
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,129 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise worth booking?
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise is a 2-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $60 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,129 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,129)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $60 per person
Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the Charleston harbor and surrounding waterways aboard our 45-foot USCG certified power catamaran as Charleston’s unique skyline comes alive with peaceful and breathtaking views of sunset silhouetted steeples. Dolphins and shore birds will entertain you with their whimsy. You'll enjoy seeing sites such as the forts, the Battery, the islands and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as we cruise under it. This is not a guided tour. However, our captain and mate are prepared to answer any questions that you may have. Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the Charleston harbor and surrounding waterways aboard our 45-foot USCG certified power catamaran as Charleston’s unique skyline comes alive with peaceful and breathtaking views of sunset silhouetted steeples. Dolphins and shore birds will entertain you with their whimsy. You'll enjoy seeing sites such as the forts, the Battery, the islands and the lighthouses. See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from a different perspective as we cruise under it. This is not a guided tour. However, our captain and mate are prepared to answer any questions that you may have. Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase.
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Fort Sumter National Monument
Pass by without stopping.
Pass by without stopping
South Carolina Aquarium
Pass by without stopping.
Pass by without stopping
Fort Moultrie
Pass by without stopping.
Pass by without stopping
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Pass under bridge.
Pass by without stopping
Battery & White Point Gardens
Pass by without stopping.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Charleston
Address: 10 Wharfside Street Charleston, SC 29401
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Address: 10 Wharfside Street Charleston, SC 29401
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sandlapper Water Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If there is any in-climate weather approaching. Please contact Supplier prior to arrival. Phone is in the Voucher.
- Dress code is smart casual
- Paid parking is available in the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (5 minute walk) or at the parking meters on Concord Street. Please keep in mind that street parking can sometimes be difficult to find. The Charleston Maritime Center (owned by the City of Charleston) sadly does not offer parking to the public. However, passengers are allowed to be dropped off. As you get closer to the water look for the blue & white Sandlapper Tours ticket booth on the left dock. Feel free to call if you have questions or need help.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,119 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,119 verified traveler reviews for Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time!
What a great experience!! Our captain & bartender were so friendly and informative. The boat was comfy. We saw a lot of dolphins too! I would highly recommend this tour!
via Viator
Weather was bad but the...
Weather was bad but the crew was cool. Music was diverse and everyone felt included. Good time. Thanks
Response from the operator: We are glad you had a great time on the sunset cruise even when the weather wouldn't cooperate. We hope to see you again on a sunny day!
via Viator
Perfect evening
Mike. Rob, and Dallas were the BEST captainand crew! They were personable and so much fun to be with. It was the perfect way for my husband and I to end our time in Charleston.
Response from the operator: We are delighted you had the perfect evening on the water with your husband! We hope to see you again when you come back to Charleston in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Cruise
Lovely cruise at sunset. Would have liked more history of the area as we cruised.
Response from the operator: Glad you enjoyed the sunset cruise! The sunset cruise was created to not be a history harbor cruise. Just tidbits as we go by points of interest. Plenty of other tours you can just take for history.
via Tripadvisor
So much fun!
This tour was one of the best experiences we had on our first trip to Charleston. Captain Robbie and his mate (bartender) Tim shared interesting facts along the way but also provided a lot of fun information and great antics that made this boat ride one we won’t soon forget! Our weather was great and we got to see dolphins! Robbie was available to take pictures of passengers at sunset and even jumped into a few snapshots!! Absolutely terrific evening! I highly recommend!
Response from the operator: WE are so happy you had a fun sunset cruise and a great overall experience with us! We can't wait to take you back out on the next time you are in Charleston!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 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
- 395
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sandlapper Water Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.9.
See everything Sandlapper Water Tours runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.
How much does Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $60 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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,129 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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise?
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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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise?
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Around 395 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise 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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise?
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Address: 10 Wharfside Street Charleston, SC 29401 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise 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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise?
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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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise 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 Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise?
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Across 1,129 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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