7 BEST Boat Tours In Charleston SC (2024)

Are you searching for the best boat tours in Charleston SC?

Looking for the best boat tours in Charleston SC? Going on a boat tour in Charleston is the perfect way to see the city’s southern charm and natural beauty from a new perspective! 

Whether you are looking to learn more about Charleston’s rich history, seeking a unique adventure, or looking for wildlife off the coast, there is a boat tour in Charleston for everyone to enjoy! 

We’ve spent a great amount of time in Charleston and always love heading back to experience its warm weather, delicious food, and incredible views. One of the absolute best ways to take in the coastal views of Charleston is by heading out on a boat tour.

After doing hours of research, we came up with the ultimate list of the best boat tours in Charleston SC! Continue reading below so that you can have the best experience possible on the waters surrounding this beautiful southern city.

Short on time and not able to read all about the best boat tours in Charleston SC? The #1 best boat tour in Charleston SC is the Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise! This tour has 5/5 stars from over 260 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. This is the perfect option for those looking to take in the beautiful coastal scenery and sail around the Charleston Harbor on a private sailboat charter.

Best Boat Tours In Charleston SC

Below I have highlighted the best boat tours in Charleston SC for your enjoyment.

1. Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise

For those looking to sail the Charleston Harbor on a private sailing charter, look no further!

This Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise is the perfect option for those looking for an intimate experience with friends or loved ones. 

We particularly love that you are able to pick your own departure time so that you can make sure it fits within your schedule.

Another feature that stands out about this tour is that you can bring abroad your own food and beverages!

This is so nice for those looking to save a little money on food or for those that are picky eaters and want to bring your favorites to munch on and enjoy! 

Additionally, this tour does offer some upgrades if you would rather hire gourmet catering or a personal photographer to capture your excursion. 

We love that this tour comes with an abundance of options so you can pick what works best for you and your personal preferences!

This tour is the perfect way to experience some of Charleston’s most popular landmarks such as Fort Sumter and a great way to view the Charleston southern coast. 

“Can’t say enough good things about this experience. The crew and the boat were amazing and we had a blast! Captain Wit and Mireia are very accommodating and kind. Very relaxing and luxurious sailing experience. Would 100% recommend! You won’t regret it!” – Megan (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Click here to learn more about rates and availability for the Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise!

2. Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop At Morris Island Lighthouse

The Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop At Morris Island Lighthouse is one of the very best boat tours in Charleston SC! 

This two and a half hour tour is the perfect escape from the city life of Charleston and allows you to take in marvelous views of the coastal town, explore Morris Island, take photos of the beautiful lighthouse, and you may even see some sea turtles or dolphins along the way!

This is the perfect tour for those looking for a quick and fun excursion in the area!

⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours and 30 minutes

📍 Meeting Location: 1871 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

“The weather was perfect! The sea life was amazing. Captain Craig was delightful. Recommend this trip to anyone that loves water, dolphins and lighthouses.” – Sherri (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Check rates and availability for the Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop At Morris Island Lighthouse!

3. Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

For history buffs or those looking to learn more about Charleston’s roots, the Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise is the perfect boat tour for you!

We love that this fully narrated cruise teaches you all about Charleston’s Civil War sites and landmarks as you float along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. 

Make sure to be on the lookout as you listen and take in the aquatic views, it is not uncommon to see marine life such as dolphins or pelicans while you sail around the Charleston Harbor! 

We specifically love that you can choose between morning, afternoon, and sunset cruise options. This is a great choice for those looking to go on an excursion but would like it to fit within their own schedule!

⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 1 hour and 30 minutes

📍 Meeting Location: 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401

“Learning all the history of the area. The guide was very informative. I recommend it to anyone thinking of a harbor cruise!!” – Zane (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to learn more about rates and availability for the Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise!

4. Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour

For those looking for a thrill and a hands-on experience, the Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour is the perfect option for you! 

Your guide will teach you how to operate an F13 speedboat. From there, you will hop behind the wheel and follow your guide past several of Charleston’s top attractions including the USS Yorktown. 

Throughout the tour, your guide will talk about various attractions and pull over so that you have plenty of photo opportunities and a chance for you to change drivers as well. 

This is a great experience for those looking for a thrilling adventure with memories that will last a lifetime!

⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours 

📍 Meeting Location: 56 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

“The view of the water was amazing. Tour guide was excellent and gave clear instructions and made us feel safe despite it being our first time.” – Shavon (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Check out the rates and availability for the Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour here!

5. Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Are you ready to embark a Schooner and explore Charleston from the water? The Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor is an excellent option for those looking to take in the views of Fort Sumter, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and potentially see some dolphins swimming in the natural habitat!

Some features that stick out about this tour is that you are able to bring your own snacks on board and that you can purchase beverages on board!

This is the perfect option for those looking to gain some incredible views of Charleston and some of its famous landmarks from a large ship.

⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 1 hour and 30 minutes

📍 Meeting Location: 360 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

“This was a 10/10 experience. The captain and the other workers were amazing and super knowledgeable. We had the best time and met another super sweet couple. Definitely recommend!!” – McKenna (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Check out rates and availability for the Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor tour here!

6. Nature Boat Tour with Certified Naturalist in Charleston 

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about Charleston and its nature and wildlife? The Nature Boat Tour with Certified Naturalist in Charleston is the perfect option for you!

We love that this boat tour is guided by a Certified Naturalist, someone that is trained to teach others about natural environments. 

This tour includes a nature walk and boating tour and is very informative about the city of Charleston, the environment surrounding Charleston, and the wildlife in the area. 

⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 2 hours

📍 Meeting Location: 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401

“This was a fascinating tour and especially so with a naturalist on board and a charming and knowledgeable captain. I did not realize when I booked this that we would have a chance to disembark at the island. Other tours seemed too long for us and this one was a perfect length – and gave us adequate time to explore the island. The boat went out even though we were not completely full so we all had plenty of room.” – MaryEllen (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Click here to learn about rates and availability for the Nature Boat Tour with Certified Naturalist in Charleston! 

7. Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

This is not your typical boat tour of Charleston but it is an excellent option for those looking to discover many of Charleston famous landmarks from the water and a perfect mode of transportation for those looking to explore the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. 

The Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting is a great water taxi service that allows you to travel to some of the top Charleston landmarks by boat and you may even see a dolphin (or multiple) along the way!

Additionally, we love that you can pick from a handful of meeting locations depending on where you are coming from. This is a super convenient option for those that have a packed schedule or itinerary!

⏰ Total Duration of the Tour: About 1 to 2 hours

📍 Meeting Location: You can pick from the Charleston Maritime Center, Waterfront Park Pier, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, and the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

“This was a great experience, a great way to move about the Island. We did get to see dolphins which was really cool!” – Javonka (read more reviews)

👉🏼 Check out this link to learn about rates and availability for the Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting!

Is Charleston SC Worth Visiting? 

Charleston SC is definitely worth visiting due to its rich history, beautiful southern charm, tasty cuisine, and endless things to see and do. 

How To Get To Charleston

The best way to get to Charleston is by driving your own vehicle so that you can explore all that the city has to offer!

If you are traveling from afar, the best way to get to Charleston is by flying into the Charleston International Airport and then renting a vehicle. 

Be sure to grab our favorite travel insurance from SafetyWing before embarking on your journey to Charleston!

Where To Stay In Charleston 

There are countless accommodation options when it comes to picking where to stay in Charleston. Check out our three favorites below to help make your decision a bit easier!

• Budget-Friendly: Moxy Charleston Downtown – This is a great modern budget-friendly option for those looking to stay in downtown Charleston.
• Mid-Range: The Spectator Hotel – For those looking for a chic hotel with a beautiful aesthetic on the interior and exterior, look no further. We love that this hotel is not only gorgeous but it is also near countless restaurants and bars that you can easily walk to!
• Luxury: Hotel Bennett Charleston – This is the perfect high end option for those looking for a fabulous location with great amenities such as a pool and a spa. 

Best Time To Visit Charleston

The best time to visit Charleston is during the summer months! Charleston comes to life in the summer with endless things to see and do, countless beaches to explore nearby, and endless restaurants and bars to check out. 

It is important to note that Charleston can get quite busy during the summer months so you can expect large crowds and lines when visiting the area. 

If you are looking to avoid some of the crowds, we recommend visiting during shoulder season.

Particularly, we recommend visiting Charleston during the months of April-May and September-October, for those looking for some of the crowds to die out but still experience some great coastal weather. 

FAQs About The Best Boat Tours In Charleston SC

Below I have answered a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best boat tours in Charleston SC.

How much is a boat tour in Charleston SC?

Boat tours in Charleston cost anywhere between $50 and $550 depending on whether you are going on a private charter, how long the boat tour is, and many other factors. 

How long is the Harbor Tour in Charleston?

The Harbor Tour is about 1 hour and 30 minutes in length. This is the perfect amount of time to learn more about Charleston and take in the coastal views but it still gives you plenty of time to adventure and explore Charleston beforehand or afterwards.

Final Thoughts On The Best Boat Tours In Charleston SC

Charleston is home to southern charm, delicious cuisine, coastal vibes, and a rich history.

Going on one of the best boat tours in Charleston SC is the perfect way to learn more about this delightful city and take in its beautiful coastal surroundings. 

If you are searching for the best option, we recommend the Private Charleston Harbor Sailing Cruise!

This is the perfect experience for those looking to get to know more about Charleston and take in some breathtaking coastal views.

For similar posts, be sure to check out the best walking tours in Charleston! Happy Exploring!