Top Charleston Adventure Tours in 2026

Explore the waters around Folly Island on this small-group bottlenose dolphin-spotting tour. Let your captain sail you through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach in the hopes of spotting the dolphins and observing their behavior in the wild. Listen as your guide explains more about the flora and fauna you see along the way.

Get off the beaten path and into Charleston's wild coastal areas on this eco boat excursion through salt marshes, estuaries, and tidal waterways. Your guide keeps an eye out for dolphins and shorebirds as you cruise toward Morris Island, a barrier island best known for its 19th-century lighthouse. Once ashore, you're free to walk the beach, collect shells, and explore at your own pace before the boat returns to collect you.

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.

Charleston's coastal waterways hide an entire ecosystem most visitors never experience up close. This private boat adventure heads out through the marshes and estuaries of Folly River with a local captain, as you scan for dolphins, shorebirds, and other marine life in their natural habitat. There's time to stop at Morris Island to see the Morris Island Lighthouse and stroll on the beach.

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.

Savannah and Charleston are two of the most historic destinations in the American south, and the road connecting the two cities holds just as much history. This self-guided driving tour dives into the history and scenery of that route. Visit the haunting Old Sheldon Church Ruins, snap photos of the Angel Oak Tree, go birdwatching in the ACE Basin Wildlife Preserve, uncover stories of the Underground Railroad, see historic Drayton Hall, and so much more. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided driving audio tour of Savannah and Charleston and explore scenic marshlands, historic estates, and coastal beauty. Visit iconic sites like ACE Basin, Angel Oak Tree, Charles Towne Landing, Drayton Hall, Old Sheldon Church Ruins, and Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, enjoy stories of the region’s rich history, culture, and wildlife, all while driving at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Explore Folly Island from head to toe. Most Charleston visitors don't even realize our area has beautiful beaches! And Folly Beach will make you feel as if you've been transported to Key West! Arrive in style in my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter van, put your sun and surf clothes on, and soak in this surfer beach town. We can take 1-10 people. Our adventure takes us out on a 1/2 mile walk to the northern end of Folly, with a beautiful vista of Morris Island Lighthouse. This is where several scenes from Outer Banks is filmed. Next, walk the boardwalk into the ocean on Folly Beach Pier. Margaritas or ice cream anyone? Then, I will set you loose on the town to enjoy surfer shops. Taco Boy is my suggestion, but lunch is up to you. Finally, a drive to the south end of Folly, and the county park. Customize your adventure in advance and add additional hours. You can even rent beach chairs and enjoy the surf. Don't miss the chance to spend some time with the ocean!

As you embark on our 2-hour journey, you'll witness some of the most spectacular scenes enjoyed in coastal South Carolina. Our goal for our guests is to search for bottlenose dolphins and local species of birds while taking pleasure in the splendid scenery along the way. Bottlenose dolphins, well known for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and smiling faces, have been interacting with humans for centuries and seem to have as much interest in us as we have in them. They often swim near the boat, lifting their heads out of the water to get a glance at all the people on-board. Our South Carolina shores offer breathtaking beauty that becomes a serene portrait aboard our boat where we see dolphin jump and play. The Charleston coast is home to a wide variety of birds of prey, waterfowl, wading birds, terns and gulls, and shorebirds.

Hello travelers, Welcome to my city! Come ride with Captain Gene around the Harbor to see how beautiful Charleston is by water! It is breathtaking to see White Point Battery, FortSumter, Castle Pinckney, Shem creek, the rocks of the Charleston jetties and the tallest bridge on the East coast. While traveling enjoy a safe and comfortable ride on my vessel while I give a small history lesson and the first mate caters to your every need. Ride in absolute style in my new Irish lobster boat! I can take up to 24 guest! We will be safe and dry during our tour and the envy of everyone on land! Can not wait to meet you all! Captain Gene

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor since 2012, 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.

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.