The ocean isn’t the only way to get on the water in Myrtle Beach.
Behind the dunes, calm tidal creeks, salt marshes, and the Waccamaw River offer a different side of the Grand Strand.
Kayaking reveals quieter, slower wildlife you won’t see from the sand.
Cherry Grove Marsh, North Myrtle Beach
One of the most popular put-ins on the Strand. The Cherry Grove Park and Boat Ramp offers a two-lane boat launch, plenty of parking, a fishing pier, and even a bird-watching pavilion, making it an easy, well-equipped starting point whether you bring your own gear or rent locally.
The Waccamaw River
A slower, scenic option winding through cypress trees and quiet backwaters. The river has 16 public launch points along its length, including the Chris Anderson Landing at Highway 9, which marks the official start of the paddling trail, and Cox Ferry Lake at the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Paddling through the tidal creeks and estuaries around Murrells Inlet puts you in prime spotting territory for herons, egrets, and other marsh wildlife. Outfitters along the MarshWalk offer both rentals and guided tours, including popular sunrise paddles.
Huntington Beach State Park
The park itself doesn’t rent gear on-site, but its marsh-side causeway is one of the most scenic paddling backdrops on the coast. Several outfitters in nearby Murrells Inlet and Myrtle Beach deliver boards and kayaks directly to the park or run guided tours there.
Where to Rent Gear
If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, several local outfitters cover the Strand:
- J&L Kayaking – North Myrtle Beach, offering rentals plus guided tours to Waites Island and the Waccamaw River
- Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions – North Myrtle Beach, operating since 2008 with tours to Cherry Grove Marsh and the Waccamaw River
- Kokopelli Surf Camp – based at Cherry Grove Boat Landing, offering kayak, paddleboard, and surf rentals and lessons
- Express Watersports – Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, offering rentals plus guided tours through the tidal marsh
Most rentals include a paddle, life jacket, and dry bag, with half-day rates typically starting around $20 to $45 depending on the outfitter and trip length.
A Few Tips Before You Launch
- Early morning paddles are usually the calmest, with the best odds of spotting wildlife
- Check the tide schedule — marsh creeks can run shallow at low tide
- Life jackets are required for anyone renting through a local outfitter, and a smart idea regardless
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for your phone, since there’s little shade out on the water
Plan Your Stay Close to the Water
A rental near Cherry Grove or the MarshWalk cuts down on travel time before you even get on the water. If you’re mapping out everything else to pack, our Ultimate Myrtle Beach Packing List is a good place to start.
Ready to book a home base near the marsh or the river? Browse Myrtle Stays vacation rentals and find a property close to the water.
