Best Murrells Inlet South Carolina Sunset Cruise!
- Angie - Your Guide
- Sep 19
- 7 min read
Get ready to set sail on an adventure that paints the sky with fire and fills your heart with coastal joy! There’s something truly magical about a South Carolina sunset, especially when viewed from the gentle sway of a boat on the water. We recently embarked on a sunset cruise in Murrells Inlet, and it was an unforgettable journey filled with stunning views, fascinating stories, and pure relaxation. If you're looking for an experience that captures the essence of the Lowcountry, this is it.
This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about this fantastic boat tour. We'll cover the incredible highlights of the cruise, provide detailed accessibility information to ensure everyone can join the fun, and share some insider tips to make your trip absolutely perfect.
Setting Sail on a Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruise from the MarshWalk
Your adventure begins in the heart of Murrells Inlet, a vibrant fishing village known for its incredible seafood and lively atmosphere. The meeting point is conveniently located in front of the famous Dead Dog Saloon on the MarshWalk, just a scenic 30-minute drive south on Highway 17 from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach SC, The Grand Strand.
Finding the reservation booth is a breeze; it’s situated to the left of the saloon, right in the same parking lot. You'll want to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you plenty of time to check in, get your bearings, and soak in the pre-cruise excitement without feeling rushed. I bought my ticket online with GetYourGuide, I highly recommend this service as they will help you with getting refunds if the tour is canceled and have great customer service.
You are allowed to bring drinks onboard, so if you would like to bring a drink, make sure it is not a bottle from the Dead Dog Saloon, but you can bring cans. They also sell drinks onboard the boat for your cruise.
Tour Highlights: What You'll See and Do
This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a captivating one-hour-plus expedition through the soul of Murrells Inlet. The moment you pull away from the dock, you’re greeted by a crew that radiates warmth and expertise. Visit Murrells Inlet, their crew, consisting of Captain Brendon, tour guide Jeff, and helper Rachel, were the perfect hosts—friendly, engaging, and deeply passionate about the area.
A Journey Through Scenic Waterways
The route is a visual feast. You'll cruise out of the inlet and into the main waterway, a liquid highway framed by breathtaking coastal beauty and spectacular scenery. The boat glides past iconic landmarks and hidden gems, offering a perspective you can only get from the water. You'll pass by the rustic Goat Island, which was home to a quirky herd of goats that manage the island's vegetation during the summer months.
The tour continues along the Garden City shoreline, showcasing a mix of charming residential homes and spectacular beach houses that seem to rise right out of the sand. You’ll also get a unique view of Huntington Beach State Park, a pristine stretch of coastline that is a sanctuary for both wildlife and nature lovers.
Wildlife and Pirate Lore
Keep your eyes peeled, because the natural world is on full display! We were thrilled to spot majestic Blue Herons standing like statues in the marsh and elegant Egrets taking flight against the colorful sky. If you're lucky, you might even be greeted by local sea life, like a pod of playful dolphins dancing in the boat's wake—a truly magical sight. Last week there was a seal in the waterways of Murrells Inlet, which is not that common, but this area is the far reaches of possible sightings, so there is not reason to be alarmed that one is in the area. It is believed it is making its way home, heading north now to New England.
What truly brings the scenery to life is the incredible storytelling. Our tour guide, Jeff, was a walking encyclopedia of local history and folklore. He pointed out landmarks and shared fascinating tales about the area's residents. The highlight was hearing stories of the infamous pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. As you float past areas where he was thought to have anchored his ship, you can almost feel the echoes of a bygone era of adventure and rebellion.
The Grand Finale: A Spectacular Sunset
Of course, the star of the show is the sunset itself. As the tour nears its end, the captain positions the boat perfectly for the grand finale. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple across the clouds and water, is a great experience that will stay with you long after you've returned to shore. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated beauty—a perfect ending to a perfect trip.
Accessibility: A Cruise for Everyone
One of the best things about this tour is its commitment to being accessible. While any boating activity presents some challenges, the crew and facilities are well-equipped to welcome guests with varying mobility needs.
