Charleston Harbor Cruises & Dolphin Tours

Charleston exists because of its harbor. The city grew around the point where the Ashley and Cooper rivers converge before emptying into the Atlantic, creating one of the finest natural harbors on the Eastern Seaboard. Colonial merchants built their fortunes here. Enslaved Africans arrived through this port—an estimated 40% of all enslaved people brought to North America entered through Charleston. The Civil War began when Confederate batteries opened fire on Fort Sumter in the harbor's mouth on April 12, 1861.

Today, those same waters offer some of the most memorable ways to experience Charleston. A Charleston harbor cruise takes you past Fort Sumter, under the soaring Ravenel Bridge, alongside the antebellum mansions lining the Battery, and within sight of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown at Patriots Point. Dolphin tours venture into the creeks and inlets where Atlantic bottlenose dolphins—more than 300 of them around Folly Beach alone—hunt fish in the shallows. Sunset sailing tours aboard the Schooner Pride capture the magic of Charleston's skyline glowing orange and pink as the sun drops below the horizon.

Water activities here range from lazy sunset cruises with a drink in hand to active adventures paddling through tidal creeks. You can step ashore at Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, search for shark teeth on Morris Island's undeveloped beach, or glide past shrimp boats returning to Shem Creek's docks at the end of the day. The harbor has witnessed 350 years of history, and it's still the heart of Charleston.

A Charleston boat tour through the harbor covers more history per square mile than almost anywhere else in America. Narrated cruises point out the landmarks as you glide past: Fort Sumter on its artificial island at the harbor entrance, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. The Battery's row of antebellum mansions facing the water, survivors of war, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The Ravenel Bridge's twin towers, completed in 2005 as one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere. Patriots Point, home to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (a World War II veteran), the submarine USS Clamagore, and the destroyer USS Laffey.

Most harbor cruises run 90 minutes to 2 hours. Spirit of Carolina and Carolina Belle offer climate-controlled cabins with open-air observation decks—comfortable for Charleston's summer heat and humidity. Daytime cruises emphasize history and sightseeing; evening departures add Charleston's illuminated skyline and Ravenel Bridge lights to the experience. Dolphins frequently appear along the route, though dedicated dolphin tours offer better sighting opportunities.

Fort Sumter Tours

The Fort Sumter ferry is a National Park Service concession and the only way to reach the fort itself. The complete tour takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes: 30 minutes each way on the ferry plus an hour at the fort. During your time ashore, park rangers provide interpretation of the Civil War's opening battle and the fort's subsequent role. You can explore the museum, walk the ramparts, and see the flag that flew during the bombardment.

Ferries depart from Liberty Square downtown (340 Concord Street, next to the SC Aquarium) at 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Patriots Point departures run at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. Adult tickets cost around $30. Note that Fort Sumter has no elevator—stairs are required to access the museum and upper level. Book online to guarantee your preferred departure time, especially during peak season.

The Charleston sunset sail is one of the city's signature experiences. As the sun drops toward the horizon, Charleston's historic skyline transforms: white steeples and pastel facades catch the golden light, the Ravenel Bridge towers glow orange and pink, and the harbor turns into a mirror reflecting the sky's colors. There's no better vantage point than from the water.

Schooner Pride: Charleston's Tall Ship

The Schooner Pride is Charleston's only tall ship—an 84-foot schooner with three masts, modeled after 18th-century coastal trading vessels. When the crew hoists the sails, the engines go quiet, and you're propelled by wind alone across Charleston Harbor. The ship doesn't follow a fixed route; instead, it sails with the wind and tides, so every cruise is different.

The Schooner Pride departs from Aquarium Wharf (360 Concord Street) for afternoon sails and sunset cruises daily from March through early November. Winter offers limited special-event sails. Ticket prices start at $40 for adults. The schooner carries up to 49 passengers, creating a more intimate experience than the larger tour boats. Arrive early to claim a good spot on deck.

Note that the Schooner Pride is not wheelchair accessible—boarding requires navigating steps and a gangplank, and the head (restroom) is below deck via stairs.

Other Sunset Cruise Options

If traditional sailing isn't your priority, catamaran and motorboat sunset cruises offer alternatives. These tend to be more social, often with music and a more party-like atmosphere. Some include drinks; others permit BYOB. Private Charleston sailing tours eliminate the group dynamic entirely—prices start around $400-500 for a 2-hour sunset sail for small groups.

Morris Island sits at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, accessible only by boat. The Morris Island Lighthouse boat tour takes you to one of Charleston's most photogenic spots: the historic lighthouse standing alone in the surf, separated from the island by decades of erosion. Built in 1876, the 161-foot lighthouse originally stood on land; rising seas and shifting sand have transformed its setting.

Tours typically depart from Folly Beach and include 45 minutes to an hour on the island itself. The undeveloped beach is prime territory for shelling and fossil hunting—shark teeth, fossilized bone fragments, and shells wash up regularly. Guides help identify finds and point out the best searching techniques. The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors (ongoing preservation efforts), but you can photograph it from the beach.

The boat ride to Morris Island often includes dolphin sightings as you pass through their feeding grounds. Some tours combine lighthouse visits with dedicated dolphin watching time. Private charters for up to 6 people start around $225-300; group eco-tours offer lower per-person rates.

Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a bag for any shells or fossils you find. Wear shoes that can get wet and sandy—you'll be stepping into shallow water to reach the beach. There are no facilities on Morris Island, so plan accordingly.