Charleston: Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari

Enjoy the natural beauty of Charleston’s Folly Beach with an exhilarating afternoon kayak safari. Glide through the serene waters of Folly River, where you’ll have the chance to spot playful bottlenose dolphins and vibrant shorebirds in their element. Led by an experienced guide, this 2-hour tour provides essential paddling instruction and a personalized experience for a small group. Capture lasting memories with a group photo, and discover why this adventure has become a beloved activity for locals and visitors alike. The stage is set for an unforgettable journey – all you need to do is dive in.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

• 2-hour kayak tour starting from Sea Monkeys Surf And Skate, Folly Beach, led by experienced English-speaking instructor for small groups.
• Opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds during the guided tour along the calm waters of Folly River.
• Instruction on proper paddling techniques and kayaking basics provided before the tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Cost starts from Kč1,133 per person with free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Includes all necessary equipment: kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This Charleston: Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari is a 2-hour activity that begins at Sea Monkeys Surf And Skate in Folly Beach.

An experienced, English-speaking instructor leads a small group on an introductory kayak tour of the calm Folly River. Participants will learn proper paddle strokes and kayaking basics before gliding alongside bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds.

The activity utilizes cutting-edge kayak equipment, and a group photo opportunity is provided at the end of the tour.

Participants must be between 10 and 95 years old, and anyone under 13 must kayak in tandem with an adult.

Pricing and Booking

The Charleston: Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari costs from Kč1,133 per person. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later.

This 2-hour kayak tour provides an immersive experience exploring the calm waters of the Folly River. Groups are kept small, allowing for personalized instruction from experienced, English-speaking guides. Participants will learn proper paddling techniques before gliding alongside bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds.

The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices. However, certain restrictions apply, such as age limits and requirements for tandem kayaks.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Experience Highlights

The Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari offers an introductory kayak tour on the calm flatwater of the Folly River.

Participants will learn proper paddle strokes and kayaking basics from an experienced, English-speaking instructor. They’ll glide alongside bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds, utilizing cutting-edge kayak equipment.

The tour culminates with a group photo opportunity, allowing guests to capture memories of their adventure.

With a small group size available, this safari provides an intimate and personalized experience for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Folly Beach.

Included in the Tour

The Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari includes providing participants with a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device.

The tour also features:

• A lesson on proper paddling techniques to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience
• A guided tour led by an experienced, English-speaking instructor
• Complimentary water to keep you hydrated during the adventure

These inclusions allow participants to focus on the main highlights of the tour – gliding alongside bottlenose dolphins and native shorebirds in the calm waters of the Folly River.

The provided equipment and guidance ensure a seamless and memorable kayaking excursion.

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Participant Restrictions

Not everyone may be able to participate in the Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari. There are some restrictions on who can join the tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years. Anyone under 13 must kayak in tandem with an adult. For tandem kayaks, guests must book 2 singles and note their height and weight in the reservation.

Participant Restrictions
Children under 10 years
Babies under 1 year
People over 95 years
Anyone under 13 must kayak with an adult
For tandem kayaks, book 2 singles and note height/weight

Kayak Equipment Provided

Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices are all provided for participants on the Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari. This high-quality equipment ensures a safe and comfortable journey down the Folly River.

The tour includes:

1. State-of-the-art kayaks designed for stability and maneuverability.
2. Lightweight, ergonomic paddles that make paddling effortless.
3. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for added safety.

With this top-notch gear, guests can focus on enjoying the stunning natural surroundings and spotting local wildlife, rather than worrying about their equipment.

The guided tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the beauty of Folly Beach from the water.

Learning Proper Paddling

Before guests can glide alongside dolphins, the tour begins with an introduction to proper kayak paddling.

The experienced instructor teaches participants the basic strokes – the forward, reverse, and turning strokes – to ensure smooth and efficient paddling. They’ll learn how to hold the paddle correctly and practice techniques like feathering, which reduces wind resistance.

With guidance on body positioning and blade entry, guests gain the skills needed to navigate the calm Folly River waters. This hands-on lesson prepares everyone for the upcoming wildlife viewing experience, allowing them to focus on spotting dolphins without worrying about the mechanics of their paddling.

Guided Tour Experience

After the brief paddling lesson, participants embark on a guided tour of the Folly River’s calm flatwaters.

The experienced, English-speaking guide leads the small group, sharing insights about the local wildlife and environment. As they glide along, kayakers may spot:

1. Graceful bottlenose dolphins dancing in the water
2. Vibrant shorebirds soaring overhead
3. Lush marshes and coastal ecosystems

Throughout the 2-hour excursion, the guide ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Folly Beach.

At the end, the group gathers for a commemorative photo, capping off an unforgettable kayaking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring for the Kayak Tour?

For the kayak tour, one should bring appropriate clothing, swimwear, and water shoes. Participants should also consider bringing sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, as well as a towel and a water bottle.

Can I Change My Reservation if My Plans Change?

Yes, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility to change plans. Participants can easily modify their reservation if needed without penalty.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The activity overview doesn’t specify a minimum number of participants required. It mentions a "Small group available", indicating the tour can proceed with just a few people signed up.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Kayak?

Customers can request a specific type of kayak, such as a single or tandem, when booking the activity. The tour operator will try to accommodate their preferences, subject to availability.

Are There Any Tips for Spotting Dolphins During the Tour?

To spot dolphins during the tour, paddlers should keep a keen eye on the water’s surface and listen for splashing sounds. Staying quiet and moving slowly increases the chances of seeing these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Recap

The Folly Beach Afternoon Kayak Dolphin Safari offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene waters of Charleston’s Folly River and observe the local wildlife. With an experienced guide, paddling instruction, and all necessary equipment provided, this 2-hour tour promises a safe and enjoyable adventure. Guests can expect to see playful bottlenose dolphins and vibrant shorebirds in their natural habitat, capturing lasting memories with a group photo.

You can check availability for your dates here: