The Best Boating Routes from Grande Dunes Marinas

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is full of wonderful, scenic places and boating routes. And the best part is, you can access them right here from our very own Grande Dunes Marina! These boating routes are full of picturesque views, stunning coastal landscapes, and must-visit destinations.

Check out our picks of the best boating routes that you can take straight from Grande Dunes Marina!

Best Boating Routes from Grande Dunes Marina

Intracoastal Waterway

Grande Dunes Marina is conveniently located right on the South Carolina stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway. If you want a relaxing, leisurely boating trip, the ICW is perfect for fair weather cruising. It’s a popular waterway for many people, and we can see why!

The ICW goes on for about 3,000 miles across multiple states and it’s a wonderful way to see the Eastern coast of the US. The Myrtle Beach stretch, in particular, is full of beautiful countryside, quaint neighborhoods, and endless green scenery that never seems to end. Myrtle Beach is a favorite stop for many cruising the ICW, with its many sights and attractions and relatively straightforward route. It’s also a great starting point if you’re planning to begin your journey on the ICW.

The Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach is also known home to the Grand Strand, or the Long Bay. This humble little beach town features one of the most beautiful beaches in the entirety of South Carolina, including a 60-mile long strip of beach that stretches from Little River to Georgetown. 

Known aptly as the Grand Strand, this strand of coastline hosts one of the most pristine beaches and waters in the state. It’s an excellent place to wind down and relax, whether you prefer to sunbathe with a good book or get out on the water for some saltwater fishing. 

The Grand Strand also houses a number of vacation homes, entertainment districts, restaurants, and shopping destinations. Whatever you’re in the mood for, the Grand Strand always delivers.

Waccamaw River

Just one easy boat ride away from the ICW, the Waccamaw River is an excellent place for a leisurely river cruise. The Waccamaw is highly regarded as one of the best blackwater rivers on this side of the US. Bursting with wildlife, greenery, and natural wonder, this river is a great place for boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddling, and fishing.

Steeped in historical and cultural significance, the Waccamaw is home to plenty of historic homes and places, tidal marshes and swamps, and lovely natural views as far as the eye can see. Definitely worth a detour or a day trip!

Little River

The aptly-named town of Little River enjoys a humble reputation as an old, slow-paced, little community that has thrived on South Carolina’s Great Strand for many, many years. Best known for its fishing, annual crab festival, seafood, and peaceful small-town vibes, Little River is located just down the ICW from Myrtle Beach.

While its best known for its unique, slow, and quiet atmosphere, Little River also boasts Las Vegas-style casino boats, golf courses, shopping centers, and other popular Grand Strand attractions. You’ll simply fall in love with this little town, its stunning waterfront, and intoxicatingly charming atmosphere.

Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is another small fishing communityalso widely known as the “seafood capital of South Carolina.” Like Little River, Murrells Inlet is a small-town community best known for its relaxing ambience and of course, its seafood restaurants.

Part of the famous Grand Strand, Murrells Inlet is accessible both by the sea (via its namesake, Murrells Inlet) and the Waccamaw River from the ICW. You’ll love the gorgeous waterfront views from the MarshWalk, but especially the host of restaurants and cuisines that make up this famous boardwalk. 

Murrells Inlet is also well-known for its beaches and natural preserves, such as the Huntington Beach State Park. In fact, Murrells Inlet is often regarded as being one of the best birding sites in the state. The waterfront is also a popular place for watersports, such as jet skiing and parasailing, as well as boat cruises and fishing. Murrells Inlet is a definite must-visit for anyone on the Grand Strand.

Start your journey right here at Grande Dunes Marina and get the chance to see all of these spectacular places and sights. Book your slip now and experience all the best boating routes of South Carolina yourself!