TourTruth score 9.4 out of 10
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Charleston Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise 90 min
Below average
851 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score
- Charleston
- 1 hr 30 min
- Updated November 2, 2026
Sail Charleston Harbor aboard an 84-foot schooner, spotting dolphins and historic landmarks on a relaxing 90-minute cruise.
About this tour
Set sail from Aquarium Wharf and see Charleston from the water aboard the Schooner Pride, a classic 84-foot tall ship. This 90-minute Charleston schooner sightseeing dolphin cruise pairs broad harbor views with the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins darting through the waves.
As the sails rise, cruise past historic landmarks that may include Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the Battery. The route depends on the day's weather, so each outing offers its own perspective on Charleston Harbor. Take in the skyline from the deck, find shade beneath the sails, or head below deck during the sail. You can bring snacks or a picnic, while beverages are available for purchase onboard.
The Charleston schooner sightseeing dolphin cruise departs from the floating dock at Aquarium Wharf, beside the South Carolina Aquarium. Boarding requires stairs and a gangplank, and the vessel is not wheelchair accessible. Come aboard for a relaxed harbor sail, memorable views, and a chance to watch dolphins in their natural surroundings.
Highlights
- Sail aboard a classic 84-foot schooner
- Spot bottlenose dolphins racing through Charleston Harbor
- Admire Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, the Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge
- Enjoy panoramic harbor views from the water
What's included
Included
- 1.5-hour schooner sailing cruise of Charleston Harbor
- Sailing past Charleston sights such as Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages, available for purchase
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
-
View on Viator
Viator
4.47 / 5 · 851 reviews
Important information
- Service animals are allowed
- Nearby public transportation is available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You may bring snacks or a picnic, but outside beverages are not permitted
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- You can go below deck or sit in the shade of the sails
- The Schooner Pride is not wheelchair accessible; boarding involves five stairs and a gangplank, and the restroom is below deck with stairs
- Meet at the floating dock at Aquarium Wharf, to the left of the South Carolina Aquarium
- Nearby parking is available at the Aquarium garage at 24 Calhoun Street and at meters along Concord, Charlotte, Laurens, and Washington Streets
- The route and landmarks may vary with weather conditions
Frequently asked questions
How long is the cruise?
The schooner sailing cruise lasts 90 minutes.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Meet at the Schooner Pride's floating dock at Aquarium Wharf, to the left of the South Carolina Aquarium.
Can I bring food or drinks?
You may bring snacks or a picnic, but outside beverages are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Is the schooner wheelchair accessible?
No. Boarding involves five stairs and a gangplank, and the restroom is below deck with stairs.
Which landmarks will I see?
The route varies with weather, but sights may include Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, the Ravenel Bridge, and the Battery.
How this score is calculated
This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.47 from 851 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.
How the score works and rating distribution in Charleston
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 4.4.
Provider rating distribution in Charleston
How many tours in Charleston have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
- GetYourGuide
- Viator
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