How to Take a Charleston SC Sunset Cruise 2025

This article is all about how to take a Charleston SC sunset cruise.

Taking a sunset cruise in Charleston is one of the best ways to see unique views of the city and catch sunset. A Charleston SC sunset cruise is easy to schedule and honestly very fun.

Sunset cruises show you a whole different view of the Charleston skyline while you enjoy refreshing drinks and warm sea breezes. Cruises tend to run about 2 hours (or longer), so be sure to plan this into your itinerary.

This article covers what how you can take a sunset cruise in Charleston, SC any time of the year. Let’s dive in.

The Bottom Line

You have a couple options for how you want to watch sunset on the water in Charleston. You can take a private yacht tour, or you can book a larger boat tour with a popular tour company. These tours will launch from Charleston Harbor.

Either option will put you right on the water in front of many of the city’s historic waterside landmarks so you can see Civil War history up to present day developments.

It goes without saying, but Charleston is absolutely beautiful, especially with a stunning sunset as the backdrop. So the tour you decide to go on is completely up to you, because whichever you decide you will likely have a fabulous time.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on how to take a sunset cruise in Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston SC Sunset Cruise: Private Charters

Charleston offers a broad range of options for private boat charters for a private sunset cruise. You can book a private tour on many different types of vessels, from a catamaran to a yacht.

There is a wide range of companies who offer private charters. It is best to explore a few websites to understand what type of experiences are available for sunset boat cruises.

If you want a luxury experience you might consider Blue Life Charters, which offers hors d’oeurves, beverages, and catered dining options. This could be a perfect idea for a romantic evening in Charleston. Alternatively, if you’re looking to take a close group out together you can explore Charleston Yacht Tours.

Another option for private boat charters is GetMyBoat.com, which allows you to book directly with boat owners for private boat rides. The prices of each excursion will vary, but in general private tours are priced at a premium in comparison to general cruises.

Charleston SC Sunset Cruise: Tour Companies

This is one of the most popular, and best ways, to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the water in Charleston. You can book a sunset cruise, and you have a variety of options for different experiences.

I’ve personally taken the Charleston Harbor History cruise and enjoyed every moment. A guided tour gives you historical perspectives and stories about the city’s history, which I found fascinating. The cruise also offers a paid bar and 2 floors of seating indoors and outdoors to get varied skyline vantage points.

If you’re interested in having dinner on the water, another unique option is a luxury dinner cruise for sunset. This type of excursion offers dinner, drinks, and live music while the boat navigates the harbor. This could be a fun idea for a group, or a perfect date idea.

Sights on a Charleston SC Sunset Cruise

Taking a sunset tour of the harbor at sunset will give you extraordinary views of the historic city of Charleston. You will also spot Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Charleston Peninsula, Cooper River Bridge (Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge), and the Charleston skyline.

Arriving at Charleston Harbor for your Sunset Cruise

The docks where sunset cruises leave from are very near Downtown Charleston. Parking in this region is mostly paid, so it can be tough to street park.

I would recommend parking in a designated garage or parking lot near the harbor, or taking a ride share from your accommodations in Charleston.

Once you arrive there are many historical landmarks near the harbor. You may want to plan to arrive a few hours early to walk through historic Liberty Square, Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, International African American Museum, or Charlotte Street Park Irish Memorial.

Charleston SC Sunset Cruise: Special Occasions

If you are booking for a small group, bachelorette, birthday party or special occasion, there is a Charleston cruise to match your vibe. Celebrating during golden hour on the water is truly magical.

Make sure you check out options for parties, no matter what type of sunset cruise you decide to book. The beauty of Charleston, gentle sound of water, and gentle sunset colors will make a fantastic backdrop to your event.

Charleston SC Sunset Cruise: What to Pack

Charleston has agreeable, sunny weather in summer months and cooler, sometimes rainy weather in the fall into winter.

Check the weather in the days leading up to your sunset cruise so you can determine what to pack.

Here is a short list of essentials you might consider packing for your sunset cruise in Charleston SC.

• Sunglasses.
• Hat (the wind can always blow your hat away, so make sure it is something that can stay securely on your head).
• Phone charger and extra battery pack. Capture those stunning views with your phone camera and not miss a moment running around looking for an outlet.
• An additional layer like a shawl or jacket for cooler weather and harbor breezes, or to block the sun on an especially warm day.
• Sunscreen.
• Water, if your charter allows it.

Plan to take a lot of photos of the surrounding areas. Charleston is incredibly scenic, and you’ll want to capture the moment. Add fun travel captions to your next social media posts with these fun, adventurous, romantic social media caption ideas.

 

Closing Thoughts

There you have it, everything you need to get the most of your Charleston SC sunset cruise! Taking a cruise in the harbor day or evening is a beautiful experience that is well worth the planning and time.

Charleston is a vibrant city brimming with American history from pre-Civil war era to present. It makes a perfect weekend excursion from Atlanta and nearby cities.

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