Beaufort River Tours and Charters

Beaufort, South Carolina

Explore the Sea Islands of Historic Beaufort like you never have before...

Started in 1992 by Captain Dick Goodenough and his wife Linda, two teachers who have always loved the water, Beaufort River Tours has always been the official boat tour company of downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. Offering daily tours, cruises, and private charters, there is something for both young and old, locals and visitors alike.

Capt. Dick has loved being on the water his entire life and has held a UNCG 100-ton Master’s License since the company’s beginnings in 1992.

Antebellum Homes of the Planters

View historic homes in Beaufort’s Old Point the way they were intended to be viewed – a vantage point unattainable by land.

Ecology of the Salt Marsh

With some of the highest tidal ranges on the east coast, the salt marsh is both the incubator and the nursery for all life that calls the river home.

Dolphins where they Live and Play

Although dolphins are wild animals and unpredictable, we never get tired of seeing them.

Shore and Wading Birds

Birdwatchers will love getting the chance to see several endangered and threatened species.

Have any questions or inquiries?

Regularly Scheduled Tours

Daily Afternoon Tour and Dolphin Watch

We depart from the Downtown Marina of Beaufort and make our way up the Beaufort River past the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and the historic Old Point neighborhood, around past Pigeon Point and out toward Pleasant Point Plantation of Lady’s Island. Along the way, passengers are provided information and facts about the historic homes and times of the Civil War, ecology of the salt marsh and the spartina grass growing in it, wildlife in the river, and much, much more. We almost always see dolphins.

Our daily tours are approximately an hour and 15 minutes. These dates and times may vary somewhat as reflected on the calendar (see link below). Adult seats are $20, Junior seats (12 years and under) are $12. Lap riders who are not yet walking join us for no additional charge.

Sunset Cruise

Evening cruises show breathtaking panoramic views of the sun setting over the Lowcountry’s Sea Islands. Frequent dolphin and wildlife sightings are paired with a scenic detour down Factory Creek and less narration, allowing passengers to relax, celebrate, or just enjoy the ample breeze and and gorgeous views surrounding us.

Sunset Cruises depart from the Downtown Marina of Beaufort at 5:45 on Thursdays and Sundays and last approximately two hours. These dates and times may vary somewhat as reflected on the calendar (see link below). All seats are $28. This trip is not appropriate for all children; but, they are welcome to join at the parent’s discretion. Lap riders who are not yet walking join us for no additional charge.

Charters

Celebrate a special occasion with friends and family with a private excursion customized to your liking.

The Prince of Tides is USCG certified to carry up to 24 passengers, not including two crew members. The vessel is fully canopied with a head (restroom) on board just in case. Snacks and coolers are welcome. Surround-sound speakers allow all guests to to hear the tour guide clearly from seat on boat or use the microphone themselves. Guests may bring their own music to play as well. Charters are charged by the hour and with an hour and a half minimum and include everything you need for a great trip.

Contact Capt. Dick directly to assist you in planning your private experience.

Contact Us

Capt. Dick

Phone Number (843) 812 – 2804

Fax Number (843) 524 – 0787

Email captdick@beaufortrivertours.com

Downtown Beaufort Marina

Phone Number (843) 524 – 4422

www.downtownmarinabeaufort.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dolphin Sightings

We see dolphins almost every trip, but they are wild animals and are unpredictable. We can guarantee they will be in the river and we almost always see them, but we cannot promise dolphin sightings 100 percent of the time.

Payments

Payment is accepted directly before departure at the marina store – the red brick building in the middle of the marina parking lot. Please stop by there to purchase your reserved ticket upon arrival before coming onto the dock to board.

Arrival Time

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the listed departure time to allow for parking, purchasing your boarding pass at the marina store, and boarding.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

We completely understand if you need to change your tour reservations or cancel them completely and it is no problem at all. In the event that you need to cancel your reservations or reschedule to another day, please let us know as soon as possible. If you booked online, there are links to do so in the confirmation email sent to you when you booked. You are also welcome to use the contact form on our home page, text, call, or email Capt. Dick, or call the the Downtown Marina of Beaufort.

Parking

There is ample paid parking in the marina parking lot. Parking is free on Sundays. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes early.

Charters and Private Excursions

Contact Capt. Dick for inquiries regarding charters and private outings on the Prince of Tides. You are welcome to use the contact form on our homepage or email him. He can be reached by phone at (843) 812 – 2804.

Handicap Accessibility

Although we do not have a ramp to the boat, we are able to accommodate most handicap individuals. It will be much easier to board the Prince of Tides during higher tides as opposed to lower tides. Contact Capt. Dick for further information and to determine what the best solution is for your individual needs.

K-9 Companions

Although we are dog lovers, not all of passengers are. They are welcome on private charters, but please only bring certified service animals on tours.

Discounts for Kids

Our daily tour offers junior tickets at $12 and children young enough to sit on your lap (not yet walking) are welcome to join for free.

Coolers and Drinks

Small coolers are fine during the daily tours and any type of food and beverages is welcome on the Sunset Cruises.

Gratuities

Although they are never expected, they are always appreciated.