Historic Charleston Harbor Tour

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is highly recommended and tours often sell out in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?

We have reduced price tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger are free with an accompanying Adult ticket.

What exactly do we see on the tour?

You will see the profile from the water of one of the oldest cities in the United States. Specific sites you'll see and hear about include: the stately homes along the Battery, Customs House, South Carolina State Ports Authority, churches including: the white steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the three forts – Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson, Patriot’s Point, the home of the Yorktown, the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II, Charleston’s landmark Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Is the viewing equally good on both levels of the vessel?

Yes, you will have a panoramic view from either level.

What happens if it rains?

The cruises take place rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions. The Carolina Belle has a glassed-in, enclosed observatory and the upper deck is also partially covered, so you'll be able to get great views of the Harbor's famous sights in any weather!

Is the Carolina Belle covered?

Yes, the Carolina Belle has two decks - A glassed-in “Main Salon,” which is climate controlled and an “Observation Deck,” each providing spectacular views of Charleston Harbor. The Observation Deck is open, however, it does have some roof-covered space.

Can I buy food or drinks on board?

There is a snack bar aboard the Carolina Belle that has soda, bottled water, wine, beer, mixed cocktails, chips, hot dogs, burgers, candy bars, cookies, etc. The snack bar accepts cash or charge on board.

Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?

No, we ask you not to bring any food or drinks on board. You will be able to purchase food and drinks at our snack bar.

Does the tour run year-round?

No, the public Harbor Tour runs from mid-February through Thanksgiving.

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Keep in mind that the temperature on the water is significantly lower than on the land, so you may want to bring a sweater in the cooler months.

Are there any stops along the way?

No, there are no stops. We will be cruising for the entire tour.

Is the Harbor Boat Tour safe?

The Carolina Belle is a safe vessel with a normal operating crew of three or four depending on the number of passengers. She is certified for 300 hundred passengers to cruise the inland waterways, harbors and tributaries by the USCG and meets all the US Coast Guard safety requirements.

Will I get seasick?

The Carolina Belle is a steady 85-foot vessel with classic lines. The Charleston Harbor has a mild atmosphere and it is unlikely that you will feel much movement aboard the boat. If you often feel seasick, you may want to consider some light medication before beginning the trip. We cannot officially advise you to take any medication, however.

Is the trip handicapped and wheelchair accessible?

We will do our best to accommodate disabled people to the extent that our vessel, staff, and docking space will allow. The boat has an upper deck and a lower deck, and the only way to get between the two is by stairs. Though we normally board and disembark from the upper level, there are some days when we have to disembark from the level opposite the one we boarded. On days when we must board the boat on the lower deck, passengers will have to use the stairs in order to get to the restrooms (which are only located on the upper deck), and could potentially have to use the stairs for disembarking. The restrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible but there are handrails in all restrooms. Additionally, there are fully handicapped accessible restrooms located in the Charleston Maritime Center, right near where the Carolina Belle boards.

If I am handicapped, should I notify the Charleston Harbor Tour crew before I board the boat?

Yes. Please ask about the tide and how you will be boarding and disembarking on the day of your tour if you are concerned about this. Our crew will be able to tell you what the tides are like that day, as well as whether or not you will be able to board on and disembark from the same level. They will assist you as much as they can, but if the tides are uncooperative and you feel unable to attend or uncomfortable doing so, then we will gladly reschedule your tour to a different time. Refunds, however, will still not be granted in this situation.

How do you normally board the vessel? Will we have to use the stairs?

Normally stairs are not required for boarding or disembarking from the Carolina Belle, and we most often use a ramp to load passengers directly on to the upper deck, where the boat's restrooms are located. Unfortunately, the changing tide levels may require boarding on the upper deck and disembarking from the lower deck, or vice versa. If this happens on your trip, you will have to use the staircase between the levels in order to disembark. If we board on the lower level, you will also have to use the stairs in order to get to the restroom. Please make sure you consult with our staff before boarding if having to use the staircase will pose problems for you.

Is there any narration on the tour?

Yes, the Harbor Tour is fully narrated.

Do we see dolphins and other sealife or birdlife?

We often catch a glimpse of dolphins skimming the surface as they feed or a pelican as he nose dives into the water in search of a tasty tidbit.

Is parking available near the departure point?

Yes, a limited amount of free parking is available at the Charleston Maritime Center for Harbor Tour guests. If the lot is full, you may also park at meters or in a City Parking lot nearby, however you must pay for those parking spaces.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the boat is equipped with clean restrooms.

Can I stow anything during the cruise?

We do have limited closet space for wheelchairs and strollers on board. If you have a backpack or other item, we ask that you keep it under your seat. We are not responsible for lost or missing items.

Where does the Harbor Tour finish?

The tour finishes in the same place that it departs from, the Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun and Concord Streets.

Is smoking allowed on board the Carolina Belle?

Smoking is not allowed on the Carolina Belle per the City of Charleston ordinance against smoking in restaurants, bars, and other public areas.

Are dogs allowed on board?

No, Department of Health regulations prohibit animals on board with the exception of service animals.

Are gift certificates available for the trip?

Yes, gift certificates for Charleston Harbor Tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click “Contact HarborTours”.

Can I book a private trip?

Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please click “Contact HarborTours” to inquire further.

Charleston Harbor Tours