Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has long been a destination for tourists longing to lounge on the beach or take in a few days of coastal golfing. Did you know that this popular beach destination is also a prime spot for kayaking? If not, you really need to check it out!

Myrtle Beach has a great mix of rivers, marshes, and coastal inlets that are perfect for beginner kayakers, as well as those who like a little more adventure on brisk waters. Best of all is the fact that most of the great places you can kayak are within an hour’s drive from the resorts and hotels, and a few are just right down the road.

If you’re trying to find some of the best places to hit the water on your kayak when you visit Myrtle Beach, here are 6 of the most popular places in the area:

1. Intracoastal Waterway

Starting points within Myrtle Beach

The Intracoastal Waterway is a long inland channel that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, cutting through the entirety of the Myrtle Beach area. Although still saltwater, the waterway is a much safer and relaxed place to try kayaking than out in the open sea.

On the Intracoastal, you can rent your own kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and take them for a spin or join in on one of the many guided kayak tours. These tours will take you through the salt marsh on the look out for birds, dolphins, and if you’re lucky, sea turtles. Just know that since this area is so close to the city center, it’s popular for a variety of watersports so tends to be more crowded than some of the most off-the-beaten-path places on this list.

If this is your first time kayaking and you aren’t sure you want to travel further from your hotel in Myrtle Beach, this is a good starting point, although not necessarily the best kayaking adventure the Grand Strand has to offer.

2. Waccamaw River

Driving time from Myrtle Beach: 25 minutes

When it comes to beautiful places to spend a day kayaking, Waccamaw River truly shines. This scenic river is just 25 minutes inland from Myrtle beach.

When you kayak on the Waccamaw, you’ll not only notice how winding the river is, but how dark the waters are thanks to the chemicals found in decaying leaves that fall into the water from the river banks. This river offers an escape from reality that will leave you feeling as if you’ve traveled back in time when the wilderness was untouched, and life was simple and free.

The Waccamaw River is ideal for kayakers who want to spend time with family or friends while enjoying calm, slow moving waters. You can also soak in the incredible scenic views that are complete with turtles sunbathing on logs, herons flying along the river banks, and beautiful landscapes. You might even catch a glimpse of an alligator lounging on the riverbank during your trip. When you kayak on the Waccamaw River, you’ll quickly see that it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the touristy beaches or city.

There are several kayak rental shops as well as places to sign up for guided tours. The tours are great ways to learn about the local ecosystem while spending the day on the water. You can also bring your own kayak or rent one nearby and spend the day enjoying a leisurely journey down this beautiful river.

3. Murrells Inlet

Driving time from Myrtle Beach: 25 minutes

Murrells Inlet is just south of Myrtle Beach. It’s a quaint little fishing village that also happens to be one of the more popular places on the Grand Strand to kayak in the area.

If you’re new to the area, or just visiting, the Grand Strand is more than 60 miles of beautiful beachfront that extends all the way from Winyah Bay to Little River on the South Carolina coast. Murrells Inlet is a great place to spend hours exploring the scenic saltwater marshes and creeks while enjoying the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Kayaking in Murrells Inlet is a must-do for anyone that wants to check out the local beauty. As you glide through the marsh, you have the chance to see dolphins swimming alongside your kayak, or even watch pelicans diving for fish. You’ll have an amazing time on these beautiful waters. The area is also home to a variety of other marine life, including crabs, fish, and occasionally sea turtles. The calm, protected waters of Murrells Inlet make it an excellent spot for kayakers of all skill levels, including beginners and families with children.

After a peaceful day on the water, you can head to one of the waterfront seafood restaurants for fresh, locally caught seafood. Murrells Inlet is known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” so it’s the perfect place to have a delicious meal after a long, peaceful day of paddling.

4. Waties Island

Driving time from Myrtle Beach: 30 minutes

If you’re looking for an off the beaten path adventure, Waties Island is the place for you. Situated just half an hour north of Myrtle Beach, this undeveloped barrier island is ideal for kayaking in a secluded, private environment. Waties Island is only accessible by boat, which definitely helps keep the area peaceful for those who want to enjoy the solitude, or a quick escape from the busy city.

Once you kayak to the island, you’ll need to paddle through some calm marshes and small creeks to reach the beaches. I recommend going to this island with a Myrtle Beach kayak tour since the area can be tricky to navigate if it’s your first time here.

The beaches are an incredible site to see. They’re amazingly beautiful and have rolling sand dunes, and large marsh areas. On the island you’ll have the opportunity to watch wildlife including shorebirds, deer, and possibly even see a wild horse or two. This is the perfect spot for nature lovers and those who want an isolated kayaking experience.

Paddling out to Waties Island will let you take part in exploring one of South Carolina’s untouched coastal locations. You’ll find this kayaking excursion to be peaceful and relaxing. Nothing beats a long day beachcombing, picnicking, or just soaking up the sunshine in this natural oasis.

5. Great & Little Pee Dee Rivers

Driving time from Myrtle Beach: 45 minutes

Kayakers who want a little adventure tend to flock to Great and Little Pee Dee Rivers. Located about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach, this trip will take you out through some of South Carolina’s most beautiful wilderness landscapes.

The Great Pee Dee River is known for its deep waters and fast currents. This is a dream spot for kayakers who enjoy a thrilling ride down the river.

The Little Pee Dee River which runs adjacent to The Great Pee Dee River, is ideal for those who want to have a peaceful paddle on water that is a bit slower. These rivers are home to several species of fish and attract anglers from around the state who like to fish from their kayaks.

No matter which of the two rivers you choose to kayak on, the natural beauty and excitement of the Pee Dee region is sure to leave memories that last a lifetime.

6. Lynches River

Driving time from Myrtle Beach: 1 hour

Lynches River, which is an hour drive time from Myrtle Beach, is another fantastic place for kayakers who want to check out South Carolina’s diverse ecosystems. The river flows right through Lynches River State Park where you’ll have easy access to the water. There are also many fun things to do in the park.

The park offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and swimming areas. It’s a great place for families to spend a weekend sitting around a campfire and making memories.

For kayakers, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy birdwatching for woodpeckers, warblers, and owls. Whether you’re planning a family getaway and want to spend time kayaking, or you just want a peaceful kayak trip to enjoy the waters, Lynches River is a great place to explore.

Best Places to Stay in Myrtle Beach

Now that you have your activity planned out, it’s important you find a great place to stay to make your trip here even better. From within and near Myrtle Beach, you’ll have plenty of hotels, condos, and oceanfront resorts to choose from.

To make your decision easier, these are a few of our top recommendations:

• Beach Cove: A tranquil oceanfront resort in North Myrtle Beach
• Captain’s Quarters: One of the best kid-friendly resorts in the area
• The Caravelle: Located in the famed “Golden Mile” of Myrtle Beach
• Crown Reef: Not only a great hotel but a sprawling waterpark, too
• hotel BLUE: Great for adults that prefer an oceanfront pool with swim-up bar
• Ocean Creek: Located in a quiet stretch near Barefoot Landing

Why Kayaking in Myrtle Beach is a Must-Do Experience

Myrtle Beach may be a popular tourist attraction because of its many miles of sandy shores and exciting boardwalk attractions, but the surrounding waterways offer some of the best kayaking in the Southeastern U.S.

Whether you want an exciting adventure, or you prefer a peaceful, tranquil journey down the river, you’ll find what you want. Best of all, you have so many places to explore and all within an hour of Myrtle Beach.

Next time you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, be sure that you bring along your kayak, or plan to rent one while you’re in the area. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to visit these top five kayaking spots. Kayaking in Myrtle beach is an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss.