Ghosts by land and ghosts by sea! Hop aboard Sandlapper Water Tours Ghost & Pirate Tour to learn all about Charleston’s apparitions. Seeing the city lights by night, by boat, is extraordinary. How ironic that the Holy City is said to be one of the most haunted cities in America. It’s called the Holy City because of all the religions that settled there, scattering an abundance of steeples across the skyline. Cobblestone streets, old architecture, forts, ships and antebellum homes make the perfect backdrop for haunting tales being told for decades.
We recently joined Captain J.P. on a night-time excursion around the harbor. His dry wit kept all ears perked and eyes wide open. Charleston native, Ed Macy, is the storyteller on the Ghost & Pirate Tour. He is passionate about the cities’ famous folklore. Macy has written several books full of ghost stories. He interviewed countless residents and tourists, gathering accounts of paranormal encounters.
Charleston was South Carolina’s main port in the 1600s. The city became a “hot spot for pirates.” From Blackbeard to Anne Bonny, the first female pirate, learn about the murderous results of all the pirate pranks. Many of the infamous ghost stories involve pirates. I particularly got a kick out of one about Blackbeard and a group of unclothed colonists. I’ll not give many details here. I could never do them justice. Everyone needs to hear the ghost tales from the expert, Ed Macy. You’ll learn much of the history of Charleston as Macy points out historical landmarks and shares their stories. We disembarked with our curiosity peaked and a new found respect for the unexplainable. This tour was hands-down one of our favorite experiences in the low country.
Sandlapper Water Tours offers a Nature Tour and Sunset Tour. The harbor is such a tremendous part of Charleston’s charm. Sandlapper Water Tours can give you an up close and personal look by day or by night.
Know Before You Go:
- It is convenient to park in the garage across from the aquarium, if you’re able to walk a short (ish) distance. We were fortunate enough to find Street parking. You’ll get a text message with parking suggestions and check-in details the day of your tour.
- There is a bathroom on board – think, airplane. The more comfortable choice would be to find a restroom before you arrive.
- There isn’t a bad seat on the boat. You can hear/see everything from anywhere. The front of the boat is best, in my opinion. You just can’t beat that open (salty) air, wind through your hair feeling.
- Snacks and drinks are available on board at the little bar.
- Leaving a tip is customary, so be sure to have cash on hand.
- The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Where To Eat
Let’s be honest. You’re not gonna drive three hours to the coast and not sample the seafood! One of our go-to spots is Saltwater Cowboys. The food is fresh, and the price is on point for those of us who can’t afford to spend a mortgage payment on dinner. Pro Tip: get there when they open if you don’t want to stand in line. Tables fill up fast!
We’ve eaten here many times and I just realized on this trip that Saltwater Cowboy’s has rooftop seating! I knew they had outdoor seating, but the views from up top will take your breath away. And hello, you can literally eat your grouper sandwich (pictured above) while basking in the OBX vibes (so much of the series was filmed on Shem Creek).
Okay, you’re all set! Let us know your thoughts when you tour with Sandlapper Water Tours and dine at Saltwater Cowboys. Don’t forget to tag #greenville360 in your photos!