From Daniel Island • 1 Hours • All Ages
Swap a bar stool for a river rail: Daniel Island Ferry’s Island Happy Hour Cruise is a 75-minute Friday escape on the Wando River with an onboard bar and marshfront views. Reserve ahead to enjoy sunset, local beer specials, and easy wildlife watching without committing a whole day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light: suitable for most visitors including families and older adults; minimal walking to board.
Wildlife
History
The Battery and surrounding waterfront reflect Charleston’s long coastal history and antebellum architecture; the area predates modern tourism and remains central to the city’s maritime identity.
Conservation
Keep to prepared walkways and avoid disturbing marsh edges; bring reusable drinkware and follow crew guidance to minimize single-use waste and protect sensitive tidal habitats.
Daniel Island Ferry
From Daniel Island • 1 Hours • All Ages
Daniel Island Ferry operates scheduled passenger ferries and specialty cruises between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The service offers short 30‑minute crossings between Daniel Island’s waterfront and Charleston’s Waterfront Park, one-way and round-trip options, plus seasonal and event-focused runs such as Tennis Express and Concert Express ferries timed for stadium access. For leisure travelers and locals, Daniel Island Ferry runs scenic harbor cruises: sunset harbor cruises from Daniel Island and downtown departures that glide along the Wando River and pass under the Ravenel Bridge. Island Ferry sightseeing cruises and dolphin-watching excursions depart from Riley Waterfront Park, visit Fort Sumter and other historic harbor landmarks, and report dolphin sightings on more than 90% of trips. Specialty experiences include food-and-cruise events like BBQ & Boats with Rodney Scott’s BBQ, open-bar sunset sailings, and a Nowell Creek & Wando River sunset cruise launching from Sweetwater Dock. Daniel Island Ferry focuses on safe, reliable service with licensed crew, regular vessel maintenance, and clear schedules coordinated with downtown arrival points and stadium access for easy connections. Ticketing options cover single one-way rides, round trips, and limited-capacity cruises that prioritize an intimate onboard experience. The operator emphasizes accessibility, family-friendly sightseeing, and small-group charters for celebrations. Daniel Island Ferry’s combination of commuter-style crossings, sightseeing dolphin cruises, and curated sunset and event transfers offers a versatile, low-stress way to experience the Lowcountry’s waterways and iconic Charleston skyline. Advance online booking, clear cancellation policies, and friendly on-dock staff simplify planning for visitors and resident commuters alike seamlessly.
Crossing Time
30 min
Quick scenic trips to downtown Charleston
Dolphin Sightings
90%+
Dolphins spotted on most trips
Routes
Downtown + Daniel Island
One-way and round-trip options available
Special Events
BBQ & Express
BBQ cruises and event express ferries
Book a 30-minute crossing, dolphin cruise, sunset harbor cruise, or event express ferry—limited seats on specialty sailings.
Book in advance
Space is limited for each Friday cruise; reserve online to guarantee preferred seating, especially for groups.
Dress in layers
Evening river temperatures drop quickly after sunset—pack a lightweight jacket for deckside comfort.
Bring binoculars
A compact pair helps spot dolphins, pelicans, and marsh birdlife among the channels and oyster beds.
Consider motion-sickness remedies
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative medication or sit mid-boat where motion is minimized.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you warm on deck as the river breeze picks up after sunset.
fall
Compact binoculars
Helps you scan marsh channels and spot dolphins and birdlife.
Camera with polarizing filter
Reduces glare on water and improves marsh reflection shots at golden hour.
Reusable cup or bottle
Use for onboard drinks to reduce single-use waste and support local stewardship.