Combo: Charleston Harbor Tour & Aquarium Admission

1 hour

Combo: Charleston Harbor Tour & Aquarium Admission

duration: 90 minutes
cancellation_summary: Non-refundable. Bookings can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice
meeting_point: Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun and Concord, Charleston, SC
min_age: None
max_age: None
group_size: None
accessibility: None
pricing: None
description: Please request your Aquarium tickets when you arrive for your boat tour, or if you are planning to visit the Aquarium first, please pick up your tickets in advance at the Charleston Maritime Center Ticket Booth

Enjoy a unique sea excursion combining two of Charleston's most respected tourist attractions, Charleston Harbor Tours and the South Carolina Aquarium. These tours reveal two very different sides of our beautiful Charleston Harbor, an exciting adventure for the whole family.

One discounted ticket will guarantee you a spot on the Charleston Harbor Tour AND entitle you to a voucher for entrance to the South Carolina Aquarium that can be used for any date and time!

About The Company's

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 features graceful, classic lines, and she is 80 feet long. It can accommodate up to 300 passengers and has a standard operating crew of three.

The South Carolina Aquarium, opened on May 19, 2000 on the historic Charleston Harbor. It is home to more than ten thousand plants and animals including river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, hawks, owls, sea horses, jellyfish, pufferfish, moray eels, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, pythons, and sharks. The largest exhibit in the Aquarium is the Great Ocean Tank, which extends from the first to the third floor of the Aquarium; it holds more than 385,000 US gallons (1,460,000 l) of water and contains more than three hundred animals. The Aquarium also features a Touch Tank, where patrons may touch horseshoe crabs, Atlantic stingrays, and other marine animals.
what_is_included: 1. A ticket for a Charleston Harbor Tour

Aboard the classic, 72-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 the South Carolina Aquarium

Go ahead, SEA what it’s all about. Treat your family to a captivating journey from the mountains to the sea featuring 60 unique habitats, including our 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank. Are you ready to take the plunge?

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

Aquarium Hours:

Open Daily 9:00am-4:00pm (building closes at 5pm)
* December 24; 9:00am- 12noon
* Closed Thanksgiving day & December 25

what_is_not_included: Food and drinks are not included in the price of your ticket. However, there is a full bar and snack bar on the boat, so you can purchase assorted food and beverages.

itinerary: None
highlights: None
check_in_details: None
what_to_bring: None
special_requirements: None
restrictions: None
extras: None
disclaimers: None
faqs: 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. Keep in mind, you will need to pick up your Aquarium vouchers at the Charleston Harbor Tours ticket booth. If you would like to tour the Aquarium before your Harbor Tour, you will still need to come to the Harbor Tours ticket booth first.

How much time should I allot for the Aquarium?

You can easily spend two hours making your way through the Aquarium. If you have small children you may want to plan for more than two hours as there are a lot of play stations and activities for them to interact with.

How far apart are the two meeting locations?

The two meeting locations are only about 300 yards apart, one block walking distance, 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.

Is there an expiration date on the Aquarium vouchers?

You can use your vouchers for the Aquarium up until a year after your scheduled Harbor Tour.

What type of ticket should I buy for a young child?

For children ages 3 to 11, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 2 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 Aquarium is indoors, so you are welcome to enjoy regardless of the weather.

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 Aquarium is operated by the South Carolina Aquarium.

Is the Aquarium portion of the Combo tour handicapped accessible?

Yes. There are ramps and elevators to accommodate any handicapped individuals.

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.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HARBOR TOUR PORTION OF THE COMBO

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 aboard the Carolina Belle that has soda, bottled water, wine, beer, mixed cocktails, chips, hot dogs, burgers, candy bars, cookies, etc.

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 the schedule may be limited in the off season (December through 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 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 sealife 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 rideshare 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 and Concord Streets.

Is smoking allowed on board the Carolina Belle?

Smoking is not allowed on the Carolina Belle per the City of Charleston ordinance against smoking in restaurants, bars, and other public areas. This does include electronic cigarettes.

Are dogs allowed on board the Carolina Belle?

No, Department of Health regulations prohibit animals on board with the exception of service animals.

Policies

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)

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.

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