charleston harbor sightseeing cruise

Cruise Through Charleston’s Historic Timeline

Sightseeing boat tours, luxury dinner cruises and private dining events on the Charleston Harbor

Charleston Dinner Cruises

Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Charleston aboard our luxury dining yachts.

Waterfront Dining

Enjoy a three- or four-course dinner made from fresh, local ingredients.

Sunset Views

Take in incredible views of the Charleston skyline and harbor on your evening cruise.

Full-Service Bar

Celebrate with a cocktail or drink of your choice while dining and relaxing.

Book a Dinner Cruise

• Charleston Harbor Tours

Learn about Charleston’s fascinating history while cruising the gentle waves of the Charleston Harbor.

Experience more than 75 landmarks and historic points of interest.

Sightseeing

Watch for playful dolphins and other marine life often visible in the harbor.

Certified City Guides

The Official Charleston Harbor Tours includes live narration by a certified city guide.

Book Your Charleston Harbor Tour

Combo Tours

Bundle and save! See and do more in Charleston at a discounted cost when you book a combo tour today.

Charleston Harbor Tour & Carriage Tour

Tour the harbor and then get a Palmetto Carriage Tour of Historic Charleston.

Charleston Harbor Tour & Ghost and Graveyard Tour

Tour the harbor and take in spooky and chill-inspiring facts of Charleston’s ghostly happenings in the Historic District

Charleston Harbor Tour & Historic Charleston City Tour

Take a journey through Charleston’s 300 years of living history!

Charleston Harbor Tour & USS Yorktown

Tour the Harbor and walk in the footsteps of heroes.

See All Combo Tours

Private Charter Events

Whether you’re planning a corporate function, reunion, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, brunch function or a holiday party, depend on SpiritLine Cruises to turn any occasion into an unforgettable event.

No other venue in Charleston can offer such a unique space plus incredible scenery. As you cruise the harbor, you’ll see the historic Charleston Battery, Patriots Point, Fort Sumter and the majestic Cooper River Bridge. Historic landmarks, colorful sunsets and water views are just what you need for a memorable event!

Book Your Special Event

Frequently Asked Questions

Departure Times?

Cancellation Policy?

How Long Does the Tour Last?

What Are The Departure Points?

Where Can I Buy a Ticket?

Do you allow Pets?

The departure times vary by tour & event. Please view their individual pages for more details:

• Dinner Cruises

Public Dinner Cruises:

• Cancellations are accepted with 24 hours notice.

Charleston Harbor Tours:

• Tickets are 100% refundable if cancelled 2 hours in advance of the departure time. If tickets are cancelled less than 2 hours from departure time they are non-refundable.

Group Events (Public or Private):

• Please contact group sales for cancellation policies.

Please view their individual pages for more details:

• Charleston Harbor Tours  – a relaxing 90 minute cruise
• Dinner Cruises  – an enjoyable 2 and half hours

Downtown Charleston for Harbor Tours

Aquarium Wharf 360 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401

Mt. Pleasant –  Harbor Tour  &  Dinner Cruises

Patriots Point 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Call 1-800-789-3678 or 843-722-BOAT (2628).

Online at SpiritlineCruises.com (this site) or simply walk-up to either departure point 30 prior to departure time (subject to availability).

Dinner Cruise tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available after 4:00pm on the day of the cruise.

Please note, pets are not allowed. ONLY service animals (under the ADA guidelines) are allowed on the vessels.

Still Have Questions?

This is a charleston tour to talk about.

We had a great time on our mini cruise. The boat was so relaxing, we had our own personal guide who explained a lot about the area and what we were seeing as we went by different sites. Well worth the money

Joe LaMartina

Beautiful surroundings and sunset. Food was great, entertainment very good, service excellent.

Samuel Turner

We had a great time and the staff was very helpful. Such a beautiful ride. The food was great, music was great, staff is very attentive. Overall wonderful experience and I would love to return.

Shanean Brown

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Check out our new combo tour with Palmetto Carriage Works !

WE'RE OPEN! COVID-19 Information .

Explore Charleston by Land and Sea

Tour updates & safety information.

Charleston Tours & Events is excited to be able to continue our long tradition of creating memorable Charleston experiences form tours to private events. The health and well-being of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. Our policies are designed to keep everyone safe, while also allowing for an enjoyable experience.

• All unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 are requested to wear a facial mask while indoors on the vessel.

We are running at up to full capacities which does not allow for much distancing on a passenger vessel. Please bring your mask if you are uncomfortable in what could be a crowded environment or if you are unvaccinated.

Small Group PRIVATE CHARTER & HARBOR TOUR options are available!

More Questions? Call or text our sales department at 843-722-1112 . Live support office hours are 7 days a week 8am-5:30pm

WE'RE OPEN AND SAFELY CRUISING. See our COVID-19 Safety Information.

Tours & Cruises

Choose A Category For Your

Tour experience.

The best way to see the historic city of Charleston is by taking one or more of the sightseeing tours offered by Charleston Tours & Events. Experience the beauty, grandeur, and majesty of Charleston first-hand and learn about the place Travel + Leisure once named the “World’s Best City.”

Please Select One of the Following

Sightseeing Cruises

Climb aboard the Carolina Belle to enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn the rich history of the Holy City. During the scenic and relaxing 90-minute tour, you will see over 75 landmarks and points of interest! Your professional USCG licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass locations critical to the history of the United States.

Charleston Harbor Tour

Prices Start At: $42 Adult (12 & up) $25  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Historic Carriage Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $82  Adult (12 & up) $59.50 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Boone Hall Plantation Combo

Prices Start At: $59  Adult (12 & up) $34  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Historic Carriage Tour Combo / Boone Hall Plantation Combo (“Tri Combo”)

Prices Start At: $105  Adult (12 & up) $67  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / Adventure Sightseeing City Bus Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $34.50 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Harbor Tour / SC Aquarium Combo

Prices Start At: $60 Adult (12 & up) $35 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Sunset Harbor Tour

Prices Start At: $50  Adult (12 & up) $28  Child (4-11)

Patriot’s Point / Harbor Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $59 Adult (12 & up) $34 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Harbor Tour & Middleton Place Combo

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $32 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Not finding what you’re looking for?

SAILBOAT CRUISES ABOARD SCHOONER PRIDE

Get an up-close-and-personal look at Charleston Harbor on Charleston’s only 3-mast, tall ship. People of all walks of life can enjoy two-hour public sails! There are no set courses; she sails with the winds and tides, so every cruise is unique. You will always be in the sheltered harbor area and see all the sites—just closer to some than others.

Daytime Dolphin Sail

Prices Start At: $50  Adult (12 & up) $34 Child (11 & under)

Sunset Sail

Prices Start At: $75  All Tickets (Adult & Child)

Full Moon Sail

Prices Start At: $55 Adult (21 & up)

THEMED & DINING CRUISES

The most fun you can have on a summer night in Charleston! Combine great music with great food while cruising on the scenic waters of the Charleston Harbor. Check out our calendar to see what cruise might suit you best as we combine blues and BBQ, jazz and brunch, BBQ and “Harbor-ritaville” music—any of these cruises will most certainly end up on your “best things you did in Charleston this summer” list.

4th of July Cruises

Blues & BBQ Cruise

Prices Start At: $59.95 Adult (12 & up) $40 Child (4-11)

Brunch Cruises

Prices Start At: $54.95 Adult (12 & up) $35.95 Child (4-11)

Wine Down Wednesday Cruise

Prices Start At: $52.95 Adult (21 & up) $26.95  Child (4-11)

CITY BUS TOURS

There is no better way to sightsee the historic and charming city of Charleston than on one of Charleston Tours & Events’ City Tours! Take in all the incredible sights and sounds of Charleston from a comfortable and climate-controlled bus. Each City Tour ride has a knowledgeable and engaging narrator on board who will both inform you and show you the true meaning of “Southern hospitality.”

