Space is limited, and tours often sell out. To get the tour time that you want, we suggest advance purchase.
Is the tour appropriate for children?
Yes, the tour is family friendly and appropriate for all ages.
Do you cancel for bad weather?
Tours run rain or shine. Should hazardous weather force the cancellation of a tour, you may reschedule your tour (based on availability). If you cannot reschedule, we will refund your purchase.
How far do we walk?
The tour covers a little over one mile. The morning tour lasts 2 hours. The evening tour lasts about an hour & 45 minutes.
Bathrooms?
As the tour route takes us through several residential areas, public restrooms are few and far between, and there are no scheduled restroom stops. There are public restrooms in the parking garage across the street from the Powder Magazine, where the tours begin.
Is there access for the handicapped?
Charleston’s 300 year old sidewalks can be a bit daunting if you have mobility issues. However, we do our best to accommodate all including guests with wheelchairs and motorized scooters. If your group does not want a walking tour, we can arrange a storytelling presentation for you. The storytelling presentation includes all of the information from the tour.
Are cameras/video recorders allowed?
Yes. In fact, Captain Bob, the blue & gold macaw, loves posing.
Should we tip the tour guide? Tipping is always appreciated.
Can you take large groups?
Yes, we can accommodate large groups. However, the City of Charleston regulates the tour industry and limits the number of walking tour guests to 20. If you have a group with more than 20 people, we will have to split up the group and use multiple tour guides. All of our guides are highly experienced and very entertaining, and all dress in period apparel.
Do you do private tours?
Yes, we are happy to customize private tours. Please contact us for information on scheduling your private tour. Call 843-442-7299 or email info@CharlestonPirateTour.com.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, and a Charleston Pirate Tour gift certificate makes a terrific gift!
Is Captain Bob a real, live bird? (yep, we actually get this question)
Yes! We adopted the Captain from BirdLove Avian Sanctuary in Columbia, SC. Thousands of abandoned birds of all sizes are in need good homes, so if you ever consider having a companion bird, please consider adoption!
Can Captain Bob talk?
Yes, and Captain Bob has a very large vocabulary. We never know what he'll say, and please don't be offended if he calls you Bozo. That's one of his favorite words.
Can I hold Captain Bob?
For your safety and that of Captain Bob, we do not allow guests to handle him. When you see his beak in person, you'll understand. Plus, our insurance company would drop us like a hot rock!
Where did you get your costume?
I've collected pieces from across the country over the years. Theatrics Unlimited in Charleston has custom-made several items for me.
Where can I get one of those shirts or caps with the Macaw & Crossbones flags?
We currently do not sell these ourselves, but Showoffs, the company that makes them for us, has permission to sell them to the public. They even have a sample in the store. Be advised that Showoffs does not keep the products in stock, because they are a custom embroidery shop. Their turnaround time on orders is pretty quick, though.