Charleston's Water Taxis--More Than Just A Ride

Charleston has been named the number one destination in the U.S. nine years running as voted by Conde Nast Reader's. This year, the city received the highest score of any destination, earning it the distinction of the top city in the world. As a consequence for travelers and visiting locals, along with this honorary distinction comes the tricky proposition of locating a convenient parking space on any given day.

That is, until the Covid-19 Pandemic arrived on the scene and chased away the Holy City's top demographic among visitors from overseas, the British traveler, and everyone else seeking the bountiful pleasures found within its city limits. Now, parking places are as plentiful as the empty tables and chairs of its world renowned restaurants. During those good old days, a welcoming option to taking a chance at securing a good parking spot was Charleston's water taxi, and despite the current situation, it still is.

The Charleston Water Taxi offers two pickup points across from the city's waterfront at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina on Mount Pleasant's Patriot's Point where there is plenty of parking. From the parking area, it is a pleasant walk on the Marina boardwalks with a view of the famous aircraft carrier and historical landmark, the USS Yorktown.

The day I was there to take the accompanying photographs, the pleasant salt water breeze spilling off the harbor was comforting as I soaked in the sound of the lapping waters rush through the pillars of the boardwalk underneath. After boarding and getting underway, the rolling waters will put you at ease to enjoy the sights and sounds of the busiest container port on the East Coast. You just might also find yourself in the shadows of a massive container ship on its way to dock. Off in the short distance, you will enjoy stunning views of downtown Charleston’s skyline, the Cooper river Bridge and Castle Pinckney, a Civil war fort and old pirate hanging ground.

There are two drop-off points on the Charleston side, Waterfront Park and Maritime Center at Aquarium Wharf. Points of interest at Waterfront Park is the Pineapple Fountain and the long stretches of wide walking paths with dozens if not hundreds of benches available to take a load off your feet and your mind as you enjoy the activity along the harbor front. From there, you enter the Vendue Range and the historic French Quarter. The Maritime Center at Aquarium Wharf is home of the ever popular South Carolina Aquarium. After all is said and done, the return trip will take you alongside of the Cooper River Bridge and back to the Marina. Each access point is fifteen minutes for a total round trip of an hour.

The 40 foot Corinthian Catamarans, "Ms Evelyn" and "Dorothy Marie" are powered by twin Yamaha outboard motors. Built in Florida, they have all the latest in safety gear and navigational equipment. Protection from the elements is no problem with their sturdy roof and wind guards. Maximum capacity is 49 people. There is also a 27 foot Carolina skiff with a capacity of 19 passengers called the "Patriot." It is used as a charter for wedding party transportation and large groups. Click here to contact water taxi.

An all-day pass costs $12 per person with children 3 and under free. You might say the $24 for a couple would be a little expensive in comparison to what you might pay for parking in Charleston. That being considered, the hour long round-trip boat ride on the beautiful and relaxing waters of Charleston Harbor by itself is well worth it. As an additional bonus, you just might see some dolphins. In comparison, other boat tours can easily cost you $40 or more per person.

Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic, the water taxis will operate on a continuous loop from 10 am to 6 pm around Charleston Harbor between Patriots Point and Downtown Charleston until further notice. A One Way Pass costs $8. Buy tickets.