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CharlestonNature & adventure

Our most recommended Charleston Nature & adventure

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

1. Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Enjoy a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter and explore the grounds at your own pace. Pass by the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and take in the sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes. As you approach Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene. If you depart from Mt. Pleasant you will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense.  While here, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter. Stand on the grounds where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. A visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park provides a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts. Learn about the events leading to the war from knowledgeable National Park Rangers who will relay stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

Charleston: Magnolia Plantation Tour and Transport

2. Charleston: Magnolia Plantation Tour and Transport

Witness a slice of living history at Magnolia Plantation and its world-famous gardens, owned by the Drayton family for 12 generations. Visit the Historic Gardens, Petting Zoo, and The Conservatory. Begin your half-day tour by boarding a climate-controlled coach in Charleston. Meet your professional guide and ride to Magnolia Plantation, dating from 1676 and the time of the British colony. Step into one of America's first tourist attractions and first public gardens, which have been open to the public since 1870. Take a guided walk through America's last large-scale romantic garden. Experience history on a 45-minute narrated tram ride through the Audobon Swamp Gardens and visit important locations like Drayton Home (not Drayton Hall), Orientation Theater, and the Old African American Cabin.

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

3. 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.

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: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

5. 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: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard 2-hour Rental

6. Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard 2-hour Rental

Experience stand up paddleboarding in Folly Beach and enjoy the incredible aquatic landscape with astonishing views of local flora and fauna. It will feel like you're standing on the water while you glide along the Folly River and get a full-body workout. Paddle past beautiful waterside homes and you might even have the opportunity to see dolphins on the way. Renting a paddleboard in Folly Beach is an incredible experience that you will remember for a lifetime – you'll never get closer to the incredible biodiversity of this unique landscape.  Just bring your water shoes or flip flops, swim trunks and a positive attitude and enjoy two amazing hours on the water with a paddleboard, paddle and personal floatation device provided. Have you Paddleboarded before? If not, we ask that you book a Dolphin Safari with us and one of our lifeguard certified guides will show you the waters and give you a brief ground school lesson before you head out!

Folly Beach: Morris Island Full Moon Boat Tour

7. 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.

Charleston: Private Sightseeing & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

8. 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!

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Frequently asked questions about Charleston Nature & adventure

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What people are saying about Charleston

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 205 reviews

Very informative, the guides were fun, engaging and very knowledgeable! What a nice way to spend the afternoon learning about the history!

Enjoyable trip out and back. It started a little late due to fog, but we were given plenty of time to explore.

We are from Utah and we were excited. The tour was great, good info plus time to wander and shop on our own.

We enjoyed the ferry ride and appreciate the team for taking us out even with the weather conditions.

We done and very informative. An excellent experience.