FOLLY BEACH ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Folly Beach After‑School: Hands‑On Marine Science for Grades 3–8
Tideline Tours' spring after‑school sessions on Folly Beach introduce children in grades 3–8 to crabs, dolphins and barrier‑island ecology with short walks or boat outings from Sunset Cay Marina.
Folly Beach After‑School: Hands‑On Marine Science for Grades 3–8.
Join an engaging after‑school program aimed at children in grades 3–8, offered on Tuesday or Wednesday each week. Sessions begin at Sunset Cay Marina and combine shore walks to Folly Beach with occasional boat departures to explore barrier‑island habitats, marine life and hands‑on natural history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Crabs, Dolphins and Close‑Up Encounters
The program focuses on local marine life—students discover crabs and learn about dolphins and other coastal species through direct observation and guided interpretation.
Barrier‑Island Ecology at Folly Beach
Lessons revolve around barrier‑island systems—how beaches, tidal zones and inshore waters connect—and use Folly Beach as the outdoor classroom for exploration.
After‑School Sessions: Walks and Boat Rides
Classes run in the spring with two weekly options; depending on the day's topic the group may walk to the beach or board a boat from the marina for on‑water exploration.
What the day feels like
What the Session Feels Like
These compact, 1.5‑hour after‑school classes move quickly between hands‑on beach work and interpretive stops. Participants meet at the marina, engage with tide‑pool and shoreline habitats or climb aboard for a short boat segment, and finish with time for cleanup before returning to the dock.
THE WILDLIFE
Crabs, Dolphins and Close‑Up Encounters
The program focuses on local marine life—students discover crabs and learn about dolphins and other coastal species through direct observation and guided interpretation.
THE LANDSCAPE
Barrier‑Island Ecology at Folly Beach
Lessons revolve around barrier‑island systems—how beaches, tidal zones and inshore waters connect—and use Folly Beach as the outdoor classroom for exploration.
THE FORMAT
After‑School Sessions: Walks and Boat Rides
Classes run in the spring with two weekly options; depending on the day's topic the group may walk to the beach or board a boat from the marina for on‑water exploration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is built for and who it serves best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sessions run for approximately 1.5 hours each; two class times are offered in the spring so families can choose Tuesday or Wednesday (both days cover the same content).
Children should wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, bring water and snacks, warm layers for cool days, a towel and sunscreen.
All sessions meet at Sunset Cay Marina before walking to Folly Beach or boarding the boat, depending on the day's topic.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When are the after‑school sessions held?
Two class times are offered in the spring; choose either Tuesday or Wednesday—both days cover the same content.
How long is each session?
Each session runs about 1.5 hours.
Where do participants meet?
Meet at Sunset Cay Marina for orientation before the walk to Folly Beach or boarding the boat.
What should kids bring?
Bring clothes and shoes that can get wet, water and snacks, warm layers for cool days, a towel and sunscreen.
Will the group be on the water?
Depending on the day's topic the program may include a short boat outing; other days focus on shoreline walks and intertidal exploration.
What age or grade is this for?
The program is intended for children in grades 3–8.