adventure harbor tours morris island

This site uses cookies. Opt out at any time. More details

Home › Lowcountry & Coast › Morris Island Tours

Morris Island Tours

Undeveloped Morris Island is a popular excursion destination out of Charleston, Folly Beach and the neighboring sea islands, offering a secluded beach, shelling and fossil hunting, and views of the Charleston harbor and the historic Morris Island Lighthouse.

Although little physical trace remains of the island’s role in the Civil War (including one of the first military engagements of that war to employ African-American troops), Morris Island is considered one of the Charleston area’s most important battle sites of that conflict.

A boat is the easiest way to get to the island, and local tour companies offer a variety of excursions that can get you there. Some are open to the public and others are intended only for your group; some tours focus on the nature and ecology of the island and its vicinity, while others provide an opportunity to search for shells, sharks’ teeth and fossils on the beach.

A kayak or paddleboard tour is a more adventurous way to explore the sights of Morris Island, usually departing from the adjacent seafront town of Folly Beach. As these tours require either a reasonable amount of paddling or knowledge of how to handle a boat or board in the surf, at least some prior experience of the sports is advisable, and in some cases, required.

For nearby kayak or paddleboard tours that are suitable for beginners, see details of kayak or paddleboard tours of Folly Island.

See also: – Things to do near Charleston – Charleston’s festival calendar – Transport options from Charleston to Folly Beach – Charleston’s weather by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Morris Island Boat Tours

Morris Island Lighthouse and Dolphin Cruise, 2hrs-2hrs30 With Charleston Kayak Company. Small-boat tour to Morris Island with time on the beach. $174 for first three passengers, $35 each for additional adults, $25 each for additional children (16 and under, infants excepted). Call 843-628-2879 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Lighthouse Tour, 2hrs30 With Charleston Outdoor Adventures. Small-boat tour from Bowens Island to Morris Island, with time on the beach. Adults $47, children (12 and under) $27. Call 843-795-0330 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Boat Tour, 2hrs30-3hrs With Adventure Harbor Tours. Public boat tour to Morris Island from Charleston harbor, with 90 minutes on the island, including a guided beach walk. Adults $55, children (3-12) $30. Call 843-442-9455 for reservations or book online. More details

Lowcountry Boil on Morris Island, 3hrs With Tideline Tours. Boat trip to Morris Island or other local island with time on the island while dinner is prepared. Adults $75, children (under 12) $60, 8-person minimum. Call 843-813-5009 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Tour (6 max) 3-4hrs+ With Captain Dan’s Water Tours. History-oriented boat tour to Morris Island from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant. 3 hours: $300 for 1-2 passengers, $375 for 3-4, $450 for 5-6. 4 hours: add $50 to base price. Longer excursions possible, call 843-425-0282 for inquiries and reservations. More details

Fossil Hunting Tour, 4hrs-4hrs30 With Charleston Outdoor Adventures. Small-boat tour to Morris Island or other local island from Bowens Island, with several miles of beach walking to look for sharks’ teeth and other fossils. Adults $75, children (12 and under) $50, 4-person minimum. Call 843-795-0330 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Shark Tooth Beach Drop, 5hrs With Coastal Expeditions. Boat tour to Morris Island departing from Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant, with several hours on the island. Adults $55, children $40. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Tour (6 max) 2hrs With Charleston Fishing Company. Shelling or shark tooth hunting boat trip to Morris Island. From West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach or Isle of Palms. $250 for up to 6 people. Call 843-412-6811 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Eco/Historical Tour (6 max) 2hrs With Water Music Charters of Folly Beach. Private shelling and sightseeing powerboat tour to Morris Island, from Folly Beach. $300 for up to 6 people. Call 843-810-1899 for reservations. More details

Shelling Trip (6 max) 2hrs With Island Hopper Charters. Shelling excursion to Morris Island by boat. $225 for 1-4 passengers, $275 for 5-6. Call 843-906-4656 for reservations or book online. More details

Lighthouse Fishing Combination Tour (6 max) 5hrs With Atlantic Breeze Charters. Fishing, shelling, history and dolphin-spotting boat tours of Morris Island. $500 for up to 4 people, $35 each for up to two additional passengers. Call 843-489-1554 for reservations. More details

Sunrise & Sunset Boat Tours

Sunrise Photography Tour, 2hrs With Tideline Tours. Sunrise public boat tour to Morris Island. Adults $45, children (under 12) $35, 3-person minimum. Call 843-813-5009 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Lighthouse Tour, 2hrs30 With Charleston Outdoor Adventures. Small-boat sunset tour from Bowens Island to Morris Island, with time on the beach. Adults $47, children (12 and under) $27. Call 843-795-0330 for reservations or book online. More details

