Private Folly Beach Dolphin Cruise (up to 12)

A private Folly Beach dolphin cruise offers a relaxed, intimate way to experience Charleston’s beautiful waterways. Priced at $55.00 per person, this 1 hour 30 minutes adventure is perfect for families, friends, and even pets, with a maximum group size of 12. The tour departs from 2223 Folly Rd, Charleston, and showcases multiple dolphins on nearly every trip, along with stunning views of Morris Island and its famous lighthouse.

This tour distinguishes itself with a calm, less crowded setting on a 27 Coast Guard Certified vessel named Marsh Mama, designed with an open concept, comfy cushioned seats, and a Bluetooth stereo system. It’s a wholesome yet flexible experience, allowing guests to bring their own food and drinks, making it suitable for celebrations or casual outings. While no onboard restrooms are available, the overall atmosphere remains friendly and engaging thanks to an experienced, knowledgeable captain with a Masters License.

Key Points

• Private and intimate experience for groups up to 12 people in Charleston, $55 per person
• Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes long, focusing on wildlife sightings and scenic views
• High dolphin sighting rate — dolphins are seen on 99% of tours
• Stops at Morris Island to explore the beach, search for shells, and see the lighthouse
• Relaxing environment on a cozy, open vessel with cushioned seats and Bluetooth stereo
• BYOB policy with coolers, water, and ice provided, but no onboard restrooms

Folly River and Salt Marshes: A Scenic Introduction

The tour begins at 2223 Folly Rd, Charleston, where the leisurely cruise starts. The salt marshes of the Folly River provide an ideal backdrop for wildlife viewing, with calm waters that enhance the overall relaxing vibe. The 30-minute initial cruise offers ample opportunity to spot dolphins, estuary birds, and other local wildlife, which captivate viewers with their natural behaviors.

The boat, Marsh Mama, features an open concept design that allows everyone to enjoy unobstructed views. The comfortable cushions and smooth Bluetooth stereo ensure a pleasant ride. The environment is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a peaceful way to connect with nature in a private setting.

Spotting Dolphins: The Main Attraction

Dolphin sightings are virtually guaranteed with a 99% success rate on these tours. Dolphins are often seen up close, showing off their playful behavior in the calm waters. The guides are adept at locating the marine mammals, making dolphin watching one of the main highlights of the trip.

Guests can often see Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins frolicking near the boat, providing excellent photo opportunities. The guides’ knowledge about the dolphins and surrounding marine life adds an educational touch, making this experience both fun and informative.

Exploring Morris Island and Its Lighthouse

After cruising through the salt marshes, the tour makes a stop at Morris Island, an uninhabited barrier island. This stop features a breathtaking view of the Morris Island Lighthouse, a well-known Charleston landmark. When the tide allows, guests are encouraged to walk on the beach, hunt for sea shells and sharks’ teeth, snap photos, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

The opportunity to wander on the beach offers a peaceful break from the boat ride. It’s a chance to connect with nature, take some memorable shots, and appreciate the untouched landscape. The lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, adding to the island’s charm.

Lighthouse House Inlet and Folly River Return Trip

Following the beach exploration, the boat departs Morris Island via Lighthouse House Inlet and follows the Folly River back to the dock. This part of the tour showcases scenic waterways filled with waterfowl and estuarine scenery, enriching the overall experience.

The return journey often coincides with the sunset, especially for those on the 6:30 pm tour, offering a spectacular view that has been highly praised. This timing enhances the magic of the sights, making it a memorable highlight.

Captain D: Experienced and Friendly

The tour is led by Captain D, who holds a Masters License, ensuring a high level of safety and expertise. Multiple reviews highlight Captain D’s friendly demeanor, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of the marine environment. Guests appreciate how approachable and attentive he is, often sharing interesting facts and making everyone feel comfortable.

This private tour allows for a personalized experience, with Captain D adjusting to weather conditions and guest preferences. His ability to spot dolphins and share insightful stories is frequently mentioned as a key reason why this tour stands out.

Food, Beverages, and Onboard Comfort

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks—the tour provides coolers with ice and water—making it ideal for picnics or celebratory outings. Since there are no onboard restrooms, travelers should plan accordingly, especially for longer outings or those with young children.

The spacious vessel offers plenty of room for everyone to relax comfortably, whether seated or standing. The Bluetooth stereo adds to the ambiance, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite tunes during the ride.

Booking and Flexibility

Most reservations are made about 21 days in advance, reflecting high popularity. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Weather-dependent, the tour can be canceled due to poor conditions with options for rescheduling or refunds.

This private experience ensures that only your group participates, providing an exclusive and undisturbed outing. The small group size enhances interaction and makes logistics simpler for families and friends.

Unique Aspects of the Tour

What truly sets this tour apart is its combination of wildlife viewing, beach exploration, and scenic cruising—all within a relaxing, private setting. The calm waters and less crowded environment make it a peaceful alternative to larger, more commercial tours.

The ability to bring pets along adds to its appeal for animal lovers. The professional yet personable captain and the beautiful, natural locations make this a well-rounded experience that balances education, entertainment, and tranquility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This dolphin cruise is perfect for families with children, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions. It’s also suited for nature enthusiasts who appreciate wildlife and scenic views. The small group size and private setting make it ideal for those seeking a more personalized adventure.

Guests who value knowledgeable guides and stunning sunsets will find this tour particularly rewarding. The ability to bring your own food and drinks allows for customization, making it a flexible outing for any occasion.

Final Thoughts on the Folly Beach Dolphin Cruise

With a rating of 5.0 based on 20 reviews, this private tour consistently impresses visitors. Its combination of dolphin sightings, beach walks, and scenic waterways creates a well-rounded experience in Charleston’s natural environment.

The professional guide, comfortable vessel, and flexible policy add to its appeal. It’s a great value at $55 per person, especially given the personalized nature of the experience. While no onboard restrooms are available, the overall comfort and wildlife encounters make this tour a highly recommended choice.

This cruise caters especially well to those wanting a relaxed, informative, and private way to enjoy Charleston’s stunning waterways and abundant marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is great for guests of all ages, including families with children.

Can I bring my pets?
Yes, pets are welcome on this private tour.

How long does the cruise last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Are restrooms available onboard?
No, there are no restrooms onboard the vessel, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks; coolers with ice and water are provided.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes wildlife viewing, a beach stop at Morris Island, and scenic cruising.

How many people can join?
Up to 12 guests can participate in this private cruise.

What makes this tour stand out?
The high dolphin sighting success rate, relaxing environment, and personalized guide make this experience unique.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How far in advance should I book?
Most reservations are made around 3 weeks prior due to high demand.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, if weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.