Sail aboard the intimate Carolina Blue for a personal Charleston Harbor cruise featuring historic sights, clear swimming spots, and expert crew guidance. Discover why this water adventure stands out along Charleston’s storied coastline.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Charleston Harbor is a key Civil War site, notably home to Fort Sumter, where the first battle was fought.
Conservation
Efforts are made to minimize impact on local marine ecosystems by limiting passenger numbers and avoiding sensitive habitats.
Sandlapper Water Tours
Sail aboard the intimate Carolina Blue for a personal Charleston Harbor cruise featuring historic sights, clear swimming spots, and expert crew guidance. Discover why this water adventure stands out along Charleston’s storied coastline.
Sandlapper Water Tours is a Charleston-based operator that runs small-group and private cruises across Charleston Harbor. The company operates a 26-foot Carolina skiff for two-hour private charters where guests choose nature, history, or sunset themes, bring their own food and drinks, and use an onboard cooler and stereo. For shared cruises, Sandlapper offers the Carolina Blue, a 33-foot monohull carrying up to 21 passengers for harbor tours, sunset sails, and swim stops with a friendly crew; and the Palmetto, a 45-foot catamaran hosting up to 49 passengers for haunted-history evening cruises and relaxed sunset excursions. Tours emphasize local stories, historic landmarks, and coastal wildlife including dolphin sightings. Crews are described as attentive and knowledgeable, guiding guests safely while providing a casual, intimate atmosphere. Booking options include private skiff charters for personalized itineraries and scheduled public cruises for small groups who prefer a social experience. The business highlights flexibility—customizable routes, BYO food on private trips, and on-deck music on the skiff—while maintaining safety standards appropriate to each vessel type. Pricing, departure points, and exact capacity are provided at booking to ensure transparent expectations. Sandlapper Water Tours partners with local operators and adheres to regional marine regulations, reinforcing reliability and local expertise. Ideal for families, couples, and small groups seeking flexible, scenic experiences of Charleston Harbor, the operator focuses on memorable, photo-friendly outings that showcase the city's maritime character without sacrificing comfort or safety. Advance online booking plus clear cancellation policies simplify planning, and local guides add history, context, and reassurance daily.
Vessel Sizes
26–45 ft
Skiff to catamaran options
Group Capacity
21–49 guests
Small, intimate cruises
Private Charters
2-hour skiff
Personalized routes and BYO food
Trip Types
History, Sunset, Ghost, Nature
Diverse experiences for all
Secure a private or small-group cruise—availability fills fast for sunset sails and haunted tours.
Book in advance
Private cruises have limited spots; reserving early ensures your preferred date and time.
Bring sunscreen and hat
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the open-deck sailing hours.
Wear non-slip shoes
Decks can be slippery when wet, so sturdy, non-slip footwear is recommended.
Bring a swimsuit and towel
Take advantage of designated swimming stops in Charleston Harbor’s refreshing waters.
Sunscreen
Necessary for protecting skin during prolonged sun exposure on deck.
summer
Hat or cap
Keeps sun off your face for a more comfortable sailing experience.
summer
Light jacket
Useful for cooler breezes on the water in early or late seasons.
spring
Swimsuit
Allows you to swim during stops in the harbor’s clear water.
summer