Saltwater Marsh Eco Shelling Tour in Murrells Inlet

Tidal creeks oyster bed tour with marine biologist, ending with private beach shelling

A 2-hour eco-cruise through Murrells Inlet's saltwater marsh with an onboard marine biologist guide, live touch tanks of blue crabs and sea urchins, and a shelling adventure on a private beach reachable only by boat. The tour passes the MarshWalk boardwalk, Drunken Jack Island, and Huntington Beach State Park, with about 35 minutes to walk and collect shells on the beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Saltwater Marsh Eco Shelling Tour

• Cruise past Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
• View Murrells Inlet Veterans Pier
• Pass Oyster Cove waterfront community
• Cruise by Marlin Quay Marina
• Spot the UFO House landmark
• Shell and explore Garden City Point beach
• Sail by Drunken Jack Island
• Pass Huntington Beach State Park

The experience

The boat leaves the MarshWalk, a waterfront boardwalk lined with seafood restaurants and charter boats, and heads into the inlet's tidal creeks. Your guide, a marine biologist, points out the ecosystem as you pass Oyster Cove's private homes, Marlin Quay Marina, and the so-called UFO House, a round hurricane-resistant structure built in 1976 that still stands out among traditional beach homes. The water itself is the classroom: interactive touch tanks on board let you hold and observe blue crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and oysters, turning the ride into a hands-on marine education.

About halfway through, the boat reaches Garden City Point, a private beach accessible only by water and residents. You get roughly 35 to 40 minutes to walk the shoreline, wade if you want, and collect shells. Bring a bag or leave one on the boat with the captain. The beach faces both the inlet and the Atlantic, and sits near the North Jetty where vessels pass in and out. On the return cruise, you'll pass Drunken Jack Island, a quiet barrier island surrounded by salt marsh with a pirate legend attached to its name, and Huntington Beach State Park, an undeveloped stretch of dunes and maritime forest where dolphins and shorebirds are common.

Onboard facilities include a restroom. The tour runs 2 hours total and suits families, seniors, and couples. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• 2-hour guided cruise through the saltwater marsh.
• onboard marine biologist guide.
• interactive touch tanks with live marine animals.
• shelling adventure on a private beach with 35–40 minutes to explore.
• onboard restroom.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesdayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 5 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 80

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 boat does the work. You observe from the deck and walk the beach at your own pace, so it suits families with young children and anyone who wants marine education without strenuous activity.

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

17 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

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's inside the touch tanks on the boat?

Blue crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and oysters are in the interactive tanks. You can hold and explore them during the cruise as the guide explains the local marine ecosystem.

How much time do I get to shell on the private beach?

Garden City Point gives you about 35 to 40 minutes to walk, explore, and collect shells. You can wade in the water or sit and relax, and the captain will hold bags and towels if you'd rather leave them on the boat.

What's the UFO House I might see from the water?

The UFO House is a round, elevated structure built in 1976 near Garden City as a hurricane-resistant home. It looks like something from a sci-fi movie and has survived major storms with little damage, earning it local landmark status.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there's a restroom onboard for the 2-hour cruise.