Sunset Cay Marina is a full-service marina on Folly Beach, South Carolina, offering easy water access, boat slips, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Sunset Cay Marina occupies a quietly strategic spot on the western tip of Folly Beach, a barrier island roughly ten miles south of downtown Charleston. The marina sits along the Folly River, where tidal creeks lace through broad salt marshes that have defined this stretch of the South Carolina coast for centuries. Folly Beach itself has long been a working waterfront community, and the marina reflects that honest, no-frills character.
For boaters, the marina provides slips and fuel, with straightforward access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the open Atlantic beyond. The surrounding waters are excellent for fishing charters targeting redfish, flounder, and speckled trout in the nearby estuaries. Those who prefer human-powered craft will find the tidal creeks around Folly Beach ideal for kayaking through undisturbed marsh habitat.
A short boat ride connects you to Morris Island, home to a historic lighthouse standing just offshore, and to the broader waters of Charleston Harbor. Sunset Cay Marina is worth a visit for anyone who wants an authentic Lowcountry waterfront experience away from the busier downtown marinas.
Visit in the early morning to catch glassy water conditions on the Folly River and avoid afternoon chop that picks up with the sea breeze.
Bring sunscreen and polarized sunglasses year-round, as glare off the open marsh can be intense even on overcast days.
Try to time a late-afternoon departure so you return to the marina during golden hour, when the light over the tidal creeks is at its best.
Explore the surrounding marsh by kayak to spot bottlenose dolphins, great blue herons, and other Lowcountry wildlife at close range.
Check local tide charts before heading out, as shallow tidal flats near the marina can restrict passage during low tide.
Bring your own food and drinks for a private Folly River tiki escape
Bring your own drinks for a relaxed cruise around barrier islands
Explore tidal creeks, wildlife, and Morris Island on a private family outing
Build practical boating skills with private instruction
Cruise the creeks and unwind at Morris Island