You’ve got a group. Maybe it’s a family reunion, a bachelor or bachelorette party, a birthday, or just a crew of friends who want to do something better than mini golf. The question is: what do you actually do with 6, 10, or 18 people in Myrtle Beach?
Get on the water.
The Intracoastal Waterway is the best place in Myrtle Beach for groups. It’s calm, it’s beautiful, and there are options for every size and vibe, from a laid-back pontoon cruise to a high-energy jet ski tour. No experience needed. No boating license required in South Carolina.
Here’s how to pick the right activity for your group.
Private Tiki Boat Cruise (Up to 18 People)
Best for: Bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, birthdays, corporate outings, reunions, or any group that wants a party on the water.
The tiki boat is a floating tiki bar with a licensed captain, music, and room for up to 18 passengers. You bring the drinks and snacks (BYOB, no glass), and we handle everything else. Cooler and ice provided.
Your captain takes you on a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway while your group relaxes under the tiki roof with Lowcountry views on both sides. It’s the most popular group activity we offer, and it books out fast during the summer.
Why groups love it:
- Private booking, your group gets the entire boat
- BYOB with cooler and ice provided
- Licensed captain handles navigation
- No planning, no logistics, just show up and have fun
- Scenic waterway route with photo-worthy views
Pontoon Boat Rental (Up to 9 People)
Best for: Families, friend groups, couples who want a chill day exploring the waterway at their own pace.
Rent a pontoon boat and you’re the captain. Our boats seat up to 9 passengers and come with a Bimini shade top, Bluetooth stereo, and all fuel included. We’ll walk you through the controls and give you a map, and then you’re free to explore.
Head south to Sandy Island, the largest undeveloped freshwater island on the East Coast, and beach the boat right on the sand. Pack a cooler, swim off the bow, and spend the afternoon somewhere most Myrtle Beach visitors never see. Or cruise north to Barefoot Landing and dock at a waterfront restaurant for lunch.
Half-day and full-day rentals available.
Why groups love it:
- Go where you want, when you want
- Room for coolers, floats, towels, and all your gear
- Sandy Island stop for swimming and exploring
- Calm, flat water safe for kids and first-time boaters
- No boating license required
Tritoon Boat Rental (Up to 12 People)
Best for: Larger families, multi-family trips, groups that want extra space and stability on the water.
Our tritoon boats are the bigger, wider version of the pontoon. Three hulls instead of two means more deck space, more seating, and a smoother ride. Same features: Bimini top, Bluetooth, all fuel included.
If your group is 8 or more, the tritoon is the move. Everyone gets room to spread out, and the extra stability means kids can walk around the boat without anyone worrying.
Why groups love it:
- More space for bigger groups
- Extra stable, great for families with young kids
- Same self-guided freedom as the pontoon
- All fuel included, no surprise costs
Guided Jet Ski Tour (Groups of 2-10)
Best for: Friend groups, couples, and families with teens who want an adventure.
Our backcountry jet ski tour is a two-hour guided ride through the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll follow your guide through narrow channels past alligator dens, cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, and osprey nests tucked in the treetops. The tour includes a stop at Sandy Island to stretch your legs and hear the history.
Each jet ski seats 1-2 riders, and up to 5 jet skis can go out per tour. So a group of 10 can ride together with a guide leading the way. It’s high-energy, scenic, and completely unique to this area.
This is our most popular activity. It regularly books out days in advance, especially in summer.
Why groups love it:
- Guided, so no navigation stress
- Covers 50-60 miles of waterway in 2 hours
- Sandy Island stop with history and photos
- Small group feel with your own guide
- Brand-new Yamaha VX WaveRunners
Jet Ski Rentals (Any Group Size)
Best for: Groups who want to ride at their own pace without a guide.
Our hourly jet ski rentals give your group access to the Intracoastal Waterway on brand-new Yamaha WaveRunners. Each jet ski seats two riders. You’ll get a safety briefing and a map, and then you’re free to explore.
Groups can rent multiple jet skis and ride together. The ICW is wide and calm, so even first-time riders pick it up quickly.
Why groups love it:
- Ride at your own pace
- Multiple jet skis for the whole group
- Calm, flat water, ideal for beginners
- No license required
Wakeboarding and Tubing (Groups of 2-6)
Best for: Families with teens, athletic friend groups, anyone who wants a thrill.
The Intracoastal Waterway’s flat water makes it one of the best spots on the East Coast for wakeboarding and tubing. No ocean chop, no boat wakes to compete with. Just smooth water and a dedicated tow boat with all the gear.
Take turns wakeboarding, kneeboarding, or riding the tube while the rest of the group watches from the boat. It’s a great add-on if your group is spending the full day on the water.
Why groups love it:
- Flat water means better conditions than the ocean
- All equipment provided
- Great for mixed skill levels
- Fun to watch, even if you’re not riding
How to Plan a Group Day on the Water
Pick the right activity for your group size:
| Activity | Max Group Size | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Tiki Boat Cruise | 18 | Party, celebration, social |
| Tritoon Rental | 12 | Family day, exploring |
| Pontoon Rental | 9 | Chill day, Sandy Island trip |
| Guided Jet Ski Tour | 10 (5 jet skis) | Adventure, wildlife |
| Jet Ski Rentals | Any | Freedom, speed |
| Wakeboarding/Tubing | 6 | Active, sporty |
Combine activities for a full day. A lot of our groups book a morning jet ski tour and an afternoon pontoon rental, or a tiki cruise in the evening after a day of riding. We can help coordinate timing when you call.
Book early. Summer weekends fill up fast, especially for tiki cruises and jet ski tours. If you know your dates, don’t wait.
What to bring:
- Cooler with drinks and snacks (BYOB on tiki, bring food for pontoon day trips)
- Sunscreen and hats
- Towels
- Waterproof phone case
- Shoes you can get wet
Why the Intracoastal Waterway for Groups?
Three reasons:
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Calm water. No waves, no seasickness. Everyone in your group can enjoy the day, from grandma to the toddler. The ICW is protected from wind and ocean swells, so it’s flat and easy to navigate.
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Space. The waterway stretches for miles in both directions from our dock. Your group gets room to spread out on the water, not crammed onto a crowded tourist boat with 40 strangers.
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Variety. One location, six completely different experiences. Your group can split up and do different things, or do them all together throughout the day.
Over 1,000 Five-Star Reviews
We’ve been putting groups on the Intracoastal Waterway since 2012. More than 12 years, thousands of families, and over 1,000 five-star reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp. Our guests come back year after year because the experience delivers every time.
For more about what makes the Intracoastal Waterway special, check out our complete ICW guide.
Book Your Group Activity
Island Adventure Watersports is located on the Intracoastal Waterway at Dick Pond Road in Myrtle Beach. Call us to plan your group outing, or book online.