Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruise: One hour on the water

Watch the inlet come alive as the sun drops toward the marsh

A one-hour sunset cruise on Murrells Inlet near Myrtle Beach takes you past the MarshWalk boardwalk, Drunken Jack Island, and Huntington Beach State Park aboard The Explorer, a comfortable vessel with an onboard restroom and a USCG-licensed captain providing local narration. The boat departs from the MarshWalk area and travels toward the jetties, passing historic sites and wildlife habitat as daylight fades. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise and coastal sightseeing

• Board The Explorer vessel
• Cruise past Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
• View Murrells Inlet Veterans Pier
• Sail by Drunken Jack Island
• See Huntington Beach State Park
• Spot the UFO House in Garden City

The experience

The cruise starts at the MarshWalk, the waterfront heart of Murrells Inlet lined with restaurants, charter boats, and the kind of coastal energy that draws people back. You'll pass the Murrells Inlet Veterans Pier, built on the site of a World War II crash boat station that once coordinated rescue operations across these same waters. As the boat moves out, you see Drunken Jack Island: a quiet barrier island surrounded by tidal creeks and salt marsh, named after a pirate supposedly left behind by his crew centuries ago and now part of local folklore.

The route continues toward Huntington Beach State Park, an undeveloped stretch of shoreline with wide beaches and maritime forest where dolphins and shorebirds move through their day. Within the park sits Atalaya Castle, a Moorish-style mansion built in the 1930s as a summer home for a wealthy industrialist and sculptor: a rare architectural landmark rising from otherwise wild coastline. Along the way you might spot the UFO House in Garden City, a round, elevated structure built in 1976 and engineered to withstand hurricanes, now a local curiosity that has survived major storms intact.

The Explorer keeps groups comfortable with ample seating, an onboard restroom, and a canteen where you can buy snacks and drinks as the light changes. A USCG-licensed captain and crew offer narration throughout the hour, sharing details about the inlet's history, wildlife, and the Lowcountry landscape. The boat works for couples, families, and solo travelers, and infants can travel in a stroller or pram.

What’s included

• One-hour cruise aboard The Explorer with a USCG-licensed captain and crew providing live narration.
• onboard restroom.
• access to the canteen for snacks and drinks (available for purchase).

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 16:00 and 16:15Last departure this season: 28 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 75

Live guideEnglish

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Crazy Sister Marina

Is this one for you?The live English-language narration from the captain and crew means you hear the inlet's history and wildlife details as they happen, so the commentary flows naturally with what you're seeing rather than requiring you to read or listen separately.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the MarshWalk and why does the cruise start there?

The MarshWalk is a lively waterfront boardwalk in Murrells Inlet known as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," lined with popular restaurants like Drunken Jack's, Wicked Tuna, and Inlet Shipyard Bar & Grill. The cruise departs from this area, so you see the boardwalk's energy (charter boats, fishing activity, and waterfront dining) before heading out into the quieter marsh and open water.

Will I see wildlife on this cruise?

Yes. The route passes through salt marsh and along Huntington Beach State Park, where dolphins, pelicans, shorebirds, and other native species live. The captain and crew point out wildlife and natural features as you travel, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

What is Drunken Jack Island?

Drunken Jack Island is a quiet, undeveloped barrier island surrounded by tidal creeks and salt marsh. Local legend says it was named after a pirate left behind by his crew after a night of celebration. The story has become part of Murrells Inlet folklore and is one of the notable stops on the cruise route.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, The Explorer has an onboard restroom available during the cruise.

Can I buy food or drinks on board?

A canteen on board sells snacks and drinks for purchase, but food and beverages are not included in the ticket price.