Top Charleston On the Water

See Charleston from the water, and enjoy a luxurious way to admire the sights, with this private sailing charter. This flexible experience is tailored to your preferences: pick your own departure time, bring aboard a picnic and drinks (or upgrade for gourmet catering), and request a photographer if you want to capture the moment. As you go, circle the Charleston Harbor, see landmarks like Fort Sumter, and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.

See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. Leave the guidebook at home, because this fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston, South Carolina's history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.

Sit back, relax, and sip your favorite drink while your captain takes you and your private party of up to six people for a sightseeing pleasure cruise in the waters around Charleston, South Carolina. Let your captain set sail for the sunset with you, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon charter.

Cruise through Lowcountry tidal creeks and marshes en route to the uninhabited Morris Island on this boat cruise from the Charleston area. A private boat company launches from Bowens Island for the scenic ride through an estuary rich in biodiversity before a soft landing on Morris Island. Spend free time to taking photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, combing for seashells, and looking out for birds, sea turtles, and dolphins before your return.

Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.

Take in views of some of Charleston’s top historic sights from a unique perspective with this panoramic dinner cruise through Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a three-course dinner and full-service bar as you cruise past Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Ravenel Bridge. Capture spectacular harbor views, watch the sunset (for summer cruises), and relax to live musical entertainment on board.

Kayaking in the tidal marshes around Charleston is a must-do for wildlife lovers, but without a guide by your side, you’re likely to miss a lot. This tour gets you out on the water with a guide who knows the best spots to go for sightings. While you never know just what you’ll see, creatures that live in these waters include Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor for over 12 years, our sailing yachts are the highest quality and operated by two professional crew to give you the best experience possible. Standard 2 hour charters are private, only you and the guests in your party will be on board. Additional hours can be added by request. We depart from the safe Harbor City Marina downtown Charleston and sail out towards fort Sumter or the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge, past the battery and the historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. We always point out the bottlenose dolphins that we see and try to get as close as we can for your viewing pleasure. Great for children and adults alike, we have plenty of shade, two bathrooms and soft drinks refreshments are included. We strive to provide the best customer service giving our guests the finest sailing experience available in Charleston.

Visit the site where the American Civil War began without the hassle of arranging transportation or waiting in line for tickets. This Fort Sumter package includes admission skip-the-line tickets as well as round-trip ferry transport. Take in views of Rainbow Row and the Battery as you cruise through Charleston Harbor. Then, enjoy time to explore the historic fort and museum, before the return ferry ride.

Set sail on the Charleston Princess for an unforgettable evening of live music, stunning harbor views, and Southern BBQ. Enjoy a buffet of pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, and more—all while local musicians provide the perfect soundtrack. With three spacious decks, open seating, and a lively onboard atmosphere, this cruise is ideal for date nights, group outings, or a laid-back night on the water.

Learn more about the city of Charleston and its landmark harbor as you cruise through the waters with this sightseeing cruise. Set off on a comfortable pleasure craft and skirt the coastline to take in the skyline and top historic sites like Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, The Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Castle Pinckney. Gain a better understanding of the city’s colorful past with live narration during the cruise.

Experience the picturesque beauty of Charleston Harbor on this private 2-hour sailing cruise. See top Charleston landmarks including The Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and the USS Yorktown from the water, for a fresh perspective that lets you escape the land-based crowds. Bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the cruise, or for a special treat, opt for on-board catering.

Explore Charleston by water taxi with this convenient harbor cruise. Utilize quick and scenic water-based transportation to reach several popular landmarks including Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. Check out attractions like Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the Charleston Harbor Marina at your leisure. Keep an eye out for dolphins during the cruise.

On this tour, the boat ride through Folly Beach's most pristine marshlands is a must do and an adventure in itself. Along the way, your captain will teach you about our local estuary and the wildlife that inhabit it. You will get to see many variety of birds and other sea creatures including our resident bottlenose dolphins! Once at Morris you will be able to enjoy the island, look for various sea shells that scatter the area, and take in the stunning views of the historic lighthouse! You will get to explore the barrier island for approximately 1 hour before getting back on the boat. This tour can be enjoyed by the whole family and is the ultimate saltwater experience in Charleston! (This is not a fossil hunting trip - if you are interested in shark teeth, contact us directly!)

Learn all about more than 300 years of history on this guided carriage tour of Charleston. See the many mansions, churches, and gardens as your horse-drawn carriage tour covers more than 2.5 miles and 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Belgian and Percheron draft horses lead you through the streets while you learn about this “Holy City” and its role in the Civil War—leave your guidebook at home, these stories are better.

Enjoy a quintessential lowcountry cruise through the salt marshes of one of Charleston’s most scenic rivers where we see multiple dolphin sightings on 99% of our tours! The waters here are calm and less crowded with land always in sight making this private tour more relaxing, intimate, and enjoyable! You will be onboard a 27’ Coast Guard Certified vessel. “Marsh Mama” is designed with an open concept. She has comfortable cushioned seats, and Bluetooth stereo for your enjoyment. Spacious coolers with ice and waters will be provided. You are welcome to bring whatever food and drink you’d like! (BYOB) Your captain will be experienced, knowledgeable, and fun. He will keep you safe, teach you interesting facts, and take great care of you. Your captain has a Masters License. The tour is great for guests of all ages! It is perfect for families, friends, and celebrations! You can even bring your pet! Inquire for group rates for up to 20 guests.

Embark on a horse-drawn carriage tour through the heart of historic Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the US. Ride along cobblestone streets and take in the antebellum architecture, historic landmarks, and lush gardens. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about Charleston’s rich history and Southern culture. This is a charming introduction to this part of Charleston.

Hunt for treasure in Charleston with a pirate adventure cruise for kids aboard a wooden ship. Climb aboard the boat for a small-group tour complete with costumes and pirate gear for all kids. Cruise out on the Ashley River to Wappoo Creek and enjoy a variety of music, games, treasure maps, and more. Adults can kick back and relax during the cruise which includes scenic views and potential dolphin sightings.

We have been voted best fishing charter in Charleston the last 8 consecutive years and have been seen on Bravo, ESPN, and Discovery Channel. Our lead guide was Capt of the US Fishing Team and we run it like a team.

Experience a Charleston sunset the way it was meant to be seen—from the water on a private sailing yacht. On this 2-hour cruise, watch for dolphins and spot landmarks from the water, including The Battery, Ravenel Bridge, and the USS Yorktown. This sailing experience is ideal for couples looking for a romantic evening on the water or families wanting a relaxing break from the city.

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided small-group walking tour. Explore some of the city’s most enchanting alleys and hidden passages. Visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a colonial building with a 300-year history; Rainbow Row, the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States; plus historic Philadelphia Alley, and many more.

Take in the beauty of the Charleston coastline and even spot dolphins along the way with this exclusive sailboat charter directly from the downtown Harbor City Marina. Enjoy the luxury of an entire boat to yourself as you skirt the coast past highlights like the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, the battery, and historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins and stay cool with drinks and shade on board.

Pickup and drop-off from downtown Charleston, South Carolina make it easy to tour Magnolia Plantation, one of the oldest plantations in the South. This 4-in-1 tour includes a narrated drive out to the plantation, a walking tour of the garden, tram tour through the property, and tour of the house itself, providing incredible value.