Folly Beach Activities Guide — Best Things to Do on the Water
Dolphin Watching Tours
Folly Beach sits right along one of the best resident dolphin populations on the East Coast, and a guided boat tour is by far the easiest way to see them up close. Our Morris Island Lighthouse & Dolphin Tour is the most popular activity we offer, combining a two-hour search through the tidal creeks with a stop near the historic Morris Island Lighthouse and time to look for shells and shark teeth along the shore. It’s an easy, high-energy activity that works for families, couples, and first-time visitors alike.
Sunset Cruises
For a slower-paced activity, a Sunset Dolphin Boat Cruise combines the same dolphin-spotting creeks with the golden-hour light over the marsh. It’s one of the most requested activities for couples, anniversaries, and small celebrations, since the cooler evening air and softer light make for a more relaxed ride than an afternoon tour.
Shelling & Nature Trips to Morris Island
If your idea of a good time on the water is slowing down and exploring, the Shelling & Nature Tour to Morris Island is built for exactly that. This 2.5-hour trip focuses on Morris Island’s shoreline, giving guests plenty of time to walk the beach, search for shells and shark teeth, and take in the island’s undeveloped scenery away from the crowds.
Private Charters for Small Groups
Traveling with a small group or bringing a pet along? Our Small Private Boat Tours aboard La Sirena let up to six guests customize the route with their captain, whether that means more time searching for dolphins, a longer stop at Morris Island, or simply a quieter, more flexible pace than a larger group tour.
Bachelorette & Celebration Cruises
Folly Beach has become a go-to spot for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and reunions, and our Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Charters are built specifically for group celebrations. The Dolphin Queen gives your crew a private three-hour charter to cruise the creeks, anchor at a sandbar to swim, and celebrate however you’d like, with the crew handling the details.
OBX Filming Location & Kayak Tours
Fans of the Outer Banks series can visit real filming locations from Folly Beach and Charleston Harbor on our OBX Filming Locations & Pogue Life Boat Tour. If you’d rather get on the water at your own pace, we also offer kayak rentals and guided kayak trips through our booking partner, a great option for a quieter, more active morning on Folly’s tidal creeks.
Plan Your Folly Beach Water Day
Not sure which activity fits your trip best? Take a look at all of our boat tours to compare lengths, prices, and group sizes side by side, or contact our team and we’ll help you build the right day on the water, whether that’s one activity or a mix of a few across your stay.