Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

Visitors to Charleston won’t want to miss the chance to experience the city’s rich maritime heritage and natural wonders on the Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch. This 1.5-hour excursion allows guests to raise the sails on a 3-masted schooner, explore historic landmarks like Fort Sumter, and keep an eye out for playful dolphins in the scenic Charleston Harbor. With flexible booking and free cancellation, it’s a convenient and well-rounded outing that provides a unique window into the area’s nautical past and present. But the true highlight just might surprise you…

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

1. Opportunity to sail on an 84-foot tall schooner and assist in raising its 3 masts, providing a unique maritime experience.
2. Guided tour to explore historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, allowing visitors to immerse in Charleston’s rich history.
3. Chance to spot dolphins playing in the Charleston Harbor, offering a chance to appreciate the local marine ecosystem.
4. Convenient 1.5-hour tour duration and flexible booking policy, making it easy to incorporate into an itinerary.
5. Inclusive boat entry and services of the captain and crew, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Activity Overview

Visitors can sail on a classic 84-foot tall ship through Charleston Harbor and help raise the sails on a 3-masted schooner.

The tour also offers the chance to explore historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney. Along the way, guests can watch for dolphins playing in the water.

The overall experience provides a unique opportunity to take in Charleston’s maritime history and natural beauty while actively participating in the sailing of a classic tall ship.

Duration and Cancellation

The tour duration is 1.5 hours, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This means you can book the excursion with confidence, knowing you have the flexibility to adjust your plans if needed.

Whether you’re visiting Charleston for the day or planning a longer stay, the Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch is an excellent way to experience the city’s historic harbor and natural wonders.

With the option to cancel up to a day before the tour, you can seamlessly incorporate this adventure into your itinerary without worrying about unexpected changes. The convenient duration also ensures you can enjoy the highlights without committing to an extensive time commitment.

Included in the Tour

The tour includes boat entry, as well as the services of the captain and crew to guide you around Charleston Harbor.

Passengers can assist in raising the sails on the 3-masted schooner, and beverages are available for purchase on board.

You’ll have the chance to explore historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, with the possibility of spotting dolphins playing in the water along the way.

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, and you’re free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance if your plans change.

However, please note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Excluded From the Tour

While the tour includes a range of activities and amenities, there are a few things not covered by the ticket price. Tips for the captain and crew are not included, so passengers may want to budget for gratuities at the end of the tour. Plus, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the vessel and its access points may present challenges.

Exclusions	Details
Tips	Not included in the ticket price
Mobility	Not suitable for those with impairments or wheelchair users
Access	Vessel and access points may be challenging
Drinks	Available for purchase on board
Children	No specific policies mentioned

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting Point

Passengers can find the Schooner Pride docked at 360 Concord Street, to the left of the SC Aquarium, where they’ll need to check in with the crew.

The meeting point is easy to locate, with the classic 84-foot tall ship standing out against the Charleston waterfront.

Once at the dock, guests should look for the crew members who’ll have the reservation list and direct them to board the vessel.

The check-in process is quick and efficient, allowing everyone to get settled and ready for the 1.5-hour sailing adventure around Charleston Harbor.

With the crew’s assistance, passengers can look forward to an enjoyable and memorable experience aboard the Schooner Pride.

Directions to the Schooner Pride

Visitors can find the Schooner Pride docked at 360 Concord Street, just to the left of the South Carolina Aquarium. The classic 84-foot tall ship stands out prominently along the Charleston waterfront, making it easy to locate.

Once at the dock, guests should look for the crew members who’ll have the reservation list and direct them to board the vessel.

To get to the meeting point:

• Head to 360 Concord Street in Charleston
• Look for the tall, 3-masted schooner on the left side of the SC Aquarium
• Check in with the crew at the boat’s entrance

Once aboard, the friendly staff will provide further instructions and help guests get settled for the 1.5-hour sailing adventure.

Explore Charleston Harbor

As the classic 84-foot schooner sets sail, passengers will be treated to a unique perspective of Charleston’s historic landmarks. The ship’s captains and crew guide the voyage, pointing out sites like the imposing Fort Sumter and the stately Castle Pinckney as the vessel glides through the harbor.

Landmark	Description	Significance
Fort Sumter	Fortified island in the Charleston Harbor	Site of the first shots of the Civil War
Castle Pinckney	19th century masonry coastal defense fort	Guarded the harbor and city during the Civil War
Charleston Harbor	Scenic and historic waterway	Played a vital role in the economic and military history of the region

Throughout the journey, passengers may even spot dolphins playing in the water, adding to the enchantment of this unforgettable Charleston adventure.

Spotting Dolphins on the Water

One of the highlights of the sailing tour is the chance to spot dolphins playing in the harbor’s waters. Guests aboard the Schooner Pride often delight in catching glimpses of these graceful marine mammals as they frolic through the waves. The crew keeps a keen eye out for any dolphin sightings and eagerly points them out to passengers, adding to the already captivating experience.

Dolphin watching on the Charleston harbor tour offers several benefits:

• Opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat
• Insight into the local marine ecosystem
• Increased appreciation for the harbor’s diverse wildlife
• Memorable moments to capture on camera and share with others

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to join, though parents should ensure their kids can safely enjoy the sailing experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Passengers?

There is no specific weight limit for passengers on this tour, but the tour may not be suitable for people with significant mobility impairments or who use wheelchairs. Passengers should be able to board and disembark the boat safely.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board. However, there are drinks available for purchase on the ship. It’s best to check with the crew about any restrictions or policies regarding outside items.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available on the Schooner?

There are restroom facilities available on the schooner for passengers. The boat’s crew will provide directions to the restrooms upon boarding. Guests can use the facilities during the 1.5-hour sailing tour around Charleston Harbor.

Are Children’s Life Jackets Provided?

Yes, the schooner provides children’s life jackets for passengers. The crew ensures all passengers, including children, are properly fitted with the necessary safety equipment before departing on the harbor tour.

Recap

The Charleston Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch offers an immersive maritime adventure.

Guests can explore the city’s rich nautical heritage and spot playful dolphins in the scenic Charleston Harbor.

With convenient booking and flexible cancellation, it’s a well-rounded outing for visitors looking to connect with the area’s natural beauty and history.

You can check availability for your dates here: