South Carolina, United States
Half of Charleston’s tours are walking or history-focused, with many under $40 and private charters for groups.
Charleston’s tour scene is dominated by walking, historical, and cultural tours, making up over half of the 304 experiences. The most common price point is under $40, with 51% of all tours falling below this mark. Private and luxury options are also widespread, but this label applies to everything from affordable walks to high-end charters.
The best-reviewed tours are small-group or private walks, dolphin cruises, and sailing charters, with many earning near-perfect ratings. Experiences that combine local history with hands-on elements or access to the water tend to stand out. Poorly rated tours are rare—just 6% fall below 4 stars—but when issues arise, they’re most often in walking and ghost tours.
With 304 experiences, Charleston’s catalogue is heavily weighted toward walking, historical, and cultural tours—each accounting for about half of all listings. The median price is $31, but this is pulled up by private tours that charge per group rather than per person. In reality, 51% of all tours cost under $40, and 70% are under $100. Only 18% exceed $200, and just 1% go over $1,000.
‘Private and Luxury’ is a broad label here, covering everything from $19 group walks to $395 yacht charters. The median price within major categories like Walking, Historical, and Cultural Tours is $63, but this reflects the mix of private and public options. Most tours offer free cancellation (95%), and almost all confirm instantly.
Low-rated tours are rare, but when they appear, they’re almost always walking, historical, or ghost tours. The catalogue’s highest-rated options are small-group walks and private sailing or dolphin excursions, with several likely to sell out. Price alone doesn’t guarantee quality—what’s included and the guide’s expertise matter more.
| Private and Luxury | 219 | $63 |
| Historical Tours | 159 | $63 |
| Walking Tours | 153 | $63 |
| Cultural Tours | 81 | $63 |
Travelers looking for value will find it in Charleston’s walking and history tours, where half the options cost under $40 and several top-rated experiences are priced from $19 to $30 per person. These tours consistently earn near-perfect scores when led by knowledgeable, engaging guides who tailor the experience to the group. For example, every review for the semi-private small group walk is 5 stars, and the $19 history and alleyways walk is praised for its small size and lively storytelling.
If you want more than a walk, dolphin cruises and pirate adventures start around $32–$42, offering a different perspective on the city and its waterways. These are especially popular with families and consistently receive excellent feedback for both the experience and the guides. Private yacht charters and sailing trips are a splurge, starting at $376–$395 per group (up to six people), but for a full boat, the per-person cost can be less than some high-end walking tours. These charters are praised for their crew, comfort, and the chance to see dolphins and local landmarks from the water.
Premium experiences like the $188 food, wine, and history tour with a cooking class combine several elements—walking, tastings, and a meal. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but a few note that promised recipes were not always provided after the tour. For photography or proposal sessions, the $132 private photo shoot stands out for professionalism and personal attention.
What disappoints travelers? The lowest-rated experiences are mostly walking or ghost tours where guides failed to show up, canceled last minute, or did not deliver what was advertised. Dinner cruises drew complaints about poor food and disorganized service, with several reviewers saying the price was not justified by the meal or entertainment. Some ghost and pub tours were criticized for not visiting enough venues or lacking the promised haunted content. When booking, check what’s actually included—admission, food, or drinks are not always covered, and time spent at stops versus traveling can vary widely.
Most tours confirm bookings instantly, with only a small fraction requiring manual confirmation. Experiences flagged as likely to sell out include some of the top-rated food and family-friendly tours, so booking ahead is wise for these. There’s no data on seasonal demand, but the most popular tours can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Free cancellation is standard on 95% of tours, so booking early rarely carries a risk. For high-demand or small-group experiences, reserve as soon as you know your dates.
Lowest price of the twelve, yet matches the highest ratings for walking tours.
5.0 ★ · 115 reviews · 2 h
Includes 10 People Or Less · History From a Licensed & Experienced Tour Guide · History From a University Of South Carolina History Graduate
1 h 30 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
Cheaper than most, but does not include a shrimp snack—unlike pricier food tours.
5.0 ★ · 190 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes Small prize at end of the tour
1 h 5 min at the stops, of 1 h 30 min in total
The only tour here with a perfect 5-star record from every reviewer.
5.0 ★ · 257 reviews · 2 h
Includes Licensed and Certified Guide
35 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
Longest walking tour on the list, at 3 hours, for the same price as shorter options.
5.0 ★ · 1,489 reviews · 3 h
Includes All Fees and Taxes
1 h 35 min at the stops, of 3 h in total
Same price as another tour here, but 2 hours instead of 3—choose for a shorter walk.
5.0 ★ · 279 reviews · 2 h
Includes Experienced guide
1 h 13 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
Only tour focused on families with kids, offering a pirate-themed river cruise.
5.0 ★ · 370 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes All water cannons are accessible to the crew
Lowest-priced dolphin cruise, per person, compared to the group-priced yacht charters.
5.0 ★ · 200 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes USCG Licensed Captain and Eco Guide · Cooler full of ice · 27' Carolina Skiff with Cushioned Bench Seating
For groups of 6, costs less per person than the $132 photo session.
5.0 ★ · 92 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Bottled water · All Fees and Taxes
5.0 ★ · 424 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Soda/Pop · Bottled water
Shortest private sailing trip, but matches the top review score of longer charters.
5.0 ★ · 87 reviews · 2 h
Includes Bottled water · Complimentary Soft Drinks Included
The only listed tour that is a private photo session, not a walk or cruise.
5.0 ★ · 181 reviews · 1 h
Includes Professional photographer with two Canon cameras and a variety of top-grade lenses · Friendly conversation, professionalism, and assistance with posing · The photo session includes 10 photos, professionally edited for social media
Highest price per person, but includes a cooking class and full lunch.
5.0 ★ · 991 reviews · 4 h
Includes For those who do not wish to have wine, Charleston sweet tea and filtered water will be av · Each guest will leave with copies of Chef Forrest's recipes. · Cooking Demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Half of all tours are under $40, and 70% are under $100. The median price is $31, but private group tours can raise this figure.
Walking, historical, and cultural tours dominate, each making up about half the catalogue. Private and luxury options are also widespread.
Not always. Many private tours are affordable, but private yacht charters and specialty experiences can run from $376 to over $1,000 per group.
Small-group walking tours, dolphin cruises, and private sailing charters have the highest ratings, with many near 5 stars and hundreds of reviews.
Missed or canceled walking and ghost tours, and dinner cruises with poor food or disorganized service, are the most common complaints.
Book early for small-group or likely-to-sell-out tours. Most confirm instantly and offer free cancellation, so there’s little risk in reserving ahead.
Not always. Some tours include tickets or meals, but others do not. Check each listing for what’s covered before booking.
95% of tours offer free cancellation, so refunds are the norm if you need to change your plans.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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