Charleston Harbor Sunset Boat Ride: BYOB & Shark Tooth Hunt

Two hours covering the whole harbor on your own boat, captain included

A two-hour private boat tour of Charleston Harbor on a center console captained by a professional, with stops at secluded island beaches for shark tooth hunting and shelling. The route passes the Battery's pre-antebellum homes, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter. Soft drinks and bottled water are included. You bring any food or beverages you want onboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Harbor cruise and sightseeing

• Sail past Charleston Battery waterfront homes
• Pass by Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• View Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point
• Approach Fort Sumter National Monument

The experience

The boat reaches speeds of 30 mph, so two hours covers a lot of ground. You'll sail past the Battery and see the historic waterfront mansions, pass the Ravenel Bridge while the captain shares the area's history, cruise by the Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and get close enough to Fort Sumter to take in its significance. The route is flexible. You set the tone for the afternoon or evening, and the captain adjusts the stops and pace to what you want to do.

At the secluded island beaches, you can hunt for shark teeth, collect shells, or simply anchor and watch the sunset with a drink in hand. The boat comes equipped with a cooler and ice, Bluetooth stereo, emergency facilities, and rain ponchos. You're welcome to bring any food or beverages aboard: many groups pack a picnic or order catering from Caviar and Bananas. If you'd rather end the day on land, the captain can drop you at Shem Creek, where restaurants line the water.

What’s included

• Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water.
• cooler with ice.
• Bluetooth boat stereo.
• emergency facilities.
• rain ponchos.
• professional yacht captain for two hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 15:30 and 17:00Last departure this season: 31 Jan 2027

Book up to1d 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Charleston Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to set your own pace: stop for shark teeth hunting as long as you like, then move to the next beach without waiting for others, all within two hours of harbor coverage.

Traveler reviews

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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's the difference between this private boat and a group sunset tour in Charleston?

This is your own boat with a captain. A group tour splits the cost and the space with strangers. You control the stops, the music, the timing and who's onboard. Just you and whoever you bring.

Can we really hunt for shark teeth on the islands?

Yes, the captain stops at secluded island beaches where shark teeth washing ashore are common. It's one of the main activities people choose, along with shelling or just anchoring to watch the sunset.

What does the two hours actually cover?

At 30 mph, the route includes the Battery mansions, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point, and Fort Sumter, plus time at one or more secluded beaches depending on what you want to do.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes, you can bring any food or beverages onboard. The boat provides a cooler with ice, soft drinks and bottled water. If you prefer catering, Caviar and Bananas can prepare something, or the captain can drop you at Shem Creek's waterfront restaurants.

Is this boat comfortable for a family with young kids?

Infants sit on an adult's lap. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels. The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to the motion and speed.