Parking and Getting to the Dock
Plenty of free parking is available, which is a huge plus. You can find spots directly in front of Dead Dog Saloon, in a lot across the street, and in another lot just behind that one. For guests with mobility challenges, the walk from the farther lots can be difficult. The best strategy is to have someone drop off passengers near the big red Adirondack chair in the main saloon parking lot. This provides the shortest and most direct path to the dock area.
Navigating to the Boat
From the drop-off point, a wooden boardwalk wraps around the saloon, leading directly to the piers at the back. This boardwalk is accessible for both walkers and wheelchairs, providing a smooth and scenic route to the boat. While you can cut through the Dead Dog Saloon, be aware that this route involves stairs at both the entrance and exit, making the boardwalk the preferred path.
The boat is docked at Pier #5. To board, you will navigate a long, slanted ramp that leads down to a floating dock. This ramp's incline changes with the tide, so it’s important to proceed with caution. Once you reach the boat, there are three small steps with a sturdy handrail to get aboard. The crew is incredibly helpful and will gladly offer a steady hand or extra assistance to anyone who needs it. Their welcoming and can-do attitude ensures that everyone feels safe and comfortable.
The reason I pay close attention to handicap accessibility is my mother went on this boat ride with me, and she uses a rollator (A walker with wheels and seat if she gets tired) She can climb a few stairs but not many. The ramp incline was too much for mom to safely use the rollator as she walked down, but she held on to both rails and walked down without any problem. At the bottom she started to use the rollator again on the floating dock, until she arrived at the boat where she was able to climb the 3 steps. We were easily able to store the rollator onboard the boat during the tour. At the end she used the rollator on the floating dock again but walked up the ramp holding on to both rails instead of using the rollator. This was easier for her.
Tips for a Perfect Sunset Cruise
Want to make your experience even more amazing? Here are a few insider tips to help you prepare for your adventure.
Book in Advance: Sunset cruises are incredibly popular, especially during peak season. Be sure to book your tickets online or at the booth ahead of time to secure your spot. The whole family will enjoy it, this is not just a romantic cruise for couples, there are families too.
Dress in Layers: Even on a warm day, the breeze on the water can be cool, especially after the sun goes down. Bringing a light jacket or sweater is always a good idea. Our trip was on September 12th and the weather was perfect, we did not need to dress in layers, but they do these tours throughout the year so it could be chilly when you arrive, or extremely hot in the summer.
Bring Your Camera: The photo opportunities are endless! From wildlife to landscapes to the stunning sunset, you’ll want to capture every moment of these beautiful views. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged.
Consider a Pre-Cruise Snack or Drink: Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk is lined with fantastic restaurants and bars. Arriving early gives you the perfect excuse to grab a bite or a refreshing drink at Dead Dog Saloon or another nearby spot. They do sell items on board. One thing to consider is Murrells Inlet is a busy place, so eating dinner after the sunset cruise is an option, but most restaurants will still be very busy.
Relax and Have Fun: This is your time to unwind, and a perfect way to end your day at the beach. Let the capable crew handle the details, breathe in the fresh salt air, and let the beauty of the coast wash over you. This is one of the best experiences in the Myrtle Beach area, and budget friendly.
Other tours offered by Visit Murrells Inlet.
This is a top-rated cruise company in the area offering a great way to spend quality time with the ones you love on vacation, making memories that last a lifetime. If you are not interested in a Sunset Tour, check out one of these other unforgettable experiences.
Salt Water Marsh Inlet Tour- 2 hour tour with access to a beach. This is an educational way with an Eco Tour learning about the diverse ecosystem.
Murrells Inlet Ghost Cruise- perfect for Halloween, there are full moon cruises as well.
Bird Watching Tours- From egrets to pelicans: There area over 300 bird species in the area
Pirate Adventure Tour- great for kids
History Tour- 1.5-hour tour talking about plantations in the area and Civil War facts
Other tour companies in the area do a happy hour cruise: Check out the Pie-Eyed Parrot for those. And there is a Dolphin watch tour nearby.
This Murrells Inlet sunset cruise is more than just a tour; it's an experience that ignites the senses and creates lasting memories. It’s a joyful celebration of nature, history, and the simple pleasure of being on the water. You will have a great time, I promise. I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the Myrtle Beach coast of South Carolina—it's an absolute must-do.
This blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Wonderful tour ❤️ 💖 😍 💕