Dolphin cruise, rental or jet ski?
A dolphin cruise is the easy pick for families. Big boats run 90 minutes to 2 hours from Little River and North Myrtle Beach, and some head out the inlet onto the ocean.
A pontoon rental suits groups who want their own boat for a half or full day on the Intracoastal Waterway. Most rental companies need a driver who is 21 or 25.
A jet ski is the fast option. Rent one by the half hour or hour, or join a guided jet ski tour that looks for dolphins.
Where boats leave from
- Little River: the waterfront at the north end of the Grand Strand. Most dolphin cruises and several jet ski and sailing companies leave from here.
- North Myrtle Beach: Barefoot Landing, Cherry Grove and the marinas on Little River Neck Road. Pontoon rentals, the Barefoot Queen riverboat and kayak tours to Waites Island.
- Myrtle Beach and Socastee: the Intracoastal Waterway west of town, with pontoon and jet ski rentals and the pirate ship cruise.
- Murrells Inlet: the MarshWalk, about 15 miles south. Tiki boats, pedal boats, happy hour cruises and salt marsh tours.
- Georgetown and the Waccamaw River: quieter river and lighthouse trips about 35 miles south.
Before you book
- Summer weekends and July 4th week book up first. Book a few days ahead from June through August.
- Dolphins live in the Intracoastal Waterway and the inlets all year, but no operator can promise a sighting.
- Prices change by date and season. The Book button shows the real price for your dates.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Check each booking page for its weather and cancellation policy.