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Charleston Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Charleston Dolphin & whale watching

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

1. Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

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.

Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

2. Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

Experience the wonder of sailing on a classic, 84-foot tall ship in the idyllic setting of Charleston Harbor. As you cruise, marvel at the power of the wind filling the sails and the tranquility of the sea. Catch glimpses of historic landmarks, like Fort Sumter, and dolphins gamboling on the waves. Begin your sailing excursion at the Aquarium Wharf. There, meet your captain and crew of the striking, 3-masted ship known as the Schooner Pride. Admire the character and class of this authentic model of the classic coastal trading schooners. Next, prepare to set sail and help the crew as you begin to pull away from the dock. Once the sails are raised, sit back and relax on the benches lining the main deck. Enjoy views of Charleston Harbor stretching out before you. Continue your tour as you cruise past Charleston highlights, such as Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, and Yorktown Point. Onwards, discover the historic waterfront area of Castle Pinckney. Sail further on waters that Blackbeard once traveled before returning to Aquarium Wharf.

Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

3. Charleston: Sunset Harbor Cruise

Discover Charleston harbor in the evening on a sunset cruise by power catamaran. Watch as the city skyline comes alive with glimmering lights as you admire landmarks like the historic Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Fort Sumter. Set off from the Maritime Center and cruise through the surrounding waterways of Charleston Harbor. Keep an eye out for dolphins and shore birds and take in the sights and sounds as the sun sets. Admire the sights of the historic forts, the Battery, the islands, and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as you cruise beneath it. Enjoy the views of the Charleston skyline as it becomes illuminated for the evening. Relax and choose to purchase some drinks or snacks from the onboard bar as you take in the sights.

Folly Island: Guided Dolphin Boat Tour in Folly Beach

4. Folly Island: Guided Dolphin Boat Tour in Folly Beach

Step onboard and explore the amazing coast behind Folly beach. Be amazed while you watch the local wildlife, especially the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that populate the area year-round. You can choose between the boat tour in the morning or the sunset boat cruise. Your experienced captain will share their knowledge about the beautiful ecosystem and local history of Folly Beach. Hear about the famous dolphins as you safely cruise on your boat while respecting the wildlife. Also be on the lookout for strand feeding, a dolphin hunting technique that is unique to this part of the world. Strand feeding is usually seen from July to September. Explore the backwaters and navigate to the historic Morris Island, where you can hunt for fossils, seashells, and sand dollars. Join this signature dolphin tour for an experience you’re not likely to forget.

Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise

5. Charleston: Harbor Bar Pedal Boat Party Cruise

Hop on board and experience Charleston’s favorite party cruise. Enjoy the spacious boat and mingle with your group or private party on a 39-foot pontoon boat in style. Check out local landmarks from the water such as the Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, and the USS Yorktown. Meet your guide and crew at the meeting point and step aboard the comfortable vessel. Feel the ocean breeze swirling around and experience the area's natural beauty on a river tour with the iconic Charleston coastline as the backdrop. Try to spy the abundant local wildlife including majestic pelicans and frolicking dolphins. Take in unparalleled views while taking a turn on one of the optional 12 pedal stations. Equipped with a bar lined with coolers, feel free to bring your own drinks and appetizers.

Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

6. Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

Learn the basics of stand up paddleboard surfing on this 2-hour introductory lesson as you explore the peaceful Folly River. Glide alongside beautiful flora and fauna while keeping an eye out for bottlenose dolphins. Following the tides and wind direction, your expert instructor will help you go with the flow for a great beginning paddle. Your instructor will point out all the amazing sights in this truly unique landscape. You can commemorate your experience with a group photo at the end of the tour. Choose your perfect experience with the morning, afternoon, and sunset tour options. Paddleboard, paddle, and a personal floatation device will be provided. Just bring your water shoes or flip flops, swim trunks, and a positive attitude and enjoy two amazing hours on the water.

Charleston: Private Sightseeing & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

7. Charleston: Private Sightseeing & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Enjoy Charleston like a local with a privately guided sightseeing tour on a boat. Admire the stunning views of Waterfront Park, the iconic Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, the charming Shem Creek, the historic Fort Sumter, and secluded beaches that can only be accessed by boat. Keep your eyes peeled for those grinning, finned friends as you soak up all the scenery! Let's embark on the perfect boat for a one-of-a-kind Charleston adventure! With its optimal size and equipment, you'll be able to explore every nook and cranny of the city's stunning waterways. Let me, your captain, tailor your journey to fit your every whim and desire. The possibilities are endless. Experience Charleston in a way that is uniquely yours. Here are a few local favorites to choose from: - Savor a joyful dolphin tour, where you'll delight in the graceful movements and playful antics of these charming creatures. - For the adventurous, go fossil hunting and search for ancient treasures like shark teeth, antique bottles, and even the mighty Megalodon. - Treat yourself to a luxurious lunch on a private sandbar as you soak up the beauty of the surroundings. - Be swept away by breathtaking sunsets, and explore the charming Shem Creek, home to a fleet of shrimp boats and stunning scenery. - Hunt for sparkling sand dollars and, if time permits, visit the spellbinding Boneyard Beach on Capers Island. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable boat adventure. As your enthusiastic captain, I guarantee a tour filled with the charming beauty of Charleston on the water!

Folly Beach: Morris Island Full Moon Boat Tour

8. Folly Beach: Morris Island Full Moon Boat Tour

See the full moon rise near Morris Island, which is always a spectacular sight. This evening boat tour takes you to Morris Island in time for the sunset, and then stick around for the moon to rise over the ocean. Get ready to experience a rare opportunity like meeting interesting wildlife while on the move, such as dolphins. Morris Island, aside from its natural beauty and interesting wildlife offers interesting history information. Explore a little bit of history about the island along the way. Explore fascinating facts about the area and its wildlife as you enjoy the boat ride in the cool evening breeze.

Frequently asked questions about Charleston

Other Sightseeing Options in Charleston

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What people are saying about Charleston

The crew was very welcoming and friendly. We had a great time even in the cold weather. Anna was AWESOME at communicating and keeping us updated via text which was super convenient!

This was a great activity for our family! Our young children enjoyed it and did well on this trip. We saw wildlife and learned neat facts about the area! The crew was fantastic!

Capt Mike treated us to a wonderful afternoon and sunset. Super nice, knowledgeable and great behind the wheel!

We enjoyed the cruise a lot, however, had a hard time finding it

One of the best harbor tours we have taken! Highly recommend!