CHARLESTON SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Folly River to the Stono: A Private Day Sail & Dolphin Watch off Charleston
Private two- or three-hour sails from the Folly River boat landing that pair coastal navigation with high odds of dolphin and shorebird sightings.
Folly River to the Stono: A Private Day Sail & Dolphin Watch off Charleston.
Sail Folly’s Private Day Sail & Dolphin Watch leaves from the Folly River boat landing on Center Street for a short, intimate window onto Charleston’s low-country waterways. Departing daily mid-morning and early afternoon, the operator runs two- and three-hour trips aboard a stable Stiletto 27 catamaran (and a 20-ft center console powerboat) where dolphins, pelicans and other shore and sea birds are common sights; captains can beach the boat on a nearby isolated island for shelling or a swim and provide maritime narration on request.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
High odds of dolphin and shorebird encounters
Dolphins, pelicans, herons, ospreys and egrets are frequent companions on these short coastal sails, and the operator reports that the chances of seeing dolphins are very good.
A fast, stable catamaran—and a comfortable power option
The primary sailing platform is a Stiletto 27 catamaran built for speed and stability; the operator also runs a 20-foot center-console powerboat with comfortable seating for alternate outings.
Beached islands, swims and local maritime stories
Depending on wind and group preference the captain can beach the catamaran on an isolated island for shelling or a swim, and provides optional narration about Charleston’s maritime history and low-country culture.
What the day feels like
How the afternoon unfolds
You meet at the Folly River boat landing and step aboard a swift, twin-hulled catamaran (or the operator’s 20-ft center console) for a private two- or three-hour cruise. The captain adjusts the route to the wind—either threading down the Folly River past Folly Beach toward the Stono River inlet, or working up Folly Creek—scanning for dolphins and birds, and stopping at a nearby island if the group wants to swim, shell or stretch onshore. The guide’s narration is available to suit your group, and the boat includes a swim ladder and a deck cooler for BYO drinks and snacks.
WILDLIFE
High odds of dolphin and shorebird encounters
Dolphins, pelicans, herons, ospreys and egrets are frequent companions on these short coastal sails, and the operator reports that the chances of seeing dolphins are very good.
THE BOAT
A fast, stable catamaran—and a comfortable power option
The primary sailing platform is a Stiletto 27 catamaran built for speed and stability; the operator also runs a 20-foot center-console powerboat with comfortable seating for alternate outings.
THE COAST
Beached islands, swims and local maritime stories
Depending on wind and group preference the captain can beach the catamaran on an isolated island for shelling or a swim, and provides optional narration about Charleston’s maritime history and low-country culture.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private sail works (and who should plan ahead).
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunscreen, bottled water or the beverage of your choice, and swimwear if you plan to swim; the boat has a swim ladder and a cooler on deck for onboard drinks and snacks (BYOB is allowed).
There is a deck cooler for guests’ beverages and the boat’s swim ladder makes boarding from the water straightforward; dress for sun and wind.
Bring any snacks you want—food and beverages are allowed on board and can be stored in the provided cooler.
Come in your swimsuit if you might want to swim; the operator can beach the boat on an island for swimming and shelling and provides a swim ladder for reboarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Will the captain provide narration about Charleston?
Yes—the tours are narrated as much or as little as you like. The captain is a professional maritime guide with knowledge about low-country history and culture.
Will we see dolphins and other wildlife?
Yes—dolphins, pelicans and other sea birds live here year-round, and the operator reports that the chances of seeing dolphins are very good.
Are food and beverages allowed onboard?
Yes—there is a cooler on deck for you to bring drinks and guests are welcome to bring snacks; BYOB is permitted.
How safe is the boat?
Very safe—the Stiletto 27 is a twin-hulled catamaran that remains very stable and does not heel like single-hulled sailboats, even when traveling quickly.
Is the boat pet friendly?
Yes—small to medium size dogs are welcome aboard.
Can we tip the captain or crew?
Yes—gratuity is appreciated if you enjoyed the trip.