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Charleston Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Charleston Cruises & boat tours

Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

1. Charleston: Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

Embark on a true Charleston Harbor dining experience aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Enjoy a three-course dinner, made to order from local seasonal ingredients. As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Take in the views from the large enclosed air-conditioned dining decks or the open-air observation deck. Enjoy music throughout the cruise, as well as a full-service bar. Dinner menu: Soup: Charleston she-crab soup Salad: Edisto green salad with a blend of baby lettuce, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds with herb vinaigrette (gluten-free) Entrées: (All entrees include freshly baked bread and butter) • Braised short rib of beef (gluten-free, dairy-free) with cabernet reduction, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Seared wing tip chicken breast (gluten-free) with white wine lemon sauce, sautéed spinach and feta cheese fillings, roasted garlic whipped potatoes (gluten-free), and seasonal vegetables (gluten-free)• Low country shrimp and grits (gluten-free) with sautéed shrimp, tasso ham, and andouille sausage. Served on creamy stone-ground grits and topped with aged cheddar cheese and bacon jam garnish• Roasted sliced cauliflower (dairy-free, vegetarian) with roasted red pepper drizzle, wilted spinach, lemon and olive oil mixed ancient grains of quinoa, farro, toasted barley (dairy-free, vegetarian), and grilled asparagus (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian) Desserts: • New York-style cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream • Chocolate pot de crème (gluten-free) with whipped cream and chocolate shavings ($6.00 each) Food is not prepared in a nut-free, shellfish-free, or gluten-free facility.

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

2. Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Cruise through the Charleston Harbor on an old-fashioned 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht. Enjoy live narration from the captain and purchase treats from a fully-stocked drink and snack bar. See the Civil and Revolutionary war sights and keep an eye out for dolphins. Relax in the enclosed observatory or on the partially-covered upper deck. Listen carefully as your captain guides you on a journey through more than 300 years of American history. You’ll pass by 75 landmarks and points-of-interest on this 20-mile trip. Get close-up views of the “Holy City,” including Fort Sumter - where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Glide past Confederate and Union army forts and see the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II. Pass by remnants of the Civil and Revolutionary wars and look for local wildlife like dolphins and pelicans splashing nearby. Choose between indoor or outdoor seating.

Charleston: Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise Tour

3. Charleston: Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise Tour

Take in the amazing sights of Charleston Harbor on a boat tour with live narration from a guide. Gain insight into the history of Charleston while you glide through the gentle waves of the harbor, passing by the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and more. Depart from Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf as you cruise along the coastline of the beautiful Holy City. Hear enthralling tales of the city’s colorful past as well as scintillating facts about its most interesting former citizens. Make sure to bring your camera to capture famous American landmarks such as Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and other sites from Charleston's past and present.

Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

4. Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

Experience the wonder of sailing on a classic, 84-foot tall ship in the idyllic setting of Charleston Harbor. As you cruise, marvel at the power of the wind filling the sails and the tranquility of the sea. Catch glimpses of historic landmarks, like Fort Sumter, and dolphins gamboling on the waves. Begin your sailing excursion at the Aquarium Wharf. There, meet your captain and crew of the striking, 3-masted ship known as the Schooner Pride. Admire the character and class of this authentic model of the classic coastal trading schooners. Next, prepare to set sail and help the crew as you begin to pull away from the dock. Once the sails are raised, sit back and relax on the benches lining the main deck. Enjoy views of Charleston Harbor stretching out before you. Continue your tour as you cruise past Charleston highlights, such as Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, and Yorktown Point. Onwards, discover the historic waterfront area of Castle Pinckney. Sail further on waters that Blackbeard once traveled before returning to Aquarium Wharf.

Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

5. Charleston: Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

Discover 300 years of Charleston history from land and sea with passionate licensed tour guides. Experience a 90-minute narrated tour of Charleston in a climate-controlled luxury coach and then head to the water for another perspective of the city from Charleston Harbor. Learn fascinating historical facts about Charleston while you cruise the gentle waves of her harbor. Knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides are licensed by the City of Charleston and are eager to share their knowledge with all guests aboard the cruise. Don't forget your camera as you will see all that the Holy City has to offer: Charleston's Historic Homes and Churches, the Old Market, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and incredible views from Charleston Harbor.

Charleston: Private BYOB Luxury Sailing Cruise

6. Charleston: Private BYOB Luxury Sailing Cruise

Enjoy a 2 1/2 hour private chartered cruise for up to 6 guests on a monohull cruising yacht. Choose between daytime or sunset sailing to see the best view of the Holy City. Whether you are 6 people or 2 people, you will have the entire boat to yourselves. Meet the charter at the marina, sail past the Charleston Battery, and take in the sites of downtown Charleston. Once past the peninsula, you will have clear views of Charleston and its surrounding areas from the heart of the harbor. You can view iconic scenes of Castle Pinckney, the Ravenel Bridge, the USS Yorktown, Fort Sumter and more as we continue our sail through the Harbor. Bring your camera for all the scenes but also keep your eyes on the water as dolphins are often seen swimming around the boat. Feel free to bring your own alcohol, snacks and other beverages on to the boat. Bottled water and soda are offered onboard. An extra refrigerator and glassware are kept onboard for guests to utilize.

