Charleston: Morris Island Dolphin Cruise With Beachcombing

The Morris Island Dolphin Cruise in Charleston offers an intimate and scenic 2-hour boat tour through the area’s picturesque salt marsh creeks. Limited to just five participants, this exclusive adventure provides opportunities to spot dolphins and scour the pristine shores of Morris Island for shells, shark teeth, and fossils. With an informative captain guiding the way, guests can customize their experience and even bring their own beverages. Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking a fun family outing, this cruise promises a one-of-a-kind exploration of Charleston’s coastal beauty. But the real question is, what secrets might the shores of Morris Island reveal?

Key Points

• Scenic 2-hour boat ride from Folly River Boat Ramp to Morris Island with opportunities to spot dolphins and beachcomb for shells, shark teeth, and fossils.
• Small group size of up to 5 participants for a personalized experience with a knowledgeable Captain providing insights on the local ecosystem.
• Pricing starts at $98 per person with full refunds available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
• Customizable private boat experiences, including BYOB options, available for a more tailored excursion.
• Not recommended for individuals with mobility issues or those over 275 lbs; personal food and drinks allowed, but sprays and aerosols prohibited.

Activity Overview

The Morris Island Dolphin Cruise with Beachcombing offers a 2-hour scenic boat ride through the salt marsh creeks to Morris Island.

Priced from $98.00 per person, this small-group experience is limited to just 5 participants and departs from the Folly River Boat Ramp on Folly Island, South Carolina.

Guests can expect to spot dolphins and other wildlife during the cruise, as well as have the opportunity to go beachcombing on Morris Island for shells, shark teeth, and fossils.

The tour also provides up-close views of the historic Morris Island lighthouse.

Cancellations are eligible for a full refund if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Experience Highlights

Scenic boat rides through salt marsh creeks transport guests to Morris Island, where they can watch for dolphins and other wildlife during the cruise.

The experience highlights include:

• Up-close views of the historic Morris Island lighthouse
• Beachcombing for shells, shark teeth, and fossils on the island
• Customizable private boat experiences, like bringing your own beverages
• The opportunity to ask the knowledgeable Captain questions and learn more about the local ecosystem.

Guests can expect an informative and enjoyable outing, with successful dolphin sightings and a fulfilling beachcombing experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The cruise includes the boat ride, a knowledgeable Captain, a cooler with ice, and bottled water.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues, those over 275 lbs, or those who’ve had recent surgeries.

Guests can bring their own food and drinks, but sprays and aerosols aren’t allowed on board.

While the experience is customizable, with options like BYOB and sunset cruises, the cruise itself focuses on the scenic boat ride, dolphin watching, and beachcombing on Morris Island.

Meeting Point

Guests can locate the meeting point at the Folly River Boat Ramp parking area, which they should arrive at 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The tour operator’s Boston Whaler boat with a blue canvas top will be easy to spot in the lot.

Guests should:

• Park in the "vehicle only" spots, avoiding the trailer spots to prevent ticketing.
• Look for the designated meeting point and the boat.
• Bring any food or drinks they’d like, but avoid sprays or aerosols.
• Be ready to embark on the scenic 2-hour dolphin cruise and beachcombing adventure.

Parking Information

When arriving at the Folly River Boat Ramp, guests should park in the "vehicle only" spots to avoid any potential ticketing.

Trailer spots should be avoided, as they’re reserved for launching boats.

The meeting point is located within the parking area, and guests should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The boat, a Boston Whaler with a blue canvas top, will be waiting at the ramp.

Guests are encouraged to follow these parking instructions to ensure a smooth start to their Charleston dolphin cruise and beachcombing adventure.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews have cemented the Charleston Dolphin Cruise’s reputation as a must-do activity.

The tour boasts a perfect 5-star rating based on 11 reviews, with highlights including:

• Informative and accommodating Captain who provided a seamless and enjoyable experience
• Successful dolphin sightings during the scenic boat ride
• A delightful beachcombing adventure on Morris Island, where guests uncovered shells, shark teeth, and fossils
• An overall sense of a customizable, private excursion that allowed for questions and interaction with the Captain

Guests consistently praise the tour’s format, praising the small group size and the opportunity to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Charleston’s coastal ecosystems.

Booking and Availability

The Charleston Dolphin Cruise offers a range of booking options to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Guests can book for up to 5 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The cruise departs from the Folly River Boat Ramp, with participants advised to arrive 10 minutes early to locate the distinctive Boston Whaler boat. Parking is available, though guests should avoid trailer spots to prevent potential ticketing.

Advance booking is recommended, as the cruise offers a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours prior. Customizable private excursions, including the option to bring one’s own beverages, are also available for those seeking a more tailored experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many prospective participants often inquire about the specifics of the Charleston Dolphin Cruise experience.

• What’s the maximum group size? The tours are limited to 5 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

• Can I bring my own food and drinks? Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages (no sprays or aerosols, please).

• Is the cruise suitable for those with mobility issues? No, the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, those over 275 lbs, or those who’ve had recent surgeries.

• What if I need to cancel? Full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks for the cruise, but aerosols and sprays are not allowed. The boat provides a cooler with ice and bottled water.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for Beachcombing?

For beachcombing, guests don’t need any special equipment. They can bring their own bags or containers to collect shells, shark teeth, and fossils found along the beach. The cruise provides all necessary gear for a successful beachcombing experience.

How Much Time Will We Spend on the Island?

The cruise allows for approximately 45 minutes to an hour of beachcombing time on Morris Island. This gives participants ample opportunity to search for shells, shark teeth, and fossils along the shoreline.

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

The boat is not wheelchair accessible, as the listing states it’s not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. The cruise and island exploration may present challenges for those with mobility limitations.

Can I Take Pictures During the Cruise?

Guests are welcome to take pictures during the cruise. The boat’s open layout and scenic views provide ample opportunities to capture photos of the dolphins, marsh, and lighthouse. However, sprays or aerosols are not allowed on the boat.

Recap

The Morris Island Dolphin Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Charleston’s salt marsh creeks. With the chance to spot dolphins, search for fossils and shells, and enjoy a customizable experience, this intimate tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike. The informative captain guides guests through the picturesque landscape, ensuring a memorable and personalized adventure.