| Island Adventure Watersports
Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the coastline. But just behind the beach, starting a few hundred yards south of our docks, is one of the most untouched freshwater ecosystems on the East Coast — the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.
Our guided jet ski tour is the only one of its kind. It runs exclusively through the refuge, following the Waccamaw River and Intracoastal Waterway through 23,000 acres of protected cypress swamps, tidal freshwater wetlands, and blackwater creeks. No other outfitter offers this experience.
What Is the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge?
Established in 1997, the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge spans portions of Georgetown, Horry, and Marion Counties along the Waccamaw River. It protects one of the most ecologically diverse freshwater wetland systems in North America.
The refuge sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, which means you can access it directly by boat or jet ski — and our dock is right at its northern boundary.
Here’s what makes it special:
- 23,000 acres of protected freshwater habitat (with a 55,000-acre acquisition boundary still expanding)
- Blackwater swamps — dark, tannin-stained water flowing through ancient cypress and tupelo forests
- Historic rice fields from South Carolina’s colonial era, some listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Over 200 bird species documented, including bald eagles, osprey, and wood storks
- Critical water supply — these wetlands filter the drinking water for the entire Grand Strand
What You’ll See on the Tour
Our two-hour guided jet ski tour takes you deep into the refuge — through channels and backwater areas you’d never find on your own. Here’s what guests regularly spot:
Birds everywhere. Great blue herons standing motionless in the shallows. Anhingas drying their wings on cypress branches. Osprey circling overhead with nests the size of truck tires. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a bald eagle or a swallow-tailed kite — one of the refuge’s signature species.
Alligators. They’re out there, and our guides know where to find them. Guests see gators basking on banks and logs throughout the tour — it’s one of the most talked-about parts of the experience.
Turtles. Yellow-bellied sliders and coastal plain cooters line every sunny log. You’ll lose count.
Cypress and Spanish moss. The landscape looks like something out of a movie — towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, with dark water reflecting it all back. It’s peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re out there.
What Our Guests Say
Don’t take our word for it — here’s what visitors have said about the tour:
“We saw alligators, turtles, shipwrecks, and an eagle. Everyone there was very friendly and helpful, especially tour guide Tim.”
“The backcountry tour was absolutely incredible. Our guide knew the waterways so well and took us to spots you’d never find on your own. A must-do in Myrtle Beach!”
“Most fun tour we have had on vacation. Did the backcountry 2-hour jet ski tour. Would highly recommend! Scenery was beautiful, guides were awesome and speed was fast.”
“Just incredible! This had to be one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had period! The speed, the breathtaking views and amazing tour guide made this experience even more memorable!”
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, our guided tour is consistently rated one of the top activities in the Myrtle Beach area.
Also Perfect for Boat Rentals
You don’t have to take a guided tour to explore the refuge. Our pontoon and tritoon boat rentals let you head south from the dock at your own pace and cruise right into the heart of the Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge.
Pack a cooler, bring the family, and spend a half or full day exploring:
- Quiet backwater channels away from boat traffic
- Wildlife viewing — same alligators, birds, and turtles the jet ski tours see
- Sandbars and shallow coves perfect for swimming and anchoring
- No boating license required in South Carolina
It’s a completely different experience from anything on the ocean side — flat calm water, no waves, no crowds, just nature.
Book a boat rental and explore the refuge yourself.
Why This Tour Is One of a Kind
There are plenty of jet ski rental shops in Myrtle Beach. Most of them put you on the water for 30 minutes or an hour and send you in circles. Our guided backcountry tour is different:
- 2 full hours on the water
- Guided by locals who know every channel, every gator spot, every hidden cove
- Exclusively inside the wildlife refuge — not a marina parking lot loop
- Small groups so you actually get to explore, not follow a parade
- Speed runs and nature stops — you get both the thrill and the scenery
We’ve been running this tour for over 12 years from our dock on Dick Pond Road. The refuge starts just south of us, and within minutes of leaving the dock, you’re in one of the most pristine freshwater ecosystems in the Southeast.
Plan Your Visit
The jet ski tour and boat rentals are available daily, weather permitting. Peak season (June through August) books up fast — especially weekends.
A few tips:
- Book early. The backcountry tour is our most popular activity and fills up days in advance during summer.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat. You’re on open water for two hours.
- Wear clothes you can get wet. You will get splashed — that’s part of the fun.
- Bring a waterproof phone case. You’ll want photos of the gators.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for orientation and safety briefing.
Book Your Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge Adventure
Ready to explore 23,000 acres of protected freshwater wilderness? Whether you want the guided jet ski experience or prefer to explore by pontoon boat at your own pace, it all starts from our dock.
Book the Guided Jet Ski Tour | Rent a Pontoon Boat | Call Us: (843) 650-7003
