The Best Boat Rentals in Myrtle Beach

For self-operated pontoons and tritoons on the Intracoastal Waterway, expect about $350–$600 for a half day and roughly $600–$900 for a full day, with holidays pricing higher. Captained private charters usually start near $150–$300 per hour for smaller boats, while private wildlife or dolphin charters for 1.5–2 hours often run about $800–$1,400 depending on capacity and vessel. Rates usually include required safety gear and a quick orientation; some rentals include fuel while others charge fuel separately. Taxes, gratuity for captains and crew, and optional add‑ons like coolers or catering are typically extra. Booking early for summer weekends secures the best time slots and clearer pricing.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons and tritoons for sandbar hopping and scenic cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway, plus center consoles and deck boats for sightseeing or inshore fishing. Captained options range from small private boats for families to larger inspected passenger vessels for bigger groups, along with riverboat-style sightseeing cruises on the Waterway. Offshore fishing charters depart for half-, three‑quarter‑, and full‑day trips when conditions allow. Sailboat charters are more limited here than in Charleston, but you can still find sailing outings from nearby harbors with advance notice.

If you want a hands‑off day with local know‑how, a captained charter is the most relaxed choice; your skipper handles navigation, tides, and docking while you focus on the fun. Captained trips are ideal for special occasions, ocean or inlet routes, and larger groups, and many private boats cap groups at six guests unless booked on an inspected passenger vessel that’s allowed to carry more. Confident boaters who plan to stay on the Intracoastal Waterway often like self-operated pontoons or tritoons; you’ll receive a safety briefing and route tips before you go. If your group includes kids, first‑timers, or you’re planning an ocean leg, book a captain for peace of mind.

Popular launch points on the Intracoastal Waterway include Grande Dunes Marina in central Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Marina at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Many trips also leave from Harbourgate Marina near the Little River swing bridge and the Myrtle Beach Yacht Club at Coquina Harbor in Little River for easy access to Little River Inlet. To the south, Murrells Inlet departures commonly use Crazy Sister Marina and Marlin Quay Marina, while Wacca Wache Marina on the Waccamaw River is a favorite for river and plantation‑scenery cruises. Your confirmation will list exact meeting details and parking.

Intracoastal Waterway cruises showcase marshes, live oaks, and waterfront homes, with frequent sightings of dolphins, ospreys, pelicans, and herons. Heading north, boats pass Barefoot Landing and can continue toward Little River Inlet, with nearby undeveloped barrier islands like Waites Island and North Carolina’s Bird Island Reserve offering a wild, pristine backdrop. South of town, Murrells Inlet tours glide past the MarshWalk and jetties, and river routes on the Waccamaw reveal cypress-lined banks and plantation history near Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens. Sunset and fireworks cruises in season add an extra layer of scenery over the Waterway.

South Carolina requires anyone born after July 1, 2007 to complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more. If you’re renting, an SCDNR‑approved rental safety course is typically available and valid for a short period, which many visitors use in place of a full education card. Out‑of‑state boating safety cards are generally recognized, and adults born on or before July 1, 2007 do not need a license to operate a rental. If you book a captained charter, you won’t need to operate the boat at all. Bring a photo ID that matches the name on your booking.

Yes. Most boats welcome children and provide properly sized U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets; let your captain or owner know ages and approximate weights so they can stage the right sizes. By law, each passenger must have a wearable life jacket onboard, and children under 12 must wear a life jacket on smaller vessels under certain conditions, so crews will advise when jackets must be on. Some ocean‑going wildlife trips set minimum ages (often age 3) due to sea conditions. Strollers and hard coolers may be restricted on smaller tour boats, so pack light and use soft bags.

Many private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic fare, and beverages in soft coolers, and some boats can arrange catering with advance notice. Glass is commonly prohibited, and liquor may be limited for safety; beer, wine, seltzers, water, and non‑alcoholic drinks are widely acceptable. Certain sightseeing vessels operate with an onboard bar and therefore don’t allow outside drinks, while others welcome BYO only if it’s not in glass. Check the listing’s “what’s included” and “what to bring,” and always confirm cooler size and any restrictions before your trip.

Well‑behaved dogs are permitted on many private rentals and some Waterway cruises, though policies vary by boat and destination. If pets are welcome, bring a leash, water bowl, and waste bags, and avoid glass containers. Some operators, especially ticketed tour boats, allow only service animals. If you plan to beach at an island, also review local pet rules for the shoreline you’ll visit.

Summer brings hot, sunny mornings with a higher chance of pop‑up thunderstorms and sea breezes in the afternoon, so many captains recommend earlier departures for calmer water. Peak tropical season runs from June through November on the Atlantic coast; professional operators actively monitor conditions and won’t run in unsafe weather. If the captain cancels for weather, you’ll typically be offered a free reschedule or refund according to the listing’s policy, while standard cancellations by guests follow a set window that tightens on holidays and Saturdays. Keep your phone handy on departure day in case a weather text or time shift is needed.

Absolutely. Captained cruises are popular for celebrations because you can relax while the crew manages the route, music, and timing, and many boats offer easy photo backdrops at Barefoot Landing, along the MarshWalk, or near the inlets at sunset. Most private boats cap groups at six guests unless you book an inspected passenger vessel designed for larger parties, and riverboat cruises are a budget‑friendly way to keep big groups together. Share your headcount early, note any must‑do moments, and ask about ice, décor rules, dock‑and‑dine stops, and pickup timing to keep the day seamless.

Prime boating season runs from late spring through early fall, with May through September the busiest months. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends book up quickly, and Independence Day brings the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade and evening fireworks along the coast. Spring events like the Blessing of the Inlet in Murrells Inlet and the Little River Blue Crab Festival in mid‑May draw crowds on the Intracoastal Waterway, and June’s Carolina Country Music Fest adds demand in central Myrtle Beach. For smoother water and lighter traffic, choose weekdays over weekends and morning departures over afternoons during summer.

Two favorites are the Little River Inlet run, where boats often spot dolphins near shrimp boats before cruising by undeveloped Waites Island and North Carolina’s Bird Island Reserve, and the Waccamaw River, a shaded, cypress‑lined escape with historic rice canal scenery. South of town, Murrells Inlet eco‑cruises thread the marsh past the MarshWalk and out the jetties on calm days, with frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and coastal birds. For a cultural detour, captained river trips can explore the Waccamaw toward Sandy Island, a unique Gullah community and protected habitat only accessible by boat. Ask your captain which route best matches the day’s tides, wind, and your group’s vibe.