Best Charleston Bay Cruises — Our Top 11

1.Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,352 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49Our pick

Spend 90 minutes aboard a 1920s Bay-Steamer replica with a live English-speaking captain. You’ll pass Fort Sumter, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, Civil and Revolutionary War sites, and more than 75 points of interest. Choose daytime or sunset, with indoor seating, an upper deck, and drinks and snacks for purchase.

“I loved all of it. The boat ride was smooth and the captain was great! I wouldn't improve anything.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40Best value

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes with a licensed English-speaking guide, passing Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and Ravenel Bridge. Depart from Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf. Expect strong storytelling, open-water views, possible dolphins, onboard restrooms, and cash-only snacks and beer.

“Beautiful way to see Charleston from the water. Relaxing ride,we did see a few dolphin .Great narrator on the historical sights. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sunset Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 260 reviews · from $60

Spend two hours cruising Charleston Harbor aboard a 45-foot power catamaran with an English-speaking captain and crew. You’ll pass the Battery, Fort Sumter, islands, lighthouses, and Ravenel Bridge, with chances to spot dolphins. Onboard drinks and snacks are available for purchase.

“Victor and Robert were fantastic!!! We had so much fun seeing dolphins and taking pictures!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Historic City Tour and Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 260 reviews · 4 hours · from $71

See Charleston from two useful angles on a four-hour Gray Line tour. A licensed guide leads a 90-minute coach ride past churches, historic homes, Rainbow Row, and the Old Market, followed by a narrated harbor cruise with views of Fort Sumter and USS Yorktown.

“This was one of the best tours I have over had. The guide for the city tour, Bonnie, was very knowledgable, so as well as enjoying ourselves, we learned a lot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Join the crew of the three-masted Schooner Pride for a 1.5-hour Charleston Harbor sail from Aquarium Wharf. Help raise the sails, watch for dolphins, and see Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and Fort Johnson. This is a relaxed sailing trip with crew conversation, not a nonstop narrated tour.

“Could not have ask for a more perfect day, sail, crew or Captain Dan. We enjoyed our sailing experience, just wished we could have seen dolphins.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.1.5-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 175 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes aboard a large boat with restrooms, covered and open seating, and live English narration. Guides such as Benny and Tony share Charleston history, Civil War stories, and local tales while you pass Fort Sumter, The Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and the USS Yorktown.

“Very interesting and relaxing. Knowledgeable guide with entertaining stories. Different way to see Charleston.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private BYOB Afternoon Harbor Sail On 50ft Sailing Yacht Fate

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) Top rated

Take a private afternoon sail on the 50-foot yacht Fate for up to six people. Captain Scott, Will, Adam, or another experienced captain may be joined by first mate Sam or Monique. Bring your own alcohol, enjoy complimentary soft drinks, and pass Charleston’s Battery, Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter.

“Great trip! Definitely worth it!! Amazing crew and captain! They were very knowledgeable about the area and they are experienced sailors.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Private Afternoon Harbor Cruise on Kismet for parties up to 20

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise Charleston Harbor aboard Kismet with a captain and first mate, passing Fort Sumter, the Battery, Patriots Point, and the Ravenel Bridge. Bring your own drinks, use the onboard coolers, and stop to swim from rafts and water hammocks when conditions allow.

“Can’t share photos cuz we had too much fun! Honestly both Quent and Hailey were such a lovely surprise, went above and beyond, and made our trip perfect. Thank you so much!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Haunted History Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 22 reviews · from $45

Board Sandlapper’s 45-foot catamaran, the Palmetto, for 90 minutes of English narration on Charleston ghosts, pirates, shipwrecks, and Gullah superstitions. Guide Ed has led especially engaging history talks, with views of the Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, skyline, and antebellum homes.

“our group completely enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was enthusiastic & shared different stories from other haunted Charleston tours. The boat was. comfortable with amenities. Definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.White point Battery and River Run through Charleston Harbor Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Captain Gene takes your private group around Charleston Harbor aboard a comfortable Grady-White, with room for up to five. Expect Fort Sumter, White Point Battery, Castle Pinckney, Shem Creek, major bridges, working docks, and plenty of local stories. The route can be adjusted to suit your group.

“Gene was very knowledgeable and gave us the best tour experience we’ve ever had! The ride was tailored to our preference and was worth more than we paid. He gave us lots of history about the landmarks and great recommendations for food which we took full advantage of! We would take this tour again! I’ve already recommended it to others. Thanks Gene!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Private Sunset Harbor Tour 20 passenger party Yacht Kismet

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.)

Board the private yacht Kismet at 17 Lockwood Drive for a 2 to 4 hour Charleston harbor cruise. Your crew may include Captain Scott, Hailey, Quent, or Monique. Expect sunset views, local history, dolphin sightings, music, drinks, a bathroom, and time on the water.

“Captain Scott and Haley were amazing! Very attentive and very informative. They were super fun & and prioritized our safety!!! Highly recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review