Climb aboard the historic “Carolina Belle” and coast along the Charleston Harbor for a relaxing cruise. You’ll learn about the rich history of Charleston, passing a multitude of landmarks and points-of-interest.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Cruise along the historic Charleston Harbor aboard a replica 1920s-Bay-Steamer
Discover more than 75 landmarks and points-of-interest
See Fort Sumter - where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
Look for dolphins and pelicans

Full description

Experience Charleston on board a 1920s-Bay-Steamer-replica yacht. Listen carefully as your captain guides you on a journey through more than 300 years of American history. You’ll pass by 75 landmarks and points-of-interest on this 20-mile trip. Get close-up views of the “Holy City,” including Fort Sumter - where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Glide past Confederate and Union army forts and see the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II. As you pass by remnants of the Civil and Revolutionary wars, don’t forget to look for dolphins and pelicans splashing nearby. Choose between indoor or outdoor seating. There is also an enclosed observatory and a partially-covered upper deck in case of rain.

Includes

Live narrated tour of the Charleston Harbor
Fully-stocked bar and snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks
All taxes and fees

Optional gratuities for the captain and crew

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

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Meeting point

Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Closest parking is at the South Carolina Aquarium Parking Garage, 24 Calhoun Street.

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Important information

What to bring

Sunglasses
Sun hat

Not allowed

Pets
Smoking

Know before you go

Please dress appropriately according to the weather
Temperature on the water is significantly lower than on land
You may want to bring a sweater during the cooler months
This tour is non refundable

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 412 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Transportation
4.6/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Safety
4.8/5

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We arrived late so the only available space was below deck. I wasn’t sure it would be as good as on the above deck. There were 5 in our group and we could see everything good and we were in the air conditioning. The other thing is you couldn’t feel any moving or rocking in the boat. It was a wonderful experience.

June 20, 2021

This is a great experience for people wanting to learn about the history of Charleston and see beautiful views! The only negative thing was seating. If you don’t get there first you have a middle seat or have to stand the whole time. It was very crowded. Overall a great experience and would definitely recommend

June 19, 2021

Wonderful boat cruise of the Charleston area. The captain (and narrator) was witty and very knowledgeable. Throughout the entire trip he pointed out items of interest pertaining to the vast history of Charleston. We sat at the front on the upper deck and the view was breathtaking. We highly recommend this trip!

November 21, 2020

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

Charleston: Daytime or Sunset Historic Harbor Cruise

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