Folly Beach: Kayak Rental on the Folly River

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to enjoy the natural beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, renting a kayak on the Folly River could be just the ticket. While I haven’t personally paddled here, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of an experience that’s both accessible and rewarding. It’s an excellent activity for those who enjoy wildlife, peaceful surroundings, and a bit of physical activity without feeling overwhelmed.

Two things that really stand out about this kayaking trip are the chance to see bottlenose dolphins and the stunning marsh views. The experience offers a close-up encounter with marine life in a calm, tide-controlled setting—perfect for beginners or families. The other highlight is the convenience—a riverfront facility right in downtown Folly Beach makes it easy to start your adventure.

One minor consideration is that this experience isn’t designed for children under six or for those with mobility issues. Also, if you’re planning to fish, you’ll need to bring your own gear and obtain a South Carolina fishing license. Still, for those who want a gentle, scenic paddle and wildlife spotting, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience suits nature lovers, families, and solo travelers eager to see the Lowcountry’s wildlife from an up-close perspective, all while enjoying the sunshine and gentle water.

Key Points

• Accessible and flexible: Rent a kayak, paddle at your own pace, and enjoy the scenery without a strict schedule.
• Wildlife encounters: Spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
• Great value for the price: At $38 per person for two hours, it offers a peaceful, wildlife-rich outing that feels like a steal.
• Convenient location: The rental shop is right on Center Street in downtown Folly Beach, making it easy to access.
• Included gear: Life jackets, paddles, and basic fishing setups are provided, so you only need to bring personal essentials.
• Ideal for beginners: The kayaks are designed for tide-controlled waters, and staff offers helpful tips to ensure safety and enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Kayak Rental Experience

Imagine starting your adventure at a bright blue building on Center Street, just steps from the Folly River. The rental shop, Charleston SUP Safaris, is easy to find—drive over the bridge past the Folly Boat Ramp, and you’ll see it on the right. Here, everything you need for a memorable day on the water is ready—paddles, life jackets, and a friendly staff eager to help you get comfortable.

Getting fitted with gear is straightforward—staff take time to ensure you understand how to paddle safely and comfortably. They also provide basic tips, especially useful for those new to kayaking. Once suited up, you’ll walk through the process until you’re seated in one of the Perception kayaks, designed specifically for calm waters.

The starting point on the Folly River offers expansive views of marshland, with the gentle current making it easy to paddle along. The calm, tide-controlled waters are perfect for a leisurely exploration, allowing you to focus on the scenery and wildlife rather than fighting turbulence.

Wildlife and Scenery

As you paddle, the scenery is genuinely stunning. The marshes are teeming with birdlife—herons, egrets, and perhaps a few ospreys overhead. But the true thrill for many is the chance to see bottlenose dolphins. Multiple reviews mention dolphin sightings as a highlight, with one enthusiast noting, “We loved the way the dolphins popped out of the water just a few feet from our kayak.”

Sea turtles and manatees are also common sightings, adding to the sense of being in an untouched ecosystem. The water’s clarity and the marsh’s vibrant greenery make for beautiful photo opportunities, especially if you’re armed with a camera.

The Practicalities

This two-hour rental is generous enough to give you a good taste of the river’s wildlife and scenery without feeling rushed. It’s available in the morning and afternoon, providing flexibility to fit into your day. The cost—$38 per person—is quite reasonable considering the quality of the experience and the natural beauty involved.

For those interested in fishing, the rental includes basic fishing gear and information about obtaining a South Carolina fishing license. However, you’ll need to bring your own rods, tackle, and bait. Keep in mind this isn’t a fishing tour—it’s primarily about exploring and wildlife watching.

What You Need to Know

Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, and a camera. Dress in swimwear if you plan to get into the water or just to stay comfortable under the sun. It’s also wise to wear a hat and sunscreen—it can get warm paddling in the sun.

While the experience is mostly suited for those aged six and up, it’s not recommended for people with back problems, mobility issues, or non-swimmers, given the physical nature of paddling and safety considerations.

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The Value and Who Will Love It

This kayaking trip offers excellent value for the price. Two hours of peaceful paddling, wildlife viewing, and marshland scenery is hard to beat at $38. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxing, nature-focused activity that doesn’t require prior experience—just a willingness to paddle and enjoy.

The convenient location and inclusive gear make this a hassle-free way to connect with the local environment. While not suitable for very young children or those with mobility challenges, it’s a fantastic choice for families with older kids, solo adventurers, or couples wanting a quiet, scenic outing.

The Sum Up

This Folly River kayak rental is an authentic Lowcountry experience that offers more than just exercise—it’s a chance to encounter some of South Carolina’s most charming wildlife in a relaxed setting. The stunning marsh views alone make it worthwhile, and the opportunity to see dolphins and sea turtles up close adds a dash of excitement.

If you’re after a peaceful way to spend part of your day, enjoy nature, and perhaps take some memorable photos, this tour delivers real value. It’s especially well suited for those who appreciate scenic landscapes, wildlife, and a gentle paddle—no experience necessary.

For travelers seeking a low-key but enriching outdoor activity, this kayak rental provides a genuine taste of the Folly Beach area’s natural splendor without the heavy price tag or complicated logistics.

FAQ

Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No, this experience is designed to be accessible for beginners. Staff provide basic instructions and tips to help you paddle comfortably.

How long is the rental?
The rental lasts approximately 2 hours, usually available in the morning and afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore.

What is included in the rental?
Your rental includes a kayak, life jacket, paddle, and basic fishing setup (excluding rods, tackle, and bait). Also, information about South Carolina fishing licenses is provided if needed.

Can I fish during the tour?
Yes, you can fish if you bring your own gear—just remember you’ll need a SC fishing license. The rental includes some basic fishing equipment, but you’ll need to supply your rods, tackle, and bait.

Where do I meet the rental shop?
The shop, Charleston SUP Safaris, is located on Center Street in downtown Folly Beach—just drive over the bridge past the Folly Boat Ramp and look for the bright blue building.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s best for children 6 and up. The activity isn’t suitable for those with back problems, mobility issues, or non-swimmers.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Wearing clothes suitable for water activities is recommended.

What about wildlife sightings?
You’ll have a good chance to see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and various bird species—many reviewers mention dolphin sightings as a highlight.

Are there any restrictions?
Smoking, alcohol, drugs, touching marine life, and touching plants are not allowed to protect the environment and ensure everyone’s safety.

This kayak rental on Folly River promises a scenic, wildlife-filled escape that’s easy to enjoy and fair in price. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful way to experience the Lowcountry, it’s a memorable choice for a relaxed outdoor adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby