Charleston Harbor Cruise: Explore Historic Landmarks
4.2
81 Ratings
Charleston
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
What's Included
- Live narration by expert Charleston guides
- 1.5-hour Charleston Harbor sightseeing cruise
- Engaging stories of Charleston’s history
- Opportunity to spot dolphins
- View Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and more landmarks
- Choice of two departure points
- Insights into the lives of notable historic figures
Additional Information
Explore the coastal landmarks of South Carolina’s oldest and most populous city on this Charleston Harbor cruise. Sail past significant Civil War locations including Fort Sumter & Castle Pinckney, distinguished pre-war homes lining the Battery, and a World War II aircraft carrier. Relish the open air and harbor panoramas as you absorb Charleston’s abundant history and noteworthy inhabitants from a certified Guide. Frequently, friendly dolphins accompany the boats.
- Daytime Harbor Cruises initiate from Aquarium Wharf or Patriots Point (Specific starting points must be chosen at checkout).
- Accesibility: Charleston Harbor Tour is not handicap accessible as we have steps that must be climbed in order to board.
- 90-Minute Daytime Harbor Cruises depart from either Aquarium Wharf or Patriots Point (option available at checkout)
Location
Aquarium Wharf
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.2
(81 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Sailorlynn
Mar 15, 2024
The Charleston Harbor explained through history - Dennis Stiles is an amazing tour guide with knowledge of military actions throughout history. He reeled off the planes that were on the USS Yorktown deck as we departed, and followed up with a wonderful narrative of how each island surrounding the harbor was involved in the Civil War. He also explained the area along the battery and the shoreline of Charleston, with a discussion of the sea wall and the development along the shoreline—present and future. What a treasure of knowledge and personal style in the telling of part of the story of Charleston. It’s also a great boat ride!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elleni772
Nov 20, 2023
Charleston harbor - so interesting - This cruise is extremely interesting and it’s always fun to be out on the water. The captain gave an excellent narration of the history, industry, topography of the area. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shamat
Nov 5, 2023
Highly recommended as an overview of Charleston - We really enjoyed this trip. The commentary was provided by an ex airforce veteran. We particularly liked the way he spoke not only about the sights but about real life in Charleston today, eg. Property prices, planning issues etc. The boat was comfortable and the views were great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve_c
Oct 29, 2023
This was an excellent tour with a great narrator. You will not be disappointed. - This was an excellent tour, and a great way to see Charleston. The narration was excellent and beyond comparison. We recommend this highly. as a history major, the narrator knew a lot about the city, the different wars and famous actors that lived in Charleston. we also liked the fact that the boat was roomy, and that the outside deck was covered so the sun did not bother us. You can pick up the boat at either destination Patriots point or aquarium wharf.
Review provided by Viator
Bonnie_r
Oct 25, 2023
Nice water tour - Nice tour guide, she was friendly and full of stories.
The weather was beautiful so we really enjoyed being on the water, and seeing the harbor view of the city. We would recommend the tour.
I do wish we could have see the Sullivan Island lighthouse, I would suggest adding it ti the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Brian_h
Nov 17, 2023
Harbor cruise - This tour was only OK. We cruised around the harbor with just a couple of interesting sites. The tour guide provided some commentary but there were long gaps of silence. For example, the highlight was seeing the USS Yorktown but there was very limited information given about the ship’s history.
Review provided by Viator
Becky_d
Mar 15, 2024
Disappointed - My story is ..............we were very disappointed when we found out that we only had the option to board on the Patriots Museum side of river. Your option was: If selected Aquarium Wharf departure at checkout: Cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf - 360 Concord Street, Charleston SC 29401 or board on museum side!! We picked the Aquarium side and we found out that they don't do that anymore!!!! No way to get on other side. So you need to update your app!!!
Review provided by Viator
Voyage277770
Nov 8, 2023
Not that great - This was not what we expected. The narrator talked way too much and things that didn't really make sense. We didn't get to actually see much of Charleston--just out toward Fort Sumpter and Sullivan Beach...things you can see otherwise. Really not worth the time and money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_s
Feb 14, 2024
TERRIBLE - There was NO experience. The tour company never showed up for the 1.5 hour tour. We were staying in a hotel in downtown Charleston and took a $25 cab ride to the port. We then had to take a cab back to the hotel. It cost us at least $50 plus tip for NOTHING.
What kind of companies are you representing?
We've used your company many times in the past but I'm not so sure in the future.
Review provided by Viator
V2532egbarbarad
Oct 22, 2023
tour guide from hell - The tour itself was fine. The tour guide spent the 90 minutes telling us all about what a great artist he was and how important he was as part of history. would have jumped overboard to escape him but it was cold. Think the tour would have been great with a different guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
