Combo: Charleston Harbor Tour & Haunted Carriage Tour

Harbor Tour meets at Charleston Maritime Center (Charleston, SC). 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401

1. A ticket for a Charleston Harbor Tour

Aboard the classic, 2 deck bay steamer replica, Carolina Belle, 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 – Charleston’s premiere historic attraction
• Civil War Forts Moultrie and Johnson
• USS Yorktown: the famous World War II “Fighting Lady”
• St. Michael’s Church
• Stately homes on the Battery
• Cooper River Bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• Dolphins and pelicans skimming the surface of the water

2. Admission to an Old South Haunted Carriage Ride

Join us for a unique tour by carriage of one of the most haunted cities in America. The only haunted carriage tour in Charleston! Hear the surprising tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots from Charleston’s fascinating past. Your guide will share informative and spine-tingling local stories while you pass by haunted alleys, graveyards, churches, hotels, and the famous Provost Dungeon and Old Exchange during this chilling haunted tour in Charleston.

Enjoy a relaxing opportunity to absorb the beauty of one of America’s most historic cities.

Save big with the combo tour!

Food and drinks aboard the Carolina Belle are not included in the price of your ticket. However, there is a snack bar and full bar on the boat, so you can purchase assorted food and beverages and beer, wine and cocktails!

Charleston Harbor Tours is the oldest continuously operating harbor tour company in Charleston, tracing its roots to 1908.

The Carolina Belle features graceful, classic lines, the boat is 72 feet long. It can accommodate up to 300 passengers and has a standard operating crew of three.

Old South is family owned and operated since 1983. Their goal has always been to offer the best value in sightseeing tours, while providing customers with the absolute best service available.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy
Non-refundable, can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded. You may reschedule your tickets (subject to availability) only if you do so at least 24 hours in advance.

Other Policies
Charleston Harbor Tour takes place rain or shine.

The Harbor Tour runs regardless of weather conditions. 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) or receive credit for a future event.

Old South Carriage may be cancelled due to severe weather. The carriage tour usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the operator may cancel the activity in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, including extreme heat. If the operator is forced to temporarily cancel tours, ticket-holders will be allowed to attend on a different day (subject to availability) or keep their voucher and attend a future event.

Tobacco Free Event
Charleston Harbor Tours is proud to be a smoke free / tobacco free environment. Smoking is not permitted on our vessels.

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 an Old South Carriage tour.

How will I reserve my Haunted Carriage Tour time?

After you book your combo ticket, you can call our customer service agents at (843) 722-1112 (Agents available daily 8am-5:30pm) and we can help you reserve your carriage time. Or reserve at the time of booking over the phone.

What is the difference between the Combo Tour and the regular Charleston Harbor Tour?

The Combo Tour includes a ticket for the narrated historic Charleston Harbor Tour AND also entitles you to admission for a narrated one hour haunted carriage tour through downtown. All for one reduced package price, which represents a 15-20% savings over purchasing the tickets individually. After you purchase these combo tickets, you will be guaranteed on the Harbor Tour for the date and time for which you bought tickets. You will also be able to take the Carriage Tour at any time, you will need to call to set up the reservation.

Do I have to do both tours the same day?

No, there are no restrictions as to when you take the tour. You can do one tour one day and the other the next, leave several days in between or when you next return to Charleston.

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.

Do I have to purchase my 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 for a young child?

For children ages 4 to 11, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 3 years and under may attend for free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Wee One tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way.

What happens if it rains?

The Harbor 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 Carriage Ride may not run in severe weather conditions, including extreme heat or rain. You will get contact information for the carriage operator after purchasing tickets. If you think the weather might prevent the tours from going out, you can contact the carriage operator on the day you would like to attend. If the tours are canceled for the day, you’ll be able to attend on a different day, or keep your voucher and attend on a future date. All tickets are nonrefundable.

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

The two components are operated by different 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 Carriage Ride is operated by Old South Carriage Company, who have been offering Charleston’s best carriage tours for 40 years!

Is the Carriage portion of the Combo tour handicapped accessible?

Yes. In the Barn we have a ramp that raises you to the level of the carriage, from there it is just a small step over into the carriage. The barn is also equipped with handicap accessible restrooms.

Is the Harbor Tour portion of the Combo handicapped and wheelchair accessible?

The Carolina Belle is Wheelchair friendly, 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.

If I am handicapped, should I notify the Charleston Harbor Tour crew before I board the boat?

Yes. Please ask about the tide and how you will be boarding and disembarking on the day of your tour if you are concerned about this. Our crew will be able to tell you what the tides are like that day, as well as whether or not you will be able to board on and disembark from the same level. They will assist you as much as they can, but if the tides are uncooperative and you feel unable to attend or uncomfortable doing so, then we will gladly reschedule your tour to a different time. Refunds, however, will still not be granted in this situation.

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.

Can I book a private trip?

Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please call 843-722-1112 or email [email protected] to inquire.

Is the Harbor Tour portion of the Combo Package the same as the regular Historic Charleston Harbor Tour?

Yes! The first part of your Combo Package is the popular 90 minute Charleston Harbor Tour. This tour is identical to the Harbor Tour that you can also book as a standalone tour.

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

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

What exactly do we see on the Harbor Tour?

Some of the sites you’ll see and hear about on the Harbor Tour include: the white steeple of St. Michael’s Anglican Church which was saved from destruction during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars because it was painted black so as not to be an easy target; the stately homes along the Battery – a symbol of Southern elegance and perseverance; the three forts – Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson that have played a significant role in our history from the Revolution through World War II; Patriot’s Point, the home of the Yorktown, the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II; and Charleston’s landmark Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, a new state of the art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world. You can also 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 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 and full bar aboard the Carolina Belle that has soda, bottled water, wine, beer, mixed cocktails, chips, hot dogs, burgers, candy bars, cookies, etc. The snack bar accepts cards only on board.

Can I bring my own food or drinks on board the Harbor Tour?

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.

Does the Harbor Tour run year-round?

Yes, but there may be a more limited schedule in the off season (December – early February). Please check the calendar for the most up-to-date schedule information!

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. For the Harbor Tour, please 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 on the Harbor Tour?

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 200 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 72-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 there any narration on the tour?

Yes, the Harbor Tour is fully narrated.

Do we see dolphins and other sea life or birdlife?

During the Harbor Tour 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 of the Harbor Tour?

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.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the boat is equipped with clean restrooms.

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.