Climb aboard the historic “Carolina Belle” and coast along the Charleston Harbor for a relaxing cruise. You’ll learn about the rich history of Charleston, passing a multitude of landmarks and points-of-interest.

About this activity

Cancellation policy: This activity is non-refundable.
Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Cruise along the historic Charleston Harbor aboard a replica 1920s-Bay-Steamer
Discover more than 75 landmarks and points-of-interest
See Fort Sumter - where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
Look for dolphins and pelicans
Use a fully-stocked drinks and snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks

Full description

Cruise through the Charleston Harbor on an old-fashioned 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht. Enjoy live narration from the captain and purchase treats from a fully-stocked drink and snack bar. See the Civil and Revolutionary war sights and keep an eye out for dolphins. Relax in the enclosed observatory or on the partially-covered upper deck. Listen carefully as your captain guides you on a journey through more than 300 years of American history. You’ll pass by 75 landmarks and points-of-interest on this 20-mile trip. Get close-up views of the “Holy City,” including Fort Sumter - where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Glide past Confederate and Union army forts and see the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II.

Pass by remnants of the Civil and Revolutionary wars and look for local wildlife like dolphins and pelicans splashing nearby. Choose between indoor or outdoor seating.

Includes

Round-trip harbor cruise
Live narration onboard

Tips for the captain and crew

Meeting point

Meet at Charleston Maritime Center. The closest parking is at the South Carolina Aquarium Parking Garage, 24 Calhoun Street.

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Important information

What to bring

Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking

Know before you go

Please dress appropriately according to the weather
Temperature on the water is significantly lower than on land
You may want to bring a sweater during the cooler months
This tour is non refundable

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 622 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Transportation
4.7/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Safety
4.8/5

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Had a great time on our sunset cruise. Got some history of Charleston and enjoyed the sunset. If you do a sunset cruise, you can park along the street free after 6. You can bring your own drinks. We brought waters and soft drinks. They did have snacks and drinks including alcoholic beverages for sale. They took our picture at the beginning and sold us a picture package for $30. It is a nice souvenir.

July 30, 2022

Excellent views boat was 3 levels great views from most sitting points Stairs up a little steep but worth the walk Only negative was limited narrations of history and local buildings markers. Captain was distracted as much boat/sail traffic it was a race night. Maybe another crew member could assist with. It was worth the cost Another helpful suggestion would be more signage to wharf maritime center. Lots of construction and not marked well

July 29, 2022

So, I read different reviews that weren't that good. But, that doesn't mean they will all be that way. Our Captain was knowledgeable about the history. Music was fine. Not too loud. Just the right amount of people on board. All respectful of each other and each others space. Kids that were there were behaved. Which isn't always the case.

July 24, 2022

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

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