Charleston · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
33 reviewed
The best cruises & boat tours in Charleston fill up fast, and the very best fill up first. Here are the 15 standouts, with current prices and what sets each apart, so you can book before the calendar closes.
Narrated Charleston Harbor cruise on the Carolina Belle. See Fort Sumter, WWII Yorktown, bridges, and dolphins. Sunset options, $44.50.
“this was a gift for my sister and brother in law. Both are in there 80's. the day of the trip, it was rainy and chilly. my sister called and tried to exchange that trip for another. they wouldn't do it. i will never book anything again with you”
Small-group eco boat cruise from Bowens Island to Morris Island Lighthouse. Spot dolphins, turtles, birds, and shell on the beach.
“We had a fantastic boat ride. So much fun. Chris even called the dolphins in for us. Could have spent all day on the island. Learned a lot about the local area and had some great fried shrimp before we left.”
90 minutes on a 1920s-style bay steamer with live narration, Fort Sumter views, 75+ landmarks, and a real shot at dolphins.
“The captain was knowledgeable and full of local stories.”
Sunset over Charleston Harbor on a 45-foot catamaran. See Battery and Fort Sumter, spot dolphins, and relax for 2 hours.
“An excellent cruise with the captain (Mike) providing lots of information and entertainment. Well worth doing.”
Charleston water taxis connect Patriots Point, the Aquarium area, Waterfront Park, and more, with dolphin sightings on every ride.
“It was great. Dallas was entertaining and knowledgeable of the sites we saw. Will definitely take the taxis again”
Luxury Charleston Harbor cruise with a 3-course made-to-order dinner, live music, and sunset views past Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge.
“It was a great cruise for my sisters and I. I don’t eat pork and they really really looked out for me in a mighty special way. Will do it again.”
Enjoy a wind-powered schooner cruise on Charleston Harbor with Fort Sumter, the Ravenel Bridge, and bottle-nose dolphins, plus a cash bar.
“Very enjoyable experience. Captain and crew were friendly and very professional. No obnoxious narration but they were happy to answer any questions. Addes bonus of having a cargo ship pass closely by.”
Charleston Harbor luxury dinner cruise with a three-course meal, climate-controlled deck, live music, and views from Fort Sumter to the Battery.
“My husband and I went for our anniversary and it was fabulous. The food was delicious and the server Malik was so genuine. The staff was amazing and we definitely recommend!!”
Haunted Ghost Cruise on a Charleston Harbor catamaran with pirate and naval stories, 90 minutes at night, and drinks for purchase.
“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!!”
Private BYOB yacht charter in Charleston Harbor for up to 6, with Fort Sumter, Ravenel Bridge sunset views, and dolphin chances.
“Friendly Captain (Holly) and Crew (Jules). Good communication before and during the sail. Holly took safety seriously including watching a potential storm in the distance and adjusting course for it. Jules took care of us by serving us and checking to see if we needed anything which allowed us to sit, relax and enjoy the cruise. We enjoyed being on the water, seeing all the other ships, the smooth sailing and seeing dolphins. I would definitely recommend this as a special thing to do while in Charleston.”
A 2-hour Charleston harbor sunset cruise on a 45-foot catamaran, with Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter views and a bar for snacks.
“Captain Robbie did an amazing job with the boat cruise. He has a great sense of humor and is very entertaining while providing a great cruise. Dallas was also very knowledgeable and they both gave a wonderful experience”
Ride Charleston in a climate-controlled coach and then out on the harbor. See Rainbow Row, the Battery, Fort Sumter, and USS Yorktown.
“Difficult to understand the guide in the boat with engine noise”
Sail Charleston Harbor on the Schooner Pride. Help raise 84-foot sails, keep watch for dolphins, and enjoy Fort Sumter views for $48.
“I loved that they didn't talk the whole time and we were able to just relax and enjoy the ride :)”
1.5-hour Charleston Harbor cruise with live English narration, skyline views, and major forts like Fort Sumter from a comfortable restroom-equipped boat.
“Very nice and informative cruise. The narrator was terrific. Lot’s of civil war facts about the Charleston harbor and surrounding islands and previous Forts.”
Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: 2.5-hour harbor sail on Charleston Princess with a BBQ buffet, live blues, and sunset views.
“They booked it a week later I signed up for the 20th my ticket said 27th I called they said screen shot it I did they refused to correct or give a refund we went to the dock no cruise left on 20th another couple there to trying to board too lady told us book directly not to use Viator they are sending texts asking how it was. Wouldn’t recommend using Viator again”
