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
3,085 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxing boat tour with a great mix of history and sightseeing.
HollyTravelDirector,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Relaxing boat tour with a great mix of history and sightseeing. After walking around Charleston all day, it was nice to sit back and enjoy the ride. The narrator was informative, engaging, and funny, which made the tour even better. We liked that drinks and snacks were available to purchase onboard, and the boat was clean with well-kept bathrooms. Since our group had 6 people, they kindly let us board early so we could sit together. Once onboard, you can just relax and enjoy the views unless you want to grab a drink or snack. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and a great way to see Charleston from the water.
Ok, not great
eam227,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Unfortunately, we went on a cloudy, chilly day. There is not a lot to see on this tour, but if the weather had been better, the ride itself would have been pleasant. The captain did a good job with the commentary, but there just wasn’t enough of interest for a two hour tour.
Relaxing afternoon.
Sandy K,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Low impact and very relaxing, informative tour. The captain who narrated the information was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We highly enjoyed our 90 minutes on the boat. Spotting the dolphins was a plus.
Great way to spend 2 hours
Macsam3,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed a beautiful day on the water hearing about the history of Charleston and the sights that go with it. The captain/tour guide was very informative and the shipmates were helpful and courteous. We also saw the areas where celebrities live along the coast.
Enjoyable outing in Charleston Harbor.
Daniel B,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative, entertaining and relaxing, all at the same time! We enjoyed learning more about Charleston and the Charleston Harbor area.
Historical boat tour
Gail D,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00When I got to the meeting place there was no no one there to direct me to the boat so needless to say I paid $80 for a tour that I didn’t get. Very disappointed and I will probably never use Viator again and I have used them a lot in the past.
Fun facts on a fantastic scenic boat trip
Cynthia I,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The captain and crew were fantastic! Very good history and anecdotal info. The length of the tour was just right at 1.5 hours. Saw a beautiful sunset. The food and drink offered on board could be improved to earn 5 stars.
Harbor History
lkalhar,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I loved learning about the history of the harbor and getting to see more of the land that surround it.
Carolina Belle - Charleston Harbor Tour - 5/03/2026
BrianPatrick O,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time, it was a beautiful day for a 90 minute cruise of Charleston Harbor on the Carolina Belle. We thought this was the perfect amount of time for comfort and content. Guests should be aware that outdoor seating is on plastic patio chairs. The captain provided a great narration of the Ft. Sumter history, and we spotted some Dolphins cruising along beside us. All in all, everything as described. I do think it's a weather dependent sailing as it's largely outside.
We had a great experience...
Calvin T,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great experience even though it was a cloudy evening. I look forward to booking again in the future.
From US$44.00
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Operated by Charleston Harbor Tours