Sunset Cruise in Charleston, SC
Private & Small‑Group Evening Boat Tours

Experience Charleston’s golden hour from the water — dolphins, skyline, and the Ravenel Bridge at sunset

Departing daily from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant
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Quick Facts

For Your Sunset Cruise

  • Departure: 98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (Shem Creek)
  • Start times: Seasonally timed for golden hour & sunset (1.5 hours)
  • Boats: 14’×30’ COI commercial pontoon (up to 23 guests + 2 crew),  a 27’ skiff & 25' Tidewater for small groups & private charters
  • What’s included: USCG‑licensed captain, safety gear, cooler with ice, great music
  • Bring: Light jacket, camera/phone, snacks & beverages (BYO allowed — no glass, please)
  • Who it’s for: Date night, families, friend groups, birthdays, proposals, bachelorettes
Golden Charleston sunset over harbor with palm trees, boats, and waterfront homes silhouetted

Why Our Sunset Cruise Wins the Evening

 - Best views in Charleston: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Patriots Point & USS Yorktown, Charleston Battery, Castle Pinckney, Fort Sumter.*

- Dolphin sightings happen often: Bottlenose dolphins are most active as boat traffic thins and temps drop.
- Comfortable, social boats: Cushioned seating, shade, smooth ride. Perfect for couples, families, and groups.
- Local captains, real stories: Harbor history, wildlife, and photo tips — without the script.
- Easy parking & departure: Launches from Shem Creek — food, drinks, and vibes before/after your tour.

*Sighting and itinerary depend on weather/tides, but sunset views from the harbor are always the star 
View over the captain’s shoulder during a Charleston sunset cruise, golden sun reflecting on the water.

The Route
(Typical Sunset Flow)

Shem Creek send‑off — shrimp boats, dolphins, and marsh grass glowing in evening light Charleston Harbor — open water breeze and skyline views Patriots Point — USS Yorktown aircraft carrier photo stop Ravenel Bridge — signature golden‑hour backdrop The Battery & Rainbow Row (conditions permitting) — historic waterfront a. Fort Sumter / Castle Pinckney — low‑tide birds, pelicans, and harbor vistas
Your captain adjusts for tides, wind, and the night’s best light.
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Private Sunset Cruises (Customize Everything)

- Play your playlist or keep it quiet — your call
- Choose chill sightseeing, a party vibe, or a romantic route
- Add time for dolphins, photo sessions, or a proposal moment
View of Ravenel Bridge at sunset from boat tour in Charleston Harbor

What Guests Say

  • “The perfect end to our Charleston day — dolphins, bridge, and an insane sunset.”

  • “Kids loved spotting dolphins; we loved the playlist and easy vibes.”
  • “Shem Creek departure is so convenient — drinks after the cruise!”
Small group on boat during Charleston sunset with Ravenel Bridge in background

What You’ll See at Sunset

- Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (common)

- Ravenel Bridge arches lighting up
- Historic skyline along The Battery
- Shrimp boats returning to Shem Creek
- Marsh islands & bird life (egrets, pelicans)
Vibrant Charleston Harbor sunset reflecting on calm ocean waters with dramatic clouds

What to Bring & Policies

  • BYO drinks/snacks (no glass). Cooler & ice onboard.
  • Light jacket in spring/fall; sunscreen year‑round.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early for check‑in & boarding.
  • Weather calls are made by the captain for guest safety; reschedule or credit if we must cancel for weather.

FAQ — Sunset Cruise, Charleston SC

  • How long is the sunset cruise? 90–120 minutes, timed to golden hour and sunset.
     
  • Will we see dolphins? Charleston’s harbor is home to year‑round bottlenose dolphins and we often see them, especially evenings. Wildlife is never guaranteed.
 
  • Is it family‑friendly? Yes — smooth ride, plenty of seating, and life jackets onboard for all ages.
 
  • Can we bring alcohol? BYO is allowed (no glass). Please drink responsibly.
 
  • Where do we depart? Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant — 98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
 
  • Is the boat private? You can book seats on shared cruises or reserve a private charter for your group.
 
  • What if the weather turns? If the captain cancels for weather, you can reschedule or if you purchased weather protection get a refund.