Frequently Asked Questions

Bad weather

In the event of rain, our tours typically run as usual. Guests that don’t wish to walk in rain can contact us prior to tour time to be rescheduled or refunded. We reserve the right to cancel tours in the event of dangerous weather or weather that is too disruptive to the tour route (lightning, flooding, high winds, etc.). If a tour is cancelled, we can reschedule our guests for the next convenient tour or provide a full refund.

How do I pay?

When booking a tour online, you will be prompted to enter credit/debit card information. We also accept cash, payable to your guide at the time of the tour. If booking online, select the "Pay Later" option if you wish to pay in cash for your tour. We cannot accept credit cards at the time of the tour.

How long are your tours?

Our Highlights of Charleston tour is approximately two hours long. Private tours can be tailored to a longer or shorter length.

How many people can go on a tour?

Per the City of Charleston Tourism Ordinance: A guide may lead a maximum of 20 people on a tour. If your group is larger than 20 people, please call or email us in advance to set up a multiple guide tour.

Is the content appropriate for children?

While our tours are designed for adults, children and young adults of all ages have taken and enjoyed our beautiful route and charismatic guides. Please notify us if you plan on bringing a stroller.

May I bring my dog?

We’re sorry. Unless the dog is a registered service animal, pets are not allowed.

Where do your tours begin?

Our Highlights of Charleston group tour meets at the U. S. Customs House at 200 East Bay Street, on the southeast corner of East Bay Street and South Market Street. Meeting locations for our Private tours can be customized to fit your day’s schedule. Please see the map on our website, or call us for more information.

Where do your tours end?

Not where they begin! Our Highlights of Charleston tour ends approaching the intersection of Broad Street and Meeting Street. Private tours can often be tailored to end at the location of your choosing.

Where do I park?

We recommend our guests park in one of two city garages at 1 Cumberland Street or 89 Cumberland Street. Both are a 5-minute walk from our tour meeting location and charge $1 per half hour for parking. Most city meters around our meeting location only allow 2-hour parking, and so are not recommended for our two hour tour. Meters around the city are, however, free on Sunday.

Who will be my guide?

Oyster Point does not guarantee any particular guide for our highlights of Charleston group tours. All Oyster Point guides are held to the highest standard of quality set forth by its owners, Bill and Palmer. No matter what Oyster Point guide walks you through the city, you are guaranteed an exceptional experience! We can fulfill specific guide requests for private tours, schedule permitting. See the FAQ on private tours or visit our private tour page for information on how to book a private tour.

What should I bring?

Our tour route is almost entirely outdoors, and Charleston’s climate is subtropical humid! Guests are therefore encouraged to bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and bottled water in addition to comfortable walking shoes. For rainy tours, guests should bring their own rain gear. Remember to bring cash if you haven’t prepaid for your tour (our guides cannot take cards at tour time) or if you wish to tip your guide! Restrooms are not always accessible on our route, so guests are encouraged to use the restroom prior to their tour.