Tri-Combo: Charleston Harbor Tour & Carriage Ride & Boone Hall Plantation Tour

1. A ticket for a Charleston Harbor Tour
Aboard the classic, 80-foot 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 Carriage Company carriage ride
The one hour carriage tour of Charleston’s historic district areas is an interesting blend of history combined with the witticism and humor of the tour guides. The tour guides showcase the “old and the new” that is Charleston to our visitors!

3. Admission to Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation is touted as “America’s Most Photographed Plantation” and “a must see stop on any trip to Charleston.” Explore the mansion and surrounding property, including:

• Historic brick slave cabins, a smoke house, and a cotton gin
• A butterfly garden featuring antique roses, camellias, and other native South Carolina plants
• Enjoy the setting in which many TV shows and movies, such as The Notebook, have been filmed

The time you book is for your harbor tour only and you can book the other attractions at your convenience. This tour can be split over different days if you so choose.

Transportation from Charleston Harbor Tours to Boone Hall Plantation is not provided Please ask about upgrading to our transportation included package with our sister company, Adventure Sightseeing 843-762-0088. We operate daily tours via bus to Boone Hall and you can upgrade your ticket to join this tour (based on availability).

Food and drinks are not included in the price of your ticket. However, there is a snack bar on the Carolina Belle, and at Boone Hall Plantation where so you can purchase assorted food and beverages, The Carolina Belle has a full bar and snack bar!

Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401

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

The company specializes in introducing its guests to the beauty and history of Charleston, the Holy City. Your captain and staff will be eager to make your experience aboard the Carolina Belle a pleasant and enjoyable one.

The Carolina Belle is Charleston Harbor Tours’ newest vessel. Featuring graceful, classic lines, the boat is 80 feet long. It can accommodate up to 300 passengers and has a standard operating crew of four.

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.

Weather Policy
Activity takes place rain or shine. The activity 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).

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

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?

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.

How does the Tri-Combo Tour work?

When you purchase your tickets for the Tri-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 a Old South Carriage Company carriage tour PLUS a ticket good for admission to Boone Hall Plantation. All of the exact locations will be provided upon purchase of your tickets. You will need to call Old South Carriage Company to set up your carriage reservation once your booking is complete.

Do I have to do all three tours on the same day?

No, there are no restrictions as to when you take the tour. We recommend that you take at least two days to do the three tours. You can do two tours one day and the other the next, leave several days in between or when you next return to Charleston. Or take the tours on three separate days. The Harbor Tour and the Carriage Tour are 15 minutes walking distance of each other in down town Charleston. Boone Hall Plantation is about 10 miles away, a 20 minute drive.

How far apart are the three meeting locations?

The Harbor Tour and the Carriage Tour are 15 minutes walking distance of each other in down town Charleston. Boone Hall Plantation is about 10 miles away, a 20 minute drive.

Can I do the Tri-Combo Tour if I do not have a car?

Our sister company, Adventure Sightseeing, offers a tour to Boone Hall that includes transportation for an additional charge. You must call Adventure Sightseeing directly at 843-762-0088 if you need to book a time that includes transportation.

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 Palmetto Carriage Works after purchasing tickets. 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. The Plantation Tour also operates rain or shine. If the weather is completely unacceptable then a ticket for a different day may be requested. All tickets are nonrefundable.

Who operates each of the three components of the Tri-Combo Tour?

The three 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 has been a leader of guided tours since 1983 in Charleston. Family owned and operated, dedicated to top notch animal care, state of the art carriages and knowledgeable tour guides delivering Southern Hospitality one tour at a time!
Boone Hall Plantation is one of America’s oldest working plantations, having been established over 300 years ago. The McRae Family purchased the plantation in 1955 and it was Mrs. McRae who furnished the house with antiques and began giving tours. Tours now include plantation house tours, Slave Street history tour, explanation of the Gullah culture, Plantation Nature Tram Tour, Garden Tour and Butterfly Pavilion tour. (After purchase, you’ll receive the contact information for all three companies.)

Is Boone Hall Plantation handicapped and wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair access is very limited due to the nature of the facilities and period architecture.

Is the Carriage portion of the Tri-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 Tri-Combo Tour 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.

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.

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 use the “Contact HarborTours” link to inquire further about special group rates.

Is the Harbor Tour portion of the Tri-Combo Package the same as the regular historic Charleston Harbor Tour?

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

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.

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

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

Can I buy food or drinks on board?

There is a snack 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 cash or charge on board.

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.

Does the tour run year-round?

Yes, but the schedule may be limited 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. 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 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 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 there any narration on the tour?

Yes, the Harbor Tour is fully narrated.

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 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 a clean restroom.