Charleston: Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari

Charleston’s Folly Beach offers a unique opportunity to explore the waterways and witness the local marine life up close. The afternoon kayak dolphin safari promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to paddle alongside playful bottlenose dolphins and observe coastal birds in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides, this 2-hour tour provides the necessary equipment and instruction, making it accessible for participants aged 10 and above. Whether you’re seeking an adventure or a serene escape, this kayaking excursion could be the perfect way to discover the beauty of Folly Beach.

This experience made our article of The Top 4 Charleston Canoe & Kayak Experiences.

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided kayak tour through the Folly River, providing opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins and shorebirds.
• Tour departs from Sea Monkeys Surf And Skate, with experienced instructors leading the group and offering guidance on proper paddling techniques.
• All necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices, is provided as part of the $50 per person cost.
• Participants must be at least 10 years old, and individuals over 95 are not suitable for the tour.
• Reservations can be made with a pay later option, and the meeting point is located past the Folly Beach bridge, near Hotel Folly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari is a 2-hour activity that takes adventurers on a guided kayak tour through the calm waters of the Folly River.

Departing from Sea Monkeys Surf And Skate, the tour costs $50 per person and is led by experienced instructors. Participants can expect to paddle alongside bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds while learning proper kayaking techniques.

A group photo opportunity caps off the experience. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, babies, or individuals over 95 years old.

Reservations can be made online with a reserve now, pay later option.

Experience Details

Participants embark on an introductory kayak tour, exploring the calm flatwater of the Folly River.

As they paddle, they’ll spot bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds. An experienced instructor provides guidance on proper paddling techniques, ensuring participants feel comfortable and confident on the water.

Paddlers spot bottlenose dolphins and shorebirds while an instructor guides them in proper kayak techniques, ensuring comfort and confidence on the water.

The group has a chance to capture the experience with a photo opportunity at the end of the tour.

Throughout the 2-hour adventure, participants gain valuable kayaking skills and insights into the local wildlife and natural surroundings.

Equipment and Inclusions

All necessary equipment is provided for the Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari. This includes:

• A kayak to paddle on the calm Folly River

• A paddle to propel the kayak

• A personal flotation device for safety

Participants will also receive instruction on proper kayaking techniques from the experienced guide.

Water is included, but participants should bring their own water shoes/flip flops and swim trunks.

The provided equipment and guidance ensure a comfortable and informative experience on the water, allowing guests to fully enjoy the dolphin-watching adventure.

Participant Requirements

While the provided equipment and guidance ensure a comfortable and informative experience, there are certain requirements for participants to join the Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari.

Children under 10 and babies under 1 aren’t suitable for the tour. Individuals over 95 years old are also excluded.

For tandem kayaks, guests must book two single spots and provide their height and weight details. Participants under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

These guidelines ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests throughout the 2-hour adventure on the calm waters of the Folly River.

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Booking Information

Guests can reserve their spot on the Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari with the option to pay later. Available start times can be checked for the tour.

The meeting point is the second building after the Folly Beach bridge, past the large pink building, which is the Hotel Folly.

The booking process is straightforward:

• Choose your desired start time

• Provide your height and weight details for the appropriate kayak

• Complete the reservation, with the option to pay later

With the convenient booking options and clear meeting location, guests can easily secure their spot on the Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari.

Customer Feedback

The Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari has received excellent customer feedback, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 1 review.

Customers praised the tour guide, with one reviewer stating, "Prudence was great. We’d such a blast."

The activity provides a unique opportunity to paddle alongside bottlenose dolphins and observe native shorebirds in the calm flatwater of the Folly River.

With an experienced instructor, participants learn proper kayaking techniques and enjoy a group photo at the end of the tour.

The Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari seems to be a must-try activity for visitors to the area.

Explore the Folly River

As participants embark on the Folly Beach Kayak Dolphin Safari, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the tranquil Folly River.

The calm flatwater provides an ideal environment for beginners to learn proper paddling techniques, guided by an experienced instructor.

The calm flatwater provides an ideal environment for beginners to learn proper paddling techniques, guided by an experienced instructor.

Participants can expect to:

• Glide alongside bottlenose dolphins playing in the river

• Observe a variety of native shorebirds along the riverbanks

• Take in the serene surroundings and natural beauty of the area

This introductory tour offers a unique chance to connect with the local marine life and environment in a relaxed, educational setting.

FAQ

Can We Bring Our Own Kayaks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own kayaks. The tour provides all necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear as specified in the experience details.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, there is no option to extend the tour duration beyond the 2 hours advertised. The activity overview clearly states the tour length is 2 hours. Extending the tour time would need to be arranged separately with the operator.

Do You Provide Any Snacks or Refreshments During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any snacks or refreshments, but water is provided. Participants are advised to bring their own water shoes, swimwear, and additional drinks or snacks they may want during the 2-hour kayak adventure.

Is It Possible to Request a Specific Guide or Tour Leader?

Specific guides or tour leaders can’t be requested for this activity. The tours are led by experienced instructors, but participants don’t get to choose which one. The experience is the same regardless of the assigned guide.

Is There a Weight Limit for Single Kayaks?

There is no stated weight limit for single kayaks. However, participants should note their height and weight when booking to ensure the guide can properly assign an appropriate kayak. Guests over 95 years are not recommended for this activity.

Sum Up

Explore the serene Folly River on a captivating 2-hour kayak tour. Paddle alongside playful dolphins and observe native wildlife, led by experienced instructors. Suitable for ages 10+, the tour includes essential equipment and a group photo to commemorate your adventure. This is a memorable way to experience the beauty of Charleston’s Folly Beach.

You can check availability for your dates here: