Looking for the ultimate boating and water tour guide for Charleston, SC? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled along the Atlantic coast is a water-lover’s paradise! The city is cradled by rivers, marshes, and the Intercoastal Waterway, all teeming with life and history. We can’t stress enough to visitors that you really need to get out on the water. There’s something transformative about viewing Charleston from the water which gives you a unique perspective on the city’s storied past. Also, Charleston’s coastal wildlife is diverse and abundant. Dolphins often playfully follow boats, while herons and egrets glide just above the marsh grasses, offering a peaceful encounter with nature.
Let’s trade your walking shoes for flip-flops or boat shoes to discover the charm of the Holy City from the water! Below we’ve provided some of the best ways to experience Charleston’s waters – whether through a guided tour or more independent, self-guided exploration:
GUIDED CHARLESTON WATER TOURS
Charleston is a peninsula surrounded by water and you’d be selling your trip short if you visited and didn’t experience the city from the water in some form or another. Charleston has successfully existed and thrived for centuries due to it’s strategic location along the waterways. Check-out some of our guided tour suggestions below:
Fort Sumter Tours – take a boat ride out to where the Civil War began! The fort is a National Park with Rangers who will answer questions while visiting.
- Charleston Harbor Tour – great way to see the harbor and learn about the historic sites all around.
- SpiritLine Dinner Cruises – offers the only true waterfront dining in Charleston where you’ll enjoy a three-course plated dinner made from local ingredients. Cruise past iconic landmarks in the harbor at sunset and while enjoying a cocktail.
- Nature Adventures – offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours from scenic Shem Creek (a popular dolphin playground).
- Schooner Pride – Take a relaxing sail on Charleston’s only 3 mast tall ship. Just sit back, enjoy the sites and let the wind guide you around the harbor. While this is not a narrated tour, it is a great way to see the sunset and fan favorite.
- Barrier Island Eco Tours – Go on an eco-adventure and get an up close view of the beauty of the Low Country marshland and barrier islands. These tours are educational yet very entertaining and fun for kids and adults alike.
- Charleston Water Taxi – see dolphins and iconic landmarks in the harbor on this tour and ferry that departs from 4 locations hourly such as: Waterfront Park, Maritime Center, Patriots Point (USS Yorktown) and Charleston Harbor Resorts.
- Palmetto Breeze Sailing Tours – Departing from picturesque Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, this tour allows guests to explore the water on a 50-foot catamaran. Feel the ocean breeze and see famous landmarks and the Battery from the water.
SELF-GUIDED CHARLESTON WATER TOURS
If you prefer a more independent approach, Charleston’s waterways also offer plenty of opportunities for self-guided exploration. Whether yo uwant to rent a boat or paddleboard, there’s no shortage of options to chart your own course. Check-out some of our self-guided tour suggestions below:
- Kayak & SUP Rentals: Nature Adventures – offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours from scenic Shem Creek (a popular dolphin playground).
- Boat Rentals – Quarterdeck – Offering many new style boats with Simrad navigation, they having many options of boats to choose from such as center console, bow rider or pontoons from multiple convenient marinas in the area. Choose from either the Isle of Palms, Bohicket (Johns Island area), or Seabreeze Marinas (close to Kiawah & Seabrook Islands). Tube and gear rental is offered as well to enhance your experience. In addition, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from them as well.
WHY WATER-BASED TOURS ARE A MUST IN CHARLESTON
Charleston’ waterways are more than just scenic – they are intergal to the city’s history, culture and lifestyle. Getting out on the water allows visitors to:
- Experience Iconic Landmarks: Fort Sumter, the Battery, Waterfront Park, the Ravenel are all best seen from the water.
- Spot Wildlife: Charleston’s coastal ecosystems are home to an array of wildlife such as dolphins, seabirds, turtles and even fresh-water species such as the American Alligator up the Cooper, Ashley and Wando Rivers.
- Find Solitude: Whether paddling a kayak or cruising a boat, the peace of Charleston’s waterways offers a welcome break from the city’s bustling streets.
- Embrace the Coastal Lifestyle: Boating and water sports are a way of life in Charleston, giving you a glimpse into the local culture.
Whether you choose a guided boat tour or opt for the freedom of a self-guided adventure, getting on the water is paramount to experienceing the magic of Charleston, SC.
