Charleston Harbor Tours

Charleston Harbor Tours Quick Facts

Duration 2.5 Hrs

Start Times 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location Shem Creek Park Day-Dock Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Price $425

Capacity Up to 6 guests

Cancellation Full refund 48-Hour Notice

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What’s Included

Private vessel exclusively for your group
Experienced, licensed local captain
Views of Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, and Patriots Point
Active shipping channel and colonial waterfront scenery
Life jackets and all required USCG safety gear
Departure and return at Shem Creek Park (free parking)

Description

Charleston Harbor is one of the most historically significant stretches of water in America — and the only way to truly experience it is from the water. On this private 2.5-hour tour, your licensed captain takes you out to landmarks no road, bridge, or walking tour can reach.

Set out toward Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Navigate the active commercial shipping channel, pull up close to the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, and trace the colonial waterfront back past Rainbow Row, the Battery’s antebellum mansions, and the steeple-dotted skyline that made this city the most prosperous in colonial America.

Your captain is JB Layton, a Charleston native who spent years working the water professionally — from pearling vessels off the coast of northwest Australia to commercial fishing boats running offshore along the Atlantic. He's been back home in Charleston since 2021 and knows these waterways as well as anyone. Expect local knowledge, good conversation, and the occasional sea story.

Good to Know

BYOB — the boat has large coolers stocked with ice and water; bring a wheeled cooler if packing your own (5–7 minute walk from parking to the dock)
Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen — temps on the water can run significantly warmer or cooler than on land
Arrive 25–30 minutes before your departure
Free parking at Shem Creek Park — 📍 [Get Directions on Google Maps]
No restroom on board — air-conditioned public restrooms are at the start of the boardwalk in the parking area
All ages welcome; if you're bringing young children, let us know when you book
No smoking on board — $250 cleaning fee applies; vaping is permitted if respectful of the space
No dogs allowed

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FAQ’s

Is this a private charter?

Yes — the boat is exclusively yours for the duration. No other guests.

Where do we board?

Shem Creek Park, Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant SC 29464. Park on the right as you enter the lot and follow the boardwalk to the 2nd gazebo — your boat is at the dock below it. [Get Directions]

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes — fully BYOB. The boat has large coolers stocked with water, or bring your own. Wheeled coolers recommended (5–7 min walk from parking). You're responsible for your group's behavior on board.

What's the cancellation policy?

48-hour notice required for a full refund.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not permitted on board — a $250 cleaning fee applies to any group that violates this. Vaping is OK if you're respectful of the space.

Is this suitable for kids and families?

Absolutely — this tour has no swimming component, making it a great option for all ages. Life vests for adults and juveniles are on board. If you’re bringing young children, mention it when you book.