easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; passengers should be able to sit comfortably for the duration.
Discover the soulful sounds and savory flavors of Charleston on the Blues & BBQ Cruise. This exclusive boat tour offers stunning harbor views, live blues music, and mouth-watering Southern barbecue—an experience not to be missed.
Running for our 16th season!
Experience a memorable evening aboard the Charleston Princess, where you can enjoy live music, stunning views of the Holy City, and a mouthwatering BBQ buffet. This casual cruise offers a fun alternative to traditional dining, making it perfect for date nights or gatherings with friends. Join us for an unforgettable night on the water!
Join us aboard the Charleston Princess for a fantastic evening on the water. Our first cruises of the season kick off with Valentine's day and Leap Day! This a unique way to celebrate with your significant other way more fun than a stuffy sit down dinner. Come cruise with us for a fun, casual and relaxing experience on water!
We have partnered with some great local and regional musicians for a fantastic cruise featuring amazing live music, breathtaking views of the "Holy City" and a delicious BBQ buffet! The buffet includes pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac & cheese, cole slaw, buns and sauces on side, and water. Fully stocked bar on board with beer, wine and cocktails for purchase! This cruise is perfect for date night, groups of friends, group outings, or any occasion.
There are two ticket types for this great event:
Adult - boarding begins at 6:30 and includes the delicious BBQ buffet, cruise, live music and cash bar.
VIP Adult Ticket - includes everything above plus premium early boarding (30 minutes earlier than normal boarding) and 1 complimentary drink per person! Normal boarding is 30 minutes prior to cruise time. VIP is 1 hour prior to cruise time.
While this is a Blues & BBQ Cruise, there will be a variety of bands throughout the season featuring genres such as country, reggae, pop/rock, blues and more!
**While aboard the Charleston Princess listening to some great tunes, you'll get close-up sunset views of the Holy City's most famous and charming sights, including: **
Party the way the locals do... with Charleston Harbor Tours!
Your fantastic cruise is included with LIVE music A delicious buffet will be provided including pulled pork bbq, smoked chicken, mac n cheese, cole slaw, cookies buns and sauces on the side as well as sweet and unsweetened tea. Alcoholic beverages are not included in this cruise, but we do have a fully stocked bar on board with beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase.
Charleston Maritime Center, near Calhoun & Concord (Charleston, SC) (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
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 exactly do we see on the cruise?
Some of the sites you'll see include: the white steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the stately homes along the Battery, the three forts – Moultrie, Sumter, and Johnson, Patriot’s Point, the home of the Yorktown, the famous “Fighting Lady” of World War II, Charleston’s landmark Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. You may see wildlife sightings such as dolphins.
What happens if it rains?
The cruises take place rain or shine, regardless of weather conditions. The Charleston Princess has a glassed-in, enclosed observatory and the mid-level deck is also covered, so you'll be able to get great views of the Harbor's famous sights in any weather!
What food is included in the cruise?
We will have a delicious BBQ Buffet provided featuring smoked chicken, pulled pork, mac n cheese and cole slaw, and dessert buns and sauces on the side and. We will have a fully stocked bar with beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase.
Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?
No, we ask you not to bring any food or drinks on board. Your food will be included in your ticket price for this cruise and we will have drinks available for purchase at our bar.
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, especially because this is an evening cruise!
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 Charleston Princess is a safe vessel with a normal operating crew of five. She is certified to cruise the inland waterways by the USCG and meets all the US Coast Guard safety requirements.
Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
The Charleston Princess is not ADA compliant, however, 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. Once aboard, there is not an elevator to reach the salon where dinner is served and the restrooms are located.
Is parking available near the departure point?
Yes, there is metered parking along Concord and Charlotte Streets or a garage at 24 Calhoun Street.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes, the boat is equipped with a clean restroom.
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.
Are dogs allowed on board?
No, unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this cruise.
Can I book a private trip?
Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests. Please contact our sales department at sales@charlestonharbortours.com or call 843-722-1112
Refund/Rescheduling Policy Non-refundable, can be reschedule with 24 hours notice. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded.
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.
Charleston Harbor Tours is the longest 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 a pleasant and enjoyable one.
The Charleston Princess is Charleston Harbor Tours newest vessel featuring 3 decks for entertaining, The Main Salon is enclosed and climate controlled and the top deck is open to enjoy the lovely Charleston weather and breathtaking views!
Arriving 15 minutes early ensures a smooth boarding process and time to settle in before departure.
Bring sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses to stay comfortable during the daytime cruise.
Even in summer, evenings on the water can get cool—packing a jacket is recommended.
Drink plenty of water throughout the tour to stay refreshed under the sun.
Charleston has a deep maritime history dating back to the colonial era, with its harbor playing a central role in trade and defense for centuries.
Charleston Harbor Tours supports local conservation efforts by promoting responsible wildlife viewing and maintaining environmentally friendly operations.
Protect your skin from sun exposure during the outdoor cruise.
summer specific
Shield yourself from the sun and enjoy clear views with these accessories.
spring|summer|fall specific
Stay warm during evening or breezy moments on the water.
winter|spring|fall specific
Easy-to-wear shoes are recommended for boarding and walking around the boat.