Charleston Harbor Haunted Ghost Cruise: 1.5-hour Tour

Charleston Harbor's ghost stories from the water, where the forts and shipwrecks speak.

A 1.5-hour narrated haunted ghost cruise around Charleston Harbor aboard the Palmetto, a 45-foot US Coast Guard Certified catamaran that holds up to 49 passengers. The tour departs from the Charleston Maritime Center in downtown Charleston and explores the waterfront sites tied to the city's most famous ghost stories (forts, historic houses and shipwrecks), while a live guide in English recounts tales of pirates, lost fortunes, wars and tragic deaths. Children are welcome from age 4. Service animals are allowed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Haunted Charleston Harbor cruise

• Arrive 30 minutes before departure
• Check in at blue and white ticket booth
• Board the Palmetto catamaran
• Listen to safety talk from mate
• Cruise Charleston Harbor and view haunted sites
• Hear ghost stories and local history
• Enjoy snacks and drinks available onboard
• Return to Charleston Maritime Center

The experience

The Palmetto leaves the Charleston Maritime Center at 10 Wharfside Street, a half-block from the SC Aquarium, and you'll want to arrive 30 minutes early to check in at the blue and white ticket booth on the left dock. Parking isn't available at the Maritime Center itself due to construction, but the SC Aquarium Parking Garage is a five-minute walk away, and street parking and meters on Concord Street are options if you're willing to hunt. Once aboard, the mate gives a brief safety talk before the catamaran heads out into Charleston's waterways.

The tour runs 1.5 hours and stays on the water the whole time, which is the point. You're seeing the forts, houses and shipwrecks that anchor Charleston's dark history from angles you can't reach on foot. The guide narrates tales of pirate ships, lost fortunes and deaths tied to storms and wars while the catamaran cruises the harbor's "dark waves," as the operator puts it. The breeze off the water and the specific sites (the actual locations where these stories happened) are what set a water tour apart from walking the streets. Soft drinks, water, beer, wine and prepackaged snacks are available to purchase aboard.

Charleston ranks among the most haunted cities in America, and the harbor concentrates that history in one route. Whether you encounter an actual ghost or not, the combination of the setting, the stories and the movement across the water makes for an evening that's equal parts history and atmosphere. Restrooms are available both at the Maritime Center and aboard the boat.

What’s included

• The tour includes the 1.5-hour narrated haunted ghost cruise aboard the Palmetto.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• access to restrooms at the Maritime Center and aboard the boat.
• and South Carolina sales tax.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 19:15Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

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 effortPets welcome

Operated by Sandlapper Water Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want Charleston's most famous ghost stories tied to the actual waterfront sites where they happened. The water route reaches forts, houses and shipwrecks you can't see from the streets, and the 1.5-hour length fits an evening without consuming your whole day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 exactly is the Palmetto and how many people does it hold?

The Palmetto is a 45-foot US Coast Guard Certified powered catamaran that accommodates up to 49 passengers, so it's a substantial boat with room to move around and find a good spot on deck.

Where does the Charleston Harbor ghost cruise depart from and how do I find the ticket booth?

The tour departs from the Charleston Maritime Center at 10 Wharfside Street, a half-block from the SC Aquarium in downtown Charleston. Look for the blue and white Sandlapper Tours ticket booth on the left dock when you face the water, and arrive 30 minutes before your departure time.

What kind of ghost stories and historical sites will I hear about on the water tour?

The guide narrates tales tied to Charleston's forts, historic houses and shipwrecks: stories of pirates, lost fortunes, tragic deaths, and the wars and storms that shaped the city's dark history. These sites are visible from the water and unreachable on foot, which is why the tour stays on the harbor.

Is there parking at the Charleston Maritime Center, and what are my options?

The Charleston Maritime Center does not offer public parking due to construction, but the SC Aquarium Parking Garage is a five-minute walk away and charges a fee. Street parking and meters on Concord Street are also nearby, though street parking can be difficult to find. Passengers can be dropped off at the dock.

How long is the cruise, and what food and drinks are available?

The narrated ghost cruise lasts 1.5 hours. Soft drinks, water, beer, wine and prepackaged snacks are available for purchase aboard. Bring cash or check what payment methods the boat accepts when you contact the operator ahead through the booking platform.