Fort Sumter: Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise & Tour

7. Fort Sumter: Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise & Tour

Explore the grounds at Fort Sumter National Monument with a National Park Ranger and visit the Museum. Get a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts. Enjoy a BBQ dinner on the way back from Fort Sumter. Depart from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston at 5:00 PM, see the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as you ride the ferry along, and take in sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes. Approach Fort Sumter with graceful sailboats and playful dolphins in sight. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense. Explore the grounds of Fort Sumter and stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began. Have enough time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and to browse Museum store souvenirs in 1 hour. Learn about the events leading to the war and stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation. Enjoy the beautiful views of the sun setting in the city and a delicious BBQ dinner as you ride the ferry back to Charleston. Relax and take in the spectacular views of the harbor and her marine life while dining on Southern BBQ cuisine. Feel free to purchase beer, wine, and cocktails to/from the fort. Arrive back in Liberty Square at 7:45 PM. Fort Sumter Sunset Dinner Cruise Sample Menu: PULLED PORK BBQ Hickory smoked slow and low to perfection. Served with a variety of our signature barbecue sauces. Pile it high on a soft brioche bun for a sandwich you’ll never forget. BARBEQUED CHICKEN Rubbed, seasoned, and packed full of fall of the bone flavor. GRILLED MARINATED CHICKEN BREAST All white tender breast of chicken marinated in our house-made light balsamic vinaigrette. BAKED MAC AND CHEESE Homemade baked mac and cheese just like Grandma used to make! BAKED BEANS Traditional baked beans with a hint of brown sugar and maple bacon. GREEN BEANS Fresh green beans with our secret low country seasoning. SOUTHERN-STYLE COLE SLAW Crispy slaw tossed in our homemade mayonnaise and vinegar-based dressing. ASSORTED COOKIE DISPLAY A variety of fresh out of the oven cookies. SWEET & UNSWEETED TEA Cash Bar Available

Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

8. Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

Discover Charleston harbor in the evening on a sunset cruise by power catamaran. Watch as the city skyline comes alive with glimmering lights as you admire landmarks like the historic Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. Set off from the Maritime Center and cruise through the surrounding waterways of Charleston Harbor. Keep an eye out for dolphins and shore birds and take in the sights and sounds as the sun sets. Admire the sights of the historic forts, the Battery, the islands, and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as you cruise beneath it. Enjoy the views of the Charleston skyline as it becomes illuminated for the evening. Relax and choose to purchase some drinks or snacks from the onboard bar as you take in the sights.

Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise

9. Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise

Hop on board and experience Charleston’s favorite party cruise. Enjoy the spacious boat and mingle with your group or private party on a 39-foot pontoon boat in style. Check out local landmarks from the water such as the Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and the USS Yorktown. Meet your guide and crew at the meeting point and step aboard the comfortable vessel. Feel the ocean breeze swirling around and experience the area's natural beauty on a river tour with the iconic Charleston coastline as the backdrop. Try to spy the abundant local wildlife including majestic pelicans and frolicking dolphins. Take in unparalleled views while taking a turn on one of the optional 12 pedal stations. Equipped with a bar lined with coolers, feel free to bring your own drinks and appetizers.

Charleston: Haunted History Harbor Cruise

10. Charleston: Haunted History Harbor Cruise

Get to know a different side of Charleston on a harbor cruise focused on the city's haunted past. See eerie locations that can't be reached on foot and listen to ghostly tales and ghoulish stories about pirates, sunken ships, and more along the way. Step aboard a 45-foot powered catamaran, the Palmetto, and set out on your nighttime tour. Marvel at the city skyline from the water and pass by antebellum homes that lie at the heart of some of the most famous ghost stories in the South. Listen as your guide lets you in on some of Charleston's most fascinating ghost lore, from the headmistress who guards the grounds where she once lived, to pirates who still haunt their conquests. Learn about Blackbeard, Charles Vain, and Anne Bonney, the first infamous female pirate. Gain a deeper understanding of Charleston's past as the gem of the fledgling American colonies and leave your tour with new insight into how this shaped the city's legends and lore.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Charleston

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What people are saying about Charleston

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 213 reviews

The crew was very welcoming and friendly. We had a great time even in the cold weather. Anna was AWESOME at communicating and keeping us updated via text which was super convenient!

Our tour guide was phenomenal he was funny he was interesting and I would love to do another tour him next time we go.

Wonderful in every regard. Great value. Great history information. Altogether enjoyable.

One of the best harbor tours we have taken! Highly recommend!

Amazing crew. Great view and relaxing. Worth the trip