Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

Exploring Charleston’s rich maritime history has never been more captivating than aboard the Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise. With panoramic views of iconic landmarks like Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown, this family-friendly tour offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors. Whether you choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure, the live narration and wheelchair-accessible accommodations ensure an inclusive experience for all. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the opportunity to witness Charleston’s scenic waterfront from a unique vantage point – one that just might leave you craving more of the city’s captivating stories.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

• The Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise offers a 90-minute panoramic tour of the historic Charleston waterfront aboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle.
• The fully narrated cruise highlights significant landmarks like Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Fort Moultrie, and Fort Johnson, providing an educational experience.
• Departure options include morning, afternoon, and sunset cruises, allowing visitors to choose the best time to explore Charleston’s maritime history.
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible, stroller-friendly, and accommodates service animals, ensuring inclusivity for diverse visitors.
• Onboard amenities include a panoramic observation deck, climate-controlled cabin, and beverage service, enhancing the overall sightseeing experience.

Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

The Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise offers visitors a panoramic 90-minute tour of the city’s historic waterfront aboard the 80-foot sightseeing vessel, the Carolina Belle.

This fully narrated and family-friendly cruise allows passengers to take in the sights and sounds of Charleston’s harbor. Highlights include passing by the Fort Sumter National Monument, the Essex-class USS Yorktown, and historic forts like Fort Moultrie and Fort Johnson.

The tour also provides views of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

With a choice of morning, afternoon, or sunset departures, the Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise provides a scenic and informative way to experience the city’s maritime history.

Boat Tour Highlights

Passengers aboard the Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise witness a wealth of historical landmarks, from the Fort Sumter National Monument to the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

The tour passes by the Essex-class USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier, providing an up-close view of this impressive vessel.

Travelers also get to see Fort Moultrie and Fort Johnson, two Confederate and Union forts that played significant roles during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Plus, the cruise sails by the St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, which miraculously survived the battles of both wars.

Throughout the journey, the fully narrated tour offers fascinating insights into Charleston’s rich history, making it a truly engaging and educational experience.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise includes a 90-minute panoramic tour aboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle, with all taxes and fees covered. This family-friendly cruise offers a variety of options to suit your schedule, with morning, afternoon, and sunset departures available.

Breathtaking views of Charleston’s historic landmarks, including Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Live narration providing insights into the city’s rich history and scenic landscapes.

The opportunity to purchase alcoholic drinks onboard for a relaxing experience.

Wheelchair, stroller, and service animal accessibility to accommodate all guests.

Whether you’re seeking a daytime adventure or a romantic sunset sail, the Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise has a lot to offer.

Departure Location and Schedule

Cruises depart from the Charleston Maritime Center, located at 10 Wharfside Street in Charleston, South Carolina 29401. Passengers have the option to select from one of three daily departure times:

Departure Time	Duration
10:00 AM	90 minutes
1:30 PM	90 minutes
5:30 PM	90 minutes

The tour concludes back at the departure point, providing a convenient start and end to the 90-minute sightseeing experience. With morning, afternoon, and sunset options, travelers can choose the time that best fits their schedule and preferences for exploring Charleston’s historic harbor.

Accessibility and Capacity

The Charleston Harbor sightseeing cruise is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, accommodating those with mobility needs. Service animals are also welcome aboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle, which has a maximum capacity of 200 travelers per tour.

This ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests. Some key accessibility features of the cruise include:

• Wheelchair-accessible boarding and seating areas
• Ability to accommodate folding strollers
• Designated space for service animals
• Ample room for passengers to move around the boat

With these inclusive amenities, the Charleston Harbor cruise caters to a diverse range of visitors, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing for individuals of all abilities.

Onboard Amenities

Onboard the 80-foot Carolina Belle, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities to enhance their Charleston Harbor sightseeing experience. The boat offers a panoramic observation deck, allowing for unobstructed views of the harbor’s historic landmarks. Indoors, guests can relax in the climate-controlled cabin, complete with comfortable seating. For those interested in refreshments, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is available for purchase on the cruise.

Onboard Amenities
Observation Deck	Climate-Controlled Cabin	Beverage Service
Panoramic Views	Comfortable Seating	Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic
Unobstructed	Indoor Relaxation	Purchase Onboard

The combination of these amenities ensures that guests can fully enjoy the rich history and scenic beauty of Charleston’s harbor during the 90-minute cruise.

Scenic Views and Landmarks

Cruisers aboard the Carolina Belle are treated to a panoramic showcase of Charleston’s rich maritime history and picturesque landmarks as they sail along the harbor. The 90-minute narrated tour offers captivating views of notable sites, including:

• The iconic Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• The majestic USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier now part of the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

The historic Fort Moultrie and Fort Johnson, showcasing the region’s strategic military significance.

The stately St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, which withstood the battles of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

These breathtaking sights, combined with the serene Charleston Harbor setting, create an unforgettable sightseeing experience for all who embark on this captivating cruise.

Cruise Duration and Narration

During the 90-minute sightseeing cruise, passengers enjoy a fully narrated tour that brings Charleston’s rich maritime history to life. The knowledgeable guides aboard the Carolina Belle provide captivating commentary, highlighting the significance of the landmarks and sights that unfold along the way.

Whether you choose a morning, afternoon, or sunset departure, the tour offers a family-friendly and informative experience. Travelers will learn about Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and other historic forts and churches as the boat glides through the picturesque harbor.

With the guide’s expert narration, passengers gain a deeper appreciation for Charleston’s storied past and its enduring role in American history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Restrooms Available on the Boat During the Cruise?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the boat during the Charleston Harbor sightseeing cruise. Passengers can access the onboard restrooms throughout the 90-minute tour for their convenience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Cruise?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on the cruise. However, alcoholic drinks must be purchased on board. The cruise operator encourages guests to enjoy the views and commentary during the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Go on the Cruise?

There is no minimum age requirement to go on the cruise. The tour is family-friendly, so visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the sightseeing experience along Charleston Harbor.

Is the Cruise Offered Year-Round or Only During Certain Seasons?

The Charleston Harbor sightseeing cruise is offered year-round, with morning, afternoon, and sunset departures available for travelers to choose from, providing flexibility to enjoy the scenic Charleston Harbor regardless of the season.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors, Students, or Military Members?

The cruise offers discounts for seniors, students, and military members. Visitors can save on the regular ticket price by providing valid identification at the time of booking or upon arrival.

Recap

The Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich maritime history and stunning waterfront scenery.

With morning, afternoon, and sunset options, visitors can choose the perfect time to witness iconic landmarks like Fort Sumter while enjoying a comfortable and accessible cruise experience.

Whether you’re seeking an educational adventure or a serene sunset voyage, this tour provides an engaging and memorable way to discover Charleston’s coastal charm.