Overview

New Combo - Save $9 on adult tickets by booking the combo

Duration: 1.5 Hours
Meeting Point: Harbor Tour meets at Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Description: NOTE: You must pick up a voucher for your Patriots point admission when you check in for your harbor tour. Patriots point requires a physical voucher and you will not be admitted with a confirmation email

Experience a visit to the iconic USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and a relaxing narrated sea excursion on the official Charleston Harbor Fun the whole family!

One discounted ticket will reserve your departure time on the Charleston Harbor Tour AND entitle you to an admission voucher for Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The Patriot's Point voucher can be used for any date and time. (Open Daily 9am-6:30pm, last entry at 5:00pm)

What is Included: 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 a Patriot's Point Naval & Maritme Museum

Admission includes all Exhibits:
- USS YORKTOWN aircraft carrier
- USS LAFFEY Destroyer
- USS CLAMAGORE Submarine
- 3 acre Vietnam experience
- Medal of Honor Museum
- 29 Historic aircraft

Enjoy a relaxing opportunity to absorb the beauty of one of America’s most historic cities from the water and see a WWII era aircraft carrier!
What is not Included: Food and drinks aboard the Carolina Belle or at Patriots Point are not included in the price of your ticket. However, there is a snack bar on the boat as well as at Patriot's Point, so you can purchase assorted food and beverages. The Carolina Belle also has a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails!
Faqs: 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 Patriot's Point. The Patriot's Point admissions vouchers need to be picked up from the Harbor Tour location prior to visiting Patriot's Point.

Where is the best place to get my Patriots Point voucher if I plan to visit Patriot's Point BEFORE my Harbor Tour?

You will need to pick up your Patriot's Point voucher from the Harbor Tour departure location's ticket kiosk.

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

The Combo Tour includes a ticket for the Charleston Harbor Tour AND also entitles you to admission at Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum All for a reduced price 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 get your Patriot's Point voucher at the ticket kiosk when you check in for your Harbor Tour.

Do I have to do both activities on the same day?

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

How far apart are the two meeting locations?

Patriot's Point is across the harbor from the Charleston Maritime Center where the boat tour departs from. Your best bet is to drive or get a ride share/taxi over there. There is a water tax that you could purchase a ticket on for transportation across the water. Their service is seasonal, so we would recommend asking ta out ticket kiosk to see if this is good option the day you are visiting.

Do I have to purchase my tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is highly recommended as harbor 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 most 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. In the event of extreme weather that the captain determines is unsafe and we are unable to operate, we will offer the option to reschedule or refund you. If we operate the tour you are booked on then 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. Patriot's Point is operated by the Patriot's Point Development Authority

Is the Patriot's Point portion of the Combo tour handicapped accessible?

Wheelchair Access
Many of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s attractions and exhibits are wheelchair accessible, however, due to the nature of our museum, several of our exhibits including portions of the USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, and the USS Clamagore are not accessible to those who are not able to climb stairs.

To assist visitors with physical challenges, Patriots Point offers wheelchairs at no cost for our guests. These are located landslide and at the handicapped entrance of the USS Yorktown. We also offer a ride on a golf cart from the ticketing area down to the ship (and back) to any guests who would like a ride.

An elevator is available aboard the USS YORKTOWN providing access to the Hangar Bay Level, Flight Deck and Quarters. There is a lot to see on these levels -- including the Medal of Honor Museum and more than half of our 28 aircraft.

The three-acre Vietnam Experience Exhibit, located land-side, is also wheelchair accessible.

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. 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 in the winter months we offer a more limited schedule, Please check schedule on site.

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.

In the summer months, the sun can feel extra hot on the water! Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.

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 ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft, or taxi services, the popular bike Pedi-cabs in Charleston, or the DASH free downtown public transpor