Top South Carolina Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Don’t let your Myrtle Beach vacay be all golf, Ferris wheeling, and seafood—with this fast-paced tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the city’s most playful residents: dolphins. Racing like a speedboat but in the comfort of a yacht, you’ll glide over the Intracoastal Waterway and into the Atlantic, surrounded by nothing but South Carolina’s best scenery…and some frolicking friends. This adventure is fun for adults and children of all ages.

Get out on the waters of Charleston Harbor during this cruise aboard an 84-foot-tall (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you glide past some of the city's historical sights and watch for dolphins in the water. The route varies depending on the sailing conditions. Drinks are available to purchase on board. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.

Sail the scenic waters of Myrtle Beach on a unique Catamaran Dolphin Cruise, perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts. This 2-hour tour offers the chance to spot wild bottlenose dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, and various bird species. Enjoy a leisurely 30-minute cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing luxury homes and the historic Little River fishing village, before heading to the barrier islands for beach exploration. Gather seashells, build sandcastles, or swim in the uninhabited Waites Island and Bird Island. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, making this tour a delightful day out for all ages. - 2-hour dolphin cruise with family-friendly beach stop - Spot dolphins, turtles, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitat - Visit exclusive barrier islands only accessible by boat - Refreshments available for purchase on board during the trip

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Charleston aboard a custom-built minibus in air-conditioned comfort. The expert tour guide brings the city’s vibrant story to life, blending entertainment with education for an unforgettable experience. Discover iconic landmarks, from the historic Battery and Rainbow Row to the bustling Charleston City Market, all with the flexibility to hop off and explore at designed stops along the route while your bus waits for you. Don’t just visit Charleston, relive it aboard Old Town Trolley Tours.

Travel back in time to discover one of America’s most historic cities—Charleston, South Carolina—on this guided walking tour. Visit points of interest including Charleston City Hall; the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first theatre; the Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building; White Point Garden, in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a spectacular view of Fort Sumter, and many more.

Sail into the vibrant Murrells Inlet sunset on a 75-minute Dolphin & Sealife Cruise. Enjoy a scenic ride as you search for playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and explore the local marine life through our interactive touch tank featuring crabs, starfish, and more. With a climate-controlled cabin, snack bar, and spacious viewing areas, this family-friendly cruise is perfect for all ages. Knowledgeable crew members provide educational insights about the area, making this a delightful experience for families, couples, and groups alike. - 75-minute scenic cruise through Murrells Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean - Interactive touch tank with local sea creatures for hands-on learning - Comfortable two-story vessel with indoor air-conditioning and snack bar - Great for families, couples, and kids of all ages—strollers welcome.

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.

See the highlights of Charleston in comfort on this guided tour on a climate-controlled minibus. Learn more from your guide’s narration as you ride past must-see Charleston sights such as the Battery, the Citadel, Old City Market, and Hampton Park. Also enjoy spectacular views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse from a distance. The express tour provides an ideal overview for first-time visitors to Charleston.

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.

Spot dolphins in their natural habitat aboard the Tursi-Ops, a custom-built vessel designed specifically for dolphin watching. With individual forward facing seats for maximum 40 passengers and 360-degree views, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience on this family-friendly cruise. Knowledgeable guides share insights about local marine life and dolphin behavior, ensuring an engaging outing for all ages. Safety is a priority, with all trips led by USCG licensed Master Captains. Ideal for families or marine wildlife enthusiasts, this cruise promises a memorable adventure on the waters of Murrells Inlet. - Custom-built Tursi-Ops vessel for optimal dolphin viewing - Maximum of 40 passengers for a personalized experience - Guided tours with educational commentary on dolphins - Family-friendly, suitable for ages 3+ (children under 3 and pregnant women not permitted)

Sit back and relax while a United States Coast Guard-licensed captain steers this boat tour toward stunning sunset views and a chance to spot wild dolphins. This 1.5-hour wildlife experience is fun and educational for children and grown-ups alike, with a friendly crew who’ll navigate the water for you and help you learn more about the local ecosystem.

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.

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.

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.

Get all the thrills of a Charleston ghost tour without any walking on this haunted horse and carriage ride. A horse and carriage takes you down twisting side streets and cobbled alleyways with ease as your guide shares spooky stories from Charleston’s past. Make your way past the Mills House, the Circular Congregational Graveyard, and and Provost Dungeon in the heart of the Holy City.

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.

Experience Hilton Head’s wildlife-rich Broad Creek Estuary on this kayaking tour designed for all ages and experience levels—no need for prior experience or your own equipment. Glide through calm salt-marsh waters and keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees, sea turtles, otters, and shorebirds. Paddle past waterfront homes and learn about the local history and ecology from your guide.

Explore the darker side of Charleston and experience some of the city’s most eerie sites with a this Ghost & Dungeon nighttime walking tour with entry to Provost Dungeon. Wind through the Historic District’s dark corridors and graveyards, and hear spooky tales of ghosts, voodoo, local superstition, and famous haunted spaces from your local guide. Cap off the tour with a chilling visit to the Provost Dungeon, a pre-Revolutionary dungeon steeped in grisly history.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a nautical adventure aboard the Black Dagger pirate ship, which transforms kids into little pirates for a treasure hunt on the waters of Hilton Head. The crew provides kids with pirate costumes and pirate lessons before setting sail in search of treasure, making this the ultimate way to sightsee and keep kids entertained. This family-friendly cruise has a choice of several departures in the morning and afternoon, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Explore the beautiful cypress-lined Waccamaw River, Intracoastal Waterway, and the creeks and swamps on this guided boat tour near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife that inhabit these southern waters that run along the refuge. The boat docks are located within Waccatee Zoo.