Folly River Dolphin Cruise Charleston: Guaranteed Sighting

A morning watching Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins from a roomy boat on calm water

A private dolphin cruise on Folly River near Charleston carries up to 12 guests on a boat with experienced local captains who guarantee a dolphin sighting or refund your money. You'll pass Morris Island Lighthouse, watch for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and other aquatic species, and see an array of birds as the marsh transitions to ocean. The boat is spacious and comfortable, with ice water provided and room to bring your own food and drinks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin cruise and scenic views

• Depart from Folly River dock
• View Morris Island lighthouse
• Spot Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Observe aquatic species and birds
• Enjoy marsh to ocean scenery

The experience

Seventy-five minutes on the water means you see Morris Island Lighthouse and the dolphins without eating up your whole day. The captains are local and know where the dolphins feed. The guarantee means if they don't show, you get your money back. The boat itself is roomy enough that you're not packed in. There's actual space to move and sit comfortably, which matters when you're watching for wildlife and want to stay relaxed.

Spacious coolers with ice and water come with the booking, and you're welcome to bring whatever food and drinks you want (BYOB). The departure location has free parking and clean restrooms, so the logistics before you even step on the boat are handled. Service animals and pets are allowed, and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller, so families with different ages and needs can all go together.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and has years of experience entertaining guests of all ages. The route stays on calm water with land always in sight. This isn't an offshore venture, so even if you're not a seasoned boater, the setting is manageable. You'll see Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, other aquatic species, and an array of birds as the landscape shifts from marsh to ocean.

What’s included

• Spacious coolers with ice and water.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• Morris Island Lighthouse views.
• pet-friendly boat.
• free parking and clean restrooms at the departure location.

Options for this experience

4 options

Reserve for 1 to 6 guestsUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 12:00

Reserve for 1 to 8 guestsUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 12:00

Reserve for 1 to 10 guestsUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 12:00

Reserve for 1 to 12 guestsUp to 12 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 12:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Captain D

Is this one for you?Book the group size that fits your party at checkout: the boat scales from 1 to 12 guests, so whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with a full family, you pay only for the space you need and get the same roomy, comfortable boat and experienced captain.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 is Morris Island Lighthouse and why do we pass it on the cruise?

Morris Island Lighthouse is a historic structure visible from Folly River where the marsh transitions to ocean. It marks the boundary between the river and open water, and passing it puts you in the zone where Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins feed and other marine life congregates.

What happens if we don't see dolphins on the cruise?

The operator guarantees a dolphin sighting or your money back. If dolphins don't appear during your seventy-five minute cruise, you receive a full refund.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. Spacious coolers with ice and water are provided, and you're welcome to bring whatever food and beverages you'd like, including alcohol (BYOB).

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat accommodates up to 12 guests, and you book for the group size you need at checkout. The boat is described as roomy and comfortable, with space to move around while you're watching for dolphins.

Are pets allowed on the cruise?

Yes, the boat is pet friendly. Service animals are also allowed, and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller.