Folly Beach is a fantastic spot for dolphin watching. Its calm tidal creeks, pristine marshlands, and proximity to Morris Island create ideal conditions for spotting bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Unlike more crowded tourist spots, Folly Beach offers intimate boat tours that get you close to wildlife, often with knowledgeable guides who love sharing their local expertise. Whether you’re seeking a quiet paddle, a lively boat cruise, or a romantic sunset, the options here are surprisingly diverse. Plus, the chance to combine dolphin sightings with shelling on Morris Island makes for memorable outings rooted in authentic nature experiences.
If you’re planning your trip, it helps to know what kind of tour suits your style. Are you after a private adventure, a family-friendly outing, or a quick sightseeing cruise? We’ve rounded up the best dolphin watching tours in Folly Beach, offering options that range from 1.5 hours to half-day excursions, with prices suited for different budgets. Check out the details below to find your perfect match.
1. Folly Beach Dolphin Watching Trip with A Stop on Morris Island
At number one, this private 2-2.5-hour boat tour is perfect for up to six people looking for an immersive experience. You’ll cruise through Folly Beach’s tidal creeks, where the guide shares insights into feeding behaviors and dolphin socializing. The tour’s highlight is a stop on Morris Island—accessible only by boat—where you can hunt for shells, shark teeth, and whelks while enjoying views of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse.
What makes this trip stand out is its customizable nature and personal approach. Many reviewers praise Captain Jim’s patience and local knowledge, with one saying, “Jim was an excellent host and guide! Offered a personalized experience for our family and made sure it was a great time for all of us.” The trip combines wildlife viewing, shelling, and a scenic island visit into one package, making it an excellent choice for families and small groups wanting a flexible, engaging outing.
Bottom Line: For a private, personalized dolphin and shelling tour, this trip combines wildlife, history, and natural beauty in a comfortable, intimate setting.
2. Private Charleston Sunset & Dolphin Cruise
This 1.5-hour cruise is designed for those seeking a romantic or relaxing evening on the water. It’s ideal for couples and small families wanting to unwind while watching dolphins play as the sun sets. The guide navigates through creeks and inlets, offering sightings of bottlenose dolphins and an opportunity to see the Morris Island Lighthouse bathed in evening light, weather permitting.
The tour’s relaxed pace and scenic setting make it a top pick for sunset lovers. Multiple reviews mention the calm, scenic ride and the chance to enjoy good conversation with the captain. “The sunset was stunning, and we saw lots of dolphins,” one happy traveler noted. You can bring your favorite beverage and really soak in the peaceful atmosphere, making it more than just a wildlife cruise—it’s a moment to savor.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a romantic, scenic, and intimate experience, perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a peaceful end to the day.
3. Private Charleston Dolphin and Eco Boat Tour
At number three, this two-hour private eco tour emphasizes learning and wildlife encounters. You’ll cruise Folly’s calm waters, with a guide who’s eager to share stories about dolphin behavior, strand feeding, and other local wildlife like ospreys and sea turtles. The tour is especially appealing to those interested in eco-education and observing natural hunting strategies like strand feeding, unique to this region.
This tour garners praise for its patience and knowledge, with one reviewer calling the guide “very knowledgeable, giving interesting information throughout the tour.” It’s well-suited for families or anyone keen on wildlife observation and learning about the ecosystem. The tour’s small group size and focus on environmental education make it a richer experience than generic boat rides.
Bottom Line: For a quiet, educational look at dolphins and their environment, this eco-focused trip combines wildlife with eco-awareness, ideal for inquisitive travelers.
4. Folly Beach: Morning Dolphin Boat Trip to Morris Island
This morning tour is ideal for early risers eager to combine dolphin spotting with a scenic boat ride. For just $50 per person, you’ll cruise behind Folly Beach, searching for dolphins and other wildlife, then land on Morris Island for a guided walk to explore the lighthouse and hunt for shells.
What makes this trip appealing is the combination of a relaxing boat ride and the chance to stretch your legs exploring the island’s shells and views. The reviews are highly positive, with travelers enjoying the friendly local guides and the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural surroundings. It’s especially good if you want a quick, affordable experience with a good mix of wildlife, history, and shelling.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, budget-friendly morning outing perfect for families or those with limited time who want a quick but fulfilling dolphin and island experience.
