Signature Lunch Cruise

<item-description>

<overview>

<row icon="duration" label="Duration">90 minutes</row>

<row icon="location" label="Location">Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun and Concord, Charleston, SC</row>

<row icon="cancellation" label="Cancellations">Non-refundable. Bookings can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice</row>

<row icon="accessibility" label="Accessibility">Entrance to the boat is via a 30-foot ramp, which varies in steepness depending on the tide. If you're able to enter using the ramp, you'll be able to participate in the tour. For guests in wheelchairs, we recommend cruising around low tide</row>

</overview>

<section heading="Pricing" expanded="true"><![CDATA[

• **Adult (ages 12+)**: $42 - $44
• **Adult • sunset tour (ages 12+)**: $50-$52
• **Child (ages 4-11)**: $25
• **Child • sunset tour (ages 4-11)**: $28-30
• **Wee one (ages 3 and under)**: Free

Seniors age 65+ or Military use promo code senior or mil for $5 off (id required).

]]></section>

<section heading="Activity details" expanded="true"><![CDATA[

Description

Embark on a captivating 90-minute harbor tour aboard the Carolina Belle in Charleston. Led by a professional USCG licensed captain, this family-friendly cruise offers a narrated journey through the rich history of the Holy City, passing over 75 landmarks. Enjoy close-up views from the climate-controlled Main Salon or the Observation Deck, and witness dolphins and pelicans in their natural habitat. The Carolina Belle provides a relaxing and insightful way to explore Charleston's famous harbor.

What’s included

• 90 minute harbor tour
• Narration during tour

What’s not included

• Food and drinks (available for purchase) NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE ALLOWED

Highlights

• Discover Charleston's historic waterfront, featuring stately Battery homes, the Customs House, and the State Ports Authority.
• Stunning up close views of Fort Sumter
• Explore landmarks including; Fort Sumter, St. Michael’s Church, Fort Johnson, Sullivan's Island, Shem Creek and Patriot’s Point with the iconic World War II ship, the Yorktown.
• See the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, a modern marvel, as it completes the skyline of this ancient city.

]]></section>

<section heading="Additional information"><![CDATA[

Restrictions

• No smoking or Vaping
• No pets (Bonafide service animals allowed)
• No outside food or beverages

Amenities

• Open air observation deck
• Clean restrooms

]]></section>

<section heading="Cancellations"><![CDATA[

• **Refund/rescheduling policy**: Tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.
• **Weather policy**: Activity takes place rain or shine. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).

]]></section>

<section heading="FAQs"><![CDATA[

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is highly recommended and tours often sell out in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?

We have reduced price tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger are free with an accompanying Adult ticket.

What exactly do we see on the tour?

You will see the profile from the water of one of the oldest cities in the United States. Specific sites you'll see and hear about include: the stately homes along the Battery, Customs House, South Carolina State Ports Authority, churches including: the white steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the three forts – Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson, Patriot’s Point, the home of the Yorktown, the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II, Charleston’s landmark Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Is the viewing equally good on both levels of the vessel?

Yes, you will have a panoramic view from either level.

What happens if it rains?

The cruises take place rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions. The Carolina Belle has a glassed-in, enclosed observatory and the upper deck is also partially covered, so you'll be able to get great views of the Harbor's famous sights in any weather!

Is the Carolina Belle covered?

Yes, the Carolina Belle has two decks - A glassed-in “Main Salon,” which is climate controlled and an “Observation Deck,” each providing spectacular views of Charleston Harbor. The Observation Deck is open, however, it does have some roof-covered space.

Can I buy food or drinks on board?

There is a snack bar aboard that has bottled water and soda, chips, hot dogs, popcorn, candy bars, cookies, etc. There is also beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase!

Does the tour run year-round?

Yes, we run pretty much year round, but offerings may be more limited in December, January and early February!

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Keep in mind that the temperature on the water is significantly lower than on the land, so you may want to bring a sweater in the cooler months.

Are there any stops along the way?

No, there are no stops. We will be cruising for the entire tour.

Is the Harbor Boat Tour safe?

The Carolina Belle is a safe vessel with a normal operating crew of three or four depending on the number of passengers. She is certified for 300 hundred passengers to cruise the inland waterways, harbors and tributaries by the USCG and meets all the US Coast Guard safety requirements.

