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Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

Recommended by 94% of travelers
Charleston, USA
High interest
Booked 5+ times today.
  • 1 to 11 hours (approx.)

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Donna_F ·
Apr 2026
The workers were very friendly and helpful. Great way to go to Charleston and not have to worry with parking. They stayed on schedule so it was helpful to plan. Wonderful experience!
· Jennifer_B ·
Apr 2026
Great experience! We choice this again and again. Affordable and fun for the whole family. Staff was so nice.

Overview

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.
  • Go sightseeing on the harbor with a water taxi
  • Travel between several top landmarks with ease
  • Explore the Aquarium or Maritime Museum at your own pace
  • Look out for dolphins during the scenic harbor cruise

What's Included

  • Dolphin cruise included in every trip.Dolphin sightings frequent but not guaranteed.
  • Admission to local attractions not included.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours

  • 03/26/2026 - 11/12/2026

    Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Itinerary

1

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

3 hours Admission Ticket Not Included

2

Concord St / Aquarium Wharf

2 hours Admission Ticket Not Included

3

Charleston Waterfront Park

4 hours Admission Ticket Included

4

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

2 hours Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Shakira_E
The water taxi ride was such a fun and relaxing way to explore the area! The crew made everything smooth and enjoyable, and the views from the water were absolutely beautiful. The highlight of the trip was spotting dolphins up close—it felt magical watching them swim alongside us in their natural habitat. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing and adventure, and I’d definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting. A must-do if you love the water and want a memorable way to enjoy the city!

Reviews

4.8
based on 903 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Charleston water taxi

joyce_t, Apr 2026
it was a great experience. the captain and first mate were very personable and we had a great time ! I would highly recommend it. We got on the water tax and just stayed on and floated around. We just wanted to be on the water for the day.

Sad

Curtis_A, Apr 2026
After losing 1-1/2 hours because of the dock being closed, we finally got to another dock and boarded a taxi boat, which was great. Please put on your web page that got Waterfront Pier dock is closed. This is tree terrible for someone who is disabled.

Great trip

Lana_H, Apr 2026
We booked literally 5 min prior as we already were at the peer and it was really nice trip Viator never let me down 👌

Blessed not stressed!

Donna_F, Apr 2026
The workers were very friendly and helpful. Great way to go to Charleston and not have to worry with parking. They stayed on schedule so it was helpful to plan. Wonderful experience!

Nice

Elizabeth_L, Apr 2026
We enjoyed our outing on the Pride Schooner. It is always fun to be on the water. It did not bother us not to see dolphins since we saw dolphins on another eco tour in Savannah. However, we wish that the employees on the boat are better paid so that they do not beg for tips at the end of the outing. Also, our two small bottles of water were more than $9.00. That’s outrageous (we paid $4.00 for 2 bottles on the water taxi).

Great experience

Jennifer_B, Apr 2026
Great experience! We choice this again and again. Affordable and fun for the whole family. Staff was so nice.

Great boat tour!!

Birgit_H, Apr 2026
Best way to explore Charleston from the water side. Hop on, hop off gives you the option what you prefer to do in the moment.

Not a dolphin watch

Vikas_S, Apr 2026
It is good as a taxi with scenic views but they didn’t even attempt to spot any dolphins. It is not really a dolphin watching tour.

Great ride on water taxi.

Kerrie_T, Apr 2026
The water taxi was super fun for my grandchildren and we loved seeing the dolphins. It was also a wonderful way to travel between Charleston and Mt. Pleasant. I would highly recommend it!

Wonderful way to get...

Sharon_M, Oct 2025
Wonderful way to get around Charleston. Saw dolphins. Strongly recommend and so reasonable. It was an all girl crew, which we loved.

The water taxi is easy to...

Katherine_F, Oct 2025
The water taxi is easy to use and a great way to move between attractions like the aircraft carrier and the International African American museum. The dolphin sighting was a huge bonus!

It’s a nice ride we were...

