Private 2 Hour Morris Island and River Cruise

Discover the Private 2 Hour Morris Island and River Cruise in Folly Beach

This private 2-hour cruise offers a personalized adventure along the waters of Folly Beach, South Carolina. For $295 per group (up to 4 guests), you get an intimate tour led by Morris Island Charters, with a focus on wildlife, local history, and unique shelling opportunities. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves some physical activity while exiting and entering the boat over the bow.

What truly makes this experience stand out is the combination of wildlife sightings, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous bird species, with an unbeatable chance to find shark teeth on Morris Island. The tour also highlights the historic Morris Island Lighthouse, a structure that has stood since 1876, sitting in the surf at the south end of the beach. With its 5-star reviews and consistent bookings 13 days in advance on average, this cruise appeals to nature lovers and history buffs alike who seek a relaxed yet enriching outing.

Key Points

• Private 2-hour cruise from Folly Beach for up to 4 guests at $295
• Wildlife sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, and abundant birdlife
• Visit Morris Island to explore the historic Lighthouse and hunt for shark teeth
• Includes lifejackets, bottled water, and a cooler with ice for your convenience
• Meeting point is at 97 Center St, Folly Beach
• Free cancellation available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance

Starting Point at Folly Beach: 97 Center Street

The tour begins at 97 Center Street in Folly Beach, a well-known local spot that makes for easy access. This private cruise guarantees that only your group participates, providing a tailored experience without the crowds. The start time and duration (around 2 hours, including travel time) make it a flexible option for a half-day adventure.

Guests should arrive ready for a moderate physical activity; they need to be capable of physically exiting and entering the vessel over the bow while on the beach. The tour’s mobile ticket format allows easy check-in, and service animals are permitted for guests with disabilities.

Exploring Morris Island Lighthouse: A 19th-Century Landmark

At the core of this cruise is a visit to the Morris Island Lighthouse, which has graced the coastline since 1876. Sitting in the surf on the south end of Morris Island, this lighthouse is a striking sight, especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. The tour allows you to experience the lighthouse from the water, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to learn about its history.

This stop also offers one of the best opportunities in the world to find shark teeth and shells. The shoreline around Morris Island is known for its treasure trove of fossils and shells, making it an exciting prospect for collectors and curious explorers alike.

Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, Turtles, and Birds

One of the highlights of this private water tour is the chance to observe dolphins swimming alongside the boat. River dolphins are frequently seen, delighting guests with their playful behavior. The waters are also inhabited by sea turtles, which can often be spotted surfacing or resting near the shoreline.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of seabirds and shorebirds along the route, including pelicans and gulls, which add to the natural beauty of the cruise. These sightings reinforce the tour’s appeal as a wildlife-focused experience in a scenic coastal setting.

What’s Included in the Price

For $295 per group, the tour provides essential safety and refreshment amenities, including lifejackets for all passengers, bottled water, and a cooler with ice for your drinks and snacks. These inclusions ensure comfort and convenience throughout the 2-hour journey.

Because this is a private tour, the experience is tailored to your group’s interests and pace, making it ideal for families, friends, or small groups seeking a more personalized outing.

The Tour Experience and Physical Requirements

While the itinerary is relaxed, passengers should be prepared for some moderate physical activity. Exiting and entering the vessel over the bow requires some agility, especially on the beach. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and is designed to be accessible within these parameters.

The tour duration includes travel time, so actual time exploring Morris Island and the surrounding waters is approximately 1 hour. The boat remains in the vicinity of Folly Beach and Morris Island, giving enough time for wildlife viewing, shelling, and photography.

Weather Policy and Cancellations

The tour provider offers free cancellation if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind in case of unexpected weather issues. The tour relies on good weather conditions; in case of poor weather, the experience will be canceled or rescheduled, with options for a full refund or alternative date.

Participants are advised to check weather forecasts and dress appropriately for a boat cruise, bringing sun protection and suitable clothing for the weather.

Guides and Service Quality

The captain, known as P.D., is highly regarded for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. Guests appreciate how he shares interesting facts about the area, the lighthouse, and the local wildlife throughout the tour. His expertise enhances the experience, making it both educational and entertaining.

The reviews consistently describe the tour as “the best part of the trip” and highlight the dolphin sightings and shell hunting as standout moments, with many rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This private cruise stands out among other water activities in Folly Beach for its personalized approach, small group size, and focus on both wildlife and history. It offers a calm, scenic environment ideal for nature lovers who prefer a more intimate setting.

While similar experiences include dolphin safaris or shelling trips, this tour’s unique feature is the visit to the historic lighthouse combined with shark tooth hunting, providing a well-rounded coastal adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Morris Island and River Cruise

This 2-hour private tour from Folly Beach offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife observation, shell collecting, and historic exploration. The small group format ensures a personalized experience, ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet engaging outing.

The cost of $295 per group is reasonable given the exclusivity and inclusions, particularly for families or small groups. The opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, and hunt for shark teeth is especially appealing for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

If you are seeking a scenic, educational, and wildlife-rich water tour that prioritizes comfort and personalization, this cruise delivers a memorable coastal experience worth booking in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children are physically capable of exiting and entering the boat over the bow, and are comfortable on a boat ride. The tour is family-friendly with a focus on wildlife and history.

What should I bring on the tour?
Guests should bring sun protection, appropriate clothing, and personal items since water and snacks are not explicitly provided. The tour does include bottled water and a cooler for your drinks.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel 24 hours before the scheduled start. In case of poor weather, the tour will be canceled or rescheduled with options for a full refund.

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 4 guests can participate per booking, making it an intimate experience ideal for small groups.

What makes this tour different from other water tours in Folly Beach?
The private setting, focus on wildlife and history, and the opportunity to explore Morris Island Lighthouse and hunt for shark teeth set this experience apart from larger, less personalized tours.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Morris Island Charters, with Captain P.D. as the knowledgeable guide leading the adventure.

This detailed review highlights the value of a private, wildlife-rich, and historically interesting cruise from Folly Beach, designed for those who appreciate a personalized, scenic coastal tour.