Transport Only

Morris Island Beach Drop With Tideline Tours. Boat transportation to and from Morris Island or other nearby islands. $50 per person, 6-person minimum. Call 843-813-5009 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Drop Off, 3-4hrs With Flipper Finders. Boat transportation to and from Morris Island, with departures scheduled to fill space on existing trips to the island. Call 843-588-0019 for availability and reservations. More details

Other Excursions

Island Yoga, 1hr30-2hrs With Tideline Tours. Boat ride to Morris Island then yoga on shore. $50 per person, 7-person minimum. Call 843-813-5009 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Kayak Tours

Morris Island Lighthouse, 6hrs With Sea Kayak Carolina. Kayak excursion to Morris Island from Folly Island Boat Landing, with time on shore. $60 per person. Call 843-225-7969 for reservations. More details

Morris Island Lighthouse Kayak Tour, 6hrs With Coastal Expeditions. History and nature kayak tour to Morris Island from Folly Creek. Adults $95, children (12 and under) $65. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations or book online. More details

Morris Island Kayak Tour With Nature Adventures. Kayak tour to Morris Island from James Island, with time on shore to look for shells or shark teeth, or explore the island’s interior. Call 843-568-3222 for inquiries and reservations. More details

Morris Island Paddleboard Tours

Morris Island Lighthouse Safari, 3hrs With Charleston SUP Safaris. Paddleboard tour to Morris Island and back from Folly Beach. Experience is required for this tour. $60 per person. Call 843-817-7877 for reservations or book online. More details

Lighthouse Adventure Tour, 3hrs With Folly Beach SUP & Surf. Paddleboard tour from north Folly Beach to the Morris Island Lighthouse. Ocean paddling experience required. $60 per person. Call 843-588-2278 for reservations or book online. More details

© Melanie K Jones 2024

Adventure Harbor Tours

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ Captain Howie is the genuine real deal - a true local who cares that everyone have a good time and be comfortable. ” in 6 reviews

“ He asked us to come back the next day and had Captain Aaron taken us (just us!) on a 3-hour trip to Morris Island . ” in 5 reviews

“ When we got to the island he even walked with us and helped us find shark teeth ! ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

56 Ashley Point Dr

Charleston, SC 29407

West Ashley

You Might Also Consider

Old South Carriage Company

2.1 miles away from Adventure Harbor Tours

Angie K. said "I went on a tour with my sister back in March. It was great! We asked around town to see who the best company was and heard good things about Old South. They are one of the biggest. Our tour guide was Mike. We definitely were very…" read more

in Historical Tours

Gullah Gullah Tours

1.8 miles away from Adventure Harbor Tours

Sharon H. said "The Gullah Geechee tour was very enlightening! Godfrey brings a lot of passion as he drops difficult nuggets of historical facts. Some may not agree with his approach but you have to respect his knowledge and passion! He explores…" read more

Maluna Travel

Experience the joy of discovery with expertly planned trips that promise unforgettable activities and seamless travel arrangements. read more

in Travel Agents

About the Business

Business owner information

Capt. Howie W.

Business Owner

Welcome to Adventure Harbor Tours,and go where the other tour boats won't, can't...whatever. It's family fun for everyone! "Stormin' the Beach" trips out to Morris Island for history and beach hunting.Relax on semi-private Morris Island (no bridges or roads, must come by boat) away from the crowds while picking up shells and sharks teeth, sometimes even civil war artifacts. You may even have the island to yourself. History not your thing?Let the girls go to the mall,then schedule a fishing charter and let one of our professional guides take you where the monsters are.Catch sharks, redfish, trout, flounder,and more. Call us at 843-442-9455,or contact us through our website at www.adventureharbortours.com.See our award winning* FAQ's while youre there. *(Not really) Come see me! …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Adventure Harbor Tours .

People also searched for

Historical Tours

Sunset Cruise

Free Things To Do

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin Tour

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Took the "mild" sunset tour and enjoyed every minute of it. The tour guides were great, offering narrated (and oftentimes funny) commentary on the places we saw from the boat. We got to ask questions often and my husband and I were able to plan a few places we wanted to visit just by gathering information from this tour. You can BYOB which is awesome and we even had a very well-behaved dog on board our cruise :) They cruise to the Ravenel bridge and back. Mostly smooth ride except when a large boat passes and you get the effects of the wake. Would definitely recommend this tour to friends.

