The Best Boat Rentals in Folly Beach

Expect most small captained powerboats and eco-cruise boats to run about $100–$200 per hour, sailing charters to average $200–$300 per hour, and larger party or tiki-style boats to range from roughly $300–$400 per hour. Compact yachts and sport cruisers typically start around $250–$400+ per hour depending on size and group count. Half-day charters often total $500–$900, while full days can be $1,200–$2,000+. Prices usually include the boat, safety gear, and a licensed captain when applicable; many tours include coolers and Bluetooth speakers, and some include ice and fuel. Taxes, platform fees, and gratuity are usually additional.

You’ll find relaxed pontoons and deck boats for sandbar time, center consoles for dolphin cruises and lighthouse runs, sailing monohulls and catamarans for sunset sails, and small yachts for celebrations. Most vessels host 6–12 guests, while a few inspected tour boats carry larger groups.

If you book a captained charter, no license is needed. For self-operated rentals, South Carolina requires boaters born after July 1, 2007 to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat with a 10 hp motor or more. Many owners will also ask about your recent tidal and local boating experience before confirming a bareboat booking.

Most trip planners opt for a captained charter because local tides, shifting shoals, and current at places like Stono Inlet and Lighthouse Inlet can be tricky. A local captain handles docking at busy landings, watches the weather and tide windows, and knows where wildlife viewing and sandbar stops are best that day. Confident boaters with recent coastal-tidal experience can request a self-operated rental when available, understanding they’ll handle navigation, fueling, and any security deposit requirements.

Common meet-up points include the Folly Beach Boat Landing at 97 Center Street on the Folly River, Sunset Cay Marina on the island’s west end (near West 9th Street), and Mariners Cay Marina just before the Folly River bridge. Some lighthouse and dolphin trips also depart from docks on Bowens Island Road, and a number of larger tours leave nearby from the public docks at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. Always confirm your pickup spot when you book, as parking can be busy on weekends and festival days.

Highlights include the Morris Island Lighthouse, winding tidal creeks lined with spartina marsh, and frequent sightings of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and coastal birds like pelicans and herons. Depending on your route, you may pass the Folly Beach Pier, the Folly River sandbars, and even view the protected Bird Key – Stono seabird sanctuary from the boat during its seasonal closure. Sunset cruises often bring especially pretty marsh color and calm, glassy conditions.

Yes—many tours are family-friendly. Captains provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized for adults and children; just share ages and approximate weights in your inquiry so child sizes are ready. If you’re bringing an infant or toddler, ask whether the captain has the right PFD size or plan to bring one that fits your child snugly. Shade, sunscreen, snacks, and water help keep little ones comfortable on warm days.

Most captained charters are BYO for snacks and beverages. Many boats supply a cooler and allow you to bring ice; some can add it for you. Glass bottles are often discouraged or prohibited, and red wine and spray sunscreen may be restricted to keep decks clean. If you want to cater, simple finger foods travel best, and it’s easy to load everything at the dock before departure.

Plenty of private charters welcome well-behaved dogs; just confirm during booking. Bring fresh water, a bowl, a leash for docking, and a towel for sandy paws. Keep in mind that certain protected islands and bird sanctuaries prohibit landings or pets, so plan to enjoy time on the boat or approved sandbar areas instead.

Spring and fall usually bring mild, pleasant boating weather. Summer afternoons can see pop-up thunderstorms and a steady sea breeze, so mornings are often calmer. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and captains watch forecasts closely; if conditions are unsafe, they’ll reschedule or cancel with a refund per the listing’s policy. If your group’s plans change, request adjustments early—holiday weekends and event dates fill fast, limiting reschedule options.

Absolutely. Boats here are set up for easy, festive outings—with coolers, music, and memorable photo backdrops like the marshes or Morris Island Lighthouse. Share your occasion, headcount, preferred vibe, and must‑have stops when you inquire; your captain can suggest a route with swim time or a sunset cruise. For weekends and peak months, book a few weeks ahead and consider midday or weekday slots for more availability and smoother pricing.

April–June and September–October offer the most comfortable temperatures and lighter winds. July and August are warm and lively on the water but busier at ramps and marinas. Major boating holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day sell out early and can bring tighter pickup windows and heavier traffic. Local events—Taste of Folly in January, the Sea & Sand Festival in February, and the December Christmas Parade—affect parking and road closures near Center Street. For smoother logistics and calmer conditions, choose weekdays over weekends and morning departures over late afternoons in midsummer.

Classic options include a dolphin‑watch and sandbar cruise on the Folly River, a lighthouse run toward Morris Island with a shelling stop at the right tides, or a sunset loop past the marsh and Folly Pier. Nearby, Shem Creek is known for shrimp boats and city skyline views, and longer charters can stretch toward Kiawah via the Stono River. Your captain will time routes around tides to keep rides smooth and landings easy.

Yes—Morris Island is boat‑access only and a favorite for lighthouse views, shelling, and dolphin spotting. Tours commonly depart from the Folly River landing, Bowens Island area docks, or nearby marinas. Because currents and shoals shift around Lighthouse Inlet, captained trips are recommended unless you have recent local experience. Protected bird areas near the inlet have seasonal closures; your captain will keep you at the proper viewing distance and pick a safe tide window for any beach stop.