From water parks to dolphin watching, parasailing to surfing, Myrtle Beach is full of family fun. This sunny South Carolina vacation destination is known for a large variety of outdoor activities and water sports. Whether you’re seeking a major adrenaline rush or a little R&R, there are countless ways to enjoy the gorgeous 60-mile shoreline.
Here are 15 of our favorite Myrtle Beach water activities to fit into your itinerary. Let’s dive in!
Thrill-seeking adventures
1. Zip along the ocean
The excitement of jet skiing + the breathtaking beauty of the ocean = a perfect combo. Myrtle Beach Watersports offers a variety of jet ski tours—and dolphin tours, too. Another cool way for families to experience the sea is on a Seakart (yep, picture a go-kart on the water). It combines the speed of a jet ski with the comfort and safety of a boat. Go on an hour-long adventure through Murrells Inlet with Seakart Adventure.
2. Head to new heights
Soar above the Grand Strand coastline (up to 500 feet in the air!) on a parasailing excursion with Express Watersports. Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life as you take in a birds-eye view of the beach. Flights are ten to 12 minutes, the longest flight in the area. Better yet, you can share the memories with your friends and family by flying double or triple.
3. Do some deep-sea fishing
All aboard! Head out for a full or half-day offshore fishing adventure with the fam. Expert guides take your crew to the best spots and provide plenty of hands-on learning opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels. A few local favorites include Voyager Deep Sea Fishing, Captain Smiley Fishing Charters, and Salty Hooker Fishing Charters. Feeling super adventurous? Try a night shark fishing trip.
4. Ready, get set, shred!
From knee boarding to wake boarding, everyone will have a blast riding the waves at Shark Wake Park. This state-of-the-art wake park has something for riders of all skill levels. For anyone who really wants to hone their craft, sign up for a one-hour private lesson to master the basics or try some new tricks.
5. Hit the waves
Another great way to have fun in the sun is on a surfboard. Many companies in Myrtle Beach offer private and group lessons, as well as camps for kids—our favorites are Jack’s Surf Lesssons and Kokopelli Surf Camp. First-timers will love learning the ins and outs of surfing and developing confidence in the ocean.
Kid-friendly fun
6. Splish, splash, slide
Kids love to cool off on a hot day at a waterpark. Visit Myrtle Waves Water Park (South Carolina’s largest waterpark!) for the lazy river, wave pool, tubing, play areas, and super-fun slides of all sizes. Rent a cabana for the day for a shady snack break.
7. Get wowed at Ripley’s Aquarium
See the sea in a new, awe-inspiring way at Ripley’s Aquarium. Hand feed stingrays, watch penguins frolic, and meet sloths Cleo and Rico, the aquarium’s newest residents. The Dangerous Reef 750,000-gallon exhibit is packed with sharks, sawfish, a sea turtle, and over 14,000 fish–sure to delight both kiddos and their parents.
8. Try an “island” adventure
Massive floating, inflatable playground? Yes, please! Head to Obstacle Island at Shark Wake Park to climb hurdles, bounce around, and test your balance skills as you wobble over the water. Don’t worry, if (or shall we say when!) you fall into the water, it’s easy to get right back on the course and try again. Participants must be seven years old, 45” tall, and able to swim to partake!
9. Drop a line
Picture perfect view. Check. Ocean breezes. Check. Great catches. Check. Pier Fishing is a tried and true activity for families that prefer to stay on land. Better yet, Myrtle Beach’s five piers are close to many restaurants, live entertainment venues, arcades, and more. Catches are seasonal—but be on the lookout for Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Flounder.
10. Tour in tandem
Explore the inlet and saltwater marsh channels on a single or double sit-in kayak with Crazy Sister Fishing and Cruises. Paddle through pristine ecosystems–spotting diverse wildlife and sea creatures along the journey. Glide into secluded spots on gentle waves, taking in a unique perspective of Myrtle Beach.
Relaxed & scenic watersports
11. Spot dolphins
Is there anything more adorable than watching dolphins play in the ocean? (Okay, besides your kids?) Myrtle Beach offers plenty of ways to set sail on a scenic, relaxing dolphin tour with knowledgeable guides. At Blue Wave Adventures, choose from four unique dolphin watch cruises, including both private and group experiences. Families love the special experience of seeing these majestic mammals splash and dive up close.
12. See the sights on a paddleboard
Whether you’re a pro paddle boarder or a newbie, there are many stretches of Myrtle Beach coastline that are perfect for a paddleboard excursion. North Myrtle Beach is known for calmer waters, making it a good spot to get your sea legs. But be sure to check out the two state parks, Murrells Inlet, Cherry Grove, and the Waccamaw River.
13. Explore the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Head to the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet and stroll along the marsh walk, a half-mile wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary. Delicious waterfront restaurants line the path, so grab a bite while enjoying the salt air breeze and golden sunsets.
14. Soak up the sun in a state park
Visitors love taking a break from the hustle and bustle at Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park. Whether camping, hiking, birding, swimming, or doing water sports, there’s something for everyone. Beautiful trails and quiet shores are a memorable respite. Plus, there are plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas to enjoy.
15. Wind down the day
There’s nothing like a South Carolina sunset. Decompress from a busy day on a relaxing sunset cruise through the serene saltwater marsh estuary of Murrells Inlet. Don’t forget to snap gorgeous photos of the picturesque houses, waterways, and lush vegetation. It’s pure magic!
These Myrtle Beach water activities are a sure-fire way to get your kids to try something new and exciting in the water this summer (I think we’re all ready to give playing “Marco Polo” at the hotel pool a break).
Looking for more things to do in Myrtle Beach? Check out this resource for more recommendations, plus a roundup of the best lodging, restaurants, and sights.