While there is plenty to do around the water in Myrtle Beach, a boat tour is certainly one of the most popular among families vacationing with us. Thanks to the local rivers, the Intracoastal waterway, and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, there are tons of boat tours in Myrtle Beach to choose from.
Barefoot Princess
If it’s the Intracoastal Waterway your family would like to explore, The Barefoot Princess is a top option. While individual cruises are available, most families choose the day cruise, evening dinner cruise or the stunning sunset cruise. This is a perfect option for families with smaller children who would like a nice leisurely cruise. During certain times of year they feature pirate themed cruises, holiday themed cruises and even the Blues & BBQ Cruise.
Fishing Charters and Dolphin Cruises
Some families will inevitably want to hit the high seas and explore what the Atlantic Ocean has to offer. If it’s the hunt you crave, a fishing charter is the perfect way to test your angling skills against Mahi, Marlin, Spanish Mackerel & More. For those looking for a more mellow ride, dolphin & ocean life sightseeing cruises are a great choice. Fishing Charters are typically reserved for older children and adults but the dolphin cruises are suitable for all ages. Most boat tour operators offer private cruises for those with large enough parties.
Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Tours
Just outside of Myrtle Beach, in Georgetown, Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Tours offer a couple unique touring experiences that are fantastic for families. One of the most popular is the Lighthouse and Shell Island Boat Tour. The barrier island is only accessible by boat and typically has plenty of beautiful sea shells to collect while on the tour. Other tours show off some of the area’s waterfront mansions as well as historical plantations. Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry boat tours are a perfect reason to spend an afternoon or evening in Georgetown, SC.
Brookgreen Gardens Boat Tours
Brookgreen Gardens is one of our top family friendly attractions in the Myrtle Beach area and they also have a boat cruise. While this cruise is shorter than the others listed here, it is definitely one of the most popular. From March 5 - Nov 27 these boat cruises are available and we highly recommend buying your tickets as soon as you arrive as it tends to sell out quickly. They do not sell tickets online or over the phone. On the boat tour you will be cruising through the rice plantations surrounding brookgreen. Guests will have a chance to see alligators, osprey and tons of other beautiful wildlife.
Jet Ski Tours
While not technically a “boat” tour, there are jet ski rentals available for both the ocean and the intracoastal waterway. For those seeking a bit more excitement than a simple cruise, jet skis rentals offer the speed and exhilaration you just won’t get from the family friendly boat cruises. Keep in mind that guests must be at least 16 years old to operate so this could be a vacation-maker for those with older teenagers. However, if the child is under 16 but over 42 inches tall they may be able to ride as a passenger.