Best Boat Tours & Cruises in the Myrtle Beach Area
Myrtle Beach isn’t just about toes in the sand. With 60 miles of coastline, winding rivers, and wide-open marshes, some of the best views come from the water.
Boat tours here range from quiet, scenic cruises to hands-on sails and high-energy party boats. Whether you’re spotting dolphins, watching the marsh glow at sunset, learning the basics of sailing, or hopping aboard a tiki boat with music and drinks, there’s a cruise that fits the mood.
Below are some of the best boat tours and cruises around the Myrtle Beach area, from kid-friendly adventures to laid-back sunset rides. Expect knowledgeable captains, great photo ops, and at least one moment where you think, “Yeah, this is why people love it here.”
Myrtle Beach Area Boat Tours
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
This classic paddlewheel boat offers relaxed sightseeing and evening cruises with a nostalgic feel, departing just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Barefoot Landing. Sailings typically line up around late afternoon and early evening, with dinner cruises timed for sunset and the golden-hour glow over the water. Wide decks and a slow, scenic pace make it ideal for sunset photos and easygoing nights on the water.
Little River
Departing from Little River waterfront, Big M is the area’s only casino boat, trading scenic cruising for slots, table games, and lively casino action once it reaches international waters. The experience is all about gaming and entertainment rather than views, making it a unique nighttime option for visitors looking for something completely different from a traditional cruise.
Crazy Sister Marina, Murrells Inlet
Blue Wave runs small-group dolphin tours departing from Crazy Sister Marina, with a focus on intimate encounters and knowledgeable, high-energy captains who make the trip as entertaining as it is educational. They offer multiple dolphin tour options, letting guests choose between relaxed coastal cruises and more exploratory outings, all with fewer passengers and excellent visibility for spotting dolphins up close.
Georgetown
Located just south of the Grand Strand, Cap’n Rod’s offers scenic river tours that highlight the natural beauty and history of the Lowcountry. Cruises focus on calm waters, wildlife sightings, and easygoing storytelling, making this a peaceful, educational option for visitors who don’t mind a short drive for a distinctly different view of the region.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
One of the most unique and engaging experiences for little kids on the Grand Strand, this interactive pirate cruise is pure joy from start to finish. Kids dress as pirates, hunt for treasure, and dive into lively skits with a costumed crew, creating nonstop moments that are tailor-made for photos and social video. It’s loud, silly, and magical for young sailors, and a guaranteed core-memory moment parents will be glad they captured.
Crazy Sister Marina, Murrells Inlet
One of the area’s largest and most diverse cruise operators in the area — they even have their own Marina — Crazy Sister offers far more than a single dolphin tour. Their lineup includes dolphin and wildlife cruises, sunset and scenic sails, hands-on eco tours, children’s pirate adventures, and a rotating schedule of special event cruises like fireworks nights, ghost story tours, and themed experiences. The captains are engaging and knowledgeable, blending local history and ecology into each trip, so families, couples, and repeat visitors can always find something new on the water.
Socastee
Island Adventure offers a choose-your-own-vibe experience on the Intracoastal Waterway, launching near the historic Socastee Swing Bridge. Their tiki boat tours bring music and laid-back party energy, while pontoon rentals and guided jet ski tours let visitors explore the waterway at their own pace. It’s a distinctly local alternative to ocean cruises with a strong sense of place.
Murrells Inlet
Best known on the Grand Strand for high-energy watersports, Express Watersports also offers a solid lineup of scenic cruises, with their sailing experiences standing out as a true highlight. These small-group sailing cruises deliver a quieter, more immersive way to enjoy the Inlet's beautiful marshes, with steady winds, open views, and a front-row seat to the coastline. Dolphin watches and sunset sails round out the offerings, giving visitors a relaxed, visually striking alternative to the company’s adrenaline-driven activities.
Cherry Grove Marina, North Myrtle Beach
Southern Shores offers a mix of laid-back sightseeing and high-energy fun on the water. Their dolphin and scenic cruises are great for easygoing wildlife viewing and coastal views, while the jet boat delivers a fast, splashy ride packed with sharp turns and adrenaline for thrill seekers. They also offer private charters and custom outings, making this a versatile option for families, groups, and visitors who want something beyond a standard harbor cruise.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
This Marshwalk-based cruise company highlights the quieter, more atmospheric side of the water, with their scenic sunset cruise being one of their popular, standout experiences. Beyond golden-hour sails, they offer a rotating mix of specialty cruises, including ghost and full moon cruises, bird-watching tours, and saltwater marsh eco tours that spotlight local wildlife and waterways. The lineup is scenic and story-driven, making these cruises a great fit for couples, photographers, and anyone who prefers a calm, distinctly Lowcountry experience. You can even save $3 off an eco tour & sunset cruise when you click here.
Doc Holiday’s Marina, North Myrtle Beach
Voyager is best known for deep-sea fishing, but their dolphin cruise is a popular option for families who want time on the water without committing to a full fishing day. Alongside dolphin cruises, they offer a range of fishing charters, including half-day, full-day, and Gulf Stream trips for anglers looking to go all-in. Dolphin cruises typically depart during calmer parts of the day and focus on easygoing coastal rides with frequent sightings just offshore, making it an approachable way to experience the ocean with a seasoned fishing crew.
Conway
These inland river tours explore the Waccamaw River’s famous blackwater, where dark, tea-colored currents reflect cypress trees, tupelo swamps, and wide Lowcountry skies. Cruises highlight wildlife like herons, alligators, and turtles, along with stories of the river’s role in local history and commerce. It’s a slow, scenic alternative for travelers who want natural beauty and a deeper sense of place without heading offshore.