Watch the sun set above Charleston, South Carolina with a 2-hour sunset harbor cruise aboard a 45-foot motorized catamaran. Find a comfortable seat on deck, spot the landmarks of downtown Charleston and the waterfront, and watch for the dolphins and sea birds that thrive along the South Carolina shoreline. Enjoy a relaxing break from the city while spending a romantic evening on the water.

2-hour Charleston Harbor cruise
Watch sunset from a catamaran
See the sights from the water
Encounter native wildlife in a natural environment
Romantic experience, perfect for couples

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Charleston Maritime Center
10 Wharfside St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Address: 10 Wharfside Street Charleston, SC 29401

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Meet your guide at the Charleston Maritime Center in downtown Charleston 30 minutes prior to departure, and check in at the blue and white ticket booth onsite. Learn the basics of onboard safety before heading out into the Charleston Harbor. This is not a narrated tour, but the captain and first mate will be available throughout the sail to answer questions and point out local landmarks.

Cruise under the iconic span of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as navigate along the scenic harbor, and enjoy an mellow playlist of music. See the Battery, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie and Charleston’s scenic lighthouses from the water—with unobstructed views, this is the perfect time to snap photographs of the iconic landmarks.

Relax on deck for nature’s sunset show: the sun sets directly over the land, lighting up the clouds and waterfront. Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase, and you’ll finish your harbor cruise back at the Maritime Center, close to some of downtowns best bars, restaurants and cafes.

Fort Sumter National Monument (Pass By)

South Carolina Aquarium (Pass By)

Fort Moultrie (Pass By)

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Pass By)

Battery & White Point Gardens (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
If there is any in-climate weather approaching. Please contact Supplier prior to arrival. Phone is in the Voucher.
Dress code is smart casual
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Kendra_M

Boat was very nice and we had about 42 passengers which was a good group size. Our captain and guide were both so friendly, very informative, fun and played great music! We had beautiful weather and our cruise concluded with a fabulous sunset. This experience was a highlight of our time with our granddaughter in Charleston. Thank you so much!

Reviews

5.0

761 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 761 reviews

Vacation with my boys

Joyce_L, Apr 2024

Really enjoyed this cruise! Victor was awesome, loved how he interact with individuals and taking pictures of everyone with the sunset in the background. Can’t wait to to book the ghost cruise! Thank you

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Joyce, we are so glad that you and your boys enjoyed your sunset cruise experience. Thank you for making us a part of your vacation and for the great review! We look forward to welcoming y’all aboard the Palmetto again for the Ghost tour. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Charleston.

Had an absolute...

Mattie_W, Apr 2024

Had an absolute incredible time!!! Mike and Rachel were the best crew, super knowledgeable and funny, truly made the experience so much fun! Got to see so many dolphins and an incredible sunset on the water. 10/10 reccomend this experience if you’re in the area!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hey Mattie, we are so glad that you had an “incredible time” on the sunset cruise. Mike and Rachel do an awesome job for sure! It’s always special when our friends, the dolphins show up. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and for the awesome review! We hope to see you aboard the Palmetto again soon!

Lovely sunset cruise. Do it!

Ralph_G, Apr 2024

We loved seeing the dolphins, and we enjoyed an absolutely beautiful sunset. The crew were happy, engaged, and super helpful.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Ralph, we are so glad that y’all enjoyed the sunset cruise! Thank you so much for the awesome review…so glad that you got to see dolphins. Hope to see y’all aboard the Palmetto again soon!

Wonderful catamaran experience

Beth_C, Apr 2024

Wonderful experience. We highly recommend. Rachel (a "marine" student at the College of Charleston) was very informative & responsive to our many questions. Captain Mike was also great... quite informative and funny to boot.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Beth, we are delighted to hear that y’all enjoyed the sunset cruise with Captain Mike and Rachel. Thank you so much for the excellent review and recommendation. Hope to see you aboard the Palmetto again the next time your travels bring you to Charleston.

Sunset cruise

Jana_H, Apr 2024

Captain and Victor - great company and very informative! Very chilly but we got what Victor called “the trifecta”- a stunning sunset, and equally stunning full harvest moon, AND plenty of dolphin sightings!! Worth the chill!!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Jana, yeah, sorry about the chilly weather. Our weather this time of year can be very fickle. However, as you noted you got "the trifecta" which made it worth the chill! We appreciate you recognizing our staff and thank you for sharing your experience.

Great crew not too chatty...

Peter_O, Apr 2024

Great crew not too chatty but gave good historical info Nice size boat not too many people able to walk around

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Peter! We are so glad that you enjoyed the sunset cruise and our crew! They do an awesome job. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience..

10/10 recommend

Liz_I, Apr 2024

Such an amazing experience! Would 10/10 recommend. Great activity for a memorable, relaxing, & enjoyable evening.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Liz, thank you! We are so glad that you had an amazing experience on the sunset cruise. Hope to see you aboard the Palmetto again soon.

Worth it !!

NatalieAnne_S, Apr 2024

Captain Mike was a great tour guide with lots of knowledge of the area. Victor was funny and kept things light music was enjoyable.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi NatalieAnne, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed the tour. Hope to see you aboard the Palmetto again the next time your travels bring you to Charleston…

Great fun

Dawn_W, Apr 2024

This harbor cruise was a blast and a must-do. A little history, a little music (a very nice touch with Michael the NY piano player). great weather and dolphin!! Mike the captain and Victor the host with the most were WONDERFUL!!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hey Dawn, Last night was a magical night on the water! We are so happy you had a blast! Michael, the piano player was a nice surprise we had for you! Glad you enjoyed Captain Mike and Victor's sunset cruise! We hope to see you again next time you are in Charleston! Captain Bryan

Captain Mike and Victor...

Kylie_M, Apr 2024

Captain Mike and Victor were amazing! Such a fun experience while watching the sunset and seeing dolphins. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We are so happy you enjoyed the sunset Cruise with Victor and Captain Mike! It was a beautiful night on the water and the dolphins showed up for us! Captain Bryan

So much fun!!!

Marion_M, Apr 2024

Our group of nine ladies celebrating our 50ths back in Charleston had a blast, thank you for a super fabulous time.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Marion…Happy belated birthday to you ladies..so glad that ya’ll had a blast in the sunset cruise. Thank you so much for the great review! We appreciate it.

Best Sunset Cruise in Charleston

Paulitta_A, Apr 2024

Mike and Crystal was Amazing. We had a blast. They made our boat ride fun. Very knowledgeable and friendly.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Paulitta, thank you so much for your kind words. We are so glad that y’all enjoyed the sunset cruise with Captain Mike and Crystal and sincerely appreciate the great review! We hope to see y’all aboard the Palmetto the next time you are in Charleston.

A Night on The Harbor

Renee_D, Apr 2024

We loved the sunset cruise, Captain Mike and the first mate were friendly and provided us with a fun experience. We had a beautiful evening of sightseeing, history as well as funny antics were provided by Captain Mike. We saw dolphins and Mother Nature came through, providing us with a beautiful sunset! We enjoyed the vibes and company of the other guests. Overall, it was our favorite part of our whole vacation!! We highly recommend the sunset cruise!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Renee, wow! Thank you so much for your detailed review of your sunset cruise experience. We are so glad that we were your favorite part of your vacay!!! 😀 Hope to see y’all aboard the Palmetto, the next time your travels bring you to Charleston!

So much fun

Cassie_M, Apr 2024

The captain and bartender were so much fun, entertaining, and knowledgeable about the Charleston area! The cruise felt like one big party of strangers with music, drinks, and some education about Charleston. We even saw dolphins! Definitely bring a jacket because by the time the sun went down we were freezing!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Cassie, we are so glad that y’all enjoyed the sunset cruise. We appreciate you sharing your experience in such a great review. Thank you! Hope to see you aboard the Palmetto again soon.

Nice time, lots of fun,...

Stanley_S, Apr 2024

Nice time, lots of fun, Victor was great host and both JP & Victor were informative, knowledgeable & helpful.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Stanley, thank you so much for the great review. We are glad that y’all had fun!

Enjoyable!

Anne_B, Apr 2024

Great night with the whole family. Perfect sunset - despite wind. great Captain (Robert) and first mate (Victor)

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Anne, thank you so much for the great review! We are so glad that you enjoyed the sunset cruise and our staff. Sorry about the wind that day.

A fun time!

Marybeth_G, Mar 2024

Our tour guide and the captain were both fun and informative. They played fun, upbeat oldies music that made everyone want to dance. Saw a lot of sights and a nice sunset.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Marybeth, thank you so much for the great review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your sunset cruise experience. We hope to see you aboard the Palmetto again soon!

Sunset

Karen_J, Mar 2024

The sunset was gorgeous! The most memorable part was interacting with Victor! He recommended the Matador Mexican food restaurant downtown and it was excellent! Thank you, Victor.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Karen, we are so glad that you enjoyed the sunset cruise and interacting with our first mate, Victor. He does a great job. So glad that you enjoyed the Matador Mexican place. I have not tried that one yet. We sincerely appreciate the 5 stars.

Very enjoyable.

Mark_B, Mar 2024

Seeing the dolphins. Seeing Fort Sumter and the Battery were enjoyable, as well. The guide was very knowledgeable and the captain was great.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Mark, we are so glad that you found the sunset cruise to be enjoyable and our staff knowledgable. We sincerely appreciate the great review!

Best Sunset Tour in Charleston

LauraMoore, Mar 2024

Victor and captain Robert were great and entertaining. Very enjoyable tour full of knowledge about Charleston and history. Would definitely recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Laura, thank you so much for the awesome review and recommendation. We are so glad that y’all enjoyed the sunset cruise!

...

Likely to Sell Out