Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge views

Watch the skyline light up as you drift under the bridge

A 2-hour sunset cruise on Charleston harbor aboard a USCG-certified 45-foot catamaran, passing Fort Sumter, the Battery and under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The captain and mate are on hand to answer questions, but there's no formal narration. You watch the water, the steeples silhouetted against the sky, and dolphins and shore birds moving through the channels. Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase. All taxes and fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise around Charleston harbor

• Board 45-foot power catamaran
• Cruise past Fort Sumter National Monument
• Pass by nearby islands and lighthouses
• Pass by The Battery and White Point Garden
• Cruise under Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• Enjoy views of Charleston skyline at sunset
• Observe dolphins and shore birds
• Purchase soft drinks, beer, or wine onboard

The experience

The boat leaves from the Charleston Maritime Center dock (look for the blue and white Sandlapper Tours ticket booth on the left side as you approach the water). You'll have two hours on the water, and the route takes you past the major landmarks (Fort Sumter, the Battery and White Point Garden, the islands and lighthouses), but the real draw is the moment you pass directly under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. From the water, the cable-stayed span looks entirely different than it does from land, and the catamaran's open deck gives you the full view as you drift underneath.

This isn't a guided tour with a scripted narrative. Instead, the captain and mate are there if you have questions about what you're seeing, but the pace and focus are yours. That means you can settle into a quiet corner of the deck to watch the sunset hit the steeples, or move around and point out dolphins to other passengers as they surface. Dolphins and shore birds show up regularly, though sightings aren't guaranteed. The boat is USCG certified and suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram, and service animals are welcome.

Parking is available in the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (a 5-minute walk) or at the meters on Concord Street. Street parking can be hard to find. You're also welcome to be dropped off at the Maritime Center itself. If weather looks uncertain before you arrive, contact the supplier using the phone number on your voucher. Dress is smart casual, and bring a light layer if the evening cools down.

What’s included

• Two hours on a USCG-certified 45-foot catamaran.
• views of Fort Sumter, the Battery, White Point Garden, the islands and lighthouses.
• passage under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
• access to the open deck.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 16:00 and 17:00Last departure this season: 27 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 49

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sandlapper Water Tours

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want to see the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Charleston's skyline from the water without a formal script: the open deck and captain's availability let you focus on whatever catches your eye, whether that's the sunset hitting the steeples or a pod of dolphins moving through the channel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge like from the water?

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge looks entirely different when you pass directly underneath it from the deck of the catamaran. You see the full span of the cable-stayed design and the scale of it in a way you don't from land or from the bridge itself.

Will we see dolphins on this cruise?

Dolphins and shore birds are common in Charleston harbor and regularly appear during the cruise, though sightings aren't guaranteed. They move through the channels on their own schedule.

Is there a guide who explains what we're seeing?

This isn't a guided tour with formal narration, but the captain and mate are prepared to answer any questions you have about the sights, the forts, the islands or anything else you're curious about.

Can I bring food and drinks aboard?

Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase on the boat. Outside food and beverages are not included with the cruise.

What should I wear for an evening cruise?

Dress code is smart casual. Bring a light layer since the water can cool down as the sun sets, especially if there's any breeze.