2-Hour Tiki Boat Tour in Folly Beach: Dolphins & Barrier Islands

Dolphins alongside the boat, barrier islands where you can swim, and no schedule to follow but the tides.

A 2-hour tiki boat tour departing from Folly Beach takes you through the Folly River and around uninhabited barrier islands where bottlenose dolphins often appear. You'll have time to swim in remote coves, lounge in shaded seating, and watch the water from a custom-built vessel designed for comfort. A live English-speaking guide leads the route. You bring your own beverages to customize the experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tiki boat tour and dolphin watching

• Board the custom Tiki Boat
• Tour Folly River and barrier islands
• Watch bottlenose dolphins swim alongside
• Swim around remote islands
• Relax and mingle on deck
• Bring and enjoy your own beverages
• Watch spectacular sunset over water

The experience

The boat leaves from Folly Beach and heads into the low country's waterways where the dolphins decide the rhythm. You'll cruise the Folly River with views of Folly Beach itself, then move out to the pristine, uninhabited barrier islands where the water stays calm enough for swimming. The crew carries conch horns to call in the bottlenose dolphins that play in these waters. They often swim alongside the boat, though their appearance is never guaranteed. Shaded areas and cooler full of ice keep you comfortable while you're on deck.

Swimming happens in the remote coves around the barrier islands, where you can slip into the water and float in solitude or wade along the beach. The boat carries all safety equipment, so you're covered whether you're lounging, swimming, or just watching the wildlife move through the channels. Bring your own drinks and snacks to sip and eat at your own pace. The experience is built around your comfort, not a fixed itinerary of stops.

Two options shape the tour: the standard daytime version, or an adults-only departure after sunset when the light turns the water gold and the pace slows even further. Both run two hours. Pickup is included, and public transportation to the departure point is available if you're staying elsewhere on the island.

What’s included

• All safety equipment.
• coolers full of ice.
• conch horns for calling dolphins.
• shaded seating areas.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel or meeting point pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 May 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Seas Life Sailing Charters

Is this one for you?Choose the daytime tour if you want the full barrier island experience with swimming and dolphin watching in natural light. Pick the adults-only sunset departure if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and the light show as the day ends: both follow the same route and run two hours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the tiki boat tour?

Yes. The boat stops at remote coves around the uninhabited barrier islands where you can swim or wade. All safety equipment is provided on board.

Will we see dolphins on the tour?

Bottlenose dolphins often swim in these waters and frequently appear alongside the boat. The crew uses conch horns to call them in, though sightings are never guaranteed. They decide when and where to show up.

What's the difference between the daytime and adults-only sunset tour?

The adults-only after-sunset departure runs the same two-hour route but departs in the evening when the light changes and the atmosphere shifts. Both tours follow the same waters and barrier islands.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. You're welcome to bring your own beverages and food to customize your experience. The boat provides coolers full of ice to keep everything cold.

How long is the tour and what's included?

The tour runs two hours and includes all safety equipment, seating in shaded areas, coolers full of ice, and a live English-speaking guide. Pickup is included in the booking.