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 USCG 100-ton Master’s License since the company’s beginnings in 1992.

Dolphins where they Live and Play

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

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.

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 Aboard the Prince of Tides

To check availability for Sunset Cruises, please contact the Downtown Marina of Beaufort or see our online reservation availability calendar.

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 on Thursday and Sunday evenings 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.

Customer Testimonials

“Pleasant boat ride. The boat’s captain was very polite and knowledgeable about area. He threw in a few jokes I think went over several passengers heads. If your toddler wanted to ride a boat, this was a good choice. I would recommend if anyone has toddlers and first time in Beaufort, SC.”

Tyler D. on Yelp, July 12, 2017

 5/5

“My husband and I were booked on Captain Dick’s sunset charter through the bed and breakfast we were staying at (Anchorage 1770). After checking in we were seated on a nice covered pontoon boat with lots of room. The captain and his first mate (think that’s what they are called), were very nice! Captain Dick was very informative on the area and explained what we were seeing through the tour.

We had two little girls on our tour that never saw dolphins. So Captain Dick made sure when we spotted them (which was several times), to take a little extra time near them so the girls could get a good view! At one point he pulled out two little dolphin keychains for the girls to have. It was really sweet and probably made their night!

Our tour was scheduled to be and hour and 15 min, but since he took his time to give the little girls extra viewing of the Dolphins our tour ended up being close to an hour and a half – an hour and forty five minutes!

It was a great tour, great price, and beautiful scenery! You’re also allowed to BYOB :)”

Lindsay V. on Yelp, July 7, 2018

 5/5

“We had a wonderful trip with Captain Dick. He was super knowledgeable and had a quick wit about him. The boat had cushion seating and he would stop if we saw dolphin or other things we wanted to take a picture of. Highly recommend this tour!”

Elaine C. on Facebook, July 19, 2018

 5/5

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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.

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.

Parking

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

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.

Gratuities

Although they are never expected, they are always appreciated.

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.

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.

Private Charters and 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.

Coolers and Drinks

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

Children's Discounts

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.

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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