The verdict
Our pick
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise: Morris Island Lighthouse & Wildlife★ 4.94 (2,382) · 2h 30m
Best value
Charleston: Pirate Adventure Cruise for Kids & Families★ 4.99 (375) · 1h 30m
Top rated
Charleston: Private Yacht Charter, BYOB & Dolphin Sighting★ 4.99 (426) · 2h 30m
All 9 options, side by side
✓ 2026-09-29Real price per person across the 9 options: US$ 43–US$ 88 (median US$ 56). With 100+ reviews: 7 of 9.
Default order: real price per person — the group price divided by the seats it includes.
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Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge viewsA 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.Is it for me?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.
Charleston: 2-Hour Kayak Eco Tour Folly Creek & DolphinsYou paddle a foot-steered kayak through Charleston's Folly Creek marshes for two hours with a local guide, spotting dolphins, sea turtles, wading birds and pelicans. The tour includes all equipment, a safety briefing, and a small-group pace that lets you actually absorb the ecosystem. Arrive 15 minutes before departure from the private launch on Bowens Island.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Charleston's marsh ecosystem and wildlife without arranging your own boat or guide—the small-group format and local knowledge are what turn a paddle into an actual encounter with the estuary.
Charleston: Haunted Ghost Cruise & Harbor Night StoriesYou’ll glide through Charleston Harbor after dark as your guide shares eerie ghost stories tied to forts and ships you pass by. Feel cool breezes on deck, listen for strange sounds in the night air, and maybe laugh nervously with fellow travelers over drinks—all while soaking up local legends from a city famous for its haunted history.
Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Tour: Dolphins & LighthouseA 90-minute boat tour departing from Folly Beach that takes you into the local tidal creeks and salt marsh estuary in search of bottlenose dolphins, with a USCG-licensed captain and eco guide who explains the dolphins' feeding techniques, social behaviors, and the ecosystem they inhabit. The tour also passes the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. Sunrise, sunset, or midday departures are available; the boat holds a small group and includes a cooler with ice and cushioned seating.Is it for me?The tour departs from Folly Beach with parking on-site, so if you have a car or rental, you're set. If you're staying in Charleston without a vehicle, you'll need to arrange a taxi or rideshare to reach the boat—once you're there, the captain and guide handle the rest, and you're on the water for the full 90 minutes without worrying about navigation or where the dolphins are likely to be.
Charleston Harbor: Private Morning Sail & Dolphin TourYou’ll sail Charleston Harbor on a private yacht with friendly local crew, passing iconic sites like Fort Sumter and the Battery while searching for dolphins. Soft drinks are included and there’s plenty of shade for relaxing moments as you glide past historic landmarks—expect laughter, quiet surprises, and new views of Charleston you’ll remember long after.
Private Sailing Charter Charleston Harbor: 2.5-Hour Sunset SailA private sailing charter on "Esprit de Joy" for up to 6 guests takes 2.5 hours and sails past Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the Ravenel Bridge and the Battery in Charleston Harbor. The captain navigates; you bring beverages and snacks, and the boat supplies water, ice, champagne flutes and souvenir cups. Afternoon and sunset departures both run, with the golden hour the most popular booking window.Is it for me?The 2.5-hour window means you sail past the major harbor landmarks and Fort Sumter without losing the rest of your day—it fits between lunch and dinner, or as a standalone evening outing, and the captain handles all the navigation so you stand on deck and watch the city and water instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with free cancellation?
Yes: 9 of the 9 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.
How long do these experiences last?
Most options last up to 2 hours. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.
Which one is the travelers' favorite?
Charleston Eco Boat Cruise: Morris Island Lighthouse & Wildlife is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.94 out of 5 across 2,382 reviews.
Are private options available?
Yes, 2 private experiences are available if you prefer a closed group.
More things to do in Charleston
Charleston Ghost Tour10 optionsMagnolia Plantation and Gardens Tours5 optionsCharleston City Tour5 optionsCharleston Food Tour9 optionsCharleston Walking Tour28 optionsCharleston Plantation Tour9 optionsRainbow Row Tours9 optionsCharleston Airport Shuttle5 optionsHorse Carriage Rides in Charleston7 options
