Charleston

15 Best Charleston Harbor Cruises

The harbor cruises: tour boats and schooner sails past Fort Sumter, where the Civil War’s first shots landed. The canvas adds something to the history.

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

Discover Charleston’s natural beauty on a 2.5-hour eco boat cruise, with wildlife sightings, Morris Island Lighthouse stop, and expert guides for authentic experiences.

★ 5.0

“Informative and interactive A must do. Captain Tripp was awesome. We saw dolphins and many different birds.”

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4.Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Experience a relaxing 2-hour sunset cruise in Charleston, seeing iconic landmarks, wildlife, and enjoying a romantic waterway escape for $60.

★ 5.0

“Victor and Captain Mike were phenomenal. We went for my mom's birthday and I can't express enough how fun and energetic and entertaining they both were. We even got little history snidbits, which I loved. I would absolutely do it again for another occasion. I…”

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5.Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

Discover Charleston by water on this affordable water taxi cruise, with chances to see dolphins, visit top landmarks, and enjoy scenic harbor views.

★ 5.0

“The tour was wonderful and you don’t necessarily have to get off at each stop. The water taxi is a great experience for young children and adults . My husband and I really enjoyed the ride and we were able to see dolphins. The price…”

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6.Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a luxurious 2.5-hour dinner cruise in Charleston Harbor with stunning views of Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and live music, all paired with a delicious three-course meal made with local ingredients.

★ 4.3

“Everything was excellent: the food, the crew, our waiter David, the musician who performed beautifully throughout the evening! Five stars all around!”

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7.Charleston: Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

Discover Charleston's coastal charm on a 1.5-hour harbor cruise featuring sights like Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and playful dolphins, guided by expert narrators.

★ 4.5

“A great harbour cruise. All crew friendly and professional. Parking at Patriots Point pick up available at $5. Good location for visiting USS Yorktown before or after. Our guide was professional and had extensive knowledge. Excellent. Refreshments on board were minimal. Snacks and the filter…”

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8.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Experience Charleston's harbor aboard a classic tall ship for 1.5 hours, enjoying scenic views, dolphins, and a relaxed sailing atmosphere.

★ 4.5

“Great sail boat ride, the day was gorgeous so perfect for a sail. The captain and crew were great, let some guests help raise the sails.”

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9.Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Experience stunning Charleston harbor views on this 2.5-hour luxury dinner cruise with live music, featuring a three-course meal and waterfront sights.

★ 4.0

“Very nice experience, good food, good service. The live music was nice too. You pay for drinks extra, even tea, and dessert if you want it. Not the best dinnner cruise I've been on, but recommend.”

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10.Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor

Experience Charleston's haunted harbor on a 1.5-hour narrated ghost cruise, blending spooky stories, scenic views, and authentic local charm.

★ 4.5

“Fantastic experience. If you're someone who loves folklore but not jumpscares this is the tour for you. Both the captain and the narrator were great. My friends and I had a blast just sitting back and listening to tales in the dark, on a boat,…”

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11.Pirates of Charleston: Pirate Adventures and River cruises

Experience a fun-filled pirate adventure on Charleston’s Ashley River with costumes, games, and scenic views—perfect for kids and families seeking authentic fun.

★ 5.0

“The kids had so , so much fun. The entire experience was magical, playful, and just overall wholesome entertainment for the kids. Perfect activity for the family while visiting !”

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13.Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

Experience stunning Charleston harbor views on a 2-hour sunset cruise for $60. Enjoy scenic sights, dolphin sightings, and a relaxed atmosphere with knowledgeable guides.

★ 4.8

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

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14.Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

Discover Charleston’s charm with this combined land and sea tour. Enjoy historic sights, harbor views, expert guides, and authentic experiences for $71.

★ 4.5

“Bus tour was wonderful, guide was very informative, learned more than I already knew. End of bus tour we were transported to the boat, which was also very informative and fun. When finished with the boat tour bus was there to take us back to…”

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15.Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

Experience Charleston’s harbor on a classic schooner, helping hoist sails and spotting dolphins in a relaxing 1.5-hour sailing adventure for all ages.

★ 4.6

“Had a great time and definitely would do it again! the crew of the Schooner were all awesome! They were so friendly, helpful and just a fun group to be around!! Will definitely be doing this again in the spring.”

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More Charleston Harbor Cruises

5.0Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour2 hours (approx.)$102.42 4.51.5-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise with Live Narration1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$40.00 3.5Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise$72.00 5.0Private Folly Beach Dolphin Cruise (up to 12)1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)$55.00 5.0Private BYOB Afternoon Harbor Sail On 50ft Sailing Yacht Fate2 to 4 hours (approx.)$599.00 5.0Charleston: Private BYOB Luxury Yacht Cruise2.5 hours$500 5.0Private Afternoon Harbor Cruise on Kismet for parties up to 152 hours (approx.)$1,549.00 5.0Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise1.5 hours$66 4.2Charleston: Haunted History Harbor Cruise$45 5.0Charleston: Morris Island Dolphin Cruise with Beachcombing2 hours$105 4.6Charleston: City Bus Tour and Harbor Cruise Combo$81 5.0White point Battery and River Run through Charleston Harbor Boat2 to 3 hours (approx.)$199.00 5.0Charleston: Boat Charter Booze Cruise And Sunset Tours2 hours$700 5.0Private Sunset Boat Tour of Charleston Harbor$900.00 5.0Private Sunset Harbor Tour 18 passenger party Yacht Kismet2 to 4 hours (approx.)$1,549.00 4.3Charleston: Harbor Sunset Cruise from Shem Creek – Music1.5 hours$50 4.8Mount Pleasant: Charleston Harbor E-Bike Tour2 hours$135 5.0Carolina Blue Sunset Cruise$60.00 5.02hr Private River Cruise with stop at Morris Island2 hours$325 5.0Harbor History Tour Aboard the Palmetto$45.00 5.0Bachelorette Party Boat Charleston Harbor$60.00 5.0Sunset Dolphin Cruise (options for public of private)$65.00 Private Luxury Sunset Boat Tour in Charleston Harbor$415.00 4.5Charleston: Sunset Schooner Pride Harbor Sail2 hours$75