Private Folly Beach Dolphin Watching & Shelling Tour

You get over an hour alone on a boat-only beach to hunt for shells and shark teeth.

A two-hour private boat tour for up to six guests through Folly Beach's tidal creeks and marshlands in search of bottlenose dolphins, with a stop at Morris Island where you explore a quiet beach accessible only by boat and photograph the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. The operator guarantees dolphin sightings and includes a licensed captain and a 22-foot Avalon tritoon boat. Trips are customizable to your group's needs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and Morris Island visit

• Board boat at Folly Beach
• Boat tour through tidal creeks
• Observe dolphins and wildlife
• Drift alongside dolphins for photos
• Land at Morris Island beach
• Explore beach and collect shells
• Take photos of Morris Island Lighthouse
• Return by boat to Folly Beach

The experience

The tour runs two hours total, starting with a cruise through Folly Beach's estuary where you watch for bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, osprey, pelicans and sea turtles. When dolphins appear, the boat drifts alongside so you can photograph them and learn about their feeding and socializing behaviors in their natural habitat. Summer brings juvenile and baby dolphins to the area, making it the best season for sightings, and the operator backs it with a 100% guarantee.

After the creek run, you land at Morris Island, a beach reachable only by boat. You have over an hour to explore at your own pace, hunting for seashells, sand dollars, whelks and shark teeth along the shoreline. The historic Morris Island Lighthouse sits on the island and makes for strong photos. The boat waits while you work the beach, so the pace is entirely yours.

The boat is a 22-foot Avalon tritoon, designed for easy boarding and stability. Groups stay at six guests or fewer, which keeps the experience intimate and gives everyone room to move and sight-see. A licensed captain leads the tour and can customize the route based on what your group wants to see. Free parking is included at the departure point.

What’s included

• Licensed captain and a 22-foot Avalon tritoon boat.
• free parking at the departure point.
• customizable routing based on your group's interests.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jim Kotwica

Is this one for you?The two-hour window leaves your morning or afternoon open for other Folly Beach activities, and the boat-only beach at Morris Island means you explore without crowds or road access: ideal if you want dolphin watching plus a quieter shelling stop in a single outing.

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Top questions

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.

What dolphins will I see on the Folly Beach tour?

Bottlenose dolphins are the main draw, especially in summer when juvenile and baby pods move into the tidal creeks. The operator guarantees dolphin sightings on every tour. You may also spot bald eagles, osprey, pelicans and sea turtles during the cruise.

How much time do I actually spend at Morris Island?

You have over an hour to explore Morris Island on your own after the dolphin-watching portion. That's enough time to walk the beach for shells and shark teeth, photograph the Morris Island Lighthouse, and move at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed back to the boat.

Can I bring infants or small children on this tour?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children are welcome. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the licensed captain, use of the 22-foot Avalon tritoon boat, and free parking. Drinks, snacks, sunscreen and gratuities are not included, so bring your own water and sun protection.

Can I customize the tour for my group?

Yes. The operator designs trips to meet the needs of each group, so you can discuss what you want to see or do when you book. Groups are kept to six guests or fewer.