Charleston Harbor Wildlife & Landmarks Tour
Private Trip
Cruise
Private 3hour harbor cruise accommodates up to six guestsSpot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and explore scenic Lowcountry waterwaysView historic coastal landmarks from custom sportfishing boat deck
Step aboard a custom sportfishing boat transformed into your private sightseeing vessel for three hours of pure Charleston magic. This harbor cruise takes you beyond the crowded tourist spots to see bottlenose dolphins playing in their natural habitat while soaking up centuries of coastal history from the water. You'll cruise the scenic Lowcountry waterways with up to five other guests, perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a more intimate look at what makes Charleston's harbor so special. The stable deck gives everyone great photo opportunities, and the air-conditioned cabin means you can stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will navigate you through Charleston's most photogenic spots while sharing stories that bring the history to life. The tour starts from the harbor and winds through protected waterways where marine life thrives year-round. You'll see historic Fort Sumter from a completely different angle, cruise past Rainbow Row's colorful facades reflecting in the water, and get up close to the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The boat's design gives everyone plenty of space to move around and find the perfect viewing spot, whether you're snapping photos or just taking it all in. Complimentary snacks and bottled water keep everyone happy, and the bathroom facilities mean no one has to worry about comfort during the three-hour journey.
This isn't your typical tour boat experience – you're cruising on a custom sportfishing vessel built for stability and comfort. The elevated deck provides excellent sightlines in every direction, making it easy to spot dolphins breaking the surface or catch sight of historic landmarks emerging around each bend. Your guide uses specialized marine navigation equipment to position the boat in prime wildlife viewing areas while maintaining a respectful distance from the animals. The boat's shallow draft allows access to creeks and waterways that larger tour vessels simply can't reach, giving you exclusive views of pristine salt marshes and hidden coves. When the Charleston sun gets intense, the spacious cabin offers a cool retreat with panoramic windows so you never miss the action outside.
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are the true stars of Charleston's waters, and you'll likely see several pods during your cruise. These intelligent mammals grow up to 12 feet long and can live over 40 years, with many individuals calling Charleston harbor home year-round. They're most active during incoming tides when baitfish are pushed into the shallows, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Watch for their signature behavior called "strand feeding," where dolphins beach themselves temporarily to catch fish – it's something you'll only see in a few places along the entire East Coast. The dolphins here aren't shy around boats, often riding the bow wake or showing off with impressive jumps and tail slaps that make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Keep your eyes peeled for brown pelicans diving headfirst into the water from impressive heights, a behavior that's fascinating to watch up close. These large seabirds were once endangered but have made a remarkable comeback along the South Carolina coast. During certain times of year, you might also spot loggerhead sea turtles surfacing to breathe, particularly in the warmer months when they're most active in coastal waters. The salt marsh ecosystem supports incredible bird diversity – great blue herons standing motionless in the shallows, osprey diving for fish, and seasonal visitors like painted buntings that birders travel from across the country to see.
This top-rated Charleston harbor tour gives you three hours of the best wildlife viewing and sightseeing the Lowcountry has to offer, all from the comfort of a custom boat with your own knowledgeable captain. At $825 for up to six guests, you're getting incredible value for a private experience that can't be matched by crowded tour boats. Need more time to explore? Additional hours are available for $275 each, letting you extend the adventure into sunset hours or venture further into the pristine waterways. Full Circle Fishing Charters has built their reputation on showing guests the real Charleston from the water, combining professional seamanship with genuine local knowledge that makes every trip memorable. Book now to secure your spot on this customer favorite that's quickly becoming the most sought-after way to experience Charleston's natural beauty and rich maritime history.
undefined, undefined