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
3,029 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sunset Cruise 2026
MMcCart,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lots of fun. Kinda windy and cool. But hot chocolate helped
Can't miss tour
Frederick G,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and friendly staff. Snacks and food was good. Very helpful in taking care of the handicap and anyone that needed help.
Get there early enough to...
Cathy C,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Get there early enough to get an outside seat if you want to sit outside. Bring a jacket if it’s going to be cool. The boat top deck was crowded and it was hard to hear the narration. It could be heard in the lower deck but that was inside. The staff was nice.
Well organized, relaxing...
Linda M,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized, relaxing and informative excursion. The narrator was humorous and knowledgeable. This has been my 4th time and I would do the trip again.
Harbor Touring with first-time CHS visiting friends.
F5611OTjimn,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took visiting friends on a Charleston Historic Harbor Tour on a beautiful, sunny, calm Friday in March. Captain, crew & vessel all met and exceeded our expectations. Great, welcoming, friendly and informative. We highly recommend. Jim & Friends
Nice and informative boat trip
Bodslo,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pleasant, educational and pleasant trip in the harbour. Got good information about the city and history. Beautiful sun, so dolphins. Recommended.
Enjoyable but watch for fees
Explore30058384794,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I enjoyed the captain’s history lesson but it was hot below deck so get there early. I was surprised to see the Tour Protection fee on my charges because I did NOT opt -in to it, which seems rather shady.
Ok cruise
G493ZOdang,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Nice weather for an afternoon cruise of the harbor. The music on the speakers was loud and inappropriate for the age group, mostly 60+. Narration was garbled. Otherwise ok cruise.
Terrific tour
Lisa Z,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very nice. The boat was clean. They had bathrooms available the narration of what we were looking at provided insight and it was just the right amount of tour time.
Harbor history cruise in comfort.
Betty T,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely wonderful. Easy boarding and disembarking for those with limited mobility. Very helpful staff and narration was clear and the speakers were at a perfect level for all to hear. We'd recommend it highly.
From US$44.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Charleston Harbor Tours