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Charleston Harbor Cruise: Dolphin Sightseeing Sailing Experience
4.5
317 Ratings
Charleston
Embark on a Charleston Harbor Cruise and witness the beauty of historic sites while sailing on a classic Tall Ship. Spot playful dolphins and explore Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and more!
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Schooner Pride - Your cruise starts at Aquarium Wharf, where you’ll board your genuine tall ship, powered only by Mother Nature and her incredible wind power. Once on board, watch the crew hoist the sails. Travel through waters that Blackbeard once anchored in, relax on deck, and imagine a time when the harbor was filled with these magnificent ships. You may bring your own food on board, if you wish, but not drinks; beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase on board at your own expense.
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum - While this is not a narrated cruise, the incredible crew is happy to answer questions about some of Charleston’s most historic landmarks that you will see, such as Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown, an Essex-class aircraft carrier that played an important role during World War II.
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge - Don’t forget about Charleston’s own modern marvel with an up-close look at the impressive Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the western hemisphere. You’re welcome to help raise and trim the sails, or you may sit back and enjoy the ride.
- Fort Sumter National Monument - See beautiful homes that line the Battery and famous Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, and watch for pelicans performing diving acts.
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park - Pass by Charleston Waterfront Park
What's Included
- Sail past Charleston’s notable landmarks like Fort Sumter and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Relish panoramic views on an 84-foot tall ship
- Spot playful Bottle Nose Dolphins in the harbor
- Enjoy a 1.5-hour Schooner Sailing Cruise of Charleston Harbor
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages (available for purchase)
Additional Information
Join us at Aquarium Wharf, located at the intersection of Concord St. and Calhoun St. in Charleston SC, to embark on a distinctive journey through the historic Charleston Harbor on our 84-foot Tall Ship. See the beautiful sights of Charleston in a unique way as we unfurl the sails and navigate through the significant waters, sailing past landmarks that are steeped in history and admired by playful bottle nose dolphins in the harbor. Enjoy views of notable places like Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Arthur J. Ravennel Bridge, and the Battery.
- Welcome to bring your own snacks or picnic; however you can not bring your own beverages
- Guests are welcome to go below deck or stay in the shade of the sails to keep out of the sun
- The Schooner Pride is not wheelchair accessible. We will do our best to accommodate disabled persons, but there are 5 stairs then a gangplank to cross to board. The “head” is also below deck and you will need to negotiate stairs to use it.
Location
Schooner Pride
Concord Street
Schooner Pride at (Aquarium Wharf), 360 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
There is a walk way between the Aquarium and the College of Charleston building.Guests should walk keeping the Aquarium on their right and they’ll see the masts of the Pride on the floating dock.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(317 Ratings)
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James
Jun 6, 2024
Pride, in word and deed - An excellent crew made the sail a delight! Attentive to any and every need, friendly and eager to help, and to be helped by the kids on board. The captain was professional, friendly, and entertaining. The boat is well maintained and beautiful.
Of course, a sunny day with plenty of wind, didn’t hurt the experience any.
Enjoyed this immensely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nixbfam
May 28, 2024
Relaxing, good time! - Had a great trip with Captain Dan & Crew! It was really chill, enjoyable sail! Plan to do again on our next trip! Perfectly timed trip- not too short, not too long!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Madison_t
May 28, 2024
No dolphins but very lovely - Such a great afternoon! Even though we weren’t able to see any dolphins the sail was very relaxing. We didn’t get a tour but just a sail, Darby and Darby weee fantastic and helped with our every need!
Review provided by Viator
Pminyon
May 18, 2024
Well worth it! - Perfect partly sunny day. Helped hoist up the sails. Calm quiet sail around the harbor and to the Ashley river. Great captain and crew. Beautiful clean ship.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emily_s
May 15, 2024
Perfect nice day in Charleston activity! - We added this excursion to our itinerary last minute and it was one of the best parts of our trup. Beautiful boat ride and great crew - wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Charleston!
Review provided by Viator
361diannee
May 14, 2024
Best part of our trip! - Captain Dan and crew made the trip fabulous! He even played guitar while they sang Happy Birthday to me! Was the best part of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellen_b
May 12, 2024
Schooner fun! - The fun we had with the crew and the views. Loved that they let us hoist the sails! It’s a great little trip along the shore of Charleston.
Review provided by Viator
Dwight_w
May 11, 2024
Dolphin sail. :) - Beautiful day for a sail. Crew was extremely friendly and helpful. Saw a bunch of dolphins and great views of the bridge and town as well. Thank you!!!
Review provided by Viator
Mariah719
May 11, 2024
An Affordable Dream - I have always wanted to sail. It's been a dream of mine most of my life. So not only was I able to see my dream through, but to do it on a 3 masted schooner was amazing. Watching them put up and sails was very cool. I was too scared to try it myself. But the captain gives you that opportunity. Luckily the rain we were expecting didn't happen. I honestly felt like I was on a high. cruising across the water with no motors in the background.. just the sound of the waves lapping on the side of the boat and the wind filling the sails. I would say the only issue that I had was that there was nothing on website for bad weather. There should be something on the website that states that the Schooner goes whether it's raining or not. Oh yeah my other complaint.. the sail is not long enough. Wish it was 2 to 3 hours instead of 1 1/2 hours. :-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandra_v
May 17, 2024
Cancelled at Last Minute! - They made us board the ship, order drinks just to turn around and cancel the cruise at the last minute - due to wind conditions- legitimate reason but they already knew ahead of time - did not need to let us board, check in, order drinks and THEN CANCEL! Extremely unprofessional- management made the staff welcome & board guests when they already knew the cruise was going to be cancelled- poor organization and poor management- will not recommend to anyone traveling to Charleston
Review provided by Viator