Our professional guides entertain and educate guests about Charleston's legendary personalities and prominent place in the history of the era of the sailing ship.
Tour Charleston's "The Pirates of Charleston" allows you to voyage back to a time when terror lurked just beyond the horizon! We pride ourselves on delivering tours based on years of scholarly research and stories passed down from generations of Charleston residents, our life-long friends and neighbors.
During the 80 to 90 minute tour, you'll learn about:
The tour will walk you over cobblestone sidewalks, around elegant buildings and gardens, and back through time as we revisit the tales of these dastardly villains and their connection to fair Charleston.
As seen on The History Channel, CNN, and Travel & Leisure, "The Pirates of Charleston" takes you on a unique journey through one of our country's most historic port cities.
Tour Charleston's "The Pirates of Charleston" allows you to voyage back to a time when terror lurked just beyond the horizon! We pride ourselves on delivering tours based on years of scholarly research and stories passed down from generations of Charleston residents, our life-long friends and neighbors.
During the 80 to 90 minute tour, you'll learn about:
- Blackbeard the legendary pirate king casting a shadow of fear across the city
- Major Stede Bonnet, a wealthy planter turned sea rouge
- Richard Worley and his short but furious pirate career
- Anne Bonney, the most notorious lady pirate that ever sailed
- Tales of treasure lost right in Charleston Harbor
The tour will walk you over cobblestone sidewalks, around elegant buildings and gardens, and back through time as we revisit the tales of these dastardly villains and their connection to fair Charleston.
As seen on The History Channel, CNN, and Travel & Leisure, "The Pirates of Charleston" takes you on a unique journey through one of our country's most historic port cities.
Meeting Location
Waterfront Park near Vendue Range (Charleston, SC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.
- How much walking is involved?
- The tour lasts between 80 and 90 minutes with a few breaks for photo opportunities. We walk at a very leisurely pace.
- Is this an appropriate activity for children?
- Yes. This tour is very child friendly and a great activity for families to do together.
- What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a child?
- For children between the ages of 4 and 12 you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 3 and younger attend for free, but you'll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled "Free" when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour takes place rain or shine. In the rare event of severe weather conditions, we may contact you up to an hour before the tour about rescheduling possibilities. Otherwise, please dress appropriately for the day's weather.
- Can I take a stroller on the tour?
- Yes. But please keep in mind Charleston is a 300 year old city, so you may find it difficult to travel on the cobblestone and slate sidewalks with a stroller.
- How does this tour differ from your other tours?
- Like Charleston herself, all of our tours are very diverse. Each of our tours focuses on a different aspect of Charleston's history and culture and is a unique experience in of itself. Even our two ghost tours feature completely different stories, legends, and parts of the city. "The Ghosts of Charleston" is our most appropriate ghost tour for young children. "The Ghosts of Charleston Two - Specters" is darker and more sinister, and although many children also enjoy this tour, parents should carefully consider how easily scared their children are before taking this tour. "The Pirates of Charleston" and "The Story of Charleston" are both very family friendly and are loved by people of all ages.
- Is this tour only for tourists?
- No. Our tours are very informative and entertaining for both locals and tourists alike. Locals learn new stories associated with their favorite locations they've been visiting for years. Tourists will fall in love with Charleston's rich history and amazing culture. Even if you're a supernatural scholar and Charleston native, our tours will entertain you and almost always teach you something new.
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour either ends at St. Phillip's Episcopal on Church Street or at the corner of Meeting and Queen Streets.
- If the tour is sold out, is there a waiting list?
- Unfortunately, there is not a waiting list. We recommend that you purchase tickets well in advance to guarantee a specific day and time.
- What is the maximum number of people on the tour?
- To keep your experience authentic, we prefer to keep our groups small and intimate. The maximum number of guests that we allow per guide is 20.
- Are there bugs on the tour?
- While it's not a major issue, we do tour along the water and this is the South! Especially in the summer, mosquitoes and gnats can sometimes be a nuisance in Charleston. You may consider using an insect repellent before taking the tour.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please contact Tour Charleston directly by clicking "Contact BuxtonTours" to the left of the page.
Tour Charleston, LLC
Tour Charleston was founded over a decade ago by Julian T. Buxton III, Charleston's former City Tourism Commission Chairman and distinguished author.
All of Tour Charleston's licensed, historical guides are experts in the city's rich history and legendary characters, and have been featured widely on television stations like CNN and in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal.
Don't be fooled by imitations; Tour Charleston is the foremost Ghost and History tour provider in South Carolina.
All of Tour Charleston's licensed, historical guides are experts in the city's rich history and legendary characters, and have been featured widely on television stations like CNN and in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal.
Don't be fooled by imitations; Tour Charleston is the foremost Ghost and History tour provider in South Carolina.



