Folly Beach’s Original Paddleboard, Kayak & Boat Tours, Rentals & SUP Sales

Charleston Locals leading Dolphin Safaris for 15 years
on Folly Beach

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Best Water Sports Company on Folly Beach est. 2011

(843) 817-SUPS (7877)
83 Center St, Folly Beach SC 29439

SUP Retail Shop
Every day 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Winter (Nov-Feb) by appointment

Everything You Need Before You Hit the Water — All in One Spot

Limited Free On-Site Parking:
Clean Restrooms & Private Changing Rooms:
Complimentary Chilled Spring Water:
Last-Minute Essentials: Grab Sun Bum, Croakies, waterproof phone cases, hats, sun shirts, and cold sports drinks right at the counter.

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SUP Tours

Kayak Tours

SUP Rentals

Kayak Rentals

ABOUT CHARLESTON SUP SAFARIS

Folly Beach’s Original Water sports Outfitter — 15 Years & 6,000+ Guests on the Water

Welcome to Charleston SUP Safaris, Folly Beach’s premier water sports adventure company. Voted Charleston’s best paddle company and recognized internationally as an industry leader, we’ve spent the last 15 years guiding more than 6,000 locals and visitors through the winding creeks and salt marshes of the Low country.

What started as Charleston’s original stand-up paddle board outfitter has grown into a full-service coastal adventure hub on the Folly River. Whether you want to glide quietly alongside Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, explore hidden tidal creeks, or cruise out toward the Morris Island Lighthouse, we have the gear, boats, and local knowledge to get you on the water:

- Guided SUP & Kayak Dolphin Safaris: Paddle through thriving salt marsh ecosystems with professionally certified local guides who know every tide, sandbar, and wildlife hotspot.
- Private Boat Tours: Experience the best of Folly Beach from the comfort of our private charters—ideal for sightseeing, sunset cruises, shelling trips, and guests who prefer to sit back and enjoy the coastal breeze.
- Rentals, Lessons & Surf: Get outfitted with top-tier Board Works paddle boards, lightweight carbon fiber paddles, and kayaks, or book river and ocean surf lessons, SUP yoga, and seasonal camps.
Built for Families, Groups & First-Timers Never paddled before? No problem. Every guided paddle begins with a relaxed, hands-on “ground school” and in-water coaching so you feel confident before we leave the dock. From family vacations and first-time paddlers to bachelorette parties, corporate team-building events, and private group outings just minutes from Center Street, we tailor every trip to your crew.

Our passion is sharing the Low country water—and “The Stoke”—with everyone who steps onto our dock. Ready to get out there? Book your paddle board, kayak, or private boat adventure today!

Read Why We're the #1 Water Sports Company with over 1000 5-Star Reviews

Best Shop Ever!

Went looking for a stand up paddle board to take in the surf on Kiawah. After checking other shops and finding no boards at all I was referred to Carolina SUP Safaris. I met Jon who took a ton of time walking me through the selection of boards they had in stock, explaining the benefits and trade offs of each board. I left with a Bishop Luna. I'm having a blast learning the balance and getting into waves super early! I'd like to thank Jon for his time and advice. I highly recommend dropping in if your looking for a paddle board a SUP tour or info!

– Daniel V. | Google Reviews

SUPer morning on the river!

Our 9am dolphin safari was such a blast! Absolute must do while visiting Charleston. We ended up being the only 2 on the tour which was very cool. Although we didn’t get to see any dolphins, we got an awesome work out paddling against the wind and really enjoyed our time with Powers, our tour guide! He was very patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable, teaching us so much about local wildlife! He also gave us awesome suggestions of places to visit while we’re here. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!!

– Michaela W. | TripAdvisor

Awesome Experience!

We had a really great time at SUP Safaris! Our guide, Eric, was fantastic and very accommodating. We were in town for only a couple days and the weather was touch-and-go. We were scheduled for a 9am dolphin safari, and it was postponed due to storms. We were able to go out about an hour later and it worked out great. Eric really wanted to make sure we had a great experience while still being safe.

– Mychelle R. | TripAdvisor

Great Experience!

Had a GREAT time paddling today. Such a kind and respectful place. If you are in this area and looking for a SUP experience you will not go wrong by choosing SUP Safaris. The guided tour was cool. The guide was very helpful. I've paddled for years but others in the group was there first time and all of us had a great experience. You won't regret it whether you are more experienced like me or a first timer.

