If you’re looking for a spooky way to spend the evening in Charleston, hop aboard the Haunted Ghost Tour & Pirate Cruise from Sandlapper Water Tours! Your crew? Pirates, soldiers, shipwrecks… and maybe a ghost or two.
This family-friendly cruise takes you through eerie tales from Charleston’s dark and watery past — with the glow of the city skyline and the Ravenel Bridge as your backdrop.
We took the tour, and we’ve updated everything with 2025 info so your family knows exactly what to expect.
Haunted Ghost & Pirate Cruise of Charleston Harbor
The Ghost & Pirate Cruise with Sandlapper Water Tours lasts about 90 minutes and departs from the Charleston Maritime Center. You’ll ride on The Palmetto, a 45-foot catamaran that holds up to 49 passengers.
With the harbor’s history of shipwrecks, storms, war, and fire — not to mention the many enslaved people brought through this port — it’s no wonder the waters are full of tragic and ghostly tales. Your guide will bring those stories to life as you cruise past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and other spots tied to Charleston’s haunted history.
This is not your average boat ride.
It’s spooky, it’s fascinating, and the city views at night are spectacular.
Our Experience on the Haunted Harbor Tour
When we took the tour, the weather really set the stage. A quick thunderstorm rolled in just before we boarded — complete with lightning that had everyone (including me) feeling the chills — and then vanished like nothing happened.
We boarded a covered boat with open-air sides and got cozy. As the boat drifted into the harbor, we listened to story after story about Charleston’s haunted past. Our guide was Ed Macy, a local expert who’s published books about the ghosts of Charleston. He runs the tour company with his family and clearly loves sharing these stories.
Should you bring kids?
The cruise is open to families with kids ages 3 and up — but use your judgment! Some stories are a little intense for younger kids. I brought noise-canceling headphones just in case, but we didn’t end up needing them. My kids were wide-eyed but fine — and they slept great that night!
Spooky Stories You Might Hear
The stories vary, but you can expect chilling tales like:
- The ghost of the schoolteacher who still visits diners at Poogan’s Porch
- Stede Bonnet, the “Gentleman Pirate,” and his final hours
- Tragic shipwrecks and lost sailors of Charleston Harbor
- A mother caught mourning her child at the graveyard
- Hauntings tied to the old Cooper River bridge, now replaced by the Ravenel
Your guide mixes in history, legend, and just enough drama to make it magical.
What to Know Before You Go
Here are a few helpful tips to make your experience go smoothly:
- Cruise Length: 90 minutes
- Departure: Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside Street
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- Parking: There’s no parking at the Maritime Center — use nearby garages (like the SC Aquarium garage) or metered street parking on Concord Street
- Ages: No children under 3 are allowed
- Restrooms: Available before boarding; there’s also one onboard
- Weather: Dress warmly! Even on warm days, the harbor gets breezy at night
- Food/Drinks: Alcohol and soft drinks available for purchase on board
- Bring cash for tips, snacks, or drinks
- Book early for fall dates — October tours often sell out
Ticket Pricing (2025)
- Adults: $45
- Children (ages 3–12): $35
- Infants under 3: Not permitted
Prices are current as of fall 2025 but may vary — always check the official site before booking.
Should You Go?
Yes! The storytelling is engaging, the boat is comfortable, and the harbor is just plain beautiful at night. If your family loves spooky tales and Charleston history, this is a fun way to enjoy both — and sneak in a little learning, too.
Sandlapper Water Tours Ghost Tours
Adults $45 | Children (ages 3-12) $35 (Children under 3 are not permitted)
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