Tours and Tickets
Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
4.5

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

By Charleston Harbor Tours
About
Combine cool city sights from the water with a boatload of historical facts during this Charleston, South Carolina history cruise—a great way for first-time visitors to orient themselves. An easy-to-find meeting place takes the stress out of navigating a new area, leaving you to sit back and enjoy your guided tour on the Charleston Harbor.
from
€41.13
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-100, max of 200 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Book ahead to guarantee a day and time for this Charleston, South Carolina history cruise
  • Travel by a different mode of transport—an 80-foot sightseeing boat 
  • Learn about the city’s history from a guide, including the Civil War
  • Choose from multiple cruise times to best suit you
  • Cruise ship is wheelchair accessible

  • 90-minute Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Charleston, South Carolina
  • Select from Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset Departure Times
  • Enjoy panoramic views from aboard the unique 80-foot Carolina Belle
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
What's not included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Meet for your Charleston Harbor cruise at Charleston Maritime Center on Wharfside Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Turn in your voucher at check-in, and board your sightseeing boat. When you board, find a spot you’d like best for this guided tour. If you’d like you can purchase drinks on board the boat (own expense) to sip on while you sail. Your guide starts right away telling you the history of the city as you pass by antebellum houses and pass under bridges. Follow the Cooper River all the way to the Fort Sumter National Monument. Your guide tells you stories about the Civil War and WWII, and you might even catch sight of wildlife as you cruise, including dolphins and pelicans. See Fort Moultrie and Fort Johnson, along with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Your Charleston tour ends back at the place where it began on Wharfside Street.

Start:
  • 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
    Departure Point: Charleston Maritime Center Address: 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41498P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • There is a flat pier out to the boat and the boarding ramp is about 30 feet long. Travelers will board on the top deck and there are stairs to the lower level. Restrooms are located on the top deck.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    Which attractions will I visit with Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise?
    How much is Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise?
    Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise price starts from €40.32. Discover and book Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise on Tripadvisor
    What is the Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise cancellation policy?
    Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise on Tripadvisor
    Which company provides Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise?
    Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise is hosted by Charleston Harbor Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Charleston Harbor Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise on Tripadvisor

