The Holy City reveals its darker side when the golden sun sinks below the Charleston harbor. These haunted waters have carried more than cargo and creaking sails; they’ve borne secrets, legends, and spirits. Sandlapper Water Tours’ Ghost & Pirate Tour lets you experience the water from the best vantage point possible.
According to many, Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in America, and for good reason. With over 300 years of history marked by war, piracy, fire, and more, Charleston is a city shaped by loss. From the decaying remains of Confederate forts to the creaking decks of long-lost ships, Charleston’s harbor holds stories the land simply cannot tell. While many know of Charleston’s grand antebellum homes and bustling markets, few get to explore its haunted maritime history. On your ghost cruise, you’ll encounter chilling tales like:
The Gentleman Pirate: Stede Bonnet
Once a wealthy landowner from Barbados, Stede Bonnet abandoned his privileged life to sail as a pirate, a rare and reckless decision that earned him the nickname “The Gentleman Pirate.” After wreaking havoc along the East Coast and briefly aligning with the notorious Blackbeard, Bonnet met his end in Charleston. On December 10, 1718, he and his men were hanged at White Point Garden. Some claim Bonnet’s ghost still lingers, his face sometimes seen shimmering just beneath the waves, doomed to wander the waters he once ruled.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, you’ll be captivated by tales of shipwrecks, lost fortunes, and ghostly apparitions. Something is chilling about hearing a pirate’s last words while floating above the waters that sealed his fate. If you dare, book your ghost tour for an unforgettable night of pirate lore, ghost sightings, or historic hauntings; the spirits of Charleston await you, just off the bow.
