Combo: Charleston Harbor Tour & City Bus Tour

Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun and Concord, Charleston, SC

Non-refundable. Bookings can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice.

1. A ticket for a Charleston Harbor Tour

Aboard the classic, 80-foot Carolina Belle on this 90 minute tour, cruise the scenic Charleston Harbor while hearing fascinating local stories and seeing more than 75 landmarks, some critical to our nation’s history, including:

• Fort Sumter: One of Charleston’s most popular landmarks, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• Confederate and Union army Forts Moultrie and Johnson
• USS Yorktown: the famous World War II “Fighting Lady”
• St. Michael’s Church: A survivor of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, whose steeple was painted black so as not to be an easy target
• Stately homes on the Battery: Symbols of Southern elegance and perseverance
• Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: A state of the art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world
• Dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food

This family-friendly, relaxing, and insightful cruise is best way to discover the Holy City and its famous Harbor!

2. A ticket for the ‘See It All’ City Tour

• Highlights of the 1.5-hour Historic City Tour may include:
• Select stories from 350 years of Charleston history
• Beautiful architecture in the historic district
• Drive through The Citadel, the South’s most famous military academy
• The Old City Market, lovely gardens, wrought iron art, and many of the city’s 210 churches are just some of the sights you will see!
• Tour around the Battery and stop for a photo opportunity with Fort Sumter in the background
• Many other historic sights of Charleston!

Food and drinks are not included in the price of your ticket, nor are they allowed on the bus portion of the tour.

There is a snack bar aboard the Carolina Belle, so you can purchase assorted food and beverages, during your harbor tour. You may want to bring extra cash with you.

Gratuities are are not included or required, however they are always appreciated for a job well done.

How does the combo tour work?

When you purchase your tickets for the Combo Tour, your space will be guaranteed on the Harbor Tour for the date and time for which you buy tickets and your purchase will also entitle you to admission for the ‘See It All’ City Bus Tour. You MUST call Adventure Sightseeing to schedule your Bus tour after purchasing your combo ticket. Simply tell them you purchased the combo from Charleston Harbor Tours and you would like to schedule your Bus tour. You can reach Adventure Sightseeing at (843) 762-0088

 

Do I have to do both tours the same day?

No, you are welcome to take the two tours on different days. You are responsible for scheduling and using your bus tour ticket based on the availability of the bus tours.

 

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.

 

Who operates each of the two components of this Combo Tour package?

The two components are operated by sister companies. The Harbor Tour is run by Charleston Harbor Tours, which is the oldest harbor tour company in Charleston, tracing its roots to 1908. The City Bus Tour is operated by Adventure Sightseeing, founded in 1984. Adventure Sightseeing continues to be a family-owned business operated by local Charlestonians.

 

How do I reserve my spot for the Bus Tour portion of the combo?

Your Combo ticket provides you with admission on the ‘See It All’ bus tour. All guests should make a reservation for the date and time they prefer. Simply call 843-762-0088 or book when calling to book your harbor tour.

 

Is parking available near the meeting location?

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 ride-share 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.

 

How far apart are the two meeting locations?

The two meeting locations are only 15 minutes walking distance apart, making it easy to attend both on the same day if you’d like to.

 

Is there a restroom available during the tour?

There is a restroom available at the Maritime Center where the harbor tour departs from– additionally there are restrooms available on board the Carolina Belle. There are restrooms at the Visitors Center where the bus tours depart and end but there is not a restroom on the bus. Plan accordingly – as you can only use it before or after the bus tour, there are no restroom breaks during the bus tour.

 

Is the tour only offered in English?

Yes.

 

What happens if it rains?

The tours 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! The buses for the bus portion of the tour are fully enclosed and climate controlled.

 

Does the tour run year-round?

Yes, we run year round. There may be limited availability December – early February.

 

Are gratuities included?

No, however they are always appreciated for a job well done!

 

Can I book a private trip?

Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please use the “Contact this seller” link to inquire further about special group rates.

What exactly will I see on the tour?

This comprehensive 90 minute city tour includes all the major points of interest in Charleston’s Historic District, including: Rainbow Row, famous churches, the Old City Market, the Customs House, and much more. The tour also stops at the Battery where you’ll have wonderful views of beautiful homes, White Point Gardens, and Fort Sumter.

 

Can I bring food or beverages on the bus?

Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus.

 

Are there any stops along the way?

We will stop at the Battery for a brief photo break.

 

Is the bus air conditioned?

Yes the bus is air conditioned.

 

Is the tour narrated?

Yes, the tour is fully narrated by a licensed, professional tour guide.

 

Is there a restroom on the bus?

No, but restrooms are located at the meeting location. We highly recommend using the bathrooms at the starting location before the tour.

 

What kind of a vehicle will we be travelling in?

The city tours are given in a 25 passenger, air conditioned bus or a 15 passenger sprinter van.

 

Is there assigned seating on the bus?

Seating is on a first come first serve basis. If you are traveling with a large group you may want to arrive 15 – 20 minutes prior to departure.

 

How should I dress for the tour?

Check the forecast, buses are climate controlled and you do stay on the bus for the duration of the tour.

 

Is the bus handicap accessible?

At present we cannot accommodate wheelchairs, but the bus is accessible for those with limited mobility if they can be assisted by a companion.

 

Will locals enjoy the tour as well or is it mostly for tourists?

Absolutely! Whether you are looking for a way to entertain out-of-town guests, planning a bachelor/bachelorette party, having a team-building exercise or just want to learn more about the wonderful city you live in, this is the tour for you! You’ll be surprised at how much you will learn on the tour from the comfort of our bus.

 

Are pets allowed?

No. Service animals are allowed, however.

 

Is smoking allowed on the tour?

Smoking is not permitted during the tour. This does include electronic cigarettes.

 

Can I bring luggage on the bus/leave my belongings on the bus?

No. We do not have space on the bus for large items such as luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers.

 

How long does the Bus Tour last?

The ‘See It All’ City Tour is 90 minutes long.

 

Where does the Bus Tour leave from?

The ‘See It All’ City Bus Tour departs from the Charleston Visitors Center at 375 Meeting St.

What exactly do we see on the tour?

Some of the sites you’ll see and hear about include: the white steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the stately homes along the Battery, 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 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 along on board?

There is a snack bar aboard the Carolina Belle that has soda, bottled water, wine, beer, cocktails, chips, hot dogs, candy bars, cookies, etc.

 

Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?

No, we ask you not to bring any food or drinks on board. You will be able to purchase food and drinks at our snack bar.

 

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Keep in mind that the temperature on the water is significantly cooler 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 four. She is certified to cruise the inland waterways by the USCG and meets all the US Coast Guard safety requirements.

 

Will I get seasick?

The Carolina Belle is a steady 80-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.

 

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The Carolina Belle is not ADA compliant, however, we are able to accommodate guests with wheelchairs for the most part. 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.

 

Is there any narration on the tour?

Yes, the Harbor Tour is fully narrated.

 

Do we see dolphins and other sealife 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.

 

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.

 

Can I stow anything during the tour?

We do not have space for large items such as luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers on the buses. We do have limited closet space for wheelchairs and strollers on the Carolina Belle for the harbor tour. 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.

 

Are pets allowed on board?

No pets allowed. Service animals are permitted.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

• Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with advanced notice. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

• Activity takes place rain or shine. The activity runs regardless of weather conditions.