Charleston Harbor boat tour: Irish lobster boat for 24

Glide past historic forts and Charleston’s skyline with chilled drinks in hand.

An Irish lobster boat harbor cruise in Charleston for up to 24 guests, departing from Ashley Marina and navigating the Ashley and Wando rivers past White Point Battery, Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney and the Ravel Bridge. Captain Gene provides history and commentary while the first mate attends to passengers. The tour includes bottled water, a cooler and speakers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Harbor cruise around Charleston

• Start at Ashley Marina D-29
• Navigate under James Island connector Bridge
• Cruise down Ashley River past City Mega dock
• Pass local coast guard station and White Point Battery
• Travel out South Channel towards Fort Sumter and old Fort Johnson
• Get close to Castle Pinckney and harbor rock outcroppings
• Return through North Channel past Shem Creek and Castle Pinckney
• Turn up Wando River under Ravenel Bridge
• Pass Waterfront Park and Harbor Pilots Office
• Return to slip at Ashley Marina

The experience

The boat leaves Ashley Marina slip D-29 and heads out under the James Island Connector Bridge, then down the Ashley River past the City Mega Dock where the largest cargo and cruise ships are moored. You'll pass the Coast Guard station and White Point Battery, a landmark visible from downtown, before the route turns toward Fort Sumter and old Fort Johnson in the outer harbor. The South Channel leg brings you close to Castle Pinckney and the rock outcroppings that mark the shipping channel.

On the return, you cruise back through the North Channel past Shem Creek and Castle Pinckney again, then up the Wando River under the Ravel Bridge: the tallest bridge on the East Coast. The final stretch passes the Waterfront Park and the Harbor Pilots office before returning to the slip. Captain Gene narrates the route with local history. The first mate keeps the group comfortable with water and manages the cooler and onboard speakers.

The boat holds up to 24 passengers and is designed to keep everyone dry and safe. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. Other departure times are available by request.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• cooler.
• onboard speakers.
• live guide commentary in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 17:00, 17:30 and 19:30

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Charleston Harbor Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Two to three hours on the water leaves room for a meal or a walking tour elsewhere in Charleston the same day, and the boat's size, up to 24 passengers, means you're not on a crowded commercial ferry.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Castle Pinckney and why does the tour pass it twice?

Castle Pinckney is a historic fort in Charleston Harbor that the boat approaches on both the outbound and return legs of the cruise, giving passengers two views of this landmark from different angles on the water.

How long does the harbor cruise take?

The tour runs two to three hours, depending on conditions and the specific route Captain Gene takes that day.

What's included on the boat?

Bottled water, a cooler and onboard speakers are provided. Captain Gene and the first mate are there throughout to guide and assist passengers.

Can I bring a baby or toddler on this cruise?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during the tour.

Where exactly does the boat depart from?

The Irish lobster boat departs from Ashley Marina, slip D-29, located at the Harborage in Charleston.