Recently, we told you about a zany, floating BYOB tiki bar that cruises around Charleston and is a sure bet for seeing the sights from the water. However, the Charleston area has another attraction most people don't know about: the Charleston Water Taxi. This awesome day ferry in South Carolina is a fantastic and affordable way to enjoy a cruise on the harbor. Plus, it's also a ferry, so you can take it to see many of the incredible attractions found on the water's edge.

Many world-class cities that are located on the water offer water taxis to get around. From New York City to Venice, Italy, water taxis are an ideal way to not only get from point A to point B, but they're also fun for sightseeing.

Kids (and kids at heart) will love this affordable adventure, and you can purchase an all-day pass for a reasonable price. Kids age three and under ride for free. This ferry from Mt. Pleasant to Charleston is a great option for those who want to explore the area without having to drive and park everywhere. Charleston is especially a very walkable city so getting out on foot and seeing the sights can be a great day trip for you and your family.

A world of fun can be had during the four-mile loop the Charleston Water Taxi takes around the harbor, dropping people at their intended destinations. This ferry from Charleston to Mt. Pleasant, and then back again, runs all day so you will have plenty of opportunities to get from one location to the next. Or just use this boat ride as a scenic tour around the beautiful waters found in this Atlantic city.

Expect to see dolphins at play in the beautiful blue waters of the Charleston harbor, a fun addition to your travels. Seeing playful dolphins splash next to the boat and other sea creatures floating around makes this a delightful attraction.

In fact, wildlife viewing is primo from the deck of this day ferry in South Carolina.

You'll see plenty of birds as you pass by Castle Pinckney, a former National Monument abandoned by the federal government decades ago. This interesting fort is also known as the Hello Kitty Fort, which will become very evident why once you look at the aerial photos of the fort. It's an often overlooked treasure that's just sitting in the Charleston Harbor not far from Fort Sumter. The seldom-occupied tourist spot is a popular roost for local waterfowl.

Most people find this water taxi extremely convenient for getting from the Mt. Pleasant area to Charleston's trendy waterfront, filled with shops, historic sights, and restaurants. Plus once you learn about the water taxi from Mt Pleasant to Charleston who wouldn't want to go for a ride?

The ferry departs hourly from four different locations around Charleston Harbor, making it an ideal way for families (particularly those with small children) to get around.

And as with other world-class cities around the globe, using the water taxi couldn't be any easier.

Just purchase an all-day pass and then head out to see the sights, like Charleston's Waterfront Park and popular Market Street. One of the departure/arrival docks is only steps from the South Carolina Aquarium and the exciting Aquarium Wharf.

The USS Yorktown is one of the four locations where the taxi has an hourly pickup/departure scheduled seven days a week.

Before or after seeing the sights downtown, pop into the USS Yorktown for a tour of this decommissioned ship and the adjoining submarine.

Riding on the open-air water taxi couldn't be more exciting or fun.

Getting to and from the attractions around Charleston and Mt. Pleasant is a breeze on the water taxi; without the added annoyance of heavy traffic, narrow streets, or finding a new parking space each time you want to shift your attention to a new attraction.

Add an exciting dolphin tour to your all-day pass for free.

Just pop over to any of the departure docks and enjoy this hour-long dolphin-watching tour and the gentle, salty breeze from the water.

Charleston Water Taxi is a hidden gem you'll want to include in every trip to Charleston. It just makes sense to leave your car and get to and fro by way of a scenic water ferry.

The departure locations for Charleston Water Taxi are Waterfront Park, Aquarium Wharf/Maritime Center, Patriots Point (USS Yorktown), and Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. The water taxi/day ferry in South Carolina runs on a loop stopping each hour at all four departure/arrival docks around the Charleston Harbor. The hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can get off and on as many times as you like throughout the day. There is no limit to the all-day pass, and children aged three and under are free. Learn more from the official Charleston Water Taxi website.

Charleston Waterfront Park departure Address: 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC, 29401

Aquarium Wharf/Maritime Center departure Address: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC, 29401

Patriot's Point/USS Yorktown departure Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464

Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina departure Address: 20 Patriots Point Road, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464

Buy your tickets online ahead of time for an all-day water taxi experience!

For an incredible over-the-water family-oriented casual dining experience while you're enjoying the spoils of hopping all around the Charleston Harbor, make sure to check out the Fleet Landing Restaurant.

Learn more hidden gems and great finds all throughout the state with this South Carolina exploration challenge.