Marinas in North Myrtle Beach, SC

The best overall windows are May through June and September through October for boating on North Myrtle Beach’s Intracoastal Waterway and through Little River Inlet. Nearby ocean water rises from the low 70s in May to the low-to-mid 80s in summer, then returns to the low 70s in October. There is no hard opening or closing date: area watersports operate year-round, although summer is the most popular period.

For inlet trips, let tides and sea conditions decide the day. NOAA reports a mean tide range of about 5 feet and a large sand bar at Little River Inlet, advising extreme caution when entering or leaving.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From North Myrtle Beach, you can cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, run the Cherry Grove marsh to Hog Inlet, follow Little River, or continue through Little River Inlet to the Atlantic. The Waterway is the inland route, with public access at Johnny Causey Landing. Cherry Grove Park’s two-lane ramp enters the marsh and provides a separate ocean connection through Hog Inlet. Little River joins the Waterway and connects to Little River Inlet, which lies between Waties Island and Bird Island. Beyond its jetties is open Atlantic water; NOAA says the bar channel changes continually and advises extreme caution when entering or leaving.

Source: City of North Myrtle Beach (nmb.us)

From North Myrtle Beach, boaters can make day outings to Bird Island Reserve, Waites Island and the Little River waterfront. Bird Island allows watercraft to land on sandy shorelines inside Little River Inlet, making it a natural beach stop. Waites Island suits a quieter paddle through salt marsh to an undeveloped barrier island, with chances to see herons, osprey and other coastal wildlife. The Little River waterfront is the food stop: several waterside restaurants provide docks or nearby docking, so crews can tie up for seafood during an Intracoastal Waterway cruise.

Source: North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (deq.nc.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators need a South Carolina boating safety certificate rather than a traditional boating license. Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have one before operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. The rule states no separate minimum operator age; an uncertified person may operate when accompanied by a qualified adult at least 18.

Exemptions include people born on or before the cutoff, nonresidents with another state's equivalent certificate, and holders of qualifying Coast Guard credentials. Renters may use an SCDNR approved rental safety certificate, valid for 30 days and only on rented craft. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

South Carolina boaters should carry safety gear, avoid alcohol, use registered vessels, and follow operator and speed rules enforced by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for everyone; children under 12 must wear one on boats under 16 feet. Operating while impaired is illegal, and at 0.08% BAC or higher impairment may be inferred. Public water vessels generally need registration and decals. Boaters born after July 1, 2007 generally need approved education for boats of 10 horsepower or more or personal watercraft. Personal watercraft cannot operate from sunset to sunrise; stay at idle speed within 50 feet on most waters, with a 100 foot dock setback on specified lakes.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

South Carolina law does not set a numeric minimum age to operate a rented motorboat or personal watercraft. Under S.C. Code Section 50-21-95, a person born after July 1, 2007, must meet one of the law's qualifications before operating a vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. For a rental, a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator's name qualifies. SCDNR says the rental certificate is valid for 30 days. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Alongside the marinas on this page, North Myrtle Beach has 7 boat rentals, 1 boat club and 1 boat dealer.