Will I get seasick?

The Carolina Belle is a steady 75-foot vessel with classic lines. The Charleston Harbor has a mild atmosphere, and it is unlikely that you will feel much movement aboard the boat. If you often feel seasick, you may want to consider some light medication before beginning the trip. We cannot officially advise you to take any medication, however.

How do you normally board the vessel? Will we have to use the stairs?

Normally stairs are not required for boarding or disembarking from the Carolina Belle, we use a ramp to load passengers directly on to the upper deck, where the boat's restrooms are located. Stairs are required to get to the lower level, which is enclosed and climate controlled. Please make sure you consult with our staff before boarding if having to use the staircase will pose problems for you.

Do we see dolphins and other sea life or birdlife?

We often catch a glimpse of dolphins skimming the surface as they feed, or a pelican as he nose dives into the water in search of a tasty tidbit.

Is parking available near the departure point?

Yes, there is a City Parking lot nearby, at the corner of Concord & Calhoun Streets, that is a short walk to the dock. There are also metered street spaces available. We encourage the use of rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, or taxi services, the popular bike Pedi-cabs in Charleston, or the DASH free downtown public transportation. Our dock is located close to many downtown hotels and the City Market area.

Can I stow anything during the cruise?

We do have limited closet space for wheelchairs and strollers on board. If you have a backpack or other item, we ask that you keep it under your seat. We are not responsible for lost or missing items.

Where does the Harbor Tour finish?

The tour finishes in the same place that it departs from, the Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun and Concord Streets.

Are gift certificates available for the trip?

Yes, gift certificates are available, and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Gift Certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.

Can I book a private trip?

Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please contact us to inquire further.

]]></section>

</item-description>

The Carolina Belle departs from:

Charleston Maritime Center

10 Wharfside Street

Charleston, SC 29401

The Maritime Center is currently under construction being upgraded to be the new learning center for The SC Aquarium. We are extremely excited about this and being and the Aquarium having more space to offer educational programs to all kinds of students! Please pardon the construction during this time!

We have a small ticket booth at the head of the dock and you can check in there. You can also check in directly at the boat with pre purchased tickets

**Parking for Charleston Harbor Tours**

There is no parking at the Charleston Maritime Center. The closest parking to the Maritime Center will be in the SC Aquarium Parking Garage located at 24 Calhoun Street, just before the intersection of Concord Street. The Maritime Center is a short walk through Liberty Square along the waterfront. See map below.

!Description of image

• We highly encourage ride share through Uber or Lyft, which is readily available downtown or take a Bike Taxi.
• Charleston Bike Taxi – 843-532-8663 | www.biketaxi.net
• Charleston Pedicab – 843-577-7088 | www.pedicabcharleston.com
• There is also a free downtown shuttle provided through Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). This shuttle is called the DASH and the 210 route comes to the Aquarium. See this link for a full route schedule https://www.ridecarta.com/route/210-college-charleston-aquarium-shuttle-dash/

If you wish to utilize the DASH, there is ample parking at the Charleston Visitors Center Garage, 73 Mary Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Next door to the Visitors Center.

What to Wear

Please wear comfortable clothes and dress according to the weather. It is often cooler on the water, so we recommend wearing layers.

The Carolina Belle goes out rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the forecasted weather conditions. The vessel has two decks - A glassed-in “Main Salon,” which is climate controlled and an “Observation Deck,” which is open, but does have some roof-covered space.

What to Bring/What Not to Bring

During the summer, bring hats and sunscreen because it is very bright on the water.

The Carolina Belle has a snack bar on board, where you can purchase soda, bottled water, wine, cocktails, beer, chips, hot dogs, candy bars, cookies, etc. Cards only on board please

Please do not bring your own food or drinks on board.

Other Tips & Guidelines

Please arrive 20-30 minutes early, as cruises start right on time!

Public transportation:** The closest DASH shuttle stop is the Aquarium (Concord St) stop on the Aquarium/C of C loop (the orange line). This can be picked up from the Charleston Visitors Center on Meeting St between John and Ann Streets. From the Aquarium stop, walk south on Concord St, past Calhoun St, and make the next left onto Inspection St/Wharfside St. The Charleston Maritime Center is the white building with a curved roof.