Quick Details
Boone Hall Plantation & Charleston’s Top-Rated Harbor of History Tour
Take a trip through the history of America’s oldest working, living plantation. Boone Hall dates back to 1681 and opened in 1956 to the public after the McRae family purchased it. It is the most popular plantation in Charleston and has been used for filming of The Notebook, North and South, and Days of Our Lives.
The half-day plantation tour (4.5 hours) includes many options:
- A 30-minute house tour by a well-informed guide in historical dress
- A self-guided tour through the beautiful gardens to view antique roses over 100 years old!
- A guided Slave Street & History Presentation through living quarters and historic relics
- View 8 original cabins for enslaved people, all completed in a different theme containing photos, life size figures, and more.
- Gaze at the ¾-mile Avenue of Oaks containing 270-year-old giant live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
Charleston Harbor Tour
Aboard the classic, 80-foot Carolina Belle, cruise the scenic Charleston Harbor while hearing fascinating local stories and seeing more than 75 landmarks, some critical to our nation’s history, including:
- Fort Sumter: One of Charleston’s most popular landmarks, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
- Confederate and Union army forts Moultrie and Johnson
- USS Yorktown: The famous World War II “Fighting Lady”
- St. Michael’s Episcopal Church: A survivor of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, whose steeple was painted black so as not to be an easy target
- Stately homes on the Battery: Symbols of Southern elegance and perseverance
- Cooper River bridges, including the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge: A state-of-the-art span that accommodates the largest ships in the world
- Dolphins skimming the surface of the water and pelicans diving for food
This family-friendly, relaxing, and insightful cruise is best way to discover the Holy City and its famous harbor!
Want more Charleston? Check out what is included with our tours FOR FREE!
The Powder Magazine – South Carolina’s oldest public building. Exhibits focus on South Carolina’s colonial military history!
-
Round-trip transportation* provided in our climate-controlled buses, and all gate fees are included in the price of the tour!
*Please Note: Round-trip transportation is for the Boone Hall Plantation Tour ONLY. You will receive a harbor tour voucher that you may use at your convenience. We will do our best to drop you off at the harbor tour location for your tour time, but that cannot be guaranteed due to the schedule. There is a free trolley that drops off and picks up at the Aquarium Wharf (1 block north of the Maritime Center). You will be responsible for your own transportation after the harbor tour. There is free (limited) parking at the Maritime Center during your harbor tour.
-
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is highly recommended and tours often sell out in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
What exactly will I see on the tour?
The comprehensive 90-minute harbor tour includes all the major points of interest in Charleston’s Historic District, including Rainbow Row, famous churches, and the Customs House, as well as the USS Yorktown and Fort Sumter.
What’s not included?
Gratuities are not included, nor required, but always appreciated for a job well done!
I booked a combination tour… How does that work?
You booked a specific time and date for your plantation tour. The harbor tour ticket can be used at your leisure. You will be given a boarding pass voucher and brochure with current harbor tour times when you check in for your plantation tour.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.
What if it rains?
The tours run rain or shine, so please dress according to the day’s forecast. Please keep in mind that most of the tour takes place on our vehicle, so you will be out of the elements.
Are children allowed? What type of ticket should I buy?
Yes, and there is a reduced price for children’s tickets. While we welcome children of all ages on the tour, the tour is not recommended for small children. We have reduced price tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger can come for free with an accompanying adult ticket and must sit on their parent’s lap.
Can I bring food or beverages on the bus?
Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus. However, there is a snack bar aboard the Carolina Belle that has bottled water and soda ($2-3), wine ($6), beer ($4-$5.5), mixed cocktails ($6-7), chips, hot dogs, burgers, candy bars, cookies, etc. The snack bar accepts cash or charge on board. Lunch will also be available for purchase at Boone Hall Plantation.
Are there any stops along the way?
We will stop at the Battery for a brief photo break.
Is the bus air conditioned?
Yes, the bus is air conditioned.
Is the tour narrated?
Yes, the tour is fully narrated by a licensed, professional tour guide.
Is there a restroom on the bus?
No, but restrooms are located at the meeting location. We highly recommend using the bathrooms at the starting location before the tour.
Do you run year-round?
Yes, we operate tours seven days a week year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Seasonal hours apply, so please check our calendar for the most up-to-date schedule information.
What kind of a vehicle will we be traveling in?
The city tours are given in a 25-passenger, air-conditioned bus.
Is there assigned seating on the bus?
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are traveling with a large group, you may want to arrive 15 – 20 minutes prior to departure.
How should I dress for the tour?
Check the forecast. Buses are climate controlled, and you do stay on the bus for the duration of the tour.
Is the bus handicap accessible?
At present, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs, but the bus is accessible for those with limited mobility if they can be assisted by a companion.
Will locals enjoy the tour as well, or is it mostly for tourists?
Absolutely! Whether you are looking for a way to entertain out-of-town guests, planning a bachelor/bachelorette party, having a team-building exercise or just want to learn more about the wonderful city you live in, this is the tour for you! You’ll be surprised at how much you will learn on the tour from the comfort of our bus.
Will we be able to purchase souvenirs or shop during the tour?
Adventure Sightseeing T-shirts are available for purchase at our sister company, Charleston Harbor Tours. The kiosk is located at the Charleston Maritime Center at 10 Wharfside Street. There are various other Charleston souvenirs available for purchase.
Are pets allowed?
No. Service animals are allowed, however.
Does the tour start and end at the same place?
The tour starts and ends at the same location.
Is there parking?
Yes, there will be parking garages available by the meeting location. Exact meeting location and parking details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.
Is smoking allowed on the tour?
Smoking is not permitted during the tour.
Can I bring luggage on the bus/leave my belongings on the bus?
No. We do not have space on the bus for large items such as luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers.
Is the tour only offered in English?
Yes, the tour is only given in English.
Are gift certificates available for the Adventure Sightseeing trips?
Yes, gift certificates are available and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays, or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate please click here.
How is my gift certificate delivered? Can I print it out now and give it to the recipient myself?
Yes, you can! When you purchase your gift certificate online, you will be presented immediately with your gift certificate so that you can print it out and deliver it. If you buy it over the phone, a link to your gift certificate will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is completed.
What if I want the gift certificate emailed to the recipient instead?
That’s no problem, either! When you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You’ll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you’d prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. (For instance, if you want to buy it today so you don’t forget, but you don’t want it emailed to the recipient until their special day!)
Can I book a private tour?
Yes! We can accommodate a variety of special requests.