Charleston Dolphin Tours: the 5 Worth Booking

1.Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 857 reviews · 1 to 11 hours (approx.) Our pick

Use Charleston’s water taxi to cruise between Patriots Point, Aquarium Wharf, Waterfront Park, and Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Your all-day ride includes the dolphin cruise, though sightings are not guaranteed. Stay aboard for a scenic loop or hop off to visit museums, the aquarium, and the waterfront.

“Very nice experience. The captain pointed out sights to see along the way. Process to board and disembark were smooth and time-efficient.”

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2.Charleston: Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40Best value

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes with an English-speaking licensed guide. From Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf, see Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and the Ravenel Bridge. Dolphins may appear, but the history and harbor views are the main event.

“Very enjoyable ride around the harbor. Guide was knowledgeable and well-spoken.”

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3.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Spend 90 minutes aboard the 84-foot Schooner Pride, sailing from Aquarium Wharf past Fort Sumter, the Battery, USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge. The crew may invite you to help raise the sails, while drinks are available for purchase and dolphins often appear nearby.

“The crew was great. Saw some dolphins. The whole experience was awesome, wish it could have lasted longer.”

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4.Private Luxury Yacht Charters, BYOB & Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 395 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Sail Charleston Harbor on a private, crewed yacht for 2.5 hours. Bring drinks and snacks, relax on bow bean bags, and look for dolphins near Fort Sumter and the Ravenel Bridge. Captains such as Will, Brian, Holly, and Glenn add local stories and attentive service.

“No parking at the marina. Other than that, get ready for a super chill time at sea with a more than capable crew. Brian and Judd were a pleasure”

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5.Charleston: Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Meet the captain and crew at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute sail aboard the three-masted Schooner Pride. Help raise sails up to 84 feet high, pass Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and watch for dolphins. This is a quiet harbor ride with friendly crew interaction, not a nonstop narrated tour.

“We had an incredible time celebrating my sister’s birthday on the boat!! Everyone on board was friendly and attentive. Drinks were flowing and vibes were vibing. The crew members were always asking us if we wanted them to take our pictures along the ride. The captain even learned the cords to Happy Birthday on her ukulele and gave us a performance! I hope to be aboard again soon! Lovely experience!”

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