Morris Island Private Excursion: Lighthouse & Shells

Morris Island is one of the best places in the world to find shark teeth and fossils on the beach.

A private boat tour from Folly Beach to Morris Island, where you cruise through tidal creeks spotting dolphins and wading birds, then spend 90 minutes exploring the beach on your own near the Morris Island Lighthouse. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, lifejackets, water and a cooler with ice. You'll need to be able to board the boat from the beach and walk or sit for the duration.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morris Island wildlife and beach walk

• Cruise through tidal creeks
• See dolphins and wading birds
• Arrive at Morris Island Lighthouse
• Explore island beach for shells and fossils
• Relax and enjoy ocean sights
• Cruise back, watch for dolphins

The experience

You'll start by cruising through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach, where dolphins and wading birds hang out in the marsh and oyster beds. The boat heads to the southern point of Morris Island, and as you approach, the Morris Island Lighthouse comes into view. It's been standing in that spot since 1876. Once you land on the beach, you're on your own for 90 to 120 minutes to explore at whatever pace suits you.

Most people spend the time hunting for shells, shark teeth and fossils along the shoreline, which is what makes this island famous among collectors. Others just walk the beach, sit and take in the ocean. The island is uninhabited, so there's no infrastructure. Bring sunscreen and wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. On the way back to the dock, you'll likely spot dolphins again in the inlet behind the island, where they're known to gather.

The tour runs about three hours total and includes lifejackets, bottled water and a cooler with ice. You'll need to be able to step in and out of the boat on the beach and manage walking or sitting for the full duration. Service animals are welcome, and infants can ride on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Bottled water and a cooler with ice.
• lifejackets and all safety equipment.
• a live English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private excursion for 1 to 4 travelersUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

5 TravelersUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

6 TravelersUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to3h 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Morris Island Charters

Is this one for you?Book the 1–4 traveler option if your group is small and you want a more intimate pace through the creeks. The 5-traveler or 6-traveler options work for families or friends who want to share the boat and the cost. All versions give you the same 90 minutes on the island and the same route, so your choice depends on group size.

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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's the Morris Island Lighthouse and why is it there?

The Morris Island Lighthouse has stood on the southern point of Morris Island since 1876, marking the inlet. You'll see it as you approach the island and have time to walk around it during your 90-minute beach exploration.

Can I really find shark teeth and fossils on Morris Island?

Yes, Morris Island is known as one of the best places in the world to look for shark teeth, fossils and shells. What you find depends on the tide and the season, but the beach is a genuine hunting ground for collectors.

What happens if I don't want to walk around the island?

You can spend your 90 minutes however you like. Some people walk the whole beach. Others sit and relax on the sand or explore just the area near the lighthouse. There's no set itinerary once you land.

Will I see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins are common in the creeks on the way out and in the inlet behind the island on the way back, especially since it's one of their favorite places to hang out. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but they're likely.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet, since you'll be boarding from the beach. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you're sensitive to sun. The tour provides lifejackets, water and a cooler with ice, so you don't need to pack your own.