Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are know for sun, sand, surfing, fishing, and fun on the ocean.
But no visit to the are is complete without a kayaking adventure!
The Myrtle Beach area, with its rivers, creeks, backwaters, and waterways is the perfect place to explore from a kayak. From this small, lightweight, and versatile boat, one can traverse the Waccamaw River, the Intracoastal Waterway that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
One thing you might notice while kayaking on the Waccamaw River is the distinct color of the water – about the color of tea. But the water isn’t dirty – in fact, it’s clean enough to drink and supplies tap water to the Grand Strand. The river’s color comes from the tannins leaching out of the cypress trees and other trees decomposing along the riverbank.
The Waccamaw is one of the most beautiful backwaters in South Carolina . It is 140 miles long, part of the Winyah Bay watershed, and it flows through cypress swamps, tidal marsh, and historic rice fields. No visit to Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach is complete without taking time to explore this unique region – and the best way by far to tour the river is kayaking!
Even if you are new to kayaking, you can enjoy a friendly and stress-free guided kayak tour of the river. Of course, more challenging adventures are available for those more accustomed to kayaks. We offer something for everyone.
One of the best parts of kayaking the backwaters around Myrtle Beach, SC, is the chance to experience the abundant wildlife up close.
Alligators are a rare sight on the upper part of the river, but they are seen now and then during kayak tours. If you have the unique experience of encountering an alligator from your kayak, don’t worry – like most local animals, they prefer to keep to themselves and will not bother you as you continue on your kayak trip.
You will experience a wide range of avian life from your kayak, including osprey, heron, egrets, ducks, geese, pelicans, and swallowtail kites. You might even see a hawk or bald eagle! During a nighttime kayak tour, you will hear the presence of owls in the trees surrounding the water.
Mammals are more elusive, but along the banks of the river, you could see rabbits, deer, raccoons, or red and gray foxes.
If you’re ready for adventure out on the water, you don’t even have to have a kayak to get started. Even if you have never been in a kayak before, you will enjoy your first paddle on one of the many kayak tours you can choose from. Kayak rentals in Myrtle Beach are a perfect way to try out the activity while you and your friends and family bond over a truly unique experience. River Island Adventures is one of the best local outlets for kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and many other activities that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Our extensive menu of kayak rentals, kayak tours, and one-of-a-kind experiences will be among the main highlights of your trip to Myrtle Beach.
River Island Adventures offers a variety of great guided kayak tours as well as independent experiences from their beautiful location in Little River. Kayaks and tubes are available, and tours and events are offered for kayakers of all ability levels. Kayak tours are a way to get wet, have fun, and encounter wildlife – family, couple, and solo kayaker friendly!
Some of the guided kayak tours offered by River Island Adventures include:
Reservations are encouraged, and rustic campsites, glamping, games, and more are also available along the Waccamaw River and on a 48-acre private island. We highly suggest you book kayak rentals and tours early in the summer to avoid disappointment, especially if you are visiting Myrtle Beach, SC. Popular kayaking events sell out quickly, and you may be unable to rent a kayak if you wait until the last minute. See our website to book or find an offer.
Explore these and other experiences and events on the River Island Adventures site, or call or email them for further information about one of the most unique recreational opportunities in the Myrtle Beach area.
East Coast Jet Ski Adventures and River Island Adventures are neighbors on one of the most gorgeous stretches of riverbank in the Grand Strand area. We are easy to reach from downtown Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Cherry Grove, and all surrounding communities.