Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network brings kayaking, yoga, and hands-on conservation April 20–25
from Staff Reports
As spring settles in along the coast, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved natural residents, will once again take center stage.
The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) is bringing back its annual Dolphin Week from April 20–25, offering a slate of family-friendly events designed to celebrate and protect the region’s marine life, with plenty of opportunities for Folly Beach residents and visitors to get involved.
Now in its ninth year, Dolphin Week has grown into one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, supporting ongoing efforts to study and protect dolphins and whales along the South Carolina coast. And while events are spread across the Charleston area, Folly Beach’s proximity to rich estuarine waters makes it a natural hub for dolphin activity—and for the people who love watching them.
From sunrise to sunset, the week’s events aim to connect people to the water in meaningful ways. Activities include a sunset beach yoga session at Breach Inlet, guided kayak tours through coastal creeks, and eco-boat excursions that offer a closer look at dolphins in their natural habitat. There’s even a casual happy hour meet-and-greet for those who want to learn more about the science and rescue work happening behind the scenes.
But for many, the highlight comes at the end of the week.
On Saturday, April 25, Dolphin Week culminates with Dolphin Count, a community science event that brings together volunteers and marine mammal experts across multiple observation points throughout the Charleston area—including locations in and around Folly Beach.
During the count, participants scan local waterways at the same time, helping researchers gather a snapshot of the dolphin population. It’s simple work, but incredibly valuable. The data collected helps scientists better understand dolphin behavior, track population trends, and inform conservation strategies.
Just as important, organizers say, is the educational component.
“Charleston is lucky to have resident dolphins, but without conservation efforts, we all risk the loss of this amazing natural resource,” said LMMN Executive Director Lauren Rust. “Dolphin Week and Dolphin Count are great ways to engage the community in our work with a common goal of learning how to protect local dolphins and their environment.”
That message resonates strongly on Folly Beach, where dolphin sightings are a regular part of daily life—from early morning walks along the shore to afternoons spent on the water. For many locals, the animals are more than a tourist attraction; they’re part of the island’s identity.
Events like Dolphin Week aim to turn that appreciation into action—encouraging responsible viewing practices, raising awareness about threats like entanglement and pollution, and inspiring the next generation of coastal stewards.
With its mix of hands-on experiences and laid-back coastal fun, Dolphin Week offers a reminder that protecting the Lowcountry’s wildlife doesn’t have to feel like work. Sometimes, it starts with simply paying attention to what’s already right in front of you—just beyond the breakers off Folly Beach.
For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit www.LMMN.org.