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41498P1

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    Itinerary
    • You'll start at
      10 Wharfside St
      10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
      Departure Point: Charleston Maritime Center Address: 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
      See address & details
    • Pass by
      Fort Sumter National Monument
      Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
      Joe Riley Waterfront Park
    • You'll return to the starting point
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Charleston Harbor Tours
      6,872
      Charleston, United States
      Joined in October 2008
    • Dara A
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to spend an afternoon
      Took at Harbour Tour on a beautiful spring day. After walking around the historic district for a couple days, it was a great way to get a different perspective of the Historic District and surrounding areas. We sat up top towards the back of the boat and my only complaint is that it was hard to hear the narration sometimes over the wind. But overall learned some interesting facts and it was a relaxing and interesting experience. They sell refreshments on board that are on the expensive side and although offered water in a small cup, do not sell bottled water. Recommend bringing your own.
      Written 17 March 2024
    • anglophile80
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Relaxing and informative
      We had a really relaxing and enjoyable tour. The pilot / captain's narration was informative and often funny. Our only complaint was that the low volume of the speakers made it difficult to hear his commentary some of the time.
      Written 17 March 2024
    • joedriscoll1119
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Big Joe
      Great tour, not quite long enough, but the things I learned were awesome about the area and the h8story
      Written 17 March 2024
    • susanlister18
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous
      What a great afternoon we had sailing on the Carolina Belle! It’s a must do in Charleston. Very informative and the crew were exceptional
      Written 13 March 2024
    • susansullivan66
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see Charleston
      This was a great way to see Charleston and learn about it's history. Very information. I would highly recommend this excursion.
      Written 13 March 2024
    • Scott S
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great time with friendly crew
      We had a great time on the tour this week. The weather was good. The sides rally sane, and the crew was exceptionally nice. They gave good narration as to what we were viewing and gave us plenty of time to visit with them as well. The views and the sites were, fantastic. We were lucky to see several dolphins, especially the three that rode the crest of the wave from the bow of the boat.
      Written 13 March 2024
    • tcapp1220
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sunset Cruise
      Fun Sunset Cruise! They take a photo of your group before you even board if you want to buy one which is fun. Our Captain was funny and informative!
      Written 12 March 2024
    • Navigator692939
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Not worth the money and horrible customer service.
      We booked the carriage boat tour combo. The website says that the carriage tours run 9-6. I went to book our carriage tour and I was told they stop running them at 5. Since the 3:30 boat tour ends at 5 we couldn't do that. When I questioned why the website says it run 9-6 and doesn't say anything about last booking being 5. They told me I should have assumed that it ended at 6 and so I couldn't book for 6. Which I have no idea how I could have made that assumption since the website says carriage rides from 9-6! Had we known that we couldn't have done the carriage ride we would have obviously not have booked the dual tour and kept with just the boat tour. I asked if they could refund just the carriage part of the tour and I was told no. Despite the misleading advertising of the carriage times. The boat tour itself was fine but nothing amazing. And it felt rushed due to the previous boat having issues getting the boat docked and the bridge mounted for the earlier passengers to exit. We started the tour later due to this issue yet we were still pulling into the dock at 4:45. Just a warning for those of you who are looking for a Charleston tour I would look else where besides this company with seemingly sketchy business practices.
      Written 12 March 2024
    • Ray S
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun and informative
      We had a great time. The Harbor is beautiful and there's so much to see! We were even able to see dolphins playing and swimming in the boat wakes around us.
      Written 7 March 2024
    • dra2mix
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour, difficult to find
      Though we came early, we barely made the boat due to lack of signage, no directions and lots of construction near the site. Once we found the boat (we were the last to arrive), the tour was lovely, informative and entertaining! We had a great time, once we caught our breath!
      Written 7 March 2024
    • gary26702024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Six night stay at the Hamton Inn
      Excellent Tour The crew were very professional, informative, friendly .and the scenery was outstanding.
      Written 5 March 2024
    • Alan P
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lost opportunity
      The boat ride was nice and relaxing and we enjoyed the views of Charleston, Fort Sumpter, and Sullivan Island. Unfortunately the sparse and often juvenile narrative failed to match the moment. Cheap laughs at the expense of an opportunity to educate about Charleston harbor, the slave trade, Revolutionary War, and Civil War.
      Written 5 March 2024
    • Je2ton
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      History In the Harbor
      Had a beautiful day cruising the Harbor. Excellent crew, great fun. Don't miss this informative and clever tour
      Written 1 March 2024
    • 98gasp24
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see Charleston
      We thoroughly enjoyed the harbor tour! The captain and crew were great and very informative. We would definitely take another tour
      Written 29 February 2024
    • jpcloran
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      2/27/2024
      Unfortunately the sound/speaker was insufficient in our section(Aft of concession area). We could not hear key points of the tour.
      Written 29 February 2024
    See all 6 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles1,540 reviews
    Excellent
    1,126
    Very good
    240
    Average
    93
    Poor
    36
    Terrible
    45

    Sharde A
    Saint Louis, MO2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2021 • Friends
    I wish I could comment on the actual cruise, but unfortunately due to shortage of Uber/Lyft drivers in Charleston I wasn’t able to make it. We couldn’t find a driver or taxi to take from the airport to the harbor. I called the Charleston Harbor Sunset Boat Cruise in advance to explain the situation and see what options we could do. We’re tourist and didn’t know there was an issue getting around from the airport to downtown. The person on the phone said to get here by 630pm. I explained the situation with the delay in finding a driver. Once we had a driver I explain we’re arrive late by few minutes, the person the phone said no to waiting, no to moving our tour to another day and hung up. I’m disappointed in the lack of empathy, problem solving, and customer service. I’m on vacation and booked my tour in advance. Had I known there was lack of drivers in the area I would have just waited to book a tour. The gentleman could have gave us a credit/voucher to go on a tour another time or done something to accommodate since we were trying to be proactive. This left a bad taste in my mouth and the lack of customer service and empathy shown, I wouldn’t recommend booking in advance or the tour.
    Written 30 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    neumanja
    Lynchburg, OH71 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Captain and crew were great. The tour was very informative and this was a nice way to see the harbor while sitting down after a long day of walking around the city. However, the snacks are RIDICULOUSLY expensive ($3.25 for a 50 cent bag of chips and $12 for a bottle of beer), which is a big bummer for families with hungry kids. The deck isn't that spacious either, so moving around is just not practical while underway. I would do this again with an adult group, but I think I would skip it if I was traveling with little ones, though the Captain did let them steer the boat for a little bit, so that was cool.
    Written 5 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    vacationduo315
    Syracuse, NY252 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a great time on this tour and learned a lot. Staff was wonderful and we saw dolphins, which was a plus. We did a bit of sightseeing prior to the tour, parked in a parking garage for the day and took a ride share service to and from. Only $7 each way so if you have other stuff to do, I recommend doing the same and you won't have to worry about parking there.
    Written 23 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Arthur A
    Chicago, IL3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2020
    I highly recommend this tour. Not only are the surroundings beautiful (we went on the sunset cruise, absolutely gorgeous) but our captain, Captain Dwight, was very informative and interesting in his narration as we passed by the various historical sites, including three forts from the Civil War. The crew members, Jackson and Trevor, made the ship more welcoming. Charleston is a city with a very rich history, and any trip there would be incomplete without this tour.
    Written 31 December 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Alyn T
    85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2021
    Loved every minute of this wonderful sunset sail. From our wonderful Captain Andrew, whose sense of humor is outstanding, to Santino who kept us informed, entertained and was a delight to speak with to Jackson, who hoisted the sails and worked the other side of the boat, we couldn't have asked for a better final evening in Charleston. Our party of four most highly recommends this sunset sail as it will likely be the most memorable and enjoyable experience in this extraordinarily beautiful city. Thanks to Andrew, Santino and Lawrence for a beautiful sail and these happy memories.
    Written 13 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Alex .
    Nashville, TN176 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020
    We spontaneously decided to do a harbor tour after finishing out walking tour in downtown. I was briefly worried it might be repetitive, but it definitely isn't. While the walking tour gives you history about downtown and the early settling of the city, the harbor tours provided a more extensive tour of the city and surrounding areas. You learn about architecture, local industries like cars and shipping, Fort Sumter, local beaches, lighthouses, seafaring fun facts, and we even saw dolphins! Our captain was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our trip a lot. I highly recommend this on your visit to Charleston!

