Charleston Harbor Cruise: Dolphin Sightseeing Sailing Experience
4.5
301 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
(301 Ratings)
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Charleen_g
Apr 11, 2024
Awesome trip - Beautiful day to be out with Captain Dan & his first mates! Very professional and personable.
Easy on & off . Felt very safe.
Review provided by Viator
Debra_a
Apr 8, 2024
A must do in Charleston - What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. The schooner was lovely and the crew was even better. The weather was chilly but the perfect winds for sailing. We really enjoyed talking to other passengers as well as the crew. When the sails were raised it was pure Majic. Even the dolphins cooperated and put on a show for us.
Best money we spent the entire week!
Review provided by Viator
Nicole_w
Apr 7, 2024
Fun - Beautiful sail around Charleston with a friendly and professional crew! We saw dolphins and even helping hoist the sails!!
Review provided by Viator
Tom_d
Apr 6, 2024
Beautiful and peaceful - What a great way to spend an hour or two. The views were incredible and the water was soothing and peaceful. Our friends from out if town raved about the schooner sailing. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Tararandall
Apr 3, 2024
Great Trip! - Captain and Darby crew were awesome! Enjoyed our time on the ship - great weather and extremely friendly and accommodating crew. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
George_w
Apr 1, 2024
Relaxing experience - Perfect conditions. Friendly staff. My son enjoyed steering the boat. Saw several dolphins. Very relaxing.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_d
Mar 29, 2024
Awesome sailboat experience - It was my first time on a sailboat and I enjoyed it so much! It was interesting watching how the sails went up. It was cold and the water was choppy, but it was a great ride. Will definitely do it again!
Review provided by Viator
Dennis_h
Mar 27, 2024
Great trip and great crew - Lovely to see the city on a sailing boat and crew were excellent - would recommend to anyone visiting the city
Review provided by Viator
Jeffbarlowny
Apr 9, 2024
Nice but Too short - Nice boat. Nice crew. Nice sail but too short suppose to last 90 min and was maybe 60 min. Didn't get very far before turning on motor and heading back. Beers were $10. Just saying
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_b
Apr 3, 2024
Nice day for a Harbor Tour - Great crew, ease of boarding process, just more of a sailing adventure...slower than expected. Only a few dolphins seen.
Review provided by Viator