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Beyond Charleston

Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

Recommended by 95% of travelers
Charleston, USA
High interest
Booked 5+ times today.
  • 1 to 11 hours (approx.)

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· LaQuantia_G ·
Jul 2026
Such a seamless experience! It was a large group of us as we were celebrating a family reunion and we were blessed to be aboard the FUN boat. 😂 Captain Jeff and Tanner were an absolute blast. The breeze off the water was everything we needed for such a hot day and the many dolphin sightings put the icing on the cake. đŸ„°
· Yadira_O ·
Jun 2026
This was a wonderful experience with stunning views and excellent sightseeing opportunities. The convenience of being able to get on and off at different locations added great value to the trip. A special highlight was spotting dolphins, which was an exciting and memorable first-time experience for my daughter.

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
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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

  • 03/26/2027 - 11/12/2027

    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 1,027 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Great

Anthony_W, Aug 2026
My experience was, great, everyone was super friendly, the taxi driver was very nice, and everything went smooth

We loved the water taxi

Jennifer_G, Aug 2026
I live that we had all day access and it was a great price. The crew was amazing, personable, and super friendly. It was a great way to experience the habor.

Harbour cruise

Edith_D, Aug 2026
Nice cruise around the harbor. One hour round trip but you can hop on, and hop off at various stops. The captain had a great playlist going!

We rode on an overflow...

Bonnie_T, Aug 2026
We rode on an overflow boat and the captain spent most of her time trying to get off work then giving us an enjoyable experience.

Worth the money

Amanda_C, Jul 2026
Wonderful experience, goes above and beyond to make it worth the ride, even showed the stingrays at the aquarium to us

Great time

Stacy_H, Jul 2026
All workers were very friendly and nice. The captain of the boat was great at docking and very knowledgeable

Captain Jeff and Tanner are where it’s at!!

LaQuantia_G, Jul 2026
Such a seamless experience! It was a large group of us as we were celebrating a family reunion and we were blessed to be aboard the FUN boat. 😂 Captain Jeff and Tanner were an absolute blast. The breeze off the water was everything we needed for such a hot day and the many dolphin sightings put the icing on the cake. đŸ„°

Great experience

Eugenia_H, Jul 2026
Very relaxing and informative. The conductor was good at explaining the area that we were in and each stop and what it had to offer.

Dolphins Too!

Kelli_H, Jun 2026
Great time and even saw some dolphins! Very relaxed and easy on easy off. Takes you where you need to be.

You should try it!

LaTesha_N, Jun 2026
Even though we got wet lol The captain of the boat was awesome! The hostess was always knowledgeable and friendly!

This was a wonderful...

Yadira_O, Jun 2026
This was a wonderful experience with stunning views and excellent sightseeing opportunities. The convenience of being able to get on and off at different locations added great value to the trip. A special highlight was spotting dolphins, which was an exciting and memorable first-time experience for my daughter.

Extremely disorganized

Dalton_K, Jun 2026
Very disorganized, very little signs and directions about where to go. Called for service and got hung up on without help. Was not able to make in on the tour and did not get a refund.

Great Boat Ride - Poor directions

Linda_R, Jun 2026
The water taxi is a great way to see Charleston. We actually saw several dolphin in the meantime. They adhere to the schedule so you cannot be late. My only complaint is that the signage is terribly poor. There's no signage on the street to know where to go to the taxi dock. Even on the Patriots Point side, there are some signs but not enough to be able to follow. It would just be very helpful to know where the doc is. Putting instructions on the website would be helpful.

I really enjoy the ride...

Angela_W, Jun 2026
I really enjoy the ride to the different attractions and being able to hop on & off the boat to explore

Fun times

John_I, Jun 2026
Iris the captain made it a great experience for our 3 yr old and we got to see a lot of dolphins. Would fully recommend

Taxi ride

Fadia_A, Jun 2026
Very nice ride. Beautiful view thank you for a nice ride we will back to ride again next year lord willing

Great way to stay cool...

Melissa_S, Jun 2026
Great way to stay cool and see the city. Even saw some dolphins! The captain was very funny and knowledgeable.

Not what I expected

Evelyn_W, Jun 2026
I would hope you would clarify that this is just a water taxi. One is paying for a dolphin siting is grabbing for straws! The only salvation was a very nice captain and assistant.

Entertaining!

Steve_N, Jun 2026
The captain made our trip entertaining and yes we did see a dolphin. Loved our expierence. Its your choice when to get off and when to get on. Even the 10 year old enjoyed it.

Great experience

Chuck_H, Jun 2026
Great experience overall. Good vibes, great crew very polite and cordial. Would recommend to anyone!

The Water Taxi is a must do!!

Sheryl_A, Jun 2026
We had a wonderful experience traveling on the water taxi. The captain was very knowledgeable of the city history, and was very engaging.. We got off at one of the ports and had a lovely dinner. I highly recommend everyone to take the water taxi.

Water taxi

Robyn_A, Jun 2026
Nice water ride. Easy on off. Nice employees: can hop on and off or just ride. Nice relaxing easy activity

Charleston Water Taxi Review

Naji_T, Jun 2026
For the Charleston Water Taxi, be prepared to see several stops along the way. You will be treated to a spirited tour on the water.

Water Taxi Trip

Christy_C, Jun 2026
Good experience. We got to see dolphins and it was a nice relaxing ride. The day pass is worth it! 😁

Great crew!!! Easy ride and cool breeze!

SHARON_H, Jun 2026
Terrific, funny crew and wonderful Boat Dog Bonnie!! Five seniors on Birthday celebration. We had a great time.

It was our first time in...

Elizabeth_H, Jun 2026
It was our first time in Charleston, and riding the water taxi was such a great experience. The crew was friendly and helpful.

Need more info on the purpose of the water taxi

Dale_B, May 2026
Realized after getting on you could be dropped off at different locations to explore more of the city

Great way to travel

Donna_S, May 2026
Great way to see the harbor or travel around and avoid traffic. The crew was super nice and knowledgeable.

The crew was so fun!...

Olivia_V, May 2026
The crew was so fun! Super nice and gave us recommendations for where we could go! So easy to get on, jump off explore and get back on.

Great Captain and Co-Captain

Candy_B, May 2026
The Captain and Co-Captain (both women) were so personable. They felt like friends right away. They didnt talk incessantly over a speaker system reciting Charleston history, like other tours/harbor cruises. We are long time locals and just enjoy a day out on a boat in the harbor, we have heard the history recitations over and over throughout the years. It was a very nice relaxing cruise. My family thoroughly enjoyed it, especially my 5 yr old granddaughter. Although we did not see any dolphins, she still loved it. You do not have to use this boat ride as a taxi, although it's a great one. We brought sodas and some snacks and just rode for about 2 hours. My husband says we may just drive to Patriots Point one day to catch the taxi and ride to the stop that's near the Market and walk around, and ride back to our car. Alot easier than trying to find a parking place down town.

From $17.00

per person

-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

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