On this 90-minute evening cruise, the Carolina Belle carries you past over 75 landmarks, from the historic forts of Moultrie, Johnson, and Sumter to the elegant homes lining the Battery. With live narration from a licensed captain, the experience layers in stories of Charleston’s past while dolphins skim the water and pelicans dive overhead. The backdrop of the setting sun makes the city’s skyline and iconic Ravenel Bridge all the more striking.

The boat itself offers the choice of relaxing in the climate-controlled Main Salon or enjoying the open-air Observation Deck for sweeping views. Guests can purchase light snacks, beer, wine, or cocktails on board, making it easy to settle in and soak up the sights. With its mix of natural beauty, architectural splendor, and rich historical storytelling, this Charleston sunset harbor tour is a memorable way to see the Holy City from a new perspective.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome. Children 3 and under are free with an accompanying adult.
• Physical limitations: Boarding is via a ramp that can be steep at high tide. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated. Manual wheelchairs and strollers are allowed.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Children ages 3 and under are free but must be signed up at the time of reservation.
• Individuals with disabilities: The Carolina Belle is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with ramp boarding (steepness varies with tide). Stairs are required to access the climate-controlled Main Salon. Service animals are permitted.
• Dietary restrictions: Not applicable. Food and drink are available for purchase on board but cannot be brought in from outside.
• Languages: Tours are narrated in English. No additional language options specified.
• Pets: Only service animals are allowed; no pets permitted.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 90 minutes.
• What’s included: A fully narrated harbor tour with close-up views of 75+ Charleston landmarks, including Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery homes, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Possible wildlife sightings include dolphins and pelicans.
• Who will be present: A licensed USCG captain and a crew of 2–3 staff members. The vessel accommodates up to 300 passengers but typically operates with fewer than 200.
• Spectators: All passengers must have a ticket; no free spectators allowed.
• Photo/ video: Photography is encouraged.
• Specific rules to follow: Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited. No outside food or drinks are allowed.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Runs rain or shine. The boat has both a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled salon and an open-air observation deck (partially covered).
• Arrival: Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure. Boarding is punctual and tours leave on time.
• Parking: No parking at the Maritime Center. Closest option is the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (24 Calhoun St). Rideshare, bike taxi, pedicabs, and CARTA’s free DASH shuttle are recommended alternatives.
• What to wear: Dress in layers, as it can be cooler on the water. Bring a sweater in cooler months.
• What to bring: Sunscreen, hats for sunny days, and a camera for photos. Cash or card for snack bar purchases.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are available on board. Limited storage space for wheelchairs, strollers, and small personal items.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Cruises run year-round, though schedules may be limited in December, January, and early February.
• Tours do not make stops; the cruise departs and returns to the Charleston Maritime Center.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.