The Best Boat Rentals in North Myrtle Beach

Most self-operated pontoons and tritoons in North Myrtle Beach run about $350–$400 for a four-hour rental and roughly $600–$900 for a full day, with fuel and taxes usually additional. Private, captained sightseeing or sunset cruises commonly range from about $300–$700 for two to four hours depending on the boat size and season, while larger private boats and small yachts for celebrations can run $800–$2,000+ for half- or full-day charters. Your rate typically includes the boat, required safety gear, basic orientation, and often a cooler and Bluetooth speaker; captained trips usually include ice and floaties but may not include gratuity. Prices rise on peak weekends and holidays, so booking early keeps options open and budgets predictable.

The most popular choices here are comfortable pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxed cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway, plus deck boats and center consoles for small-group adventures. You’ll also find captained sailboat outings from nearby Little River, as well as private motor yachts for special occasions. Choose a roomy pontoon for mixed-age groups, a center console if you want to fish, or a captained yacht or sailboat when you’d rather sit back while someone else handles the navigation.

If convenience is the priority, a captained charter is the stress-free choice: your local captain manages docking, tides, bridges, no‑wake zones, and route planning so you can focus on your group. Self-operated rentals are great if someone in your party is comfortable at the helm and wants flexibility; just note that most rental companies keep unguided pontoons within the Intracoastal Waterway and do not allow ocean operation. For bigger groups, special events, or when tides and winds are up, a captained trip keeps the day smooth and on schedule.

Common pickup points include Harbourgate Marina along Sea Mountain Highway near the Captain Archie Neil “Poo” McLauchlin Swing Bridge and Barefoot Marina by Barefoot Landing on the Intracoastal Waterway. Many captained tours and rental check-ins also use Cherry Grove Park & Boat Ramp in the Cherry Grove marsh and Cricket Cove Marina in nearby Little River for quick access to the waterway and the Little River Inlet. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed after booking, and parking instructions are typically provided in your trip details.

You’ll cruise the scenic Intracoastal Waterway past marshes, osprey nests, and waterfront homes, with frequent bottlenose dolphin and pelican sightings. Highlights often include views of Barefoot Landing from the water, the historic swing bridges, and the Little River waterfront. On longer trips toward the jetties, you can take in Hog Inlet, the Cherry Grove marsh, and the undeveloped shoreline near Waties Island and, just over the state line, Bird Island.

For self-operated rentals, South Carolina requires anyone born after July 1, 2007 to complete an approved boater education course to operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more; many rental companies also set their own minimum operator ages. If you book a captained charter, no license is needed for your group, because a licensed captain operates the vessel. Always bring a government-issued photo ID, and check your listing for any company-specific requirements at checkout.

Yes—families are welcome. Every boat carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and you can request child and infant sizes in advance to ensure a proper fit. South Carolina requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket when riding on smaller boats under 16 feet, and many captains ask kids to keep vests on while underway regardless of boat length. Strollers and diaper bags are fine, and most pontoons have plenty of shaded seating for naps between swims.

Bringing your own snacks, picnic platters, and canned beverages is common, and many boats provide a cooler with ice—confirm in your listing what’s included. Glass is strongly discouraged on the water for safety, and if someone in your party will be at the helm on a self-operated rental, they must remain sober; captains and local marine officers enforce BUI rules just like on the road. If you prefer to keep it simple, ask your captain about easy dock-and-dine options along the waterway so your group can enjoy a meal without leaving the boat for long.

Pet policies vary by boat, but many private charters allow well-behaved, leashed dogs with advance notice and may add a small cleaning fee. Bring a non-slip mat, a collapsible water bowl, and consider a pet life jacket for comfort and safety during swim stops. If anyone in your group has allergies, choose a no‑pets listing and let your captain know ahead of time.

Summer on the Grand Strand can bring pop-up afternoon thunderstorms and breezy sea-breeze conditions; captains track radar closely and will adjust routes or timing for safety. If conditions are unsafe, most listings offer a weather-reschedule or refund per their policy, and you’ll decide together whether to delay, shorten, or rebook. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity in late summer and early fall; for holiday weekends, build in backup times to give your trip planner some wiggle room.

Absolutely—private boats make celebrations easy because your captain can tailor the route for swimming coves, sandbar time, or a sunset cruise past Barefoot Landing. You can bring decorations that don’t shed (no confetti), plug in a playlist, and keep the cooler stocked; many boats also have float mats for water lounging. For a crowd-pleasing finale in summer, consider timing a sunset charter to watch the fireworks over Barefoot Landing or the oceanfront shows on July Fourth, which are popular and require early booking.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with the warmest water and longest days from Memorial Day to Labor Day; mornings are typically calmer and less crowded than afternoons. Spring and fall (April–early May and mid‑September–October) are local favorites for lighter traffic, pleasant temps, and great wildlife viewing. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—are busy on the waterway and at the ramps, so plan an early departure or a weekday outing. Unique local events that affect boat traffic include the World Famous Blue Crab Festival in Little River in mid‑May and the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Yes—many itineraries cruise toward the Little River Inlet to enjoy sandy shallows and natural shorelines. Captained trips often plan a swim stop near the undeveloped stretches by Waties Island and, just over the state line, Bird Island, while self-operated pontoons generally remain in the Intracoastal Waterway per rental rules. Always follow your captain’s guidance or your rental’s navigational map, mind the tides and no‑wake zones, and treat these protected areas with care so they stay pristine for the next crew.