Kayaking on the Waccamaw River, South Carolina

Paddle past cypress trees and Spanish moss to a quiet island half a mile downriver.

Kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental on the Waccamaw River in South Carolina, where you paddle at your own pace with initial guide instruction on equipment and safe routes. You can rent by the hour or book a full afternoon (2pm–5pm) and paddle down to River Island, a 48-acre spot half a mile downriver, or to a secluded sandy beach. The Outpost base includes restrooms, showers, hammocks, a fire pit and picnic areas where you can bring your own food or buy snacks and drinks on-site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and explore Waccamaw River

• Receive kayak or paddle board instructions
• Paddle down to River Island
• Explore and relax on River Island
• Observe wildlife and cypress trees
• Return to Outpost
• Enjoy yard games and amenities at Outpost
• Have picnic or cook on grill

The experience

You get a guide briefing on your kayak or paddleboard before you leave the Outpost, covering how to handle the equipment and which stretches of the river are safe to explore. After that, the river is yours to paddle. Most people head downriver to River Island, a 48-acre patch of land a half mile away where the water slows and the wildlife (herons, turtles, fish) is easier to spot among the cypress trees hung with Spanish moss. Others paddle to a secluded sandy beach further down. The current is gentle enough that the return trip is straightforward, and the guide gives you clear directions before you push off.

Rent by the hour at $15 per person, or book the afternoon rate (2pm–5pm) at $40 per person and stay out as long as you want within that window. Bring a picnic lunch or cook burgers on the grill at the Outpost. The facility has a fire pit, shaded tables, hammocks and swings, plus restrooms and hot showers. A small shop sells drinks, snacks and ice cream if you don't want to pack food. Children as young as one can come along if an adult paddles with them.

The Outpost sits on an acre of land where you can kill time before or after paddling with oversized yard games: Jenga, Connect 4, cornhole, dominoes, hook and ring, tic-tac-toe. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car.

What’s included

• Kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental.
• guide instruction on equipment and safe paddling routes.
• access to the Outpost base with restrooms, hot showers, hammocks, swings, fire pit and shaded picnic areas.
• use of the grill to cook your own food.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 30

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by River Island Adventures

Is this one for you?Book by the hour if you want a short paddle, or choose the afternoon rate (2pm–5pm) to spend several hours on the water without watching the clock. Either way, you're paddling solo or with your group, no guide following you around, so the pace and the stops are entirely yours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 5 years).

Can I rent a kayak or paddleboard for just an hour or two?

Yes. Hourly rental is $15 per person, so you can paddle for as little as one hour. The afternoon rate (2pm–5pm) is $40 per person if you want a longer window without paying by the hour.

What is River Island like when you paddle out to it?

River Island is a 48-acre patch of land a half mile downriver from the Outpost. The water around it is calm, and you'll see wildlife (herons, turtles and fish) among cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. It's a good spot to beach the kayak, explore and rest before paddling back.

Do I need paddling experience to rent here?

No. The guide gives you instruction on equipment and safe routes before you paddle, and the Waccamaw River current is gentle. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I bring my own food, or is there food at the Outpost?

You can bring a picnic lunch or cook on the propane grill at the Outpost. The facility also sells a limited selection of drinks, snacks and ice cream if you prefer to buy on-site.