Carolina Belle Harbor Cruise
Climb aboard the Carolina Belle to enjoy the beauty of the Charleston Harbor and learn the rich history of the Holy City. During the scenic and relaxing 90-minute tour, your professional USCG licensed captain will narrate history, sights, and facts about the Charleston Harbor as you pass over 75 landmarks and points of interest. You might even see some dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food!
Charleston Tea Plantation
The Bigelow family, William Barclay Hall and the staff of the plantation stand ready to bring you the tea experience of your life. In addition to many acres of tea plants, they offer an educational tour of their tea factory. You get to walk the entire length of their tea production building where you can see all the equipment it takes to make tea. Large TV screens along the glassed-in gallery show the entire process. As mentioned, they also offer a 45-minute trolley ride, which makes a stop at their state-of-the-art greenhouse. Last but not least is their gift shop, stocked with more tea related items than you can possibly imagine.
Fort Sumter
After boarding, you will experience a relaxing 30-minute cruise through Charleston’s historic harbor out to Fort Sumter. The tour is fully narrated and explains many points of interest and historic significance. You will learn about the major events which led to the outbreak of America’s most bloody war. At Fort Sumter National Park, historians will provide detailed information about Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the War between the States. There is a museum with fascinating exhibits and a small gift shop for your enjoyment. After one hour at the Fort, you will cruise back to port, enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Charleston’s bustling harbor.
Magnolia Plantation
Step back in time with a guided tour of the Drayton family home, grounds, and “rice field” swamp. The current main House – the core of which was built prior to the Revolutionary War – gives a glimpse of plantation life in the 19th century and beyond.
Patriots Point
In June 1975, the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is on board the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds.