We did the tour out to Morris Island and our crew took excellent care of us- Aaron gave us some history as we passed boats docked, the sailboat junk-harbor, historic info on the Battery and some of the houses. As well as insight to the storms that have beat well over that seawall. Some interesting info about the civil war and who really fired the first shot... rebels. It really was a nice ride out to the island and then we were off the boat following the shark teeth finding expert- who I can't remember his name. I found a small amount of teeth- but I did find a megalodon tooth! Not fully intact- but STILL- how cool. I also murdered my cell phone- don't ask. I found a keyhole sea urchin (something most people think are sand-dollars) and a couple shells to keep. 90 minutes on island flew by and we were back on the boat in shade enjoying the wind as we returned. I 100% recommend going with this company! Thank you Adventure Harbor Tours!

See all photos from Crystal O. for Adventure Harbor Tours

Captain Howard (the owner of Adventure Harbor Tours) definitely made our trip to Charleston an unforgettable experience! The purpose of our trip to Charleston was to take my cancerous dog Charlie to enjoy beach run one more time. Given that most of the beaches require dogs on leash, a visit to Morris Island (which is uninhabited and only accessible by boat ) quickly got on our wish list. Unfortunately because one of my 3 dogs on this trip has small dog syndrome and couldn't stop barking at the other well-behaved dog brought by other passengers on the boat, we decided to leave the tour so that we don't spoil other people's fun. For his love of dogs, Captain Howard graciously offered to make a special arrangement for us. He asked us to come back the next day and had Captain Aaron taken us (just us!) on a 3-hour trip to Morris Island. I thought the private tour was gonna cost us an arm and a leg, but he charged us regular tour price per person for two (and dogs for free). Captain Aaron was informative and friendly. In addition to the fun facts and history, he told us where to go on high tide when we got to the island. Charlie and my other two dogs were overjoyed when they realized they could run free on the island!! They ran in and out of water, played fetch on the beach, and enjoyed the rare sunshiny day. Captain Howard was absolutely right--Morris Island is truly Disney World for dogs! We had three exhausted but very happy dogs by the end of the visit. More importantly, it meant a lot to me to check running freely on beach off Charlie's bucket list. From a dog lover to another dog lover, I thank Captain Howard for his kindness. I highly recommend Adventure Harbor Tours. It is a tour company full of fun and heart!

As said on Trip Advisor would 100 percent recommend when visiting Charleston. Having been many times, this was my first time out on the charter and was not disappointed. Captain Howie was extremely kind touching base with everyone on the trip. Passing White Point Gardens, Fort Sumter and old Castle Pinckney along the way to Morris Island. The highlight was viewing the old Morris Island (Charleston) light and walking the ground the 54th had. Will definitely be back and bring folks along for my next time out.

Had a great WILD cruise ride while on a girlfriend's bachelorette trip. The crew was interactive and played awesome music. We saw some dolphins too! BYOB and we had a great time! Would highly recommend

We were looking for something to do in Charleston and this place came up in searches for a sunset cruise. We called, and setting up the cruise for the four of us was a snap; Samantha helpfully set it up for us. The actual cruise was so wonderful; captain Howard (who grew up in Charleston and has been sailing 25 years, and opened up this place 8 years ago) was funny, passionate, and informative and the sunset was gorgeous. We did the "mild" tour which was quieter and less crowded than the "wild" tour, and was happy with the choice as we got to learn lots about the history and present day Charleston. But I'm sure both are great. Samantha and Howard were very friendly and we felt like guests in their living room. We just had a wonderful time. And saw a dolphin!

This was a great experience and highly recommended for anyone visiting or living in the area. The staff super friendly and knowledgeable as well as getting away on an island and collecting seashells , walking and exploring the island or just relaxing . Sam and the rest of the staff are great and treated us well. Thank you!

Captain Aaron and Cam were the best tour guides! Would highly recommend this boat ride to anyone who loves boats, water or a good time with good people.

We had an amazing time on the tour to Morris Island. The guide was so nice and very knowledgeable of the area. When we got to the island he even walked with us and helped us find shark teeth! The tour felt like a private charter, not all rushed, the island was beautiful. The best part? My Golden Doodle got to come with me, run free and there was no charge for her. They even had fresh water available on the boat for her. They thought of everything. Delilah (my dog) and I will most certainly do it again. Thank you Adventure Harbor Tours for great experience. Probably the best 50 bucks I ever spent! So worth it.. Do it!

Wonderful captain, great price, gorgeous views. What's not to love! If you're on the fence, go for it!

10 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Blue Life Charters

0.7 miles away from Adventure Harbor Tours

Beau G. said "This review is Way overdue! Sailing occurred in late April. This was one of my Favorite days in a LONG time. Wit took my family out for my daughter's birthday and to "watch"the sunset. I was blown away by the amount of Knowledge he…" read more

in Sailing, Boat Tours, Boat Charters

Lowcountry Walking Tours

2.2 miles away from Adventure Harbor Tours

All of our guides at Lowcountry Walking Tours are licensed tour guides with the City of Charleston. They are passionate about history and are skilled storytellers. We’re pleased to share Charleston’s rich history and introduce you… read more

in Walking Tours

Collections Including Adventure Harbor Tours

By Carolyn H.

People Also Viewed

Schooner Pride

Barrier Island Ecotours

Sandlapper Water Tours

Charleston Harbor Tours

Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Coastal Expeditions

Fort Sumter Tours

Harborview Charters

Tiki Tours of Charleston

Best of Charleston

Things to do in Charleston

People found Adventure Harbor Tours by searching for…

Boat Tour Charleston

Charleston Sc Harbor Tours Charleston

Dolphin Watching Charleston

Water Tour Charleston

Best Manatee Tours in Charleston

Boat Cruise in Charleston, South Carolina

Dolphin Tour in Charleston, South Carolina

Top 10 Harbor Cruise in Charleston

Top 10 Party Boat in Charleston

Top 10 Shark Diving in Charleston

Top 10 Sunset Cruise in Charleston

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Arts & Entertainment

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Adventure Harbor Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing Charters, and Eco-tours

Call Us! 843-795-0330

Morris Island Lighthouse Tour

Discover the allure of the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse, nestled on a secluded barrier island off Charleston’s coast. Accessible solely by boat, you’ll depart from Bowens Island, adjacent to Folly Beach, and embark on a mesmerizing journey through the salt marsh tidal creeks.

Your knowledgable captain will interpret the beauty of our salt marsh ecosystem as you travel through the winding creeks towards Morris Island. Hundreds of dolphins call these creeks home, alongside migratory and local birds and other wildlife.

Upon your arrival to Morris Island, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the beauty of the barrier island. Beach combing and iconic views of the Morris Island Lighthouse await, with the beauty of the Lowcountry all around you.

$52/adult 13 and older

$32/children 3-12 years old

$10/infant under 3

Our tour times synchronize with the tides, with at least one tour offered daily. Click “Book Now” to view the full schedule.

Vessel Types:

Carolina Skiff Bay Boat

Alpha Cat Catamarans

Liability Waiver :

To streamline your experience and ensure safety for all, each guest is kindly requested to complete an electronic liability waiver prior to arrival. The waiver link will be found in your confirmation email.

Tour Location:

1871 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412

Ample parking and restroom facilities are located onsite. While our vessels are optimized for adventure, they do not include onboard restrooms. We recommend utilizing the facilities before and after your tour for an enjoyable experience.

The tour will start promptly at the listed tour time. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to departure to park, check in at our office, confirm liability waivers, and use the facilities.

Please bring:

• Hat and Sunglasses
• Phone or Camera
• A reusable bag to collect shells

Small coolers are allowed as long as they may sit at your feet while the vessel is underway. No glass allowed.

Pet policy:

Dogs/pets are not allowed on guided group tours. Prior notice is required for service dogs. Dogs/pets are welcomed on private tours.

Gratuities for your captain or guide are optional but always appreciated. If you’ve received exceptional service or enjoyed an unforgettable experience, a token of gratitude is appreciated!

To obtain group rates and military discounts, please call us at 843-795-0330 .

What to Expect on Your Morris Island Tour

Embark on the Morris Island Lighthouse Tour and indulge in a picturesque journey through saltwater estuaries and barrier islands. Step onto the uninhabited natural beach, where pristine beauty invites you to explore at your leisure. Capture stunning photographs of the iconic Morris Island lighthouse, a timeless beacon standing against the coastal backdrop.

As you marvel at the scenery, witness the captivating sight of wild Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins as they gracefully feed and socialize in their natural habitat. Each moment of the tour is a symphony of nature’s wonders, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable coastal adventure.

The Journey Embark on a captivating voyage with our naturalist captain as you traverse the 6-mile journey to Morris Island. Throughout the scenic route, our knowledgeable captain will interpret the wonders of native wildlife, regale you with intriguing local history, and unveil the diverse ecosystems that thrive in the South Carolina Lowcountry, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this coastal ecosystem.

As you navigate from the tranquil tidal creeks and flats behind Folly Island to the expansive saltwater estuaries surrounding Morris Island, keep your eyes peeled for a plethora of wildlife sightings. Among the many creatures that call this pristine habitat home, you may encounter:

• Wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
• Colonial Wading birds
• Oyster/mud flats
• Migrator bird species
• Egrets and Hern Species

The Island Upon reaching the island, prepare to be greeted by the majestic sight of the Morris Island Lighthouse, standing tall against the backdrop of the coastal horizon. With approximately 45 minutes to an hour at your disposal, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, capturing memorable photos and savoring the tranquil ambiance.

Take advantage of this time to explore the pristine beach, where treasures await your discovery. Engage in the timeless pursuit of beachcombing as you search for shells, fossils, and elusive shark teeth scattered along the sandy shores.

After a fulfilling session of exploration and discovery, rejoin your fellow adventurers and board the boat for a return journey to Bowens Island. Let the gentle sway of the waves and the sea breeze serenade you as you reflect on the memories created during your Morris Island excursion, a journey filled with wonder, discovery, and natural beauty.

About Morris Island Lighthouse

The Morris Island Lighthouse stands as a testament to a bygone era, with a storied history dating back to its construction in 1876. For generations, it served as a vital beacon of light and a symbol of security for vessels navigating the turbulent waters of the Charleston Harbor.

However, in more recent decades, the lighthouse has faced a formidable adversary in the form of coastal erosion. The relentless forces of the Atlantic Ocean have steadily encroached upon the island, leading to significant erosion and ultimately the abandonment of the lighthouse in 1962.

Despite the challenges posed by nature, ongoing preservation efforts are dedicated to protecting and safeguarding this historic landmark. It stands as a reminder of resilience, a beacon of hope amid the ever-changing coastal landscape, preserving the rich maritime heritage for future generations to cherish and admire.

You know how, sometimes, you book something expecting to be disappointed. This definitely is not one of those times. Josh was a great guide, interacting with all of us, providing great facts about the marsh eco system, and making sure to stop and let us watch the dolphin and birds. Then, we even had a good amount of time (between 45 minutes to an hour) on Morris island finding awesome shells and sand dollars. It isn’t very often that I spend money on something and think it was actually worth more, but that is what I thought after this cruise experience. My wife and I have even already talked about trying to do this again when we can bring our daughter. Mark, September 2019 (Trip Advisor)

Stay Connected

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures 1871 Bowens Island Road Charleston, SC 29412

[email protected] 843-795-0330

Music:  https://www.bensound.com

• Kayak Tours

Morris Island Boat Tours

Charleston, SC Est. 2018

843-580-2031

15% Off Any Weekday Cruise in July ! Use Coupon Code:  JULYWEEKDAY

Morris Island Boat Tours offers private cruises on the Folly River from Folly Island to Morris Island. Experience the beauty of lowcountry marshes, creeks, oyster beds, and beaches. Morris Island is Charleston's uninhabited barrier island and site of the Morris Island Lighthouse.  Expect to see plenty of wildlife including coastal birds and dolphins!

Call to Book

Book Online

Thanks for submitting!

Welcome to Morris Island Tours

Salt Marsh & Dolphin Adventures 

Our estuaries are simply amazing and we like to share its natural beauty for all to experience. Our wetlands are home to an abundance of wildlife and you'll have the opportunity to get close and personal with a variety of sea birds and plenty of dolphin!

Morris Island Lighthouse 

Amazing sunsets

T​o ensure that your family or group has a great day, all of our trips are private excursio​ns! ​ 

Video Clips of Hungry Dolphin Strand Feeding

Dolphin strand feeding.

Dolphin Strand feeding in Sunset Cay Marina!

Another hungry dolphin strand feeding off the dock at Sunset Cay Marina where we keep our boat!

Dolphin strand feeding!

This dolphin charges after some mullet like a torpedo! 

Dolphin strand feeding along the bank in the Folly River on the way to Morris Island! There's always fun things to see on the way to Morris Island! Morris Island Tours always aims to please!

Perhaps one of our sunset Cruises is what you're looking for. The Folly River boasts some of the areas most amazing sunsets! 

Morris Island Tours, Sunset Cruises, and Dolphin Watching  Adventures!!!

We often encounter dolphin strand feeding along the banks and sandbars, chasing mullet and slapping them out of the water with their Tails! They can put on quite a show!

- Check out our tour options and book your Morris Island boat tour and dolphin adventure today!

Contact Us For Booking

Not only will you have the chance to see dolphin strand feeding you might get lucky enough to see a Right Whale during the winter off of the beach. Along the way you'll also have the opportunity to see a variety of birds, brown pelicans, sea gulls, comerants, osprey, bald eagles, egrets, grey and blue heron, oyster pickers, buffle head and hooded maganzer ducks, along with marsh hens!  

- Don't hesitate to book a salt marsh adventure, dolphin cruise, or Morris Island tour! Come create memories for you and your family that will last forever!

- Contact us for your Morris Island boat tour today!

Right whale two miles in front of Folly Beach! Come enjoy one of our whale watching adventures during the winter months and book one of our exclusive Folly Beach boat tours! 

Right Whale!

Dolphin strand feeding at Sunset Cay Marina!

Morris Island Lighthouse

BOOKING DATES P OSTED THROUGH: August 31st, 2024!

843.534.9099

Morris Island Adventure

The Morris Island Adventure has it all: shark teeth, fossils, seashells, dolphins, and the historic Morris Island lighthouse!

What to expect:

Tour length: 5 hours

Capacity: 6* people

Rec. Ages: 7+

*12 upon request

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your Adventure. The boat depar ts promptly at the trip start time.

Come board the boat with Captain Mike as we set out to Morris Island to collect shark teeth and other fossils including but certainly not limited to:

dolphin and whale bones

sea turtle shell fragments

fossilized shark poop! (aka coprolites)

swordfish bones

Ice Age remains (horse teeth, mammoth ivory, box turtle shell, and more!)

many other remains from extinct species up to 30 million years old!

Morris Island Exclusive: Native American pottery sherds (up to 4,000 years old)

Morris Island Exclusive:  occasional Colonial artifacts (glass, pottery china, bricks)

General Tour Structure:  Groups will meet Captain Mike at the Folly River Boat Ramp and enjoy a 20 minute boat ride through the calm waters of the salt marsh before landing on the beach. Please note that your group will hike at least 1 mile on the beach before arriving at the stretch with the highest concentration of fossils. By the end of the Adventure, expect the total mileage to be around 4-5 miles of walking . A complementary fossil identification session will be provided at the conclusion of the Adventure.  We do not drop off clients unguided! Our paleontologist(s) will be with you the entire trip to help you spot all types of fossils!

Our style of fossil hunting is surface collecting. The water has done the sorting for us, uncovering new fossils every 12 hours. No digging or sifting takes place at all. Not only is that illegal in SC, but it's less efficient at our localities. 

*Large Group Sizes:  We are able to accommodate up to 12 people MAX on this Adventure. Group sizes over 6 require us to run both boats, so these larger tours will receive both Captain Ash and Captain Mike! 

This cruise takes place on an open air boat. As such, we encourage you to be prepared for all weather types.

Re commended items to bring: ​

Comfortable footwear for a 5 mile hike

Ce ll phone camera

Reader s/Rx glasses for up close viewing

Windbreaker/raincoat

Weather appropriate clothing

Oct-April: Warm layers strongly recommended during faster boat speeds. ​

BUNDLE THIS TOUR WITH ANOTHER FOSSIL ADVENTURE TO RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR SECOND TRIP!

Zig-zagging Humpback Whale and Puffins a plenty

Maxx K. | M/V Kestrel | 008/15/2022 | 12:30pm Today was a stunner! My goodness was it beautiful out- the sun was out and proud, Baker, Reiner and the Olympics stood boldly over the Juan de Fuca and seas were as calm as could be (we LOVE that). Kestrel carefully meandered out of Friday Harbor and zipped south through the San Juan Channel. It didn’t take too long for us to make our first stop at a haul out of Harbor Seals. We most often see these pinnipeds hauled out on rocky...

• Read more about Zig-zagging Humpback Whale and Puffins a plenty

Humpback, Harbor Seals, Pelicans Oh My!

Jordan | M/V Kestrel | 06/04//2022 2:00pm

The weathermen lied to us…it was scheduled to be pouring rain during our tour but as we gathered our guests and headed out to sea, the sun was shining brightly.

Heading north through the San Juan Channel and around the northern point of San Juan Island, we stopped by a little island filled with harbor seals! The “rock sausages” flopped around and played in the water. Shortly after, we made it to the Haro Straight where we found a humpback...

• Read more about Humpback, Harbor Seals, Pelicans Oh My!

12 Bigg's Killer Whales Seen on an Epic Whale Watching Adventure in Puget Sound!

Laura /  M/V Sea Lion /  3/30/2022  / 12:30PM

“We are going to follow the naval nuclear submarine home today”, was a sentence I may never say again on a whale watch excursion, but it made everyone on the boat smile.  And seeing an escorted submarine was just icing on the cake for today’s trip.  M/V Sea Lion held 22 passengers onboard and left Friday Harbor with gusto at 12:30PM.  Captain Brian had not heard of a firm whale report yet, but we had his years of experience of finding...

• Read more about 12 Bigg's Killer Whales Seen on an Epic Whale Watching Adventure in Puget Sound!

Spy hops galore with the T065B Killer Whales

Maxx K. | M/V Kestrel | 09/20/2021 | 2:00pm

     Today’s tour was a naturalist's dream. When Solan pulled Kestrel out of Friday Harbor we turned northward. A family of unidentified Bigg’s Killer Whales had been reported off the south side of Saturna Island. We had our heading and off we went! 

     We stopped briefly to check out a Bald Eagle, perfectly poised on a small sign post on Jones Island. From there we moved north towards White Rock to admire some Harbor Seals and cormorants...

• Read more about Spy hops galore with the T065B Killer Whales

Four Bigg's Killer Whales on the Hunt near Orcas Island!

Laura | M/V Sea Lion | 3/6/2021 | 1:00PM

To kick off the first official whale watch of the season, our orcas were ready and did not disappoint!  Passengers and crew had a phenomenal day out on the water!  The morning started off a little rainy but as our departure time came near, the sun came out along blue skies and calm seas.  The day was already looking bright and hopeful, just like summer!

M/V Sea Lion, Captain Pete, myself and 23 passengers made our way out of Friday Harbor and...

• Read more about Four Bigg's Killer Whales on the Hunt near Orcas Island!

Bigg's Killer Whales Under a Rainbow!

Laura | M/V Sea Lion | 7/11/2020 | 5:30PM

The sunset trip this evening was certainly a wildlife encounter to remember!  Passengers were decked out in rain gear from the afternoon, but luckily the skies were in our favor and we avoided getting rained on!  This overcast weather is some of the best conditions to scan for whales as their exhalations seem to linger in the air a little longer and create a nice contrast to the surrounding backdrop.  There was also minimal wind out there so...

• Read more about Bigg's Killer Whales Under a Rainbow!

Many Minke Whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca!

Olivia | M/V Sea Lion | July 4th, 2020 | 09:00 Charter

 Today was the most beautiful day on the water I have had yet this season. Good thing too because it was a holiday! We booked a 9:00am charter to head out in the morning in search of whales around the San Juan Islands. Being the first boat on the water this morning, it was our job to first scan and see what could be swimming around.

Captain Sarah decided to head south into the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the glassy, sunny seas in...

• Read more about Many Minke Whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca!

Bigg's Killer Whales Hunting in the San Juan Channel!!

Laura C. | 11/30/2019 | M/V Sea Lion | 12:00pm

Waking up this morning was bittersweet, as I knew it would be the last trip of the season, but I was equally excited to get out on the water to hopefully see some whales!  Today could not have more perfect, with orcas graciously providing a grand finale!  This is the last blog of the season as it is our final whale watch of the year!  Eleven passengers eagerly boarded M/V Sea Lion and greeted Captain Pete with enthusiasm.  After...

• Read more about Bigg's Killer Whales Hunting in the San Juan Channel!!

Two Pods of Orcas and a Minke in the North!

Jordan | M/V Kestrel | 09/07/19 | 11:00am

What a lovely day today! Although the clouds hid the sun, everyone shone with hopes of finding whales!

Captain Gabe and I took the Kestrel out of Friday Harbor and headed north through the San Juan Channel. Luckily, we heard reports of some whales up in Canadian waters, so we booked it in that direction.

Before heading too far, we found a huge bald eagle posing on a channel marker! He was perched so we could all see a great view of his entire...

• Read more about Two Pods of Orcas and a Minke in the North!

Orcas Hunting Seals and Humpbacks Seen Fluking for Fish!

Laura C. | M/V Kestrel | 9/1/2019 | 11:00am 

We had a lovely day aboard M/V Kestrel exploring the diverse wildlife found in the Salish Sea!  The radio was booming with reports of whale sightings so Captain Gabe was excited to tell passengers of the great news!  As our vessel left Friday Harbor, I was talking to passengers about the unique wildlife we were hoping to see just as a harbor seal came into view!  The harbor seal was basking on the rocks right near the harbor and was...

• Read more about Orcas Hunting Seals and Humpbacks Seen Fluking for Fish!

• Kayak Tours
• Paddleboard Tours
• Canoe Tours
• Hike + Multi-Sport
• Bulls Island Tours
• Customizing Group Tours
• Event Space Available
• Mount Pleasant
• Isle of Palms
• Folly Beach
• Bulls Island

Charleston Harbor Boat & Fossil Adventure Book Now

This tour is offered from October 16 to March 14. If you’d like to go fossil hunting before October 15, check out the Morris Island Shark Tooth Beach Drop !

Boat Cruise. Beach.  Harbor views. Shark teeth and fossils.  Shelling.  This shark tooth island is your gateway to relaxation without driving out to the barrier islands.

Enjoy a naturalist-led excursion aboard one of our Coast Guard-certified vessels, departing from our Shem Creek dock.   Bottlenose dolphins and Eastern brown pelicans will greet us as we head down Shem Creek and out into the Charleston Harbor.

You’ll experience unmatched views of the downtown skyline, Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter and other iconic landmarks.  Reaching the island, you’ll depart directly onto the beach and go on a hunt for shark teeth and fossils with a Coastal Expeditions guide!  We’ll teach you how to spot fossils in the sand and help you identify your treasures.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own or walk along the beach before we head back to the mainland.

Things to Know

ACTIVITY LEVEL After a Charleston harbor boat ride, participants will depart directly from the boat onto the beach.  On the island, you can beach comb, explore and relax.  This is a small, undeveloped barrier island and does not have bathrooms or a shelter. 

TOUR DURATION 3 hours (includes 30-min boat ecotour each way)

WHAT TO WEAR Shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (Tevas-style shoes are best), a hat , and synthetic clothing (it will dry faster than cotton).  During cooler weather, dress in layers.  Swimsuits optional!

WHAT TO BRING Drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks/bagged lunch.

WEATHER Weather (thunderstorms or high winds) may impact this excursion. Cancellations usually occur due to lightning, thunder or high winds and we will make sure to reschedule your group if needed. Our general cancellation policies apply unless our experts determine it is potentially unsafe or unwise to venture out. In the event that  we  decide to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to call you at least two hours before your departure and help you reschedule or credit/refund the full cost of your trip.

GRATUITY Gratuity is not included in your tour price. Our guides go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time out on the water! Average gratuity ranges from 15%–25% of your tour cost based on your experience. It is not required, but always greatly appreciated!

NEED TO CANCEL? You’ll need to cancel prior to 48-hours or you will not be eligible for a refund for the tour.

Trip Advisor Reviews

BEST TIME OF MY LIFE EVER I had so much fun finding shark teeth and other fossils. I totally recommend this trip. You can have fun on the beach while searching for some teeth. On the way to the island, you can see different types of animals in the water and air. You see birds like pelicans or dolphins and sometimes it can be a really fun learning experience. Adventure29480

Adult: $65 Children (12 & under): $40

Departure Location

Shem Creek Flagship 514 Mill Street Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Destination

Shark Tooth Island

Charleston Harbor Boat & Fossil Adventure

1. your details, 2. pick your date & time:, 2. pick your date & time: choose....

• Choose a date above to see available times.

NOTE: A date and time must be selected in order to continue the booking process.

Related Tours

Bulls island beach drop.

$75 per person  |  Best Seller, Dolphins & Wildlife, Young Kid Friendly  |  A day trip

Charleston Kayak Expedition | Shem Creek 3-hr

$58 per person  |  Featured, Dolphins & Wildlife  |  A few hours

St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need a guide.

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.

Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Isle of Palms Rentals

Check out our Isle of Palms tours.

Search Tours & Trips

Which location is most convenient.

• Daniel Island
• Kiawah River
• Kids Programs & Camps
• St. Phillips Island & Beaufort
• Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant

What do you want to do?

• Paddleboard (2)
• Boat Tours & Charters (16)
• Bulls Island Ferry (5)
• Hike & Multi-sport (12)

How much time do you want to have?

• A few hours (31)
• A day trip (13)
• Multi-day (2)

What are you looking for?

• After School (4)
• Educational (3)
• Just for Kids (12)
• Kids Camps (6)
• Sunrise (2)
• Best Seller (10)
• Featured (14)
• Adventurous (26)
• Birding (25)
• Dolphins & Wildlife (39)
• Blackwater (3)
• Young Kid Friendly (11)

Outdoor Odysseys Kayak Tours 2

Boat rental, business info, similar businesses.

Carli Whale Watching

Captain carli's charters, island lady charters.

San Juan Island Marine Center

Friday harbor marine, nearby neighborhoods, eastsound , wa, friday harbor , wa, lopez island , wa, shaw island , wa, anacortes , wa.

Business and Organizations

Adventure Harbor Tours

Boat tours, private boat charters, sunset boat cruises, field trips, eco boat tours and morris island boat tours in charleston, sc..

Sunset Boat Cruise

Our 2 boats hold 12 people each and are perfect for scooting around the harbor.

Pack a cooler, bring the snacks and come on out for a 90m swingin' ride around the Harbor. Please note, this is less of a tour and more of a chill boat ride where you can soak up the scenery, watch for dolphins (happens all the time, but can't promise) and bask in the golden rays of the sunset at the end of the trip. Coolers are welcome, (drunken idiots are not) bring some snacks and if the vibe is right even cut a rug and groove to the tunes and dance the afternoon away.

Click on "Book Online Now" and browse the sailing schedule without having to buy. If a date is not showing up, it's probably sold out or has been booked with a private charter.

Last but not least, COVID has inspired us to temporarily reduce the capacity of the boats. Seats have been pulled back to 14, but sometimes (if you're all one group) we can make a few more fit. Call or email us with questions.

Wild Sunset Cruise

Mild Sunset Cruise

BE ADVISED! The "Wild" cruise can get pretty wild. Not recommended for children or young adults.

Prices Adults - 41.00

Children 12 and under - 27.00

Children under 2 - No Charge (Again, just take them when you leave)

More questions? Read our full FAQ Or call us directly: (843) 442-9455.

Email adventure harbor tours.