
Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 457 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor worth booking?
Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor is a 1.5-hour experience in Charleston, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 457 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (457)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $45 per person
Do you believe there may be ghosts in Charleston, SC? Does the thought of actually encountering a ghost send a shiver down your spine? Well, if you are curious, even if you do not encounter an actual ghost, you will have a lot of fun while learning some history and seeing some fascinating sights from the haunted Charleston harbor. This is a 1.5 hour narrated water tour around the Charleston Harbor on our US Coast Guard Certified 45-foot powered catamaran, the Palmetto. And accommodates up to 49 passengers.
What you get
About this experience
Do you believe there may be ghosts in Charleston, SC? Does the thought of actually encountering a ghost send a shiver down your spine? Well, if you are curious, even if you do not encounter an actual ghost, you will have a lot of fun while learning some history and seeing some fascinating sights from the haunted Charleston harbor. This is a 1.5 hour narrated water tour around the Charleston Harbor on our US Coast Guard Certified 45-foot powered catamaran, the Palmetto. And accommodates up to 49 passengers.
What's included
Included
- Haunted Ghost Cruise
- Government fees
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Sandlapper Water Tours
The Palmetto is a 45-foot US Coast Guard Certified powered catamaran that holds up to 49 people. All tours depart/return, from/to the Charleston Maritime Center at 10 Wharfside Street, located 1/2 block from the SC Aquarium in Downtown Charleston. We ask that all of our guests arrive 30 minutes prior to departure and to please check in at our blue and white ticket booth located on the far left dock when facing the water. Due to construction, no parking is available at the Charleston Maritime Center. However, off-street parking is available and a city parking garage is located near the Aquarium. There are clean restrooms available at the Maritime Center. And of course, we do have a bathroom aboard. Soft drinks, water, beer, wine and prepackaged snacks are available on board for purchase. Once aboard and seated, our mate will give a brief safety talk before departing from the dock. Then we invite you to enjoy a relaxing evening while cruising along Charleston’s waterways. Charleston’s forts, houses, and ships are the centerpiece of many of the South’s most famous ghost stories. Come aboard and explore the sites that cannot be reached on foot. Feel the cool breeze of Charleston Harbor, and hear the tales of lost fortunes, pirate ships and tragic death while riding Charleston’s dark waves. Experience the fascinating horror that the Holy City’s pirates, wars, and storms have ravaged past and present. And when it comes to spine-chilling experiences and haunted sights, Charleston is the best location because it’s one of the most haunted cities in America.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Charleston
Please check in at our blue & white ticket booth located on the far left pier when facing the water at least 30 minutes prior to tour departure.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check in at our blue & white ticket booth located on the far left pier when facing the water at least 30 minutes prior to tour departure.
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
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sandlapper Water Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 3 are not permitted!
- 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. (843)849-8687
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 456 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
456 verified traveler reviews for Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Went above and beyond for...
Went above and beyond for a fantastic experience. My daughter got seasick and she was given a sprite to calm her nausea. My little boy got chilly so he was given a large towel as a blanket. The ghost stories were the perfect amount of spooky for kids. Was great leading up to Halloween. Would definitely recommend. 10/10!!
via Viator
Excellent
We had a great time. Our tour guide was excellent!
Response from the operator: We are so happy you had a great time on the ghost tour! You had one of the legends of ghost tours in Charleston, Eddie Macy!
via Tripadvisor
Ghosts tour
This is a very informative harbor cruise. This is the second time I have been on this tour. I highly recommend gives you more information about Charleston and being on the boat in the water at night and seeing Charleston Beautiful views
Response from the operator: Thanks for coming out with us on the Ghost Tour especially, a second time! That says a lot! It is a special experience being on the water at night! We hope to see you again in the future!
via Viator
Cancelled cruise
I cannot leave a review at this time, due to a lack of participation by others, our cruise was cancelled by the boat operator and crew.
Response from the operator: Sorry, we can't run the boat with low numbers. You also got a refund.
via Tripadvisor
Tales of Ghosts
It’s mainly a boat ride at night. The guides were fun and the weather was worth the ride. See a Naval ship that close is pretty cool. A ghost tour is not the title I would ise if it was my business. But, I guess it’s effective.
Response from the operator: I'm glad you enjoyed the boat ride and getting up to the Yorktown close. Sorry, your expectations were not met as far as a ghost tour. A lot of people enjoy it being on the water at night, hearing ghost and pirate stories. Taking in the lights and just getting a different perspective of being on the water in the evening.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $45 to $49
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 160
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Charleston.
How much does Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor cost?
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Prices start at $45 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 457 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Charleston, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor?
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Around 160 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor?
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Included: Haunted Ghost Cruise; and Government fees. Not included: Food and drinks; Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor?
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Please check in at our blue & white ticket booth located on the far left pier when facing the water at least 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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.
What happens to Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of 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 Narrated Haunted Ghost Cruise of Charleston Harbor?
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Across 457 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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