Take the helm of an F13 mini speedboat for a two-hour guided run through Charleston Harbor. Expect close-up views of the USS Yorktown, Ravenel Bridge, and playful dolphins, plus a brief safety orientation before you go.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The engine clicks, the guide radios a last check, and the harbor yawns open in front of you—brackish light, low-slung shrimp boats, and the long arc of the Ravenel Bridge slicing the skyline. On this 13-mile, two-hour loop you pilot an F13 mini speedboat, following a leader past the USS Yorktown, Waterfront Park, the Battery, and marsh fringes where ospreys quarter the air.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light — you should be able to step on/off a small boat and sit/stand for short intervals
Wildlife
History
Charleston Harbor has long been a strategic maritime gateway—from colonial trade and Civil War engagements to the preserved USS Yorktown at Patriot’s Point—each shoreline tells a piece of the city’s past.
Conservation
Stay on the guided route, avoid feeding wildlife, and pack out waste—harbor ecosystems are sensitive to noise and litter, and operators follow no-wake and wildlife-distance best practices.
Reserve your spot on the Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early to Sign Waivers
Plan to be at Ripley Light Marina 30 minutes before departure to complete the electronic waiver and safety briefing.
Respect the 450 lb Per-Boat Limit
Each boat has a 450 lb weight limit—distribute passengers and gear across boats to stay within safety margins.
Dress for Wind and Spray
Even on warm days, a windbreaker or light layering is essential—water spray and wind make temperatures feel colder on the harbor.
Protect Your Electronics
Use a waterproof phone case or dry bag; storage is limited and compartments can get wet.
Windbreaker or Light Jacket
Blocks wind and spray on exposed runs across the harbor.
fall
Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag
Protects electronics and keeps small items dry in the boat’s storage compartment.
Sunglasses with Strap
Reduces glare on the water and stays secure at speed.
summer
Water Shoes or Secure Sandals
Offers grip stepping on wet docks and quick drying after splashes.
summer