The Atlantic Ocean off Myrtle Beach is warm, busy, and built for adventure — and most visitors don’t realize just how many ways there are to get out on it. From parasailing hundreds of feet above the shoreline to spotting dolphins in the Intracoastal Waterway, the water sports scene here runs the full spectrum.
Whether you’re planning a thrilling adventure or a laid-back day on the water, Landmark Resort puts you right in the middle of it all. Book your stay and get ready to make a splash.
1. Soar Above the Waves with Parasailing
Few experiences match the rush of parasailing above the Grand Strand, where you’ll catch sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline from hundreds of feet in the air. It’s one of the most popular water sports in Myrtle Beach. The combination of thrill and scenery is hard to beat.
Most parasailing companies along the beach, like Downwind Sails Watersports, offer single, tandem, and triple rides so the whole family can take part. Riders are harnessed and lifted from a boat, so there’s no swimming or jumping required, making it a great option for guests of all ages.
Expect rides to last around 8 to 12 minutes in the air, with total trip times closer to an hour when you factor in boat travel and wait time. Bookings fill up fast during peak season, so it’s worth reserving your spot a day or two in advance.
2. Hit the Open Water on a Jet Ski
Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos
A jet ski ride is one of the quickest ways to feel the full energy of the Myrtle Beach area ocean. Whether you’re weaving through open water at full speed or cruising at a comfortable pace, jet ski rentals are widely available up and down the Grand Strand.
Most watersports outfitters rent by the hour and offer both single and double-seated jet skis, so you can ride solo or bring a passenger along for the fun. Some operators set up in designated riding areas with enough space to open it up without worrying about crowded shorelines.
Riders typically need to be at least 16 years old to operate a jet ski, though age requirements can vary by company. Always check with your rental provider about licensing, safety briefings, and any restrictions before you hit the water.
3. Hop Aboard a Banana Boat Ride
Banana boat rides are one of the most fun and family-friendly activities you’ll find along the Myrtle Beach waterfront. You and your crew climb aboard an inflatable banana-shaped float, get pulled behind a boat, and hold on tight as the ride gets progressively wilder.
These rides are a staple offering at most Myrtle Beach watersports companies and are a perfect choice for groups who want to share a laugh. Most banana boat rides accommodate between four and eight riders at a time, making them ideal for families and friend groups looking to share the experience.
No special skills or experience are needed, just a willingness to get wet and have a good time. Rides typically last 15 to 20 minutes and are suitable for children as long as they meet the operator’s minimum age and weight requirements.
4. Spot Dolphins on a Guided Tour
Dolphins are a beloved fixture along the South Carolina coast, and dolphin tours give you a front-row seat to watch them in their natural habitat. These guided tours operate out of several marinas across the Grand Strand, with popular departures from Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach, and Little River.
Most tours head out into the Intracoastal Waterway or nearby coastal waters where bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted feeding and playing near the boat. Sightings are nearly guaranteed on every trip. Local captains know the waters well and do everything they can to put you in the right spot.
Some tours are educational, with guides sharing information about local marine life, including sea turtles and migratory birds. Dolphin tours typically last 90 minutes to two hours, and many companies offer morning and sunset departures.
Express Watersports is one of the well-known operators in the area, offering tours from multiple locations, including Murrells Inlet.
5. Explore the Waterways by Kayak or Paddleboard
Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a slower, more immersive way to explore the waterways around Myrtle Beach. These activities are perfect for you if you want to connect with the natural environment without the roar of an engine beneath you.
Paddlers can explore calm stretches of the Intracoastal Waterway, coastal creeks near North Myrtle Beach, or the scenic Waccamaw River, which winds through marshland and old-growth cypress forest. Rentals are available from several outfitters in the area, and no prior experience is required to enjoy a relaxed paddle.
Guided tours are also available with Kokopelli Surf Camp if you want a more structured outing with local knowledge built in. A guided kayak tour through the salt marshes is a particularly popular option for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.
For paddleboarding, most rental companies provide a brief orientation to help beginners get comfortable on the board before heading out. Calm mornings tend to offer the best conditions, with flatter water and lighter winds than in the afternoons.
If you’re planning a full day up the coast, check out our guide to spending a day in North Myrtle Beach, which fits naturally at the end of either section.
6. Catch Your First Wave with Surfing Lessons
Myrtle Beach may not be known as a classic surf destination, but the waves here are consistent enough to make it a great place to learn. Several surf schools and rental shops along the beach offer lessons for beginners, covering paddling technique, ocean awareness, and how to pop up on the board.
Surfing lessons in the area are typically offered in small groups, and most instructors work with guests of all ages, including younger children, like Jack’s Surf Lessons and Board Rentals. If you’ve already got some experience, you can rent a board and paddle out on your own at designated surf zones along the beach.
The best surf in the region tends to come from late-summer swells and offshore storm systems, which can produce head-high waves under the right conditions. Even on calmer days, the knee-to-waist-high shore break is ideal for beginners working on their fundamentals.
7. Set Sail on a Boat Tour or Sunset Cruise
Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos
Sailing is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few hours on the water, and the South Carolina coast provides a beautiful backdrop for it. Several companies in the Myrtle Beach area offer sailing charters for private groups, sunset cruises, and half-day excursions along the coastline.
Pontoon boats are another popular option for families and larger groups who want a comfortable, easy-going day on the water. Many outfitters near Murrells Inlet offer pontoon rentals by the hour or half-day, with routes that cover the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding marsh waterways.
These tours are a great way to slow down and take in the scenery while still getting out on the water. Some pontoon boat operators will also combine sightseeing with fishing, giving guests a taste of both activities in a single outing. Whether cruising on the water or exploring the MarshWalk, Murrells Inlet makes an excellent day trip from Myrtle Beach.
8. Cast a Line and Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the most beloved activities along the Grand Strand, drawing anglers from across the country to its diverse river, inlet, and offshore waters. Whether you prefer casting from the surf, heading out on a charter boat, or dropping a line from a pier or along the Intracoastal Waterway, there’s no shortage of options in the Myrtle Beach area.
Offshore and nearshore fishing charters depart regularly from Murrells Inlet, Little River, and North Myrtle Beach, targeting species like king mackerel, flounder, red drum, and cobia, depending on the season. Most charter companies provide all the gear you need, so you can show up ready to fish without hauling your own equipment along.
Inshore fishing trips offer a quieter alternative, with guides leading clients through the marshes and tidal creeks where redfish and speckled trout are common. It’s a great option for families with younger kids who want a more relaxed and guided experience on the water.
Make Landmark Resort Your Home Base for Myrtle Beach Watersports
With so many incredible ways to enjoy the ocean and waterways, there’s no better place to be than right in the heart of the action. Landmark Resort is ideally located on the Myrtle Beach shoreline, putting you steps away from the adventure your vacation deserves. Plan your stay today and dive into everything the Grand Strand has to offer.
Looking for even more ways to fill your days? Check out our guide to the best things to do in South Myrtle Beach.