--- title: Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour slug: charleston-speed-boat-adventure type: attraction sub_type: boat tours source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/charleston-speed-boat-adventure city: Charleston state: SC country: US address: 56 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston Harbor (Ripley Light Marina) geo: lat: 32.77606 lng: -79.96431 duration: up to 2 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 3 days before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T17:24:02.055Z availability: SoldOut rating: value: 5 count: 428 scale: 5 --- ## Overview Explore Charleston's waterways and landmarks on a thrilling 2-hour Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour. Drive your own F13 speedboat, guided by a professional with two-way radio communication, and see sights like the USS Yorktown, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge. ## What's Included - Driving your own F13 mini speedboat. - Safety briefing and boating lesson before leaving the dock. - Guided narration via two-way communication system. - Navigation of a 13-mile route around Charleston Harbor. - Stops for photos and sightseeing. - Option to switch drivers during the tour. ## What's Not Included No separate information about exclusions was provided. ## Good to Know * Experience the thrill of driving your own F13 mini speed boat in this 2-hour boat tour through Charleston Harbor. * Explore 13 miles of scenic waterways and the city's top attractions such as the USS Yorktown. * Dress comfortably and remember to protect yourself from the sun, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a towel for afterwards. * A light jacket is recommended for morning and winter tours. * A friendly and professional guide will lead the way from a guide boat and provide narration through a two-way communication system. * You must be at least 21 years of age to drive the boat and 5 years old and above to ride as a passenger. * The boats are easy to operate and you will receive a safety briefing and boating lesson before you leave the dock. * Please note that the water can get bumpy at times, so hold on tight and enjoy the ride. * This tour is not recommended for people with back or neck problems or who are pregnant. ## Cancellation Policy No cancellation policy information was provided. ## FAQs ### Where does the Charleston Harbor Speed Boat Adventure Tour depart from? Your adventure begins at Ripley Light Marina, located at 56 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407. As you turn into the marina, keep driving until you see a large, oval, maroon sign on the left that reads, “California Dreaming”. Parking is available there. From the sign, walk along the entrance path to the docks. Turn right at the end and walk down the ramp. Your guide will meet you at the slips. ### When should I arrive? Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. ### How long is the tour? Prepare to explore 13 miles of the beautiful Charleston Harbor during this delightful 2-hour adventure. ### Do the tours have any age restrictions? The tours are family-friendly! Children riding with adults should be at least 5 years of age or older. Children under 5 are welcomed on a case-by-case basis, ensuring fair water conditions and the child's ability to hold on securely. For safety reasons, rough conditions are not suitable for children under 5. ### Are there height and weight requirements for the tour? Each boat's maximum capacity is 450lbs, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all. There's no specific height requirement. ### Can I drive the speed boat? Certainly! You will receive expert instruction on how to operate the boat. No prior boating experience or license is needed. To be at the helm, you must be 21 years or older to drive the boat alone, or age 18 and up to drive with an adult. ### Are there any health restrictions? Yes, for your safety, please note that you might encounter open waters during your tour. While the harbor is usually calm, occasional choppiness can occur. It is recommended that guests with neck or back issues or recent surgeries refrain from participating. Pregnant women are advised not to take part in the tour. ### What should I wear? Wear comfortable beach-friendly attire and bring a light jacket for the cooler weather. It can get a bit windy, so plan accordingly. ### What should I bring? Pack some essentials like sandals or flip-flops, a towel, sunblock, and sunglasses to ensure your comfort during the tour. ### Is the boat fully accessible? Yes, this tour is accessible for individuals using wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. ## Reviews > "The entire experience was exhilarating! Driving the speed boat myself gave a unique perspective of Charleston Harbor. Our guide was informative and kept us safe throughout the tour." > — Michael R. > "Such a fun adventure for the whole family. The boat was easy to handle and the stops for photos were perfectly timed. Highly recommend for visitors looking for something different." > — Sarah T. > "I was a bit nervous at first, having never driven a boat, but the safety briefing and guidance made it easy. Seeing the USS Yorktown from the water was incredible." > — James L.