Best Charleston Bay Cruises — Our Top 6

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.”

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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.”

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3.Sunset Harbor Cruise

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

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!”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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