Charleston Schooner Pride LLC

The Schooner Pride is a relaxing way to tour the harbor though it is more about the ride than a narrative history of Charleston SC. We did the day tour and the Full Moon Tour. The 2 girls crewing the Schooner were briskly efficient. They put the guys on the moonlit night cruise to shame! While this is not a narrative tour, the girls knew a the local history. The day captain was relatively new to the area so he was not as well informed, but made up for it with humor and an easy, out-going attitude. Drinks are available (soda, water, beer) at a reasonable price. My 2nd beer got me a coozie which served to keep my 2nd beer cool and for a souvenir later. On the Full Moon Cruise we got 2 wood tokens which allowed us 2 "free" drinks; I only spent one, saving the other for (you guessed it) - a souvenir. I really like souvenirs, and not only hope they keep the practice, but that they see fit to extend it to their day cruises as well. "Working" on the boat consists only of hauling on ropes to raise and lower the sails - the more complex tasks are handled by the crew (again, those girls were quick, efficient, and seemed to know more about sailing than anyone I've ever met!). I would have loved to have been able to be more involved (e.g. climbing out on the foremast to untie the forward sail); however, I recognize that this isn't allowed due to liability risks. The sail consisted of leaving port (next to the Charleston H2O Aquarium) under engine power, then the sails are raised and the engines cut off. From there you sail out towards Ft. Sumter (watch for dolphins! We saw some!). The boat then turns prior to reaching Ft. Sumter (watch for swinging booms! - most of which are sufficiently overhead as to pose no danger) - and you sail back, under the landmark Ravenel Bridge, around a support, and then back to the Aquarium dock. I do wish they would swing out PAST Fort Sumter to give the passengers a taste of true ocean swells prior to turning back. I thoroughly enjoyed the roller-coaster sensation of the few swells which reached into the harbor around the Fort Sumter area, and would have enjoyed it even more if the Schooner Pride could have made a full circuit of the island (though this probably would be impossible due to the huge sandbar which joins Ft. Sumter to a neighboring island.) All in all a memorable sailing tour. I would recommend the sunset sail as the best - and pick a windy day, if you can. (We booked the moonlight tour at the last minute - and got lucky). One thing about the moonlight tour - it may sound romantic, but for the first hour it's more like a lightening storm since the passengers are taking camera flash shots (when will they learn flash doesn't do squat at 25 yards??), and it's not very romantic when you have 30 some odd folks chatting and wandering around in a small space. Something to bear in mind if you chose that sail. Also bear in mind this small schooner carries 40 people - it can be somewhat crowded at times.

The sunset cruise was a perfect ending to a day of sight seeing! The captain and crew saw to our every need and were great at meeting and making friends with their temporary crew. It was great to get a perpsective of the bay, see dolphins, and catch the breeze!

Not much in the way of information from the crew, however, they were competent, friendly, and very eager to let the crew and children participate in the sailing of the vessel. Weather was beautiful; next time we will take the night sail!

My college friends and I booked an afternoon cruise to set off our 30th reunion. July weather was nice and hot, in the mid 90's. once we got off the dock, the sea breeze kicked in and we had a wonderful time checking out the Carnival Fantasy which was getting ready to sail and all the sites around the Charleston Harbor. I highly recommend for locals and tourists alike.

This was the first time my husband and I had been to Charleston. For our 30th anniversary, we tried to pack in as much as we could in five days. We took the Schooner Pride sunset tour on day 3. We both agreed that we would be happily content to spend the rest of our trip right there on the schooner! The skipper was polite, knowledgable (sp?), and fun. We loved when he shot the cannon off! Both times!! Both members of the crew were also polite, knowledgable, and fun. It was charming to see one of the crew get excited about spotting dolphins. We asked about purchasing T-shirts, and the young lady went below deck to get a couple for us. The price of the shirts, as well as the beverages (with the FREE koosie) were very reasonable. When we take our next vacation in another 30 years, we will high-tail it back to Charleston and the Schooner Pride!

I took my parents and boyfriend on this sailboat and we had such a relaxing and wonderful time! There wasn't too many people on board so it wasn't crowded or anything and it was fairly quiet. I highly recommend this for any occasion!

Captain and crew were very helpful and informative about things in the harbor and the history. My husband really enjoyed helping raise and lower the sails. The weather was gorgeous!!! One disappointment----we brought cameras, etc. with us hoping to get some pictures like no other of Rainbow Row, Battery, etc. and the boat did not go anywhere near this area and we couldn't understand why they wouldn't. That is the main reason we booked this event. The harbor was nice, but didn"t really see what we went for.

After reading previous reviews, we decided that taking this trip & having fun on it was pretty much up to you. The captain, in his opening remarks, explained that this was NOT a narrated tour, but that the interesting & historical sites would be pointed out. We had the perfect day (except for the heat), blue skies, puffy clouds, & wind. After the sails were set, the crew said we were doing 10.3 knots - the fastest they'd sailed in quite a while. We saw several dolphins, which the crew was very good about finding for us. The various historical sites were pointed out & our needs were met quickly. Plenty of cold, cold water was available on a very hot, hot day. It was mentioned that shirts & caps were available for sale, but nothing was ever pushed. And when I had a question on how the crew was fastening off the ropes, one crew member gave me a short knot-tying lesson. All in all, a fun day for Grampa, Grandma, & Granddaughter.

Watching the sunset over the battery was breathtaking.

Our group of 9 relatives enjoyed the evening cruise aboard "The Pride." The weather was excellent, the ship's crew did an excellent job, and we witnessed a beautiful sunset on the return leg through the harbor.

We really enjoyed our sail. Peaceful and relaxing...will definitely be returning..

Had set up the excursion weeks ahead as the last night of my wife's and my trip to Charleston. Received a call a couple of days before the tour telling me that the boat had been chartered the night of my reservation to a private group. Had to move up our appointment a day - requiring my having to move other reservations. The boat was then very crowded - essentially at capacity. Neat tour to take, but better if 40+ people aren't aboard.

The crew was wonderful. A very good time and well worth the cost.

Nice trip to take just to get away for awhile. Charleston is a beautiful city from land but is even more beautiful from the water.

Our family made this activity our "grand finale" to a short weekend in Charleston. There is definitely no better way to see the sun set! My girls, age 8 & 11, enjoyed helping to hoist the sails, and asking the crew members all their questions. It was very educational as well as a fun, relaxing family outing.