Hidden Gems You’ll See on Boat Rides in Charleston SC
Charleston is known to have homes in pastel, ancient churches, and cobblestone streets, but some of the most amazing views can only be viewed on the water. When your plan is to ride boats in Charleston, SC, you are not just going to get a cruise. The city's waterways reveal mysterious islands, historic sites, wildlife habitats, and obscure views of the shore that most people have never seen from land.
Be it a harbor tour, an eco-tour, a personal charter, or a sunset tour, here are the hidden secrets you can explore with the help of boat rides in Charleston, SC.
Historic Landmarks You Can Only Truly Appreciate from the Water
The skyline of Charleston is full of history, and some of the most recognizable landmarks will display their finest features when during a boat ride.
Morris Island Lighthouse (Without the Crowds)
The Morris Island Lighthouse is not a secret to most of the visitors. But few of them know that the water is the best place to see it.
This historic lighthouse, which has stood since 1876, is near the entrance to Charleston Harbor and can no longer be accessed by land due to erosion. Though you can stroll along the adjacent beaches, boat tours in Charleston, SC, offer a clear, close-up view of the lighthouse that rises from the Atlantic in a spectacular fashion.
Why it’s a hidden gem from the water:
You can see the entire building with the ocean backdrop
Fewer crowds at beach viewpoints
Unbelievable shots, particularly during sunset
On sunny days, it is common to see dolphins anywhere in or near the lighthouse, which is among the most scenic destinations on harbor and private boat tours.
Castle Pinckney
There is an old, lonely little fort on Shutes Folly Island, of which so many visitors pass without being aware that it is there.
Castle Pinckney was constructed during the early nineteenth century and contributed during the Civil War. It is not publicly accessible today, but boat rides in Charleston, SC, regularly take visitors around the island, providing a glimpse of this lost history.
From the water, you'll notice:
A unique circular brick structure of the fort
The nearby marshland had wildlife nesting
Spectacular harbour views that are not common to many tourists' eyes
It is one of the most neglected historical spots in Charleston, and you can make it out right by the boat.
Drum Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary
Drum Island is a native landmark that will be among the greatest surprises to anyone who loves nature on boat tours in Charleston.
This is an exclusive, closed wildlife reserve forbidden to the public, though boat tours are regular events, and the area offers a glimpse of one of the most vital habitats in the area.
What you might see:
Pelicans diving for fish
Great blue herons
Egrets and shorebirds
Dolphins in tidal water currents on their way
Here, the beauty of the pristine Lowcountry marsh ecosystem is on display on this island. It is a relaxing contrast to the historic downtown skyline.
The Hidden Side of Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is one of the most notable attractions in Charleston, yet it is known by most only through a ferry tour or as you read history in a textbook.
During private or specialty boat tours in Charleston, SC, you can get a glimpse of unusual views of Fort Sumter not emphasized by the regular tours, among which are:
Island erosion around the island
Bird nest plots at the fort walls
Magnificent sunrise view in the harbor
It is a view you get from the water: how strategic this place was during the Civil War.
Abandoned Waterfront Structures
The waters of Charleston are sprinkled with the ghostly docks, pier-grabbing docks, and maritime structures of a lifetime erased.
You will pass on your tour route:
Remnants of an old rice plantation
scattered planks of resinous wood, docks worn out with marsh-grass
Old shipping warehouses on the Cooper River
These silent monuments testify to Charleston's history as a major port and shopping centre.
Conclusion
Charleston is more than a beautiful place with beautiful streets. The shore is masked by some of the most interesting landmarks, ecosystems, and historic landmarks of the place.
To really know Charleston, its history, wildlife, and seaside appeal, there is no better seat in the city than on a sidewalk with boat rides in Charleston, SC.