The calm, protected water of the Folly River makes Folly Beach one of the best places near Charleston to learn to stand-up paddleboard. Charleston SUP Safaris has run SUP tours here for years, starting from its shop on Center Street, with guided dolphin tours for beginners, sunset paddles, SUP yoga and board rentals.
Here is everything you can book online, with current prices and our tips. Tap Check dates & book to see live availability.
Compare paddleboard tours and rentals
| Tour | Length | From | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning SUP Dolphin Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $47.50 | Beginners | Book |
| Afternoon SUP Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $47.50 | Beginners | Book |
| Sunset SUP Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $47.50 | Sunset photos | Book |
| Morris Island Lighthouse SUP Tour Charleston SUP Safaris | 3 hours | — | Adults, intermediate paddlers | Book |
| SUP Yoga Class Charleston SUP Safaris | 1.5 hours | — | Yoga fans | Book |
| 2-Hour Paddleboard Rental Charleston SUP Safaris | 2 hours | $35 | Most popular rental | Book |
| Full-Day Paddleboard Rental Charleston SUP Safaris | 8 hours | $50 | All-day exploring | Book |
| 24-Hour Paddleboard Rental Charleston SUP Safaris | 24 hours | $60 | Sunrise paddles | Book |
Guided SUP tours
Tours start with a short on-land lesson, then head out on the flat water of the Folly River to look for dolphins and birds. All ages are welcome, and the morning tour is the easiest first paddle.
Morning SUP Dolphin Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenMorning
- Best forBeginners
An intro paddle on the flat water of the Folly River with a lesson first. At low tide the group stops at a private beach for a swim.
Sunset SUP Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenEvening
- Best forSunset photos
Head out at dusk to a spot picked for the sunset and paddle back just before dark. A group photo is taken at the end.
Afternoon SUP Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenAfternoon
- Best forBeginners
A guided flat-water paddle on the Folly River looking for dolphins and birds, with instruction before you start.
Morris Island Lighthouse SUP Tour
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length3 hours
- WhenSeasonal
- Best forAdults, intermediate paddlers
Launch through the surf at the east end of the island and paddle across the mouth of the Folly River to the Morris Island Lighthouse. For experienced paddlers.
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.
SUP yoga
SUP Yoga Class
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length1.5 hours
- WhenSeasonal
- Best forYoga fans
Basic paddleboard instruction followed by a full yoga class on the water of the Folly River.
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.
Paddleboard rentals
Rentals start at 10 a.m. If you have never paddled before, book a tour first so a guide can show you the basics and the local currents.
2-Hour Paddleboard Rental
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length2 hours
- WhenStarts from 10 a.m.
- Best forMost popular rental
Rent your own board for two hours. Mornings have the calmest wind and water. If you have never paddled, book a tour first.
Full-Day Paddleboard Rental
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length8 hours
- WhenStarts at 10 a.m.
- Best forAll-day exploring
Eight hours on your own board to explore the Folly River at your own pace.
24-Hour Paddleboard Rental
by Charleston SUP Safaris
- Length24 hours
- WhenStarts at 10 a.m.
- Best forSunrise paddles
Keep a board overnight so you can be on the water at sunrise, when conditions are usually calmest.
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.
Tips for paddleboarding Folly
- Go in the morning: Wind and water are usually calmest early in the day.
- Watch the tide: The Folly River current is strong at mid-tide. Check the Folly River tide times and paddle out against the current so it carries you home.
- Wear the right shoes: Flip-flops or water shoes are required on tours because oyster beds are sharp.
- Bring: water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit, because you might fall in.
- Check conditions: See the Folly Beach forecast for wind and storms.
For more places to paddle, read where to SUP and rent a SUP.
Folly Beach paddleboard FAQ
How much is a paddleboard tour on Folly Beach?
Guided two-hour tours are $47.50 for adults and $40 for kids 12 and under. Rentals start at $35 for two hours, $50 for a full day and $60 for 24 hours.
Is paddleboarding hard to learn?
Most people are standing within a few minutes on the flat water of the Folly River. The guided tours include a lesson and are built for first-timers.
Can kids paddleboard?
Yes. Tours are open to all ages, and kids 12 and under get a lower rate.
Can I paddleboard in the ocean?
You can, but the surf zone is for experienced paddlers. Surfing is not allowed between 2nd Street East and 3rd Street West from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 15 through September 15. See the Folly Beach rules.
Rather sit down? See our kayak tours and rentals or a dolphin boat tour. More ideas: all things to do in Folly Beach.
