North Myrtle Beach: Jet Boat Ride & Adrenaline Spins

Summary

Jet boat speed thrills with sharp turns and coastal sights

You’ll laugh, shout, and probably get drenched as you race down North Myrtle Beach’s waterways on a jet boat ride with local guides—sharp spins, waterfront stories, pulsing music, plus pickup at Cherry Grove Marina make this an adrenaline-packed hour you won’t forget soon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jet boat ride on Intracoastal Waterway

• Board jet boat at Cherry Grove Marina
• Listen to safety instructions
• Pass through first no wake zone
• Speed up to level 2 on ICW
• Enter second no wake zone
• Hear history and sightseeing points
• Experience level 3 spins and maneuvers
• Return to dock at Cherry Grove Marina

Top questions

How long does the jet boat ride last?

The jet boat ride lasts about one hour from start to finish.

Where does the tour start?

The ride departs from Cherry Grove Marina in North Myrtle Beach.

Will I get wet during the jet boat ride?

Yes, especially during level 3 with spins and sharp turns—you should expect to get wet.

Is there a guide or captain on board?

Yes, there is a captain and first mate who provide safety instructions and local history during the tour.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, life jackets are included for every passenger on the jet boat ride.

Is lunch or food included?

No meals are included; only life jackets are provided as part of your booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Cherry Grove Marina.

What’s included

Your hour-long adventure includes all necessary safety gear—life jackets for everyone—and kicks off right at Cherry Grove Marina with your local crew setting the pace from start to finish.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sure what I’d signed up for when we showed up at Cherry Grove Marina. The sun was already hot on the docks and there was this low hum of engines mixed with the smell of river water — not salty like the ocean, more earthy. Our captain, Chris, had a grin that made me suspicious (in a good way), and his first mate handed out bright orange life jackets before even letting us glance at the boat. That thing looked like it wanted to race a rocket.

We eased out through a no wake zone first — slow enough to spot pelicans gliding past and hear the slap of water against hulls. Chris ran through safety stuff (I probably should’ve listened closer but I was distracted by the music starting up — classic rock, just loud enough to feel in your chest). Once we hit “level 2,” though? The engine roared and suddenly my hair was everywhere. I tried to yell something to my friend but it got lost in wind and laughter. The jet boat ride down the Intracoastal Waterway is nothing like those lazy sightseeing cruises — you really do feel every turn.

There’s a second pause in another no wake zone where Chris pointed out some old marinas and tossed in bits about how this stretch of North Myrtle Beach used to be mostly fishing shacks. I liked that part more than I expected; maybe because it gave me time to catch my breath and actually look around. Then came “level 3” — spins, stops, all-out chaos (in a fun way). My shirt got soaked from one wild turn and I think I shrieked louder than anyone else. The whole thing is set to this pounding soundtrack so you kind of forget everything except that moment. We rolled back into Cherry Grove grinning like idiots, dripping wet.