    Bonus: Bring a jacket!! You WILL get cold, especially when you're near the Atlantic!
    Written 23 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    KerrMuggin
    Moorestown, NJ144 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2022
    Mrs. M and I were looking forward to the harbor cruise on their cool ship, the Carolina Belle. When we arrived we saw a typical warnout dinner cruise ship tied to the dock. Boarding was delayed and when we finally got on we were told that the Carolina Belle was having some work done and would be unavailable. We could live with that but after a half hour of being tied to the dock we were informed that they were waiting for some safety equipment and we would be delayed another 45 minutes until it arrived. Funny that they seemed to be prepared to sell drinks and snacks. There was no announcement to abandon ship but we did anyway. Beware.
    Written 3 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Sandra B
    3 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are interested in a narrated tour, perhaps a day cruise would be best. If you are looking for a party boat, the sunset cruise would be your choice.
    My friend and I took the sunset cruise which unfortunately had 20 or so 30-something adults who were loud and rowdy. The bar did not help matters. It was chilly and a few of them had babies so that may be the reason they congregated in the only enclosed area. We never heard the narrator. I can assure you none of the other 50 or so passengers enjoyed the tour.
    On the positive side, the boat and crew seemed safe and experienced.
    Written 24 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Julie P
    3 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2021
    This review is for the Schooner Pride sailboat sunset cruise, taken on 6/10/21. The dock was under repair so we received a call to arrive early to take a water taxi to the boat, this resulted in waiting outside in the heat for the water taxi and late comers. You would think for the trouble a beverage would be provided instead the captain made jokes about watching a 20 minute video. It was frustrating. The boat is oversold. Forty nine people were placed any and everywhere. We never got to see the view from the bow or the back. We were stuck at the center mast with some people put on parts of the boat unable to move or stretch their legs. It was ridiculous. The enjoyment just fell off our faces as we continued to be packed aboard. The boat sails to no where. We just turned a couple of times in the bay area. It became boring and slow. This was our first of three boating experience on our vacation. This was the worse. Book a smaller sail boat or take one of the charters out to Morris lighthouse. This was not worth the money. It was sad to watch a couple try to have a romantic package which cost extra, sitting between the two garbage cans. They had to lift the purse or champagne so we could toss away our drink containers. The crew forgot their blanket as part of the deal. I was disappointed for them and I was a stranger. The crew never offered to take a picture for them or do anything to acknowledge them.
    Written 16 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    KMS320
    Norwood, MA91 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2021
    Great afternoon out on the water with Captain D!
    Note: there is construction down by the pier where this boat leaves from, so the entrance (across from the park) was a bit hidden. Fortunately there is a sign that lead us in the right direction.

    Great tour, we had the perfect day! There is a bar to purchase cocktails, beer, snacks, etc. Masks must be worn when you are not eating or drinking.
    We sat outside which gave us a great view of all of the areas of interest.

    Captain D does a great job telling stories about the history of the harbor. The crew (including the bartenders) are all great!

    Excellent experience, so glad we did it! Great value for the price.
    Written 23 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise provided by Charleston Harbor Tours