Things to do in Charleston, South Carolina (SC): The Best Dolphin & Whale Watching

Founded in 1992, Coastal Expeditions is Charleston's original outfitter and is a family business with a team of exceptional, big-hearted guides. Outside Magazine listed Coastal Expeditions tours as one of the top 30 trips to take worldwide. Saltwater and blackwater tours and rentals are available year round from several wildlife-laden spots, including 4 private on-water outposts at Shem Creek, Isle of Palms, Kiawah River and the Bulls Island Ferry. Coastal Expeditions' mission is to take people to beautiful places to experience meaningful things by kayak, SUP, canoe and powerboat.

This private 2 hour boat adventure is what Charleston is really all about! I'm a native captain, so we'll glide through the uncrowded backwaters of the most pristine estuaries in the country. We'll learn to harvest oysters, catch shrimp and identify local shore birds. Next, we'll find the Bottlenose Dolphins. Having them swim next to the boat is exciting, but if we find them feeding in the shallows it's spectacular! Our next destination is Morris Island where I'll teach you about its rich Civil War history as well as my own family ties to it. We'll then walk its shores looking for shells and artifacts as the sixth oldest lighthouse in the nation serves as our backdrop! So as you can see we have something for everybody on this trip. The dolphins are always here, the beach is loaded with shells, and if you listen hard enough you just may hear the roar of cannons from the past. So come on and join me! You never know what washed up the night before...

Sail year round on Charleston’s finest, private, and romantic 50ft luxury yachts, "Fate" and "Kismet". Rated by Forbes as one of the top romantic things to do in Charleston! Enjoy the sights of this beautiful city from historical landmarks to a wide variety of wildlife as you relax and feel the ocean breeze, all while your professional captain and mate cater to your every need. Available for hourly, daily and overnight adventures. Most charters are 2-4 hours in length and circle the entire Charleston Harbor. Gourmet Catering options are available and you are welcome to bring your favorite beverages along for the ride. Professional photography is available. Book in advance as we do well oer 650 charters per year. Large Party? Our high capacity motor yacht Kismet is the best yacht for parties up to 20 guests. The perfect for corporate events, birthdays, family outings, private tours and over 200 bachelorette parties every year!

Geechee Girl Harbor Tours offers visitors a unique tour of Charleston and its environs from a nautical perspective. Experienced and knowledgeable licensed Captains will give you an interesting and historical narrative, while ensuring a safe cruise around one of the prettiest ports on the East Coast. The two hour tour may be customized to your personal taste. Check out our website for further details.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA) is an eco-tour guiding and rental service located in the Folly Beach area. Our goal is to expand your appreciation of South Carolina’s rich coastal resources through exploration of our saltwater estuaries and engagement with the abundant wildlife that resides here. We offer guided kayak & stand-up paddle board tours, charter boat tours, inshore fishing charters and kayak & paddle board rentals. All guided trips are led by trained naturalists who strive to facilitate educational and interactive tours that you will remember for years to come! Regardless off the excursion or service you choose, we are confident that we can offer you unbeatable value & customer service. We hope that you choose COA and learn how and why our passion resonates in the hearts and minds of all of our adventurers.

Angler Management is a Charleston Fishing Charter Business that specializes in inshore fishing, eco tours, harbor cruises, family fishing, sunset cruises, and many other boat charters. We offer a unique way to experience the beautiful nature that surrounds the Charleston waterways. Captain Ethan Frye has been fishing the Charleston waters for over 20 years.

Charleston Kayak Company offers access to some of the most scenic waterways in the Charleston area. Naturalist guided kayak tours and rentals are offered year-round from the grounds of historic Middleton Place. Immerse yourself in the rich history, ecology, and protected waterways surrounding this National Historic Landmark site. Tours are suitable for any skill level or experience. If your more comfortable with an engine, join one of our history and dolphin boat tours exploring the salt marshes aboard our 24ft Carolina Skiff. Join a regularly scheduled departure, or arrange a private trip. No matter what the season, we have an offering to get you on the water!

Soak up the sun while exploring Historic Charleston the way the locals do... from the water! Indulge in our city's marine wildlife, history and barrier islands on one of our scheduled tours or on your own private tour boat with Harborview Charters! Maybe you want to relax, go shelling, fishing, on a sunset cruise, girls day out, or spend the day at the beach with the kids swimming and looking for buried treasure. We can accommodate and customize any private boat charter to fit your needs.

Enjoy a day sailing the Historic Harbor taking in the sights on Charleston's finest catamaran, a 43' Leopard. Lounge on the trampoline, soaking up the sun and dolphin watching or relax in the shade in the roomy cockpit. Bring your favorite beverages, a picnic or choose gourmet catering as you take in the Holy City, Ft. Sumter, Ft. Moultrie, Shem Creek, Sullivan's Island, and if time and winds prevail, a taste of the deep blue, as you head out through the jetties into the Atlantic. Day Charters begin at 3 hours and can be customized up to a Full Day Sail, allowing the freedom and flexibility for serious adventure. For a romantic evening, there is the popular 3 hour picturesque Sunset Sail, which can also be extended. A five star experience to accommodate all your fancies, from a stellar vacation or staycation, fairy-tale engagement, surprise Birthday, bachelorette party, to corporate team building, OM Sailing Charters offers it all! 3Hr Sunset $575 3Hr Day Sail $525

- Up to 10 People Plus the Captain - Rates Starting at $289 - You Get the Entire Boat! - Choose What You Want to Do! - Dolphin Watching - Tubing - Harbor Cruises - Explore Beaches Accessible Only by Boat - Sunset Cruises - Children and Babies Welcome - 24 Foot Deckboat with Comfortable Seating For Everybody - Fully Enclosed Toilet Room On-board