Charleston · SUNSET SAILS & DOLPHIN CRUISES
23 reviewed
The harbor is the other half of Charleston, and it is at its best when the light goes gold. Below are the best sunset sails and dolphin cruises — schooner versus motor yacht, which include drinks, how close you get to the dolphins off Shem Creek, and what each seat costs so you can pick your boat before the dock fills.
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”
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”
90-minute Charleston Harbor sightseeing cruise with live narration, Fort Sumter and USS Yorktown photo stops, and dolphin watch.
“Interesting, just the right length of time, entertaining and informative, friendly staff”
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.”
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”
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 :)”
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”
See dolphins in Charleston marshes and get close to Morris Island Lighthouse on a 90-minute small-boat eco tour for $56.
“This tour was incredible! We saw lots of dolphins and learned about South Carolina history and ecology. Luke is an incredible guide and captain!”
Private morning sail on Mystique in Charleston with shade, drinks, and history stops plus dolphin chances away from the crowds.
“A highlight of our trip to Charleston was riding with the crew on this magnificent boat. Spotless boat, with beautiful sails and ropes, tables to hang out outside and inside, great sound system and an amazing experience. It was a little too easy in fact to book and go on this tour - but amazing nonetheless!”
Music-filled Charleston Harbor sunset cruise on the Palmetto Breeze catamaran, with panoramic views, onboard bar, and a social vibe.
“Everything about this was amazing. The crew was very fun and professional. We can’t wait to book again!!”
BYOB private 2.5-hour sunset sail in Charleston. Cruise past Fort Sumter and Ravenel Bridge with Captain Will and photo-ready views.
“WONDERFUL evening spent with Captain Will on the sunset cruise with my husband and two young children. Will really engaged with my 5 year old daughter and taught her how to drive the boat, which she was thrilled with, and created some really special family memories. We loved the flexibility of bringing wine and snacks onboard. It was overall just the most wonderful, memorable evening on our vacation and we are so thankful we did this!”
Private sunset sail on the 50ft Sailing Yacht Fate in Charleston Harbor. BYOB, soft drinks included, big sights from the water.
“It was amazing and highly recommended for everyone The staff was amazing and could have asked for a more accommodating crew”
Paddle a Folly River dolphin safari on SUP boards with expert coaching, modern gear, and a real wildlife chance in about two hours.
“Pat was an extraordinary guide! He was full of information and a ton of patience! Our 3 woman 1 child crew was a handful and Pat was super chill about the whole experience! We did get to see dolphins, in fact they got really close to all of us! You guys book this tour!”
