River Tubing & Kayaking

River Tubing & Kayaking in Myrtle Beach — A Relaxed and Customizable Outdoor Adventure

When thinking about outdoor activities along the South Carolina coast, river tubing and kayaking stand out as favorites for those seeking both relaxation and a bit of adventure. For around $44 per person, this full-day pass offers approximately 3 hours of fun on the Waccamaw River, with options to tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The experience begins at the Outpost in Longs and includes access to scenic River Island, a 48-acre island half a mile downriver, perfect for exploring and picnicking.

What we love about this experience is how flexible and family-friendly it is. The tour allows you to customize your day, whether you prefer floating lazily in a tube, paddling through the water in a kayak, or trying your hand at paddleboarding. Plus, the on-site amenities—like grill facilities, picnic spots, and a fire pit—make it easy to turn a few hours into a whole day of outdoor enjoyment. A possible consideration is the life vests, which some have found a bit less clean than ideal, so bringing your own or preparing for that might be wise.

This tour suits families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers looking for an active yet laid-back day. If you’re someone who appreciates friendly guides, scenic views, and the chance to be outdoors without a rigid schedule, this is likely to be a good fit. In our view, it’s especially good for those who want to spend time in nature, be on the water, and enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere.

Key Points

• Flexible options: Choose between tubing, kayaking, or paddleboarding for a personalized experience.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with children required to be accompanied by an adult.
• On-site amenities: Facilities include picnic areas, grills, and a fire pit, perfect for a leisurely day.
• Scenic river journey: Float down to River Island, explore, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• Good value: At $44 for roughly 3 hours, it offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors.
• Knowledgeable staff: Many reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and helpfulness.

An In-Depth Look at the River Tubing & Kayaking Experience

The Location and Setup

This tour begins at the 1249 Vera Rd, Longs, SC, which is conveniently near public transportation options, making it accessible for most travelers. The experience is set up as a full-day pass, starting at 2:00 pm, and includes mobile tickets for easy access.

Once you arrive, you’ll be equipped with a tube or kayak, paddles, and life vests—ready for your water adventure. The cost covers the rentals and safety gear, but keep in mind that food and drinks are not included—though there are options to bring a cooler with ice for $10, making it easy to enjoy a picnic on the river.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve
Your journey begins with a peaceful float down the river to River Island. This 48-acre island is a highlight, offering space to explore, relax, or play games. The float to River Island lasts about 10 minutes, providing a gentle introduction to the scenic surroundings. The admission is free, making it an excellent way to start your outdoor day.

Stop 2: Exploring River Island
Once on the island, you can beach your craft, soak in the views, or set up a picnic with your own food. Many visitors gush about the peaceful nature and the opportunity to simply unwind amid nature. Some reviews mention taking time to enjoy games or just lounge in the sun.

The Return Trip
After exploring, you’ll be picked up by boat and returned to the Outpost. The return trip takes about 30 minutes, giving you more time to relax or chat with fellow adventurers. The entire experience is designed to be fluid and customizable, depending on your pace and interests.

What the Reviews Reveal

One guest wrote, “My family and I had a blast—paddling down the river, floating back, then beaching on the island to eat lunch we brought in a cooler.” This highlights the versatility and family-friendly nature of the tour, perfect for a relaxed summer outing.

Another praised the staff: “Very peaceful float and the staff was BEYOND amazing! He even found my phone in the water after I dropped it—above and beyond service.” This kind of helpfulness, paired with friendly guides, makes a big difference for travelers new to water activities.

Some travelers mentioned low water levels affecting their trip, but overall, most found the experience enjoyable and suitable for beginners. It’s worth noting that costs are transparent, and the full refund policy ensures you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if weather turns unfavorable.

The Experience on the Water

Expect to spend your time floating, paddling, or relaxing on the river, with a focus on enjoying the scenic views and peaceful surroundings. The river is described as very mellow, making it accessible even for those who do not swim well. Several reviews mention that the guides are patient and knowledgeable, helping newcomers feel comfortable.

The amenities, including picnic tables, grills, and a fire pit, help create the perfect environment for a social gathering or a laid-back afternoon. Some guests choose to bring their own food and drinks, making it feel more like a personal outdoor party.

The Value and Overall Impression

At $44, the price is quite reasonable for a three-hour outdoor activity that offers multiple watercraft options and scenic exploration. Many reviewers describe it as worth every penny, especially given the friendly staff and the chance to enjoy nature without a strict schedule.

While not a luxury experience, the tour strikes a nice balance between adventure and relaxation. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate authentic outdoor experiences and family-friendly environments. The optional amenities and the opportunity to customize your day make it stand out compared to more structured or commercialized water parks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families with children, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re someone who values friendly guides, scenic views, and flexibility, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also ideal if you want a budget-friendly, all-in-one outdoor day without the hassle of planning multiple activities.

Travelers who are not comfortable swimming should still feel secure, thanks to the life vests and the mellow nature of the river. It’s a great way to dip your toes into water sports, especially since many reviews highlight how relaxing and peaceful the float is.

Final Thoughts

This full-day river pass combines scenic beauty, family-friendly fun, and friendly service at a fair price. It’s a flexible way to spend a few hours in nature, whether you’re floating, paddling, or simply relaxing with a picnic. The on-site amenities and approachable guides add to the experience, making it accessible for all skill levels.

If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach and craving an outdoor adventure that’s both laid-back and social, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy authentic, unpretentious outdoor fun and want to see a different side of South Carolina’s natural beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The river is peaceful, making it a good choice for family outings.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the rental of a tube or kayak, paddles, and life vests. You can also rent a floating cooler with ice for $10.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring picnic supplies. The site has grills and picnic tables, and you can bring a cooler for your food.

How long does the float to River Island take?
It lasts about 10 minutes, providing a gentle and scenic introduction to your river adventure.

What should I expect in terms of water levels?
Most guests find the river to be very mellow and suitable for all skill levels. Some reviews mention low water levels, so it’s good to check in advance if you’re concerned.

What are the start and end times?
The experience begins at 2:00 pm and ends back at the starting point, with approximately 3 hours of active time.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled start. If the weather is poor, the activity may be canceled for a full refund or rescheduling.

To sum it up, this river tubing and kayaking tour provides a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience Myrtle Beach’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxing outdoor day with the flexibility to tailor activities to their mood. Whether floating lazily on the river, exploring River Island, or just enjoying a picnic, you’ll find that this experience offers both value and authentic fun.