Kayaking on Folly Beach: Dolphins and Flatwater

Ground school comes first, then you paddle alongside dolphins in the estuary.

A 2-hour introductory kayak on the Folly River in Folly Beach teaches you the basics in calm flatwater, with all gear provided and a Lifeguard Certified Instructor leading the way. You'll start with 15 minutes of ground school instruction before paddling out to look for bottlenose dolphins and native birds. The tour follows the tides and wind direction, and children from age 8 are welcome with an adult.

The experience

You arrive 15 minutes early at 83 Center Street to sign the liability waiver and let the guides get you fitted with a kayak, paddle and life jacket. Bring flip-flops or water shoes (they're required), water, sunscreen and a bathing suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet. The shop sells sunscreen, hats and other essentials if you need them. From there the guide walks you down to the water for a 15-minute ground school where you learn the fundamentals before you push off.

Once in the water, you paddle the calm flatwater of the Folly River estuary while the guide teaches you about the local ecosystem. The route follows the tides and wind direction, so each paddle is different. You'll watch for bottlenose dolphins and different species of native birds as you move through the water. The guide stays with the group the whole time, keeping the pace beginner-friendly even though the tour welcomes paddlers from beginner to advanced.

At the end, the guide takes a group photo that gets posted on the tour operator's social media. The whole experience fits into two hours, so it works as a morning, afternoon or sunset option depending on which time slot you book.

What’s included

• Life jacket, kayak and paddle.
• professional Lifeguard Certified Instructor.
• 15-minute ground school instruction.
• 2-hour paddle on the Folly River estuary.

Options for this experience

6 options

Single kayak morning tourGuide in English · 09:30Single sit-on-top kayak is selected automatically; to request a single sit-inside kayak, please contact the operator through the booking platform. Duration: 2 hours. Single kayak for 1 person: 1 sit-on-top kayak, maximum size 6'6" and/or 375 lbs. Age 13 and up. If you would like a single sit-in kayak, please contact the operator through the booking platform.

Single kayak sunset tourGuide in English · 16:30Single sit-on-top kayak is selected automatically; to request a single sit-in kayak, please contact the operator through the booking platform. Duration: 2 hours. Single kayak for 1 person: 1 sit-on-top kayak, maximum size 6'6" and/or 375 lbs. Age 13 and up. If you would like a single sit-in kayak, please contact the operator through the booking platform.

Tandem kayak morning tourGuide in English · Available from 26 Oct 2027Duration: 2 hours. Tandem kayak for 2 people. Morning Kayak Tour Tandem: tandem kayak for 2 people.

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Tandem kayak sunset tourGuide in English · Available from 26 Oct 2027Duration: 2 hours. Tandem kayak for 2 people. Sunset Kayak Tour Tandem: for 2 people.

Afternoon kayak tour, single kayakGuide in English · Available from 26 Oct 2027Duration: 2 hours. Single sit-on-top kayak for 1 person: 1 sit-on-top kayak, maximum size 6'6" and/or 375 lbs. Age 13 and up. If you would like a single sit-in kayak, please contact the operator through the booking platform. Afternoon Kayak Tour: a single sit-on-top kayak is selected automatically; to request a single sit-in kayak, please contact the operator through the booking platform.

Afternoon kayak tour, tandem kayakGuide in English · Available from 26 Oct 2027Duration: 2 hours. Tandem kayak for 2 people. Afternoon Kayak Tour: tandem kayak for 2 people.

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

Before you book

Days and timesThursdayDepartures at 09:30 and 16:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Charleston SUP Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose the morning or afternoon departure if you want to maximize daylight for spotting dolphins and birds. The sunset option trades wildlife viewing for the light itself. Single and tandem kayaks are both available, so paddle solo or share a boat depending on your preference and group size.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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 do I need to bring to a kayak tour on Folly Beach?

Flip-flops or water shoes are required. Bring water, sunscreen and a bathing suit or clothes you don't mind getting wet. The kayak, paddle and life jacket are all provided, and the shop at 83 Center Street sells sunscreen and other essentials if you forgot anything.

Can my 8-year-old come kayaking on the Folly River?

Children from age 8 are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult in the group. The introductory paddle is designed for beginners, so the pace works for families new to kayaking.

What wildlife will I see on the Folly Beach kayak tour?

Bottlenose dolphins and native birds are the main wildlife you'll encounter in the Folly River estuary. The guide teaches you about the local ecosystem as you paddle, and the route follows the tides and wind direction, so sightings depend on conditions that day.

How long is the kayaking tour and what's included?

The tour is 2 hours total, starting with 15 minutes of ground school instruction at the water's edge before you paddle. The kayak, paddle, life jacket and professional guide are all included. You just bring water shoes and sunscreen.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No experience is necessary. The tour is an introductory paddle designed for beginners, and every group starts with 15 minutes of ground school instruction from a Lifeguard Certified Instructor before heading onto the water.