Kimberly_W, Oct 2025
It’s a nice ride we were lucky enough to see some dolphins. Would have been nicer if the crew was telling us the different buildings etc that we were passing as they did when I rode in the past.

The experience was nice ....

Keith_S, Oct 2025
The experience was nice . Saw some Dolphins and sea birds up close. The crew were friendly and answered all questions.

Saw dolphins!

Elizabeth_C, Sep 2025
It’s a very inexpensive way to see the ocean. The capitan stopped for us to admire the dolphins 🥰 also a good way to go from one end to another and explore.

The Charleston Historic Experience

Tim_B, Sep 2025
Great experience and rich history. Both crew members were very knowledgeable and had great attitudes.

Great Experience for the Money

Cindy_D, Sep 2025
Dolphins sighted, humorous Captain and crew and great bang for your buck. The stops are great for sightseeing and the outdoor market is a must! Great to travel downtown and not have to find parking.

Bryan was amazing!! ...

Autumn_R, Sep 2025
Bryan was amazing!! Being a local for his entire life, he knew so much about everything!! We really enjoyed our experience!!

Great ride

Erika_M, Sep 2025
It was a very nice and relaxing ride. My kids enjoyed it, husband and so did I. The drivers were very nice.

Scenic, Peaceful, and Full of Surprise's

Shakira_E, Sep 2025
The water taxi ride was such a fun and relaxing way to explore the area! The crew made everything smooth and enjoyable, and the views from the water were absolutely beautiful. The highlight of the trip was spotting dolphins up close—it felt magical watching them swim alongside us in their natural habitat. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing and adventure, and I’d definitely recommend this experience to anyone visiting. A must-do if you love the water and want a memorable way to enjoy the city!

Loved it

Colleen_T, Sep 2025
Easy, inexpensive and convenient way to see some of the sights in the Charleston area. We decided not to get off at every stop. Still well worth it.

Fun trips, saw lots of...

Richard_F, Sep 2025
Fun trips, saw lots of dolphins! Crew was very friendly and accommodating. The weather was fantastic.

Amazing Water Taxi Experience

Cindy_D, Aug 2025
Amazing trip. Saw dolphins, captain and crew were amazing and very informative. Stops had plenty to see and do!

The captain was very...

Dana_B, Aug 2025
The captain was very knowledgeable about the area. They were timely and friendly. We had a great time.

Fun Times!

Lyndsey_M, Jul 2025
It was fun! We got to cruise around the Charleston Harbor as a family for a low price compared to others!

Water taxi is a must if you’re in the Charles area

Sharline_R, Jul 2025
The tour was wonderful and you don’t necessarily have to get off at each stop. The water taxi is a great experience for young children and adults . My husband and I really enjoyed the ride and we were able to see dolphins. The price is extremely reasonable and you can ride all day.

Hoodwinked by other Reviews

Timothy_D, Jul 2025
Not sure if we just had a bad captain but the guy never said a word the entire trip except to the crew. Didn’t even announce what stops we were at. The girl taking tickets was friendly though. Great way to beat the heat but from a sightseeing perspective it was terrible.

Helpful

Princess_D, Jul 2025
Make sure you know where to go to board the boat and if you use a walker or cane it is a long walk. But once you get to the boat the staff is very accommodating

Exceptional Experience!

Kawanna_G, Jul 2025
Wonderful, Delightful experience; informative, knowledgeable, experienced, and professional guides. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. It was a beautiful way to travel and experience the city!

Great way to visit...

Ana_T, Jul 2025
Great way to visit different places in one day. The view was amazing and we got to see dolphins. The drivers were very nice and friendly.

Absolutely loved the...

Chaz_B, Jul 2025
Absolutely loved the Charleston Water Taxi experience! The ride was smooth, relaxing, and the views were stunning. We were thrilled to spot dolphins up close—such a magical and unexpected treat! The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Charleston—it’s a fun, affordable, and scenic way to explore the city by water. 🐬⛴️🌊

From $17.00

per person

-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

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