The 10 Best Dolphin & Whale Watching in Folly Beach, South Carolina (SC)

May 10, 2022 Diedre Savory

A barrier island where you can see loggerhead turtles nesting, dolphins playing and bald eagles soaring in the sky, Folly Beach offers a kick-off-your-shoes beach lifestyle where the livin’ is easy and the fish always seem to be biting. All of the beaches on Folly Island are superb, but, arguably the Folly Beach County Park, at the island’s west end, is perhaps the best with amenities like 2,500 feet of ocean frontage, picnic areas and boogie board, bicycle, umbrella and chair rentals available between Labor Day and Memorial Day. “Drop a line” is a common local saying and for good reason. Anglers can select from surf fishing, river fishing, pier fishing and deep-sea fishing. Head to the Folly Beach Fishing Pier, which is 24 feet wide extending more then 1,045 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, making it perfect for fishing, strolling and bird and dolphin watching. For adventurous types, you can kayak around Folly Beach and James Island, jet ski, parasail or ride a bicycle along Folly’s six mile of beachfront.
Restaurants in Folly Beach

1. Tideline Tours

Excellent
96%
Good
2%
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0%
Poor
1%
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 364 reviews

Tideline Tours

Explore the Salt Marsh surrounding Folly Island aboard a choice of two coast guard-inspected vessels. Experience coastal scientist-led adventures to several points of natural beauty and historical significance. Listen through our underwater hydrophone system as dolphins communicate. Families and groups experience a flexible, lightly structured venture through the beautiful lowcountry saltmarsh. Shelling on a secluded beach is always an option.

2. Island Hopper Boat Charters

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
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0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 323 reviews

Island Hopper Boat Charters

Island Hopper Boat Charters is a family owned and operated charter company serving Charleston and Folly Beach since 1997. We offer private boat charters including lighthouse/ shelling trips, dolphin watches and sunset cruises. Capt. Randy Smith is native to the area and places great emphasis on safety and fun. Our primary goal is when you step off our charter, you and your family will have created a lifelong memory ! Capt. Randy

3. Flipper Finders Boat & Sea Kayak Tour Co.

Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 509 reviews

Flipper Finders Boat & Sea Kayak Tour Co.

Flipper Finders is a high adventure tour company located on beautiful Folly Beach South Carolina which is the beach just south of Charleston. We specialize in finding flippers (Atlantic Bottle Nose dolphins)as well as, other marine based wildlife and shore birds. We offer daily kayak & boat tours and kayak rentals that depart from Center street, right next to the boat landing on the backside of the island. For more information take a look at our Web site. Boat Tour consist of tour the waterways behind Folly Beach, a visit to historic Morris Island Lighthouse where we will disembark and search for sea shells. Kayak Tour is lead by our eco friendly/highly personable guides in and around the tidal rivers. You will learn about the ecosystem, the wildlife and hopefully see dolphins. Book Online or give us a call!

4. Sail Folly

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
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0%
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0%
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 118 reviews

Sail Folly

Sail Folly offers a unique sailing experience on the fast yet stable Stiletto 27' catamaran. Dolphin/Day Sails, Sunset Cruises, and Private Charters. All of our sails are private so whether it's just the two of you or a group of six, the boat is all yours! And with two boats, we can handle groups up to 12. The waters where we sail are full of dolphin, pelicans, herons, egrets and other wildlife. Kick back in bean bags or come take the helm of a fast cat. There are secluded beaches where we can pull up for a swim and some shelling along the way. The sunsets in the low country are stunning and the best place to take them in is definitely from the water. Now with two 27' catamarans, we have the perfect venue for bachelorette/bachelor parties on the water, as well as business and church groups. To really see what it's all about, click on sailfolly.com where you will find great pics and a FAQ page. It's super easy to book online from our site.

5. Water Music Charters of Folly Beach

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 66 reviews

Water Music Charters of Folly Beach

Sailing charters for families and events, including bachelorette weekends. Dolphin views and swimming and more.

6. Huckfin Charters

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Huckfin Charters

Come explore the local Charleston waterways on a 1967 60ft Huckins Yacht or a 20 ft bay boat. We can create a custom adventure to fit your needs!

7. Atlantic Breeze Charters

Excellent
65%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Atlantic Breeze Charters

Take An Afternoon Sail Aboard Our Pearson 36. This Is A Great Option For The Whole Family! Enjoy Dolphin Watching And Take In The Beauty Of The Salt Marshes And Wildlife Around Folly And Kiawa Islands. We Cruise Out Of The Folly River To The Stono Inlet To Kiawah For A Relaxing And Educational Trip. Additionally, We Offer Sailing Training For Youth As Well As Adults, And Day Sailior Rentals.

8. Compass Rose Adventures

Compass Rose Adventures

With more than 20 years of fishing and boating experience, we have set out to take you on Charleston's best water adventures. Whether you are interested in a sunset cruise, offshore fishing, or sightseeing, we want to make sure you get the most out of the Lowcountry lifestyle. When you choose Compass Rose, you are choosing a day filled with excitement, fun and memories.

9. Riptide Roots Saltwater adventures

Riptide Roots Saltwater adventures

Riptide Roots is a full service and fully customizable charter service and outdoor adventure company who offers gulf stream fishing charters, inshore fishing charters, harbor cruises and back country beach tours. With a variety of activities to get you off the land and in the water, let our friendly and helpful captains provide you with a trip you won’t forget!

10. Seas Life Sailing Charters

Seas Life Sailing Charters

I'm Captain Ryan and I spent the past three years sailing around the Caribbean. I landed in Folly Beach and love to share my passion for sailing with guests aboard our Catamaran. We experience the low country at its finest, in the comfort of shaded seating or sprawled out on the trampoline where dolphins play all around us and pelicans dive for fish. We are kid and dog friendly and create wonderful memories that will last a life time!

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