchase.

“The person telling the stories was excellent. You could tell she knew them and believed them not a memorialized script. Made the stories come to life!”

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10.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $499

A private 2.5-hour Charleston Harbor sail with BYOB, dolphins when conditions allow, and standout photo moments near Fort Sumter and Ravenel Bridge.

“So knowledgeable. Had the best time. Very helpful. Would recommend to all my friends and family. Thank you!!!!”

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11.Sunset Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 260 reviews · from $60

Sunset Harbor Cruise in Charleston on a 45-foot catamaran for $60. See the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and dolphins.

“We absolutely loved our Yacht Daddy and Bri as our tour guides! We will for sure be back!!”

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12.Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 260 reviews · 4 hours · from $71

4-hour Charleston land-and-sea tour with a coach ride past Rainbow Row and churches, plus a harbor cruise to Fort Sumter and USS Yorktown.

“Great narrator on harbor cruise portion but mixup on city tour where we had to switch busses from Gray Line. Worked out well however.”

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13.Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Sail Charleston Harbor on the 84-foot Schooner Pride, help raise sails, spot dolphins near Fort Sumter, and enjoy 1.5 hours of sea air.

“Would have liked more tour guide info. We did ask questions and the crew was great but we had to “drive””

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