Morris Island Lighthouse & River Cruise from Folly Beach

Dolphins, shark teeth, and a lighthouse that's stood in the surf since 1876

A private two-hour boat tour from Folly Beach that cruises local waters and lands at Morris Island, where you search for shark teeth and shells around the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. The boat holds one to six passengers depending on your group size. Lifejackets, bottled water and ice are included. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route and points out wildlife along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morris Island and Wildlife Cruise

• Cruise along Folly Beach waters
• Observe dolphins, sea turtles, and birds
• Visit Morris Island Lighthouse
• Search for shark teeth and shells

The experience

The cruise starts in the waters around Folly Beach, where dolphins, sea turtles and birds move through the shallows. The route follows the coastline before reaching Morris Island, where you'll exit the boat over the bow onto the beach to explore on foot. This is one of the best places in the world to find shark teeth and shells scattered in the sand. The Morris Island Lighthouse, built in 1876, stands in the surf at the south end of the beach. A working landmark that has weathered storms and shifting sandbars for nearly 150 years.

The whole tour runs two hours, including the boat ride and time on the island. You'll wear a lifejacket during the cruise, and the guide will point out what to look for as you search the beach. Bottled water and a cooler with ice travel with you, so you can stay hydrated in the sun. The boat holds between one and six passengers, so your group stays small and the pace stays yours.

What’s included

• Lifejackets.
• bottled water.
• cooler with ice.
• live English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

3 options

Groups of 1 to 4 passengersUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

5 passengersUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

6 TravelersUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to10h 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

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Morris Island Charters

Is this one for you?Choose the group size that matches your party (one to four passengers, five passengers, or six travelers), and the boat adjusts to keep the experience intimate and the pace unhurried. The small capacity means you're not competing with crowds to spot wildlife or search for shark teeth.

Traveler reviews

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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 wildlife might I see on the cruise around Folly Beach?

Dolphins, sea turtles and birds are common sights as the boat moves through the waters around Folly Beach. The guide will point them out as you cruise toward Morris Island.

Can I really find shark teeth at Morris Island?

Morris Island is known as one of the best places in the world to find shark teeth and shells. You'll have time to search the beach around the Morris Island Lighthouse during the tour.

What is the Morris Island Lighthouse?

The Morris Island Lighthouse has stood in the surf at the south end of Morris Island since 1876. It's a historic working lighthouse that you'll see up close when the boat reaches the island.

Do I need to be in good physical shape for this tour?

You'll need to be able to physically exit and enter the boat over the bow while on the beach, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Moderate physical fitness is required to get in and out of the vessel.

What's included in the two-hour tour?

Lifejackets, bottled water and a cooler with ice are included. The guide speaks English and narrates the route and wildlife throughout the cruise and beach time.