Folly River Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Morris Island Lighthouse

Dolphins feeding in salt marsh creeks, then a beach stroll to the Morris Island Lighthouse

A private 90-minute boat tour through Folly River and surrounding creeks, guided by a local, with multiple dolphin encounters, a beach walk on Morris Island to search for shells and view the Morris Island Lighthouse, and a slow sunset cruise back to Folly Island. Life jackets and bottled water are provided. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

Step-by-step itinerary

Folly River cruise and Morris Island visit

• Enjoy scenic Folly River views
• Spot dolphins and marine wildlife
• Land on Morris Island beach
• Search for seashells
• View Morris Island Lighthouse
• Cruise back enjoying sunset

The experience

The boat winds through Folly River and the salt marsh creeks that branch off it, and the guide points out Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins as they feed and play in their natural habitat. You'll also spot wading birds, shore birds, turtles and other marine wildlife along the way. The pace is slow enough that you can take in the ecosystem without rushing past it.

Once you reach Morris Island, you get out for a beach walk to hunt for seashells while looking directly at the Morris Island Lighthouse, the barrier island's iconic structure. The stroll is brief, but it gives you time on the sand and a close view of the lighthouse before heading back to the boat.

The return to Folly Island is a slow cruise timed to catch the Lowcountry sunset. A cooler with ice and bottled water stays on board the whole time. Bring any snacks or drinks you want to add to it.

What’s included

• Life jackets for children and adults.
• a cooler with ice and bottled water.
• the guide's narration throughout the route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00 and 17:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Lighthouse Creek Charters

Is this one for you?At 90 minutes, this tour fits easily into a half-day without eating up the whole afternoon, so you can combine it with a meal or a walk around Folly Beach before or after. The private boat means no set departure time. You book the window that works for your schedule.

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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.

How many dolphins will I see on this cruise?

The tour is built around dolphin encounters, and the guide describes numerous sightings as the dolphins feed and play in the salt marsh creeks. The exact number varies by day and season, but the route is chosen specifically to reach the areas where they are active.

What is Morris Island Lighthouse and why do we visit it?

Morris Island Lighthouse is the historic landmark that stands on the barrier island at the mouth of Folly River. The beach walk gives you a chance to search for shells on the sand in front of it and see the structure up close from the water's edge.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes. Child and adult life jackets are provided, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the cruise. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the beach walk is a short stroll, not a hike.

What's included in the price?

Life jackets for children and adults, a cooler with ice and bottled water, and the guide's commentary throughout the 90 minutes. You're welcome to bring additional snacks or drinks to keep in the cooler.

How long does the whole tour take?

The cruise runs 90 minutes from start to finish, including the time on Morris Island beach and the sunset return to Folly Island. That leaves the rest of your day open for other activities in the area.