Enjoy a beautiful daytime sail!

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Duration

1.5 hours

About

Experience the wonder of sailing Charleston Harbor on a classic 84 foot tall ship. As we pull away from the dock, help us hoist the sails if you wish, and then sit back and watch the wind fill them, moving the Schooner Pride through the waters and past some of the most historic sites in the country such as Ft. Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Discover the tranquility of cruising the historic Charleston Harbor on a genuine tall ship, powered only by the wind in our sails.

While this is not a narrated cruise, our crew is happy to answer questions and point out landmarks and you're welcome to help raise and trim the sails or you may sit back and enjoy the ride!

As we sail through waters that Blackbeard once anchored in, relax on deck and imagine a time when the harbor was filled with these majestic ships. We have no set route; we just follow the winds wherever they take us.

The Schooner Pride, is an 84-foot, three-mast schooner modeled after the classic coastal trading schooners. She is an authentic tall ship and possesses all the character and class of a ship designed during the great days of sail. She is USCG certified to hold up to 49 passengers.

We aim to make your experience of sailing aboard the Pride as enjoyable and thrilling as it is for us. Our captain and experienced and friendly crew are more than willing to do whatever they can to ensure that your sailing experience with us is a pleasurable and relaxing one.

Key Points About This Tour:

• Often observe dolphins playing and racing across the bow and frolicking in the harbor.
• Pass Patriots Point and see the USS Yorktown, an Essex class aircraft carrier which played an important role during WWII.
• See the beautiful homes that line the Battery.
• See Ft. Sumter and one of the forts that fired upon it during the first battle of the Civil War, Ft. Johnson.
• Watch pelicans perform diving acts.
• See the impressive Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge, one of the longest cable stayed bridges in the Western hemisphere.
• Soft drinks, beer, wine, champagne and water will all be available for purchase while we explore the harbor. Although we do not serve food on board, we welcome you to bring your own snacks. You will arrive back at the dock an hour and a half later feeling refreshed and relaxed, with a new perspective on this historic harbor.

FAQs

Do I have to book tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and sails often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

Can I get a refund or reschedule my tickets after buying them?

Because we are guaranteeing your space on the sail, tickets cannot be refunded once purchased (unless you purchase tour protection). You may reschedule with 24 hour notice. If we have to cancel for weather, the captain will make that call close to sail time as weather changes frequently on the harbor. If the captain cancels the sail, we will reach out to reschedule you to another sail or issue a credit for use in the future.

What exactly do we see on the sail?

While each sail may differ depending on the wind direction and conditions, we try and do the following route: heading south from the Aquarium Wharf on the west side of Charleston Harbor past the "Battery", eastbound towards Ft. Johnson and Ft. Sumter then past the Yorktown and Patriots Point and toward the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Schooner Pride passes by Castle Pinckney, Charleston's old waterfront area where trading was done and the walled city first began. She sails out to Ft. Sumter and travels through waters where Blackbeard once anchored. Enjoy views of the Charleston skyline in the setting sun with its many churches, framed by the city buildings as she makes her way back to the Aquarium dock area. Our guests get a good overall view of the harbor and the local wildlife.

Is there any narration on the sail?

The crew will point out places of interest, but the sail is not heavily narrated. The crew is happy to speak to you on a one on one basis about the history, ocean life and their own experiences sailing in Charleston Harbor.

Is food served during the sail?

Food is not served on the sail, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks or picnic. However, we ask that you do not bring coolers on board.

Can I bring my own drinks aboard?

No, we ask that you do not bring any beverages on board with you. Sodas, water, beer and wine are available for purchase on board. Credit card only on board.

What should I wear?

We suggest that you dress comfortably, and weather appropriate. Keep in mind that it is usually 5-10 degrees cooler on the water. Soft-soled shoes are also recommended. For our Sunset sails, we recommend a light jacket, as it the temperature drops into the evening.

Is the Schooner Pride safe?

Absolutely, the Schooner Pride is a USCG inspected vessel and is a safe and steady vessel. Aside from your captain we have several crew members to take care of our guests on board. We also have life-jackets on board for all of our guests.

How steady is the sailing? Am I likely to get seasick?

The Schooner Pride is a steady, smooth sailboat and it is quite uncommon for our guests to become seasick. While we cannot officially advise you to take medication, if normally take anything for motion sickness, you may want to consider light medication.

Are any areas of the ship covered?

While there are no parts of the boat that are air-conditioned, guests are more than welcome to go below deck or stay in the shade of the sails to keep out of the sun. The natural sea breeze provides our fan. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Drink plenty of water on hot days to stay hydrated.

Do we see dolphins and other sealife or birdlife?

Most of the time you will see plenty of sealife and birds. While we do not guarantee it, sightings often include dolphins, pelicans, and other local wildlife.

Where does the sail finish?

Our sail will end at the Aquarium Wharf, the same pier from which it departed.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the boat is equipped with a clean restroom. It is called a "marine head" and it is different from a bathroom you would use on land. It is located down a stairway below decks, and it has a foot pedal. There are simple directions in the head or you can ask a crew member to explain!

Is there seating on the boat?

There is bench style seating available for all aboard the sail.

Are there any stops along the way?

No, there are no stops. We will be sailing for the entire 2 hours.

How fast does the Schooner Pride go?

It depends on the wind, but it can go up to 10 knots.

Can I stow anything during the sail?

There is limited room below deck where you may store your belongings. This space is not guarded, however, so please keep in mind that we cannot take responsibility for any missing or damaged belongings. On previous sails, though, we have had no problems.

Do you ever cancel sails due to bad weather?

The sail usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but we may cancel the sail up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If we cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Do children need a ticket to attend?

All children, regardless of their age, must purchase a ticket to attend.

What happens if it starts raining while we're on our sail?

Don't worry, some of our most fun and memorable trips have taken place in less-than-perfect weather! If we're caught in a rain shower, you may go below to the main salon, or you may borrow one of our many rain ponchos.

What happens if there isn't enough wind to sail?

Charleston enjoys an onshore breeze most days starting in late morning and while we cannot guarantee the wind, the wind gods cooperate most days. Lack of wind means we reluctantly use the iron sail or motor sail.

Do you have discounts for large groups?

Yes! We offer group rates for parties of 15 or more. Please contact our sales department to book your group. 843-722-1112 or sales@charlestonharbortours.com.

Are dogs or other pets allowed on board?

No, for the safety and comfort of all guests we only allow bona fide service animals. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.

Can I smoke aboard?

We are proud to be a smoke free / tobacco free environment. Smoking is not permitted on our vessels.

Can I book a private charter sail?

Yes. If you are interested in booking a private sail for a wedding, private party, reunion, corporate team building, or another special event, please contact our sales department at 843-722-1112 or email sales@charlestonharbortours.com.

Are gift certificates available for your sails?

Yes, gift certificates are available, and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Gift Certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.

Is the ship wheelchair accessible?

No, the Schooner Pride is not wheelchair accessible. We will do our best to accommodate disabled persons, but there are 5 stairs then a gangplank to cross to board. The "head" is also below deck and you will need to negotiate stairs to use it.

About

The Schooner Pride, is an 84-foot, three-mast schooner modeled after the classic coastal trading schooners. She is an authentic tall ship and possesses all the character and class of a ship designed during the great days of sail. She is USCG certified to hold up to 49 passengers.

We aim to make your experience of sailing aboard the Pride as enjoyable and thrilling as it is for us. Our captain and experienced and friendly crew are more than willing to do whatever they can to ensure that your sailing experience with us is a pleasurable and relaxing one.