rovostays·

Water & beach · Charleston

Top 6 water & beach things to do in Charleston

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Charleston you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Private yacht charter in Charleston with BYOB option, Charleston1

    1. Private yacht charter in Charleston with BYOB option

    5.0· 409 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Two and a half hours on a private yacht for up to six guests — sail the Charleston harbor, bring your own drinks, and enjoy beautiful views.

    This became the highlight of our 3-night visit to Charleston! It was incredibly relaxing. We enjoyed rosé while playing our own music. Captain Warren and Bethany were wonderful hosts. I highly recommend this experience!Kaitlin_K
  2. Charleston Harbor sunset cruise, Charleston2

    2. Charleston Harbor sunset cruise

    4.8· 1044 reviews· 2 hours

    Two-hour cruise aboard a 45-foot catamaran — relax with views of the city skyline, islands, and dolphins at sunset.

    A wonderful boat ride with Captain Ron and Nicky made for a memorable sunset tour. Captain Ton's humor and music provided the entertainment we were looking for, ensuring a great time for my friends and me.SR621
  3. Fort Sumter admission and self-guided tour with ferry ride, Charleston3

    3. Fort Sumter admission and self-guided tour with ferry ride

    4.6· 3667 reviews· 2.3 hours

    Two hours total — round-trip ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point with entrance to Fort Sumter, featuring a self-guided exploration of the historic site.

    This was a fantastic experience. I'm really glad we decided to go. The ferry boat tour guide was an incredible storyteller, making me wish my history teachers had been like him. I highly recommend it.Carmen_G
  1. 90-minute Charleston city bus tour, Charleston4

    4. 90-minute Charleston city bus tour

    4.5· 1057 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Ninety minutes on a comfortable bus tour covering Charleston’s historic district with a guide narrating over 350 years of history.

    The tour was extremely informative. Allen provided a vast amount of knowledge. It is definitely worth it and explores a significant part of the city.Joseph_D
  2. Sailing cruise on Charleston Harbor with dolphin sightings, Charleston5

    5. Sailing cruise on Charleston Harbor with dolphin sightings

    4.5· 703 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Two-hour cruise aboard an 84-foot tall ship — sail past historic landmarks and watch playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

    Although the weather wasn't ideal, we still had a lovely time aboard the sail. The staff was very attentive. It surely would have been even more enjoyable with sunny and warm conditions.Kimberly_B
  3. Charleston Harbor boat cruise with live narration, Charleston6

    6. Charleston Harbor boat cruise with live narration

    4.4· 3105 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Ninety-minute boat cruise on the Carolina Belle, with live narration on Charleston’s history and sights throughout the journey.

    This boat tour offers a lovely blend of history and sightseeing, providing a relaxing escape after a day of exploring Charleston. The narrator's informative and humorous commentary enhanced the experience. It was convenient to have drinks and snacks available for purchase, and the boat was clean with tidy restrooms. With our group of six, we were graciously allowed to board early to sit together. Once on board, you can unwind and take in the stunning views, or grab a refreshment. Overall, it was a delightful experience and a wonderful way to see Charleston from the water.HollyTravelDirector

Top places to visit in Charleston

See all 26

More in Charleston

Other things to do

Water & beach in other destinations

Top water & beach elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked water & beach experiences across USA.

Stay elsewhere

Places to stay in other destinations

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments across our network.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Charleston?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.