Morris Island Dolphin Cruise and Shelling Trip from Folly Beach

Hunt for shells and shark teeth while dolphins follow your boat to a historic lighthouse

A two-hour boat tour departing from Folly River takes you through salt marsh creeks to Morris Island, where you walk the beach searching for shells, shark teeth and fossils while viewing the Morris Island Lighthouse. The route passes through waters where Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, shorebirds, turtles and river otters appear regularly. A cooler with bottled water and ice is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin cruise and shelling adventure

• Depart from Folly River boat ramp
• Boat ride through salt marsh estuaries
• Spot Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and wildlife
• Explore Morris Island beach for shells and fossils
• View Morris Island Lighthouse
• Return boat trip with more wildlife sightings

The experience

The boat leaves from the Folly River Boat Ramp and heads into the salt marsh estuaries surrounding Folly Island. On the way to Morris Island, you'll watch for dolphins, shorebirds, wading birds, and occasional sightings of turtles, river otters and birds of prey like eagles and osprey. The wildlife appears throughout the journey, not as a guarantee but as part of the natural rhythm of these waters.

Once you reach Morris Island, you step onto the beach to hunt for shells, shark teeth and other fossils scattered across the sand. Shorebirds move along the coastline as you walk. The Morris Island Lighthouse, standing since 1876 near the water's edge, stays in view the whole time you're on the island: a fixed landmark that frames the beach and the history of the place.

The return trip to Folly River gives you another window for wildlife sightings as the boat moves back through the marsh. The whole outing runs two hours from start to finish. Water and ice travel with you in a cooler. Bring or wear what you need for sun and salt spray, and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.

What’s included

• Two-hour boat tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• cooler with bottled water and ice.
• views of the Morris Island Lighthouse.
• time to search Morris Island beach for shells, shark teeth and fossils.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to2h 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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Lighthouse Creek Charters

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the wildlife sightings without translation. This works for anyone comfortable on a boat and able to step down to board from the dock.

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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 kind of shells and fossils might I find on Morris Island?

Morris Island beaches hold seashells, shark teeth and other fossils, though what you find depends on tide, season and recent storms. The beach is open to searching, but take only what you want to keep. Leave the living creatures and the protected items behind.

How close do the dolphins come to the boat?

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins live in these waters year-round, and sightings happen regularly during the boat ride to and from Morris Island. How close they approach varies. They're wild animals following their own paths, not trained to perform.

Can I get a good look at the Morris Island Lighthouse from the boat and the beach?

The lighthouse stands near the water's edge on Morris Island and is visible throughout your time on the beach. You see it up close from the island itself, and it remains in view during the boat ride as well.

What do I need to wear or bring for this tour?

Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet from salt spray and beach walking. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses help with the sun on the water. The tour includes water and ice in a cooler, but bring snacks if you want them during the two hours.

Is there anything I should know before boarding the boat?

You'll step down approximately 18 inches from the dock to board the boat. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the ride. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or significant mobility issues.