Kayaking is the quietest way to see the marsh behind Folly Beach. Guided tours leave from Charleston SUP Safaris on Center Street and wind through the tidal creeks of the Folly River, where you can paddle within sight of dolphins, herons, egrets and pelicans. Rentals come with a lesson and a route, so you can explore on your own.
Here are the kayak tours and rentals you can book online, with current prices and our tips. Tap Check dates & book to see live availability.
Compare kayak tours and rentals
| Tour | Length | From | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Kayak Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $47.50 | Most popular tour | Book |
| Morning Kayak Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $47.50 | Calm water, wildlife | Book |
| Afternoon Kayak Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $47.50 | Flexible schedules | Book |
| Full Moon Kayak Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | — | Something different | Book |
| 2-Hour Kayak Rental Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $35 | Paddling on your own | Book |
| 4-Hour Kayak Rental Charleston SUP Safaris | 4 hours | $50 | Exploring farther | Book |
Guided kayak tours
Every guided tour lasts about two hours in sheltered water, and beginners are welcome. The sunset tour is the most popular, while the morning tour usually has the calmest water and the most active wildlife.
Sunset Kayak Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenEvening
- Best forMost popular tour
A guided eco-tour through the estuary behind Folly as the sun goes down, with good odds of dolphins, pelicans and crabs along the way.
Morning Kayak Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenMorning
- Best forCalm water, wildlife
Paddle the Folly River marsh while the wind and water are calmest and dolphins and birds are most active, with a guide who helps identify what you see.
Afternoon Kayak Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenEarly afternoon
- Best forFlexible schedules
A guided nature paddle through the tidal creeks behind Folly Beach, with sit-in, sit-on-top and tandem kayaks.
Full Moon Kayak Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenOnce a month
- Best forSomething different
An evening paddle through the marsh as the full moon rises over the water. Offered only once a month, following the moon cycle.
Prices are per the operator’s booking page as of September 2026 and may change; taxes and fees are added at checkout. Booking opens securely through FareHarbor. FollyBeach.com may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Kayak rentals
Rentals start at 10 a.m. every day and include basic instruction, a suggested route, current conditions and a dry bag for your phone.
2-Hour Kayak Rental
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenStarts from 10 a.m.
- Best forPaddling on your own
Rent a sit-on-top single or a tandem. Every rental includes basic instruction, a suggested route, current conditions and a dry bag for your phone. Kids 12 and under must ride in a tandem.
4-Hour Kayak Rental
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length4 hours
- WhenStarts from 10 a.m.
- Best forExploring farther
Enough time to paddle out to the creeks near Morris Island and back. Includes instruction, a route, conditions and a phone dry bag.
Prices are per the operator’s booking page as of September 2026 and may change; taxes and fees are added at checkout. Booking opens securely through FareHarbor. FollyBeach.com may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Which kayak should you choose?
- Single sit-on-top: the most stable choice and required for beginners. Fits paddlers up to 6’6” and 375 pounds, ages 13 and up.
- Single sit-in: faster and drier, for experienced paddlers up to 6’2” and 225 pounds, ages 13 and up.
- Tandem: a two-person kayak, and required for kids 12 and under, who paddle with an adult.
Tips for kayaking Folly
- Go early: Wind usually picks up in the afternoon, so mornings are easiest on the arms.
- Paddle with the tide: Currents in the Folly River are strong. Check the Folly River tide times and plan to come back with the tide, not against it.
- Check the weather: See the Folly Beach forecast for wind and storms before you go.
- Bring: water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and flip-flops or water shoes.
- Parking: Allow time to park near Center Street. See our parking guide.
For routes and wildlife to look for, read exploring the waterways around Folly by kayak.
Folly Beach kayak FAQ
How much is a kayak tour on Folly Beach?
Guided two-hour tours are $47.50 per person in a single kayak or $95 for a tandem. Rentals start at $35 for two hours.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The tours are built for beginners, and guides give a short lesson before you launch. If you are renting and have never paddled, book a tour first or choose a sit-on-top kayak.
Can kids kayak?
Yes. Children 12 and under ride in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Will we see dolphins?
Often. Dolphins feed in the Folly River and nearby creeks all year, especially in the morning and around sunset.
Prefer to stand up? See our paddleboard tours and rentals, or sit back on a dolphin boat tour. More ideas: all things to do in Folly Beach.