– Brian P. | Yelp

Midday Tour

SUP Safari was more like Dolphin Safari! I think we saw six during our excursion. While not an expert SUPer, our guide, Powers, reminded us of the basics before we set out. He was friendly and informative about the wildlife and geography and ecosystem of the Folly river—as well as an expert dolphin spotter! Highly recommend booking a tour. Next time, we’ll try SUPPing at sunset.

– Erin H. | TripAdvisor

Spectacular Sunset

I went on a whim to Charleston by myself for a mini-vacation. I tried to pick different activities that would allow me to see this amazing city in different ways. I had done SUP once before but never really had any formal instruction. The tour ended with the most vibrant sunset I have ever seen. If anyone is wavering about whether or not to do this tour, book it now- you will not regret it.

– Tara B. | TripAdvisor

Highly Recommended

Had a great time at Charleston SUP Safaris! The tour team was excited about their job and that really set the tone for the entire experience. They also gave excellent instructions beforehand, which made the process SO much easier for those of us who were beginners. Lot of fun altogether, and a great workout heading upstream. Highly recommended — 5/5.

– I. G. | Google Reviews

Paddle boarding with Powers!

We went paddle boarding at sunset with Powers this past weekend and it was an amazing experience! We learned a ton of fun facts about dolphins and oysters and got to know each other a long the way! The weather was absolutely perfect and I would totally recommend Powers and the rest of the SUP Safari crew to friends and family!

– Kamille F. | TripAdvisor

What An Experience!

My friend and I took the SUP Safari tour Saturday of MDW 2018, and what an experience! Both Al and Devon, the guides, were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and funny. We lucked out with the weather, and we even saw a dolphin! Highly recommend this company, would definitely use their services again.

– Keely K. | Google Reviews

Magical time to be on the water

The Staff at SUP Safaris was great. I did SUP once before, but these guys showed me the right way to do it. The group was fun! The sunset on the water was magical. The water was warm, so even if you fell in, it just felt great! I was surprised how easy this excursion was. I would do it again in a heart beat.

– Kristin K. | TripAdvisor

Recommend this for first timers!

Amazing time!!! This was my first time paddle boarding. They make it super easy to make a reservation for a big group. Our guide, Devon, was wonderful! Super knowledgeable and a great teacher. We got to see a beautiful sunset and tons of dolphins! I'd definitely recommend this for first timers!

– Molly C. | Yelp

What A Blast!

My sister and I had a blast on our paddle board trip! John was very informative and helpful for us newbies. The paddle boards have a bungee strap to hold flip flops and life jackets for those over 18 years old. I wish I brought my GoPro or waterproof camera!

– Karyn N. | Yelp

Great Easter Sunday!

We had a great Easter Sunday morning with the team from Charleston SUP safari. Although it was quite windy they still agreed to take us on an abbreviated tour. We look forward to going back for another tour this spring.

– Colleen S. | Google Reviews

Check Out Charleston SUP Safaris in the Media:

We sat down to talk about what our dolphin safaris on the Folly River are really like with our friends at TripOutside and their Human Powered Adventure series. It was great to share what makes the experience so awesome and connect with a fellow outdoor enthusiast. Give it a listen and then come experience a Folly Beach paddle board trip it for yourself on the water!

Check out our owner Big Jon on this For What You Do episode going over paddleboarding on the Folly River!

Community/Giving Back

At Charleston SUP Safaris, sharing “The Stoke” goes far beyond showing guests a great time on the water—it’s about protecting and uplifting the Folly Beach and Charleston communities we call home. Over the years, we’ve proudly partnered with incredible organizations including Quest, The Wounded Warrior Project, Warrior Surf Foundation, Youth 2 Ocean, and Surfers Healing to host Folly River cleanups, community paddles, and charity events that raise both vital funds and local awareness.

Through signature community traditions like our Shamrock SUP Race and SUPer Scary SUP Race, we’ve just completed our 19th charity SUP race and raised over $27,500 for local causes.

We’re equally committed to keeping the Lowcountry’s salt marshes and waterways thriving for generations to come. Recognized as one of the Top 5 Eco-Friendly SUP Companies in America, we practice low-impact wildlife viewing and active environmental stewardship on every trip—whether we’re paddling past the Morris Island Lighthouse or cruising the tidal creeks near Center Street.

Book your paddleboard, kayak, or private boat tour today—and support the Folly Beach community every time you hit the water!