With its many family-friendly attractions, its world-class golf courses and, of course, its miles of white-sand beaches, Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations along the East Coast. But the area’s allure isn’t limited to dry land. In addition to its Atlantic Ocean coastline and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Grand Strand is home to many small rivers and swamps that house a lot of wildlife, such as birds, alligators and fish that are unique to this portion of the East Coast and that aren’t always easy to find. To get in on all of this outdoorsy action during your next getaway at Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Reef Resort, check out one of the many eco tours provided by various small, local businesses. Here is a short list of some of our guests’ favorites:
Rover Boat Tours – One of the area’s best-known guided eco-tours happens on the one and only Carolina Rover, a very cool 40-foot shaded pontoon boat that has room for plenty of families! On this tour, you will be taken on a 3- to 4-hour cruise around some of the smooth inland waters of the Grand Strand, from which you can take in beautiful sights and some exquisite wildlife, such as dolphins, bald eagles and even sea turtles. Some of the other highlights of this tour, which departs from historic Georgetown, include a visit to South Carolina’s oldest lighthouse (which is now a renowned destination for bird-watching) and a visit to the site of a Civil War shipwreck. For more information, visit http://www.roverboattours.com
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Voyager Deep Sea Fishing and Dolphin Cruises – For all things relating to our friends living under the water, Voyager is a great choice. With much of its fleet consisting of huge fishing boats that go out throughout the day, Voyager also offers dolphin tours that take you for a cruise through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While you follow a shrimp-boat fleet, you are guaranteed to see many dolphins, fish and even sharks coming up to the surface of the water to feed. If the weather permits, your tour guide may even bring aboard some marine-life rarities — such as sea urchins, sand dollars and baby sharks — for up-close viewing! With many times and tour options offered, this is the perfect 2.5-hour tour for families and is one you will not want to miss! For more information, visit http://www.voyagerfishingcharters.com
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Black River Outdoors – Black River Outdoors offers one of the most serene tours that the Myrtle Beach area has to offer. Unlike the other two tours, on this one, you and your group will be guided through some of the Grand Strand’s inland waters in kayaks, making your adventure a lot quieter than on a motor boat, which could scare off some of the wildlife you’re hoping to see. Take a quick 2-hour trip to a local salt marsh or cypress swamp, or a longer 4-hour long journey through a cypress swamp to Sandy Island, all while getting up close to some of the great wildlife inhabiting the area. These tours tend to fill up fast, so make sure you log on to their website and reserve your spot soon! For more information, visit http://www.blackriveroutdoors.com
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After you’ve spent some time on the beach right outside your room at Ocean Reef Resort, mix things up with a relaxing tour of some of the Grand Strand’s wetlands. And as always, if you need more information about these or other great tours in the area, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff at Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Reef Resort for recommendations!
