Dolphin watching at Folly Beach delivers a straightforward and rewarding wildlife experience without the usual tourist traps. Three boat tours stand out for their reliability and value: Morris Island Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise, Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion, and Morris Island and Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise. These 90-120 minute outings offer a front-row seat to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment, often displaying their remarkable strand feeding behavior.
I’m particularly fond of the Morris Island cruise for its knowledgeable naturalist guides and bonus lighthouse views. The Folly Beach Viewing excursion earns high marks for its smaller group sizes and flexible scheduling.
Let’s explore the best dolphin watching options in Folly Beach.
Key Points
- Folly Beach offers unique wildlife viewing experiences with the opportunity to observe wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on guided boat cruises.
- Tour options include the Morris Island Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise, Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion, and Morris Island and Dolphin Watching Cruise.
- Cruises range from 1.5 to 2 hours and are led by experienced local captains, providing educational insights into the local ecosystem.
- Guests can observe dolphins’ natural behaviors, including the potential to see their strand feeding technique during certain seasons.
- Tours are designed to be accessible for most participants, with safety features like life jackets and round-trip transportation included.
Folly Beach: Morris Island Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise
For those seeking a unique wildlife viewing experience in Folly Beach, the Morris Island Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise offers a chance to observe wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Priced at €46.37 per person, this 2-hour guided boat tour departs from 83 Center St, with the meeting point at the activity provider’s office, where limited parking is available. Accommodating up to 18 passengers, the cruise allows you to glide through the Folly Beach estuary in search of these majestic marine mammals.
Throughout the journey, the local captain will share insights into Charleston’s rich history.
Once on Morris Island, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area, including the historic lighthouse, and hunt for fossils, sea shells, and sand dollars. From July to September, you might even witness the dolphins’ unique strand feeding technique.
With round-trip transportation, lifejackets for children, and an eco-talk about the local environment, this tour provides an immersive and informative dolphin watching experience.
Read our full review: Folly Beach: Morris Island Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise Review
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Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion
Nestled along the serene Folly River, the Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the captivating marine life of the Lowcountry. Priced from Kč 1,243 per person, this 1.5-hour boat cruise allows guests to observe the resident bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Led by an experienced Captain, the tour provides educational insights into the area’s saltwater estuary.
The 27ft. Carolina Skiff features cushioned bench seating and includes a cooler full of ice for snacks and drinks, as well as restroom facilities at the departure point. Participants can capture stunning photos of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse as the boat cruises by.
While the tour is suitable for most, there are restrictions for individuals over 75, babies under 1, and those exceeding 309 lbs. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion offers a seamless and enjoyable wildlife experience.
Read our full review: Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion Review
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Folly Beach: Morris Island and Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise
Situated along the serene Folly River, the Folly Beach: Morris Island and Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise offers visitors an immersive exploration of the Lowcountry’s captivating marine life and historic landmarks.
This 2-hour excursion, priced at $49 per person, departs from the activity provider’s office in Charleston and accommodates up to 18 guests.
During the cruise, a live, English-speaking guide shares insights about the local ecosystem and history. Participants can expect to spot dolphins swimming in the estuary and visit the nearby Morris Island, home to the historic Morris Island Lighthouse.
Along the way, adventurers can search for fossils, sea shells, and sand dollars along the shore. From July to September, the tour may even include the chance to witness the fascinating strand feeding behavior of dolphins.
The tour includes round-trip transportation by pontoon boat and life jackets for children under 13. Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, swimwear, sun hats, towels, and their own food and beverages.
With an impressive 5/5 rating based on 13 reviews, this cruise promises an unforgettable encounter with Folly Beach’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Folly Beach: Morris Island and Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise Review
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The Sum Up
Folly Beach offers several top-notch dolphin watching tours. The Morris Island Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise, Folly Beach Dolphin Viewing Boat Excursion, and Morris Island and Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise provide visitors with the opportunity to spot these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable boats, these tours ensure an unforgettable dolphin-watching experience for all.