5. Dolphin Boat Tour from Folly Beach to Morris Island
At number five, this 2-hour tour is designed for those who want a relaxed exploration of Folly’s creeks while searching for dolphins. You’ll cruise the estuary, with the captain sharing local history and wildlife facts. The tour also includes a stop at Morris Island where you can hunt for shells and see the historic lighthouse from a distance.
This tour is praised for its knowledgeable captain and the smooth ride, with one reviewer noting, “We saw many dolphins and our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area and wildlife.” The price point of around $60 per person offers good value for a combination of wildlife viewing and shelling.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded, slow-paced dolphin and shelling trip, this tour balances affordability and in-depth local insights.
6. Morris Island Dolphin Cruise and Shelling Trip
This 2-hour group tour is perfect if you’re keen on dolphins and shelling. Departing from Folly River, you’ll cruise through salt marsh creeks, spotting dolphins, and then land on Morris Island for shell hunting and photographs of the Morris Island lighthouse.
Reviewers highlight the personalized experience and friendly guide Billy, who makes everyone feel at home. The trip involves shelling, wildlife spotting, and sightseeing, making it a great choice for families or small groups looking for a balance of activities.
Bottom Line: An engaging, small-group tour that combines dolphin sightings with shelling in a scenic estuarine setting.
7. Dolphin Kayak Tour on Folly Beach
This 2-hour kayak adventure is perfect for those who want an active, hands-on wildlife experience. Led by certified instructors, you’ll paddle through calm waters where dolphins often swim close to the kayak. The tour begins with instruction, making it accessible for beginners.
While only available for a small number of reviews, kayakers rave about seeing dolphins from a unique vantage point and the peaceful nature of the trip. It’s a great option for travelers who prefer self-powered exploration and don’t mind a workout.
Bottom Line: An intimate, active way to see dolphins up close, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a more personal encounter with nature.
8. Folly OBX Filming Locations and Pogue Life Boat Tour w/ Dolphins
For fans of Outer Banks series, this 1.5-hour tour offers a fun twist. It takes you through famous filming locations and the coast, with opportunities to spot dolphins while exploring Folly’s scenic waters. The tour highlights include cruising past the iconic lighthouse seen in the show, tying pop culture with wildlife viewing.
Reviewers mention Alex’s expertise and the surprise of discovering how much of the show was filmed nearby. It’s a playful take on dolphin watching that combines TV fandom with nature.
Bottom Line: Perfect for OBX fans or those seeking a mix of pop culture and wildlife, this tour adds a layer of entertainment to your day on the water.
9. Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion
Completing our list, this 1.5-hour tour is a straightforward, personable experience focusing on dolphin sightings and Charleston’s tidal creeks. The seasoned captain will guide you to the best spots for wildlife viewing and share insights about the saltwater environment.
Many reviewers stress how personalized and informative the tour is, with one noting, “We saw many dolphins and learned a lot about the estuary and wildlife.” The affordability makes this a good intro for families or first-timers unsure about committing to longer tours.
Bottom Line: A simple, friendly dolphin cruise that emphasizes education and wildlife in a relaxed setting.
How to Choose the Right Dolphin Watching Tour in Folly Beach
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, desired length, and interest level. If you want an intimate experience with a focus on eco-awareness, the Private Charleston Dolphin and Eco Boat Tour offers in-depth wildlife viewing. For a romantic sunset experience, the Private Charleston Sunset & Dolphin Cruise provides stunning scenery and a peaceful environment. Families or first-timers might prefer the Morning Dolphin Boat Trip to Morris Island, which balances affordability with a mix of dolphin sightings and shelling.
Think about whether you prefer a small group or private experience, or if an active paddle like the Folly Beach: Dolphin Kayak Tour suits your style. Booking early is advised, especially in summer months when wildlife tours fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
From private eco tours to cost-effective group trips, the options around Folly Beach cover a wide range of preferences. If you’re traveling with kids or want a flexible, educational outing, the Morris Island Dolphin Cruise and Shelling Trip offers a balanced experience. For couples seeking a romantic sunset cruise, the Sunset & Dolphin Cruise is hard to beat.
No matter which tour you choose, booking ahead is wise—dolphins don’t wait around, and these tours are popular during the warmer months. With a little planning, your trip to Folly Beach will be filled with memorable wildlife encounters and beautiful waterway views.