What locals are saying
Charleston Water Taxi earns consistently strong marks across platforms as an affordable, practical way to skip downtown parking and traffic while getting genuine harbor views between Waterfront Park, the Aquarium Wharf, Patriots Point, and the Harbor Resort. Locals and repeat visitors alike highlight the friendly, knowledgeable crew and reliable hourly schedule as its biggest strengths, with frequent dolphin sightings treated as a reliable bonus rather than a gimmick. The only recurring gripe is that the Charleston-side stops can be hard to locate for first-timers, and it skews more 'working ferry' than polished sightseeing cruise.
On socials
Social chatter consistently frames the Charleston Water Taxi as the best-value activity in Charleston — people rave about the $17 all-day pass, dolphin sightings, and the harbor skyline views. Creators and visitors alike call it a 'must-do' and 'best deal in town,' recommending the ride as both practical transportation (skip downtown parking) and a scenic cruise; the sunset loop in particular gets called out as an unexpected highlight. Dog-friendliness and kid-friendliness pop up repeatedly, and crew knowledge/friendliness draws frequent praise. No significant complaints surface beyond parking costs at the departure lot.
Who it’s for & what you get
- Wheelchair accessible
Frequently asked
Is Charleston Water Taxi one of the best activitys in Charleston?
Charleston Water Taxi is ranked #124 activity in Charleston by community votes.
What is Charleston Water Taxi best known for?
Passenger ferry running between the Charleston peninsula and Patriots Point across the harbor, with open-air deck seating.
Who should go to Charleston Water Taxi?
Charleston Water Taxi works well for both locals and visitors looking for a quality activity in Charleston.
Where is Charleston Water Taxi located?
Charleston Water Taxi is located at 10 Wharfside St, Charleston, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar things to do in Charleston
Palmetto Carriage Works
Sightseers ride behind horses in old-fashioned carriages while receiving a narrated history lesson.
Old South Carriage Company
Narrated sightseeing trips on historic carriages pulled by horse, plus city-center walking tours.
The Original Pub & Brewery Tours of Charleston
Guided walking tours hitting Charleston's bars and breweries, departing from the Market Street area.
Charleston Sailing Adventures
Skippered sailing charters departing Wharfside Street into Charleston Harbor and the surrounding Lowcountry waterways.
Nearby in Downtown
International African American Museum
Waterfront museum on Gadsden's Wharf, the precise site where enslaved Africans first arrived in America, documenting that history through galleries and genealogy resources.
Zero George
Elegant boutique hotel set in 1800s buildings offering free breakfast, a bistro/bar & loaner bikes.
Charleston Gaillard Center
Grand theater presenting big-name concerts, Broadway shows, dance performances & classical music.
Theodora Park
Compact neighborhood green space on Anson Street with benches, dog access, and a quiet break from the French Quarter foot traffic.
Scotty Doesn't Know Speakeasy
Cocktail-forward speakeasy tucked behind East Bay Street, pouring wine and drinks in a low-lit, reservable room.
Delaney Oyster House
Homey locale in a historic house serving seafood specialties & a raw bar, plus wine & cocktails.