
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 844 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor worth booking?
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor is a 1.5-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $56 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 844 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (844)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $56 per person
Meet us at Aquarium Wharf near Concord St. and Calhoun St. in Charleston SC as you experience historic Charleston Harbor aboard our classic 84-foot Tall Ship for a unique sailing experience. There is no better way to witness all our beautiful Charleston sites as we hoist the sails and set off through the waters, past some of the most historic sites in the country and witness to some of the most playful bottle nose dolphins racing around the harbor. Sail by notable sites such as Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Arthur J. Ravenel Bride, and the Battery. Because we are sailing vessel working with the weather conditions of the day, the route and landmarks we pass on a daily basis can vary. Join us for a relaxing harbor sail!
What you get
About this experience
Meet us at Aquarium Wharf near Concord St. and Calhoun St. in Charleston SC as you experience historic Charleston Harbor aboard our classic 84-foot Tall Ship for a unique sailing experience. There is no better way to witness all our beautiful Charleston sites as we hoist the sails and set off through the waters, past some of the most historic sites in the country and witness to some of the most playful bottle nose dolphins racing around the harbor. Sail by notable sites such as Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Arthur J. Ravenel Bride, and the Battery. Because we are sailing vessel working with the weather conditions of the day, the route and landmarks we pass on a daily basis can vary. Join us for a relaxing harbor sail!
What's included
Included
- Sail past some of Charleston's top sites such as Fort Sumter and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Experience panoramic views as you enjoy your sail aboard a classic 84-foot tall ship
- See playful Bottle Nose Dolphins racing around the harbor
- 1.5 hour - Schooner Sailing Cruise of Charleston Harbor
Not included
- Alcoholic Beverages (available for purchase)
What you'll see and do
The Schooner Pride
Your cruise starts at Aquarium Wharf, where you'll board your genuine tall ship, powered only by Mother Nature and her incredible wind power. Once on board, watch the crew hoist the sails. Travel through waters that Blackbeard once anchored in, relax on deck, and imagine a time when the harbor was filled with these magnificent ships. You may bring your own food on board, if you wish, but not drinks; beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase on board at your own expense.
Admission included
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
While this is not a narrated cruise, the incredible crew is happy to answer questions about some of Charleston's most historic landmarks that you will see, such as Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown, an Essex-class aircraft carrier that played an important role during World War II.
Pass by without stopping
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Don't forget about Charleston's own modern marvel with an up-close look at the impressive Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the western hemisphere. You're welcome to help raise and trim the sails, or you may sit back and enjoy the ride.
Pass by without stopping
Fort Sumter National Monument
See beautiful homes that line the Battery and famous Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, and watch for pelicans performing diving acts.
Pass by without stopping
Charleston Waterfront Park
Pass by Charleston Waterfront Park
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Charleston
The Schooner Pride is docked at the floating dock at The Aquarium Wharf to the left of the SC Aquarium. Closest parking is in the Aquarium garage at 24 Calhoun Street or at the parking meters along Concord, Charlotte, Laurens and Washington Streets.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The Schooner Pride is docked at the floating dock at The Aquarium Wharf to the left of the SC Aquarium. Closest parking is in the Aquarium garage at 24 Calhoun Street or at the parking meters along Concord, Charlotte, Laurens and Washington Streets.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Schooner Pride
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Welcome to bring your own snacks or picnic; however you can not bring your own beverages
- Guests are welcome to go below deck or stay in the shade of the sails to keep out of the sun
- The Schooner Pride is not wheelchair accessible. We will do our best to accommodate disabled persons, but there are 5 stairs then a gangplank to cross to board. The "head" is also below deck and you will need to negotiate stairs to use it.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 832 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
832 verified traveler reviews for Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Must do
It was a beautiful day for us and the boat was in good condition. The captain was a great guy. We had an amazing day!
via Viator
Schooner
Guides were great. The boat was a lot of fun. I got to raise the sails.
via Tripadvisor
Relaxing
It was a great sail, relaxing, beautiful sights. Even got to see dolphins
via Tripadvisor
Sailing
Beautiful excursion and great crew
via Tripadvisor
Great experience.
Peaceful, relaxing, beautiful. Easy and enjoyable. No stress, no mess. No constant talking by a tour guide. Loved it!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 295
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.
How much does Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor cost?
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Prices start at $56 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Charleston usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Charleston is not rushed.
Is Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 844 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Charleston, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor?
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Around 295 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Charleston can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Charleston and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Charleston within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Charleston?
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Charleston's best experiences are small: house museum tours with an architectural historian, Gullah heritage walks, harbour sails at sunset and Lowcountry food crawls through the market district. Plantation day trips vary enormously in how honestly they handle the history, and our ranking factors that in directly. On Outty we rank every Charleston experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel, Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
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March to May and September to November, the two mild shoulder windows. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Charleston?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor?
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Included: Sail past some of Charleston's top sites such as Fort Sumter and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge; Experience panoramic views as you enjoy your sail aboard a classic 84-foot tall ship; See playful Bottle Nose Dolphins racing around the harbor; and 1.5 hour - Schooner Sailing Cruise of Charleston Harbor. Not included: Alcoholic Beverages (available for purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor?
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The Schooner Pride is docked at the floating dock at The Aquarium Wharf to the left of the SC Aquarium. Closest parking is in the Aquarium garage at 24 Calhoun Street or at the parking meters along Concord, Charlotte. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: The Schooner Pride is not wheelchair accessible. We will do our best to accommodate disabl. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor?
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Across 844 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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