Charleston: Folly Beach Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Safari

Exploring the serene waters of Folly River aboard a stand-up paddleboard offers a unique opportunity to witness the natural wonders of Charleston’s coastal ecosystem. This two-hour guided adventure not only teaches the fundamentals of SUPing but also provides a chance to spot dolphins and a variety of shorebirds in their natural habitat. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced instructors, participants can confidently navigate the tranquil waterways and enjoy the abundance of marine life. Flexible scheduling and a generous cancellation policy make this excursion an accessible and enjoyable way to discover the beauty of Folly Beach from a different perspective.

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

Key Points

• Guided stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours along the Folly River to spot local wildlife like dolphins and shorebirds.
• Use of state-of-the-art, lightweight, and stable paddleboards with necessary safety equipment.
• Experienced instructors provide thorough SUPing instruction and personalized guidance to enhance the overall experience.
• Tours last 2 hours with flexible scheduling and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Not suitable for children under 8 or those with mobility impairments due to the physical demands of SUPing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Participants embark on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour along the serene Folly River, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot local wildlife like dolphins and shorebirds.

During the two-hour adventure, an experienced instructor guides them through the basics of SUPing, ensuring they’re comfortable and confident on the water.

The tour utilizes cutting-edge paddle equipment, and participants are provided with a paddleboard, paddle, and personal floatation device.

Whether a first-time SUPer or an experienced enthusiast, this activity offers a chance to engage in an exciting water sport while enjoying the natural beauty of the Charleston area.

Paddleboard Equipment

The tour utilizes state-of-the-art paddleboards and paddles, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience on the water.

The lightweight, stable boards are designed for easy maneuverability, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the Folly River. The paddles feature an ergonomic grip and blade shape, optimizing your paddling power while minimizing fatigue.

All necessary safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, is provided to ensure your comfort and security throughout the adventure.

The experienced instructors will teach you how to properly handle the paddleboard and paddle, enabling you to navigate the waterways with confidence.

With these cutting-edge tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to fully learn about the stunning natural beauty of the Folly River and its abundant wildlife.

Wildlife Encounter

With the paddleboard equipment ready, you’ll now have the chance to glide alongside dolphins and shorebirds as you explore the Folly River.

The abundance of marine life in this area offers a unique opportunity to witness these captivating creatures in their natural habitat.

As you paddle gently through the calm waters, you may spot pods of dolphins surfacing to breathe or feeding near the surface. Flocks of seabirds like egrets and herons can also be seen hunting for fish along the riverbanks.

The tranquil and scenic environment allows you to fully learn about the beauty of the local wildlife, creating an unforgettable paddleboarding experience.

Instructor Expertise

Experienced instructors consistently guide participants through the basics of stand-up paddleboarding, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. They begin by providing a thorough introduction to the equipment and proper techniques, teaching paddlers how to balance, steer, and maneuver the boards.

With their expertise, participants quickly gain the confidence to navigate the Folly River, exploring the scenic waterways and keeping an eye out for the resident dolphins. The instructors’ attentive supervision and personalized guidance allow even first-time paddlers to feel comfortable and in control throughout the adventure.

Their wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport enhance the overall tour, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience for everyone involved.

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Duration and Availability

The stand-up paddleboard tours last 2 hours, allowing ample time for participants to learn the basics, explore the Folly River, and potentially spot dolphins.

Guests can check availability for various starting times throughout the day to accommodate their schedules.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, reserving the tour allows flexibility in planning.

The tour is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of Folly Beach and the surrounding waterways, without committing to a lengthy excursion.

Whether you’re an early bird or prefer a more leisurely afternoon, the tour’s flexible scheduling ensures you can find a time that suits your needs.

Cancellation Policy

Guests can cancel their stand-up paddleboard tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance without incurring any penalties. This flexible cancellation policy allows participants to adjust their plans if needed.

It’s particularly useful if the weather forecast changes or other commitments arise. The tour operator understands that unexpected situations can occur, so they don’t want to penalize customers for canceling with sufficient notice.

As long as guests provide at least 24 hours’ notice, they can receive a full refund of their booking. This gives them peace of mind when reserving their stand-up paddleboard adventure on the Folly River.

The cancellation policy is a considerate feature that enhances the overall experience for customers.

Suitability Details

This stand-up paddleboard tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old or people with mobility impairments. Participants must be able to comfortably stand and balance on the paddleboard for the duration of the 2-hour excursion.

The activity requires full mobility and coordination to safely navigate the Folly River and spot wildlife like dolphins. Those with physical limitations may struggle to maintain their balance on the paddleboard, which could compromise their safety and enjoyment of the tour.

The tour operator has set these suitability requirements to ensure all participants can fully engage in the paddleboarding experience and make the most of the wildlife-viewing opportunity.

Booking Information

Customers can reserve their stand-up paddleboard tour on Folly Beach for a 2-hour duration, with flexible start times available.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, and payment can be made later upon booking.

This adventure allows visitors to:

• Check availability and schedule the tour at their convenience
• Secure their spot without an upfront payment
• Receive a full refund if plans change with sufficient notice
• Enjoy a hassle-free experience by booking directly online

With these flexible booking options, guests can easily plan their stand-up paddleboard dolphin safari at Folly Beach, ensuring a memorable and stress-free outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Paddleboard?

No, you can’t bring your own paddleboard. The activity includes the use of the tour’s paddleboard, paddle, and personal floatation device. Bringing your own equipment isn’t allowed, as the tour provides the necessary gear for the stand up paddleboarding experience.

What Should I Wear for the Activity?

For a stand-up paddleboard tour, wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes and water shoes or sandals. Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Avoid heavy fabrics that could weigh you down if they get wet.

Is There a Weight Limit for Participants?

The stand up paddleboard tour has a weight limit of 250 pounds. Participants should check with the tour provider if they have any concerns about their size or weight to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Tour?

Participants are encouraged to take photos and videos during the tour. The activity allows for capturing the stunning natural scenery and wildlife encounters on the Folly River. However, using the equipment should not compromise safety or disrupt the experience.

Is There an Age Requirement for the Activity?

The activity has an age requirement of 8 years and older. Children under 8 are not permitted to participate due to safety concerns. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Recap

Set out on a tranquil stand-up paddleboard tour along the Folly River and witness the area’s abundant marine life, including playful dolphins and vibrant seabirds.

With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced instructors, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and confident SUPing experience.

The flexible scheduling and generous cancellation policy make this an accessible way to explore Folly Beach’s scenic waterways.

You can check availability for your dates here: