Sunset Cruise Charleston, SC
Private & Small‑Group Evening Boat Tours

Experience Charleston’s golden hour from the water – dolphins, playfully dancing upon the waves, endless skyline, and the Ravenel Bridge in the warm sunset rays.
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Quick Facts

For Your Sunset Cruise

  • Departure: 98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (Shem Creek)
  • Start times: Seasonally timed for golden hour & sunset (1.5 hours)
  • Boats: 14’×30’ COI commercial pontoon (up to 23 guests + 2 crew),  a 27’ skiff & 25' Tidewater for small groups & private charters
  • What’s included: USCG‑licensed captain, safety gear, cooler with ice, great music
  • Bring: Light jacket, camera/phone, snacks & beverages (BYO allowed — no glass, please)
  • Who it’s for: Date night, families, friend groups, birthdays, proposals, bachelorettes
Golden Charleston sunset over harbor with palm trees, boats, and waterfront homes silhouetted

Why Our Sunset Cruise Wins the Evening

  • Breathtaking views: Visitors will enjoy the Ravenel Bridge, the Charleston skyline, and the historic waterfronts at golden hour.

  • Dolphin encounters: You’ll spot bottlenose dolphins often playing alongside as boat traffic thins.

  • Experienced local captains & stories: By choosing our Sunset Cruise Charleston SC, you learn harbor history, enjoy wildlife, and get helpful photography tips – this experience is fully unscripted and authentic.

  • Easy departure: Departing from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant offers a variety of restaurants and bars nearby for pre- or post-cruise relaxing and dining.

  • The best experience for any events and occasions: Date night, families, friend groups, birthdays, proposals, bachelorettes – you choose the theme for your sunset boat tours, and we tailor our cruise.

View over the captain’s shoulder during a Charleston sunset cruise, golden sun reflecting on the water.

Cruise Details

  • Departure: 98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (Shem Creek)
  • Start times: Seasonally timed for golden hour & sunset (1.5 hours)
  • Boats: 14’×30’ COI commercial pontoon (up to 23 guests + 2 crew),  a 27’ skiff & 25' Tidewater for small groups & private charters
  • What’s included: USCG‑licensed captain, safety gear, cooler with ice, great music
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What to Bring

  • Light jacket (spring/fall), sunscreen (year-round)
  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Snacks & beverages (BYO allowed, but no glass)
     
Pay attention: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in & boarding
View of Ravenel Bridge at sunset from boat tour in Charleston Harbor

Typical Sunset Cruise Route

This is a standard flow of our Sunset Harbor Cruise Charleston SC.

1. Shem Creek Send-Off
Depart among glowing marsh grasses, returning shrimp boats, and playful dolphins dancing alongside your boat in the warm evening light.

2. Charleston Harbor
Feel the open-water breeze as the skyline unfolds, golden sun reflecting on the waves…a perfect backdrop for your photos and quiet reflection.

3. Patriots Point
Pause for a photo at the historic USS Yorktown. It’s the majestic aircraft carrier standing proudly against the harbor’s colors.

4. Ravenel Bridge
Sail beneath the iconic arches as the sun dips low, casting a golden glow across the water. The signature moment of every sunset cruise Charleston!

5. The Battery & Rainbow Row (conditions permitting)
Drift past Charleston’s historic waterfront, pastel facades bathed in soft evening light, the Battery’s promenades stretching along the shoreline.

6. Fort Sumter & Castle Pinckney
Glide past these harborside landmarks, where low-tide birds, pelicans, and peaceful waters complete the serene evening scene.

Small group on boat during Charleston sunset with Ravenel Bridge in background

Why Choose Our Sunset Cruise

  • Customizable experience: Chill sightseeing, unforgettable romantic moments, or party vibes – we can tailor your boat cruise for different occasions!

  • Local knowledge: Captains share insider stories, history, and even photo tips.

  • Private, modern, and comfortable boats: We have convenient cushioned seating and offer you a smooth ride, and shade for small groups or private charters.

  • Attentive service: Our captains adjust for tides, wind, and lighting to ensure the best views and a seamless experience. You’ll be satisfied whether it’s your first Charleston Harbor sunset cruise or your tenth.

Vibrant Charleston Harbor sunset reflecting on calm ocean waters with dramatic clouds

Before You Board


Want to make the most of your Charleston sunset cruise? Consider the following aspects of the journey:

Beverages 21+
Bring your favorite snacks and beverages aboard, and take advantage of a provided cooler with ice to keep all of your items cool. 

Music
Of course, cool music is also part of the experience! All our boats are equipped with Bluetooth stereo systems. Choose your own playlist to set the perfect mood out on the water!

Timing & activities
We love adventure as you are, but stops or swims are only available on 3-hour or more cruises due to time constraints. 

Weather & safety
The weather in Charleston can change at a moment's notice. Our captains constantly monitor the conditions and may adjust the time of departure to avoid rain or storminess. Cruises are never taken during thunder and/or lightning. Don’t worry, if we cancel the cruise due to unsafe weather conditions, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellation policy
You can cancel our Charleston sunset cruise with 15 or more days in advance for a complete refund. Within 15 days, refunds are only provided due to weather-related cancellations.

Respect for the boats
No damage deposit is required, but our guests are expected to treat the boats with respect. In rare cases of permanent damage to upholstery, fiberglass, rails, mats, and other fixtures, the person booking the charter will be liable for repair costs.

Guest Testimonials

“The perfect end to our Charleston day — dolphins, the bridge, and an unforgettable sunset.” – Emily R. via Google
 
“Kids loved spotting dolphins; we loved the playlist and easy vibes.” – Olivia B., TripAdvisor

Frequently Ask Questions

Q: How long is the sunset cruise? 
A: 90–120 minutes, timed to golden hour and sunset.

Q: Will we see dolphins? 
A: Charleston’s harbor is home to year‑round bottlenose dolphins, and we often see them, especially in the evenings. Wildlife is never guaranteed.

Q: Is it family‑friendly? 
A: Yes! You’ll enjoy a smooth ride, choose among plenty of seating, and get life jackets on board for all ages.

Q: Can we bring alcohol? 
A: Bring your own snacks and drinks (please, no glass). Please drink responsibly.

Q: Where do we depart? 
A: Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant – 98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Q: Is the boat private? 
A: You can book seats on shared cruises or reserve a private charter for your group.

Q: What if the weather turns? 
A: If the captain cancels your Sunset Cruise Charleston SC, for weather, you can reschedule, or if you purchased weather protection, get a refund. 
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