A Local’s Guide to Folly Beach: Before & After Your Boat Tour
A Local’s Guide to Folly Beach: Before & After Your Boat Tour
Local “Blair Holliday” give the locals tour
A boat tour, hopefully with Flipper Finders, has a unique way of pulling people out of “vacation mode” and into something more relaxed, more human, and a little less planned. You’re not squeezing an experience between landmarks, you’re just stepping into the rhythm of the island. You’ll see…
If you’re booking a boat tour (with Flipper Finders, “author coughs” out of Folly Beach (or already have one on the calendar), this guide will help you make the most of the day. Before you head out, how to think about timing, and where to land afterward without overthinking it.
Start Slow: Getting to Folly Beach the Right Way
If there’s one local rule worth following, it’s this: don’t rush Folly. Give yourself a little buffer getting onto the island, especially on weekends or during peak summer months. Once you cross the bridge, things naturally slow down, seriously, the speed limit is 25mph once you cross the bridge. Also, our shop is right there and you don’t want to miss it.
Most Folly Beach boat tours launch from the landing at the start of Center Street, You can park once, walk around, grab coffee or breakfast, and ease into the day instead of scrambling at the last minute. If you have already chosen Flipper Finders then give us a shout and we will tell you where to park without paying or getting a souvenir from the local parking officials.
Coffee, Breakfast & Easy Morning Fuel
Before a morning or midday boat tour, you’ll want something simple — not heavy, not rushed.
Locals usually keep it casual. A quick stop at Drop IN Deli or Dead Low Cafe gets you solid coffee and breakfast that won’t weigh you down. If you’re more in beach mode already, Rita’s or Lost Dog is a good sit-down option with a laid-back vibe and something for everyone.
Before the Boat: A Short Folly Wander
If you arrive early (which locals always recommend), take a short walk down Center Street or toward the beach. Folly isn’t about checking off attractions, it’s about getting oriented. Quick tip. The beach is due south, in front of the only tall building, The Tides Hotel. Pier is right next to the Tides.
A quick stroll to the pier gives you a feel for the ocean conditions that day. Calm mornings, breezy afternoons, glowing evenings — every tour experience is a little different depending on what the water’s doing.
This is also a good time to swing pop into “any” beach or surf shop if you want sunscreen, a hat, or something beachy you forgot back home. Don’t forget to buy a shirt that say’s Folly Beach so you can show off your travels!
What a Folly Beach Boat Tour Actually Feels Like
Most Folly Beach boat tours share a common thread: dolphins are the main objective. Beyond that, the day tends to unfold naturally.
You might cruise through winding tidal creeks, idle through open water behind Folly, or drift near Morris Island and its lighthouse. Some tours allow time to explore the beach for shells or shark teeth when tides cooperate. Others are more about cruising, conversation, and soaking it in.
This flexibility is part of the charm. Folly tours aren’t scripted experiences, they’re shaped by tide, weather, wildlife, and the people on board (including your Captain)
Timing Matters More Than You Think
When locals plan their day around a boat tour, timing is everything.
Morning tours feel quieter and cooler, with glassier water and active wildlife. Midday tours are brighter, warmer, and great for swimming or shelling-focused trips. Sunset tours shift the energy entirely — slower, calmer, and more reflective.
There’s no wrong choice. Just know that each time of day brings a different version of Folly with it.
After the Tour: Don’t Leave Yet
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is leaving Folly immediately after their boat tour. Locals almost never do that. (Probably because of the adult beverages)
After time on the water, everything feels better — food tastes better, conversations last longer, and the island makes more sense.
For food and cold drinks, Low Life, Jack Of Cups, Woody’s Pizza or Chico Feo are easy post-tour landings. (Secret Spot)
If you have kids (or just want a quiet reset), a sunset walk back toward the pier or along the shoreline is one of Folly’s underrated pleasures.
Families, Groups & Celebrations
Folly Beach works especially well for families and groups because everything is close together. Boat tours, food, beach access, and shops all live within walking distance.
That’s why bachelorette parties, birthdays, and multi-generation family trips tend to gravitate here. You can celebrate without feeling boxed into a rigid schedule, and everyone can find their version of a good day.
A Few Local Tips Worth Knowing
Bring sun protection — even on cloudy days.
Wear shoes you can slip on and off easily, or just forget the shoes all together. Nobody will notice.
Plan to stay longer than you think.
Don’t over-plan the rest of the day.
And most importantly: Folly rewards flexibility. The less you try to control the experience, the better it usually turns out.
Why Folly Beach Just Works
There’s a reason so many locals prefer launching boat tours from Folly instead of downtown Charleston. You’re closer to open water, closer to wildlife, and farther from crowds and concrete.
Folly feels real. A little rough around the edges. Easygoing in the best way. And when you build your day around a boat tour here, everything else tends to fall into place.