Get Out and Explore the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach

The Intracoastal Waterway is part of a 3,000-mile waterway along the Atlantic coast of the United States. (Fun fact: unlike Intercoastals that connect the coast, the Intracoastal Waterway lies inland and is contained within the coast.) So, even when you leave the beach, there are still miles of shoreline and waterways to explore in North Myrtle Beach.

Charter a boat and cast a line, cruise along on a personal watercraft (PWC), or simply sit back and enjoy a bite and a beverage along the banks. The waters of our Intracoastal Waterway are gorgeous to look at and fun to explore. There are as many ways to check them out as you can dream up!

Meet the “Locals” on the Intracoastal Waterway

Action Water Sportz gets you up close with some of nature’s most fun-loving creatures! They offer jet ski rentals, pontoon boat rentals, and even guided dolphin-watching tours – all right within the Intracoastal Waterway. Their guides know great spots to see dolphins and other animals that call NMB home. No need to worry much about alligators — our waterways are salt water.

Be the captain of your own adventure when you rent a pontoon boat from Myrtle Beach Water Sports. Spend the day exploring the sights of the Intracoastal and maybe even have a picnic on nearby Bird Island, a favorite spot of locals. Myrtle Beach Water Sports also offers Intracoastal Waterway boat tours with educational, guided dolphin tours on their 140-passenger Sea Screamer and Sea Thunder speed boats. Want to go all out on your adventure? Book a private cruise on a yacht through Luxury Charters.

Go Fishing

If you want to reel in the catch of the day, there are plenty of ways to troll the Intracoastal Waterway. Calabash Fishing Fleet boats are local legends, cruising the waterway, including the Cyclone, the Famous Navigator, and Miss Calabash vessels. Choose from a private charter fishing adventure or a public fishing excursion – all along the Intracoastal Waterway.

One of the area’s oldest fishing companies, Hurricane Fleet Fishing Center, knows the waters like the back of their hand. They have a dolphin cruise and offer lots of specialty fishing excursions.

Enjoy the Sights & Grab a Bite

After a day on the water, take time to relax and let the world float by at one of our many waterfront restaurants. Boardwalk Billy’s, located at Doc Holiday’s Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, is famous for its raw bar and ribs. Whether you arrive by land or pull up to their dock in your boat, order the Steam Pot with oysters, clams, shrimp, crab legs, red potatoes, corn, and sausage.

If you’re looking for sushi, seafood, or the perfectly cooked steak, Filet’s is the place to be. Located at Harbourgate Marina, this waterfront favorite is a go-to for any special occasion, even if the special occasion is just happy hour with friends or family.

Also along the Intracoastal Waterway, don’t miss a visit to Barefoot Landing. Accessible via free boat docking, grab a bite or listen to some live entertainment at this shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that’s home to over 55 shops and 14 restaurants.

Ready for Launch

If you’re bringing your own boat or jet skis, start your day on the water at one of the two public boat landings in the area. Johnny Causey Landing offers two launching lanes, a courtesy dock, 45 boat trailer parking spaces, and portable restroom facilities. Locals typically enjoy this landing with its proximity to waterfront dining like Captain Archie’s and the short and scenic trip along the Intracoastal to Bird Island.

Have fun exploring fishing and watersports and boating opportunities along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach!