Charleston: Morris Island Dolphin Cruise With Beachcombing

Nestled along South Carolina’s picturesque coastline, Charleston’s Morris Island Dolphin Cruise with Beachcombing offers an enchanting adventure for nature enthusiasts. This 2-hour excursion combines scenic boat rides through serene salt marsh creeks with the thrilling opportunity to spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat. With an intimate group size of just five participants, the journey promises an exclusive experience guided by a knowledgeable captain. Beyond the serene boat ride, the experience also includes a beachcombing session on Morris Island, where guests can uncover unique shells and fossils – an unexpected delight for those drawn to the charms of the Lowcountry. What secrets might this coastal escapade unveil?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

• A 2-hour small-group excursion from Folly Island, SC, offering a scenic boat cruise, dolphin watching, and beachcombing on Morris Island.
• Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including dolphins, coastal birds, and marine life, with informative commentary from the knowledgeable captain.
• Participants can explore the pristine shoreline of Morris Island, searching for unique shells, sand dollars, and prehistoric shark teeth.
• The package includes a boat cruise, captain, cooler with ice, and bottled water, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to departure.
• The excursion is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or over 275 lbs (125 kg), and recent surgery patients are advised against participation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Morris Island Dolphin Cruise with Beachcombing offers a 2-hour excursion from Folly Island, South Carolina, priced from $98.00 per person.

This small-group activity, limited to 5 participants, allows guests to explore the area’s wildlife and natural beauty.

The cruise includes a scenic boat ride through salt marsh creeks, chances to spot dolphins and other local wildlife, and beachcombing on Morris Island to search for shells and fossils.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and the private boat cruise option enables customized experiences like sunset tours or bringing your own beverages.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the Folly River Boat Ramp on Folly Island, South Carolina, this 2-hour cruise takes guests on a scenic journey through the salt marsh creeks. Guests will have the opportunity to spot dolphins and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The highlight of the tour is the beachcombing excursion on Morris Island, where visitors can search for shells, fossils, and the elusive shark teeth. They’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Morris Island Lighthouse. The cruise itinerary is as follows:

Activity	Location	Duration
Scenic Boat Cruise	Folly River, Salt Marsh Creeks	1 hour
Dolphin Watching	Folly River, Salt Marsh Creeks	30 minutes
Beachcombing	Morris Island	30 minutes
Lighthouse Views	Morris Island	15 minutes

Inclusions and Exclusions

For this Charleston dolphin cruise, the package includes a boat cruise, a captain, a cooler with ice, and bottled water.

However, the activity isn’t suitable for:

• Individuals with mobility impairments
• Individuals over 275 lbs (125 kg)
• Individuals with recent surgeries

Plus, any food and drinks beyond the provided bottled water are optional and must be arranged separately.

The cruise give you a comfortable and enjoyable experience for participants, while also acknowledging certain limitations to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

Meeting Information

Participants meet at the Folly River Boat Ramp parking area, where they’ll need to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.

They’ll look for the Boston Whaler boat with a blue canvas top. Parking is available in the short "vehicle only" spots or along Center Street.

The cruise departs from the Folly River Boat Ramp, taking participants on a scenic journey through the salt marsh creeks to Morris Island.

This customizable experience allows for personalized touches, such as bringing your own beverages.

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Customer Reviews

The Morris Island Dolphin Cruise boasts an impressive 5/5 rating based on 11 customer reviews.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and accommodating captain, who ensures successful dolphin sightings and an engaging beachcombing experience.

Customers highlight the cruise’s ability to cater to diverse groups, from couples and friends to solo travelers and families.

Key reasons for the cruise’s popularity include:

• Informative and interactive experiences that encourage questions
• The opportunity to discover unique shells and shark teeth on Morris Island
• Personalized private excursions that allow for customization

Boat Cruise Experience

On the Morris Island Dolphin Cruise, passengers embark on a scenic 2-hour boat journey through the salt marsh creeks of the Folly River.

The cruise offers opportunities to spot dolphins and other wildlife as the small group navigates the waterways. The captain provides informative commentary throughout, sharing insights about the local ecosystem and ecology.

Passengers can relax in the boat’s shaded seating area, taking in the views of the Morris Island Lighthouse in the distance.

The cruise concludes with a beachcombing session on Morris Island, where participants can search for shells, fossils, and other unique finds along the shoreline.

Wildlife Sightings

What can visitors expect during the wildlife viewing portion of the Morris Island Dolphin Cruise? The knowledgeable captain navigates the boat through the salt marsh creeks, providing ample opportunities to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Guests may catch glimpses of these majestic creatures breaching the water’s surface or socializing in their pods.

Along With dolphins, the cruise also offers the chance to observe a variety of other wildlife:

• Coastal birds, such as herons, egrets, and pelicans, soaring overhead or perched along the shoreline
• Schools of fish swimming through the tidal channels
• Occasionally, other marine life like sea turtles or rays gliding through the water.

Beachcombing Adventure

Following the beachcombing portion of the Morris Island Dolphin Cruise, guests disembark and explore the pristine shoreline of Morris Island.

Equipped with buckets and bags, they scour the beach, searching for unique shells, fossilized shark teeth, and other natural treasures. The captain guides them, pointing out the best spots and sharing insights about the island’s geology and history.

Guests delight in their discoveries, from delicate sand dollars to prehistoric shark teeth. This hands-on experience allows them to connect with the coastal environment and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural wonders.

The beachcombing adventure is a beloved highlight of the Morris Island excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks on the cruise. The activity includes a cooler and ice, allowing you to pack your own refreshments for the excursion.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are no restroom facilities available during the tour. The cruise lasts 2 hours, so customers should plan accordingly before departure. Bottled water is provided, but no other food or drink amenities are included.

How Long Does the Beachcombing Portion Typically Last?

The beachcombing portion typically lasts around 30-45 minutes. Guests have the opportunity to explore the Morris Island shoreline and search for interesting shells, fossils, and other natural treasures under the guidance of the knowledgeable boat captain.

Is the Boat Equipped With Any Shade or Protection From the Sun?

The boat is equipped with a blue canvas top that provides shade and protection from the sun. Passengers can relax in the covered area throughout the 2-hour cruise.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Cruise for an Additional Fee?

You can extend the duration of the cruise for an additional fee. The tour operator offers personalized experiences, allowing you to customize the length of your boat trip based on your preferences.

Recap

The Charleston: Morris Island Dolphin Cruise with Beachcombing is a captivating 2-hour excursion that blends scenic boat rides, dolphin watching, and the thrill of beachcombing. With a knowledgeable captain, guests can enjoy breathtaking views, encounter local wildlife, and search for unique shells and fossils on Morris Island. This intimate adventure is a must-try for nature lovers seeking an enchanting coastal experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: