Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

Exploring Charleston Harbor’s natural beauty has never been easier than with the Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise. This 1.5-hour journey aboard an 84-foot classic tall ship offers guests a chance to witness historic landmarks, spot playful dolphins, and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this cruise provides a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich maritime heritage in an engaging and family-friendly way. But the true thrill lies in what awaits beyond the harbor’s edge.

Good To Know

• Offers a 1.5-hour sailing experience on an 84-foot classic tall ship in Charleston Harbor.
• Provides panoramic views of historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge.
• Opportunity to spot dolphins swimming alongside the schooner during the cruise.
• Family-friendly experience accommodating up to 49 travelers with snacks and drinks available for purchase.
• Meeting point located at Harbor Walk, with nearby parking options and accessibility for service animals.

Cruise Overview

The Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise offers a relaxing 1.5-hour sailing experience on an 84-foot classic tall ship.

Glide past historic sights like Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge, taking in panoramic views of the harbor. This family-friendly activity accommodates up to 49 travelers, allowing guests to bring their own snacks.

Drinks are available for purchase on board. The cruise is a leisurely boat ride rather than a detailed sightseeing tour, providing a chance to socialize with friends or enjoy a romantic outing on the water.

Sailing Experience

Aboard the 84-foot classic tall ship, guests embark on a delightful sailing journey across Charleston Harbor. The 1.5-hour cruise provides panoramic views of the historic landmarks, including Fort Sumter and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Guests may spot dolphins swimming alongside the schooner, adding to the serene experience. The sailing adventure offers several highlights:

• Gliding past the city’s picturesque waterfront and landmarks
• Feeling the gentle breeze and the rocking motion of the ship
• Capturing breathtaking photos of the Charleston skyline and harbor

The relaxing atmosphere allows guests to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Lowcountry.

Sights and Attractions

Guests on the Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise enjoy panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks. As the classic tall ship glides through the harbor, travelers can spot the historic Fort Sumter and the striking Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The cruise offers a unique perspective on Charleston’s waterfront, showcasing its rich maritime heritage.

Family-Friendly Activities

Beyond taking in the historic sights, the Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise provides a family-friendly experience for all ages.

With a maximum of 49 travelers, the cruise offers ample space for families to move about and enjoy the views.

Some key features that make this a great choice for families include:

• The family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, social vibe
• The possibility of spotting dolphins, which is always exciting for kids
• The availability of snacks and drinks for purchase on board

Accessibility and Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise is located at the Harbor Walk, 360 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401.

The schooner Pride is docked at The Aquarium Wharf. Guests can park at the nearby Aquarium garage at 24 Calhoun Street or find street meters.

However, the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, as there are 5 stairs and a gangplank to board. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Guests should plan their transportation and arrival accordingly to ensure a smooth start to their sailing adventure.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise offers flexible booking and cancellation options. Priced from $52.00 per person, the cruise can be reserved now and paid for later.

Guests enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Additionally:

• Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
• The "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option is available.
• Free cancellation is permitted up to a day before the cruise.

With these flexible policies, travelers can easily plan and adjust their Charleston sightseeing experience on the harbor.

Guest Feedback and Ratings

With 407 reviews, the Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise enjoys an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Guests have had mixed experiences, with some praising the relaxing atmosphere and friendly crew, while others expected more historical narration and engagement.

Common highlights include the beautiful views and frequent dolphin sightings.

However, some critiques mention a lack of communication, confusion about the cruise details, and disappointment over the lack of a guided tour.

Tips and Recommendations

How about bringing warm clothes and a blanket for cooler months when embarking on the Charleston Harbor Dolphin Cruise?

Guests should expect a relaxing experience rather than a narrated tour, making it ideal for socializing with friends or a romantic outing.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s important to:

• Check in at the correct dock to avoid confusion.
• Consider the cruise as a leisurely boat ride rather than a detailed sightseeing tour.
• Prepare for the possibility of not hearing any historical narration during the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks on board, but drinks must be purchased from the cruise. The cruise provides a relaxing experience rather than a narrated tour.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Cruise?

There are restroom facilities available on board the schooner for guests’ convenience during the cruise. The crew ensures the restrooms are clean and accessible throughout the duration of the sailing experience.

Can I Disembark and Re-Board the Ship During the Cruise?

Passengers cannot disembark and re-board the ship during the cruise. The schooner operates as a continuous 1.5-hour sail, and early departure or re-boarding would disrupt the experience for other guests and the cruise’s operations.

Is There Any Live Entertainment or Music During the Sailing?

There is no live entertainment or music during the sailing. It’s a relaxing, calm experience focused on sightseeing and taking in the harbor views and potential dolphin sightings rather than an actively narrated or music-filled cruise.

Do the Crew Provide Any Historical Commentary or Narration?

The crew typically don’t provide historical commentary or narration during the sailing. The cruise is more focused on enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and sights of the harbor rather than a detailed sightseeing tour.

The Sum Up

This afternoon schooner sightseeing dolphin cruise on Charleston Harbor offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all ages. Guests can admire historic landmarks, spot playful dolphins, and purchase drinks aboard the 84-foot tall ship. With a cozy atmosphere and ample sightseeing opportunities, this cruise is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the beauty of Charleston’s waterfront.