Charleston Harbor Sunset Yacht Tour: Arthur Ravenel Bridge

You can bring your own drinks and food, or order catering straight to the boat.

A private sunset harbor tour in Charleston aboard the Kismet, a 15-passenger Coast Guard inspected yacht with captain and first mate. Cruise past the Battery's historic homes, Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, and under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for photos. Swim off the boat or relax in water floats and hammocks. Bring your own beverages and food, or arrange catering through a local vendor.

Step-by-step itinerary

Charleston Harbor Private Yacht Tour

• Cruise by the Battery historic homes
• Pass by Fort Sumter history talk
• Photo ops at USS Yorktown carrier
• Go under Ravenel Bridge for photos

The experience

You arrive at the dock with your group, up to 15 people total, and board the Kismet, a private charter yacht where only those you bring are onboard. The captain and first mate handle navigation while you settle in with a drink from your cooler or from the catering menu available through Caviar and Bananas, who can deliver directly to the boat. The route follows the harbor's working waterfront and historic landmarks: you'll cruise by the Battery and its antebellum homes, pass Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, and motor past the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum for photo opportunities.

The Ravenel Bridge is always on the route: the yacht passes directly underneath so you get the full scale of its cable-stayed design and can photograph it from the water. Between the landmarks, you can swim off the boat or float in the rafts and water hammocks included with your charter. A bathroom is onboard, and a Bluetooth sound system lets someone in your group control the music. Soda and bottled water are provided. Everything else (beer, wine, liquor, food) is yours to bring or order in advance.

The whole experience runs between two and four hours depending on what you choose to do and how long you linger at each stop. Since it's a private charter, the pace is yours: linger for photos at the bridge, take a longer swim, or move through the stops at your own rhythm. The captain and first mate manage the vessel so your group can focus on the water, the skyline, and each other.

What’s included

• Soda and bottled water.
• rafts and water hammocks for floating.
• Bluetooth sound system so you can control the music.
• onboard bathroom.
• captain and first mate to operate the vessel.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to ThursdayDepartures at 15:30 and 17:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

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 nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Charleston Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?Two to four hours on the water leaves room for dinner or another activity afterward, or you can book the sunset slot and make the harbor cruise your evening's main event. The private format means your group sets the pace: linger for photos, take a longer swim, or move through the stops as you prefer.

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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 can I bring to drink on the Charleston harbor tour?

You can bring anything you want: beer, wine, liquor, and food are all allowed. If you prefer not to shop beforehand, you can order beer, wine, and gourmet catering through Caviar and Bananas, and they'll deliver it directly to the Kismet before departure.

Is swimming part of the Charleston sunset yacht tour?

Swimming is optional and included. You can swim off the boat or relax in the rafts and water hammocks provided. The choice is entirely yours for the duration of the charter.

What is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and why does the tour pass under it?

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is Charleston's iconic cable-stayed bridge spanning the Cooper River. The yacht passes directly underneath so you experience its full scale and design from the water, making it one of the best photo opportunities on the route.

How many people can fit on the Kismet?

The Kismet is a Coast Guard inspected vessel that holds up to 15 passengers total. Only your group is onboard. A captain and first mate operate the yacht.

What landmarks do we see on the harbor tour?

The route includes the Battery and its historic homes, Fort Sumter National Monument, the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The captain discusses the history of each as you pass.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, a clean bathroom is onboard for use during the charter.