Folly Beach Tours: See South Carolina in New Ways

Located south of Charleston, Folly Beach provides a scenic retreat on South Carolina’s coast. The area offers water lovers a place to roam, and one of the most popular activities is sightseeing. Plus, there’s so much to see – from marine life to hidden spots known only by locals. To start exploring, check out the top Folly Beach tours.

Top 7 Folly Beach Tours for Sights and Local Culture

Flipper Finders

Whether looking for a boat or kayak tour, Flipper Finders has water-lovers covered. The company offers two boat tours: a two-hour dolphin tour and late-afternoon sunset tour. Both options explore Folly Beach’s backwaters where guests learn about local wildlife and different ecosystems.

Reconnect with nature and relax on a kayak tour. Flipper Finders hosts three Folly Beach kayak tours, including a guided adventure, sunset tour and full-moon tour. The full moon tour is only offered two nights a month, depending on the cycle, so plan ahead.

For those who prefer land-based excursions, the company takes visitors on a three-hour bicycle tour on Morris Island. This secluded area provides the perfect place to escape busy schedules.

Island Hopper Charters

For over 20 years, Island Hopper Charters has provided tours that explore Charleston’s waterways. Eco tours give visitors an up-close look at waterfowl and dolphins, while sunset charters let everyone relax.

For families, shelling trips to Morris Island delight all ages and offer opportunities to see Morris Island Lighthouse. Each private tour lasts 1.5 to two hours, ensuring guests have an intimate experience in natural settings.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA) focuses on interactive and educational tours. Board a kayak and ride two to three hours through saltwater creeks behind Folly Beach. Or hop on their Carolina Skiff bay boat to see dolphins, Morris Island and learn history. Those with more time should plan a fossil hunting tour, which combines a boat tour with hiking on the beach. Visitors should expect to find pre-historic fossils on this trip.

Want to try something new? Join the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) craze on a two-hour marsh tour. Or join a local fishing guide. COA offers both inshore and kayak fishing trips in hopes of catching spotted sea trout and flounder.

Charleston SUP Safaris

Award-winning Charleston SUP Safaris ranks among the best SUP companies in Charleston. The company offers tours down Folly River for beginners and experts. Visitors also have flexible schedule options, as Charleston SUP Safaris hosts morning, afternoon, sunset and full-moon tours. Each one has the opportunity to see local wildlife, take photos and learn about Folly River.

Adventure-seekers may also want to take a SUP surf lesson. During the 1.5-hour class, learn how to surf with a stand-up paddleboard directly from the beachfront.

Sailing the Edge of America – Folly Beach

Let the wind carry worries away with Sailing The Edge Of America — Folly Beach, a top sailing charter in Folly Beach. During the two-hour tour, guests have access to their own boat where they make snacks, look for dolphins, relax in the sun and take the helm. This tour starts on Folly River and heads a mile into the ocean.

Those with more time can book the four-hour tour, which anchors on Kiawah Island. In this seclude spot, visitors swim, sunbathe, picnic and go shelling. The company also customizes sailing tours to enhance the experience.

Folly Beach Tours: Walk With Locals

Charleston Footprints

Learn about one of the most historic cities in the U.S. on a walking tour with Charleston Footprints. Hosted by a seven-generation Charlestonian, these tours cover 16 to 18 blocks, with areas such as French Quarter, The Battery, South of Broad and White Point Garden. While walking, guests see churches, graveyards, architecture, gardens and Charleston’s famous harbor.

Each walking tour lasts two hours, and reservations are required. All tours begin at Historic Charleston Foundation Gift Shop and private options are available as well.

Two Sisters Historic Walking Tours

Another top Charleston walking tour is Two Sisters Tours, hosted by a Charlestonian sister team. The company offers daily tours that last 2.25 hours and cover 18 blocks. Points of interests depend on weather and availability, but popular spots include St. Michael’s Church, Rainbow Row, alleys and gardens. Reservations are required.

After selecting a couple Folly Beach tours, browse these Folly Beach vacation rentals. Then check out more things to do in Charleston.