See It All City Tour

Prices Start At: $32 Adult (12 & up) $20  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

See it All City Tour / Harbor Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $64  Adult (12 & up) $39 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Boone Hall Plantation Tour (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $65  Adult (12 & up) $34  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Boone Hall / City Tour Combo (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $86 Adult (12 & up) $50  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Magnolia Plantation Tour (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $80 Adult (12 & up) $45 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Magnolia Plantation Tour / City Tour Combo (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $110  Adult (12 & up) $65 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

See it All City Tour / Mansion or Charleston Museum Combo

Prices Start At: $35 Adult (12 & up) $27  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Private Bus Tours & Transportation

Enjoy a Private Tour or City Transportation on a Climate-Controlled Bus.

USS Yorktown – Patriot’s Point Tour

Prices Start At: $55  Adult (12 & up) $30  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

With transportation from the downtown Charleston Visitors Center.

Festival of Lights Tour

Prices Start At: $35  Adult (12 & up) $22  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

City Tours By Carriage

CARRIAGE TOURS

The one-hour carriage tour of Charleston’s historic district areas is an interesting blend of history combined with the witticism and humor of the tour guides. The licensed tour guides have passed a rigorous test to have the privilege to showcase the “old and the new” that is Charleston to our visitors. Carriage tours are a great way to get an up-close-and-personal look at Charleston and its many landmarks.

Prices Start At: $105  Adult (12 & up) $67 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Charleston Haunted Tours

Among the top things to do in Charleston – join us for a haunted carriage tour of Charleston, one of America’s spookiest cities. Hear surprising tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots from Charleston’s fascinating past. A knowledgeable guide will share informative and spine-tingling local tales while you pass by haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, and the famous Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon during this chilling, haunted tour through the Holy City.

Charleston Harbor Tour & Haunted Carriage Tour Combo

Prices Start At: $82  Adult (12 & up) $59.50 Child (4-11)

PLANTATION TOURS

Take a trip back in time by going on Charleston Tours & Events’ Plantation Tours. The Magnolia Plantation tour immerses visitors in a true “low-country” experience with a trip through America’s first public gardens—dating back to 1676! Boone Hall Plantation is another must-see landmark, with the “Avenue of Oaks” leading up to the incredible mansion featured in the movie, “The Notebook.”

Boone Hall / Harbor Tour Combo ( Includes Transportation )

Prices Start At: $91 Adult (12 & up) $49.50 Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Magnolia Plantation Tour / Harbor Tour Combo (Includes Transportation)

Prices Start At: $115 Adult (12 & up) $65  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $32  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

HISTORICAL TOURS

Charleston, a port city founded in 1670, is a magical place with deep roots that trace as far back as anywhere in America. Defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and antebellum houses, particularly in the Battery promenade and Waterfront Park that both overlook Charleston Harbor, and at Fort Sumter, the iconic spot where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Our historical tours are among the best things to do in Charleston!

Prices Start At: $62  Adult (12 & up) $38  Child (4-11) FREE (3 & under)

AQUARIUM TOURS

Enjoy a unique sea excursion combining two of Charleston’s most respected tourist attractions, Charleston Tours & Events and the South Carolina Aquarium. The aquarium is an exciting adventure for the whole family—providing a captivating journey from the mountains to the sea, featuring 60 unique habitats, including a 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank.

Charleston Tours & Events is the one-stop solution for the top-rated Charleston experiences through harbor cruises, historic tours, day trips & more!

Latest Updates

Charleston Charm: Unwrapping the Top 10 Holiday Festivities in the Holy City

December 15, 2023

Top 5 Spring Break Activities in Charleston

April 21, 2023

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CORPORATE OFFICE Charleston Tours & Events 11 Isabella St. Unit B Charleston, SC 29403 MAILING ADDRESS Charleston Tours & Events P.O. Box 21360 Charleston, SC 29413

Phone: 843-722-1112

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