Freshwater and Inland Fishing
In addition to the mighty Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach area is blessed with wonderful inland waters. These include the Intracoastal Waterway, which runs parallel to the coast from Little River to Socastee, where it merges with the Waccamaw River. Along the way, other rivers and tributaries feed into the waterway, and passage to the ocean is gained through Little River or Winyah Bay.
In its entirety, the Intracoastal Waterway runs from Boston to Key West. The waterway was "built" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, taking advantage of existing rivers and other waterways and digging canals as needed to connect them. The completion in 1936 of the section between Little River and Socastee opened the way to commercial and leisure vessels for the entire length of the East Coast. Dignitaries from throughout the country attended a dedication ceremony here on April 11, 1936.
The Myrtle Beach Area's inland waters are popular for all kinds of recreation, including boating, fishing, and leisurely cruises. Outside of fishing in Myrtle Beach, you can make your trip more exciting with cruise boats. Cruise boats operate out of Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown. Some transport passengers along the Intracoastal Waterway, while others explore the Waccamaw River or Winyah Bay. Some are sightseeing trips, and others offer dinner and dancing. Almost all provide enlightening narratives about the region's wildlife, scenic wonders, history, and legends.