Folly Beach

Most visitors to Folly Beach book water-based experiences: dolphin cruises, private boat tours, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and guided eco-tours make up the bulk of the 18 tours on offer. Half of all listings are private boat or sailing charters, while paddleboard and kayak tours account for a quarter.

Prices vary widely. While the overall median sits at $250, 44% of tours are priced under $100, mainly paddleboard, kayak, and group boat tours. The best-reviewed options—over 90%—are those with knowledgeable guides, wildlife encounters, and time spent exploring the marshes and islands. Only one tour is rated below 4 stars.

Folly Beach's catalogue is small but focused: 18 experiences, nearly all on the water. Dolphin watching, private boat charters, and paddleboard or kayak tours dominate. Most people pay $40–$100 for paddleboard or kayak rentals and guided tours, or $295–$395 for private boat and sailing charters that fit up to six people. Half the tours are in the $200–$400 range, reflecting the prevalence of private group pricing.

Guided dolphin cruises and eco-tours are the most popular, with several options offering a licensed captain, wildlife viewing, and shelling stops. Rentals and group tours are the most affordable, with three options under $40. Only one product is rated below 4 stars, and all tours offer free cancellation. Instant confirmation is the norm, with only one requiring manual approval.

Most tours include all equipment, and many provide bottled water and coolers. Admission to sites is rarely relevant, as most time is spent on the water or islands.

Travelers looking for value will find paddleboard and kayak rentals from $40, which include all necessary gear and are highly rated for their instruction and dolphin sightings. Guided paddleboard and kayak tours, typically $59–$75 per person, add a local guide, wildlife interpretation, and a structured route—ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to learn about the marsh ecosystem. These tours are praised for knowledgeable guides and frequent dolphin encounters.

Private boat and sailing charters cost $295–$395 per group (up to six), offering a more exclusive experience. These tours often include coolers, bottled water, and flexible itineraries, with time split between cruising, wildlife watching, and stops for shelling or exploring Morris Island. For special occasions, the private sunset and sailing cruises are popular for their relaxed pace and personal attention from the captain.

Group tiki boat tours at $75 per person combine a social atmosphere with dolphin watching and sunset views, including all safety equipment and coolers for your own drinks. These are well reviewed for accommodating groups and celebrations.

The best-reviewed tours—whether rentals, guided paddleboard/kayak trips, or private charters—share a focus on knowledgeable local guides, abundant wildlife, and time spent at the actual destinations rather than just traveling. Most tours include all gear, and several offer hotel pickup or accessible meeting points.

What disappoints: The only tour rated below 4 stars is a paddleboard tour, with multiple reviews reporting no-shows by the guide, miscommunication about meeting times, and unresolved refund issues. One paddleboard tour also drew a complaint about confusing parking rules and a parking ticket, but this was not a recurring theme in other reviews. No complaints were reported for the boat or kayak tours.

Almost all Folly Beach tours confirm instantly, so last-minute bookings are possible for most experiences. Only one tour requires manual confirmation.

Sell-out warnings are rare, but private charters and sunset cruises can book up in advance, especially for weekends or group events. Booking a few days ahead is recommended for private boats and group tours.

Search flights and places to stay. Prices come from Expedia and update live.