Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
During this live narrated, scenic and relaxing 90 minute tour you will experience Charleston Harbor on the unique Carolina Belle tour vessel. Your professional licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to United States history. Enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn its rich history while you are in town.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There is a flat pier out to the boat and the boarding ramp is about 30 feet long. Travelers will board on the top deck and there are stairs to the lower level. Restrooms are located on the top deck.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fort Sumter National Monument
While aboard the Carolina Belle your professional and licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to United States history. You will get close-up views of the Holy City's most famous and charming sights such as Fort Sumter: One of Charleston's most popular landmarks, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, USS Yorktown: the famous World War II “Fighting Lady," Confederate and Union army Forts Moultrie and Johnson, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church: A surviver of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, whose steeple was painted black so as not to be an easy target, Stately homes on the Battery: Symbols of Southern elegance and perseverance.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
You will also see the Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: A state of the art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world and connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. To add to this wonderful experience, don't be surprised if you see Dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
90-minute Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Charleston, South Carolina
Select from Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset Departure Times
Enjoy panoramic views from aboard the unique 80-foot Carolina Belle
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Options
Harbor Cruise - Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina: 90-minute harbor history tour that covers over 75 points of interest. Depart from Charleston, South Carolina.
Reviews
3,055 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxing
190aaronw,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect end of day relaxing harbor cruise after walking the city all day. Capt. Jackson made it fun
Charleston water tour
Geneva H,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a beautiful afternoon in the Charleston harbor. The tour was very informative and the boat captain did a great job!
Very informative tour! ...
Saverio C,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative tour! It lasted for the perfect amount of time. The captain and crew were friendly and helpful.
Wonderful boat tour
kellycW559BN,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on this cruise. As first time visitors to Charleston, we learned so much about the city. The tour guides were entertaining and informative, and it was a beautiful afternoon sitting on the top deck of the boat for the tour.
Perfection
ccchristen,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good grief. Better than expected. Fabulous weather, water, sunset. Lovely crew and captain. Couldn’t be improved unless it were longer!
Save your money
saradeer,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Ship is old and extremely dirty. It is a boring cruise, Charleston Harbor offers nothing of interest. Empty warehouses, BMW shipping parking lot.
Taking an afternoon trip around the harbor is lovely, but don't expect much else.
nmrod,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The cruise was OK, but I would have liked to see more of the harbor & more information about the harbor history. The audio was difficult to understand, so that might be why I felt that the amount of information shared was limited. Criticisms aside, getting out into the bay on a beautiful day was truly refreshing.
Relaxing sunset cruise
Amit T,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring warm clothes , wind can pickup over the water Very relaxing sunset cruise in the bay, great captain provided details on the sites
The greatest experience in Charleston history
mrsm548,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best family event on Easter. We saw Dolphins and relaxed.
The crew was...
Erin G,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was knowledgeable and funny. The weather was beautiful on the night we cruised. The tour is worth it!
From US$44.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Charleston Harbor Tours