Taking a day to float, paddle, and explore the waters of the Waccamaw River sounds like a great way to unwind and see a different side of Myrtle Beach. This river tubing and kayaking tour offered by River Island Adventures has earned a solid reputation, with a 4.5-star rating from travelers who appreciate its relaxed vibe and flexible options. If you’re someone who loves being outdoors, enjoys gentle water activities, or just wants a break from busy beaches, this might be just the mellow adventure you’re looking for.
What really stands out are the friendly guides and the chance to customize your day with options like tubing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Plus, there’s the opportunity to relax on the river island or have a picnic — perfect for those who appreciate a laid-back pace. That said, a potential downside could be the life vest condition, as some reviews mention they can be less than fresh. Still, overall, it offers good value and a peaceful setting that many find well worth the price.
This experience suits folks who want a break from the crowds, enjoy nature, and prefer a flexible, non-structured day. It’s especially appealing for groups that enjoy casual water fun, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned paddler. If you’re after a lively, high-adrenaline adventure, this might not be the best fit. But if your goal is to float on calm waters, soak in the scenery, and enjoy some quality time outdoors, keep reading—there’s plenty of detail here to help you decide.
Key Points
- Flexible activities: Choose between tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding for a personalized experience
- Scenic route: Float down the peaceful Waccamaw River to River Island and explore
- On-site amenities: Relax with picnic tables, grills, hammocks, and a fire pit
- Cost-effective: At $44 per person, it’s a decent value for a full 3-hour outdoor activity
- Friendly guides: Reviews mention staff going above and beyond, especially in helpfulness and friendliness
- Family-friendly: Kids are allowed when accompanied by an adult, making it suitable for families wanting a calm outdoor day
An Honest Look at the Experience
The full-day pass here is really more like a half-day, with most trips lasting around 3 hours from start to finish. The tour begins at the designated meeting point near Longs, South Carolina, where you’re given all the basic gear—tubes or kayaks, paddles, life vests—and then set off on your adventure. The meeting point at 1249 Vera Rd is convenient, and the activity typically starts at 2:00 pm, allowing you some flexibility in your day.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
The journey starts with a relaxed float down the Waccamaw River, a gentle and accessible waterway ideal for those new to paddling or floating. The river itself is described as peaceful, with many reviewers saying it offers a “very peaceful float” that’s perfect for unwinding. The river’s calm waters and slow pace make it suitable for all skill levels, including children when supervised—though, naturally, kids should be accompanied by an adult.
The first stop is the Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve, where you’ll drift toward River Island, a sizable 48-acre island half a mile downriver. This spot is often highlighted as the tour’s highlight because it provides a chance to explore, relax, or enjoy a picnic in a natural setting. Many reviewers talk about beaching the boats on the island, eating their brought-along lunch, and playing games on the sand—an added bonus for those wanting a break from water activities.
Next, you’ll float to North Myrtle Beach, where the guides pick you up by boat and bring you back to the Outpost. This transfer adds a layer of ease, especially if you’re not comfortable navigating the return under your own power. The boat ride back is usually quick and scenic, emphasizing the laid-back vibe of the whole outing.
What’s Included and What’s Not
Your ticket covers tubes or kayaks, paddles, and life vests, which means the core gear is taken care of—no need to worry about bringing your own. Interestingly, the tour includes free admission to the river and island areas, making the price quite reasonable.
However, food and drinks are not included. If you want to bring your own, you can, and many do pack picnic lunches or snacks. A floating cooler is available for $10, which includes ice—handy for keeping drinks cold while you float. Having your own cooler makes it easier to stay refreshed, especially on warm days.
The Experience From Reviewers
What keeps most people coming back are the friendly staff and the serene environment. As Amanda C. put it, the staff is beyond amazing—they even retrieved a dropped phone from the water, which shows their dedication. Many reviewers mention the guides by name, praising their helpfulness, patience, and friendliness, which can truly make or break the experience.
One reviewer describes it as “very peaceful and relaxing,” emphasizing how the water activity is perfect for calming the mind. Another notes that despite the river level being low during their trip, they still managed to have fun paddling and floating as much as they could. Several mention that the tour is ideal for first-timers or those who simply want a gentle, scenic float.
Downsides and Considerations
The main critique revolves around the life vests, which some found to be less than clean, with a strong odor and sandy residue. That could be a concern if you are particular about hygiene or smell, but overall, it seems like a manageable issue. You might find that for most, the comfort of the gear isn’t a dealbreaker.
Also, some travelers arrived expecting more time, but the tour lasts roughly three hours, which is typical for this type of activity. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure, you might need to plan for additional activities afterward.
Group Size and Booking
With a maximum of 20 travelers per trip, the experience tends to be intimate enough for personalized attention. Booking is usually done about 49 days in advance, which is wise if you’re planning during peak season. The tour’s flexible nature means you can customize your day—whether you want more paddling or lounging on the island.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This is a laid-back, family-friendly tour suitable for folks who want to enjoy nature without adrenaline rushes. It’s perfect for beginners, families with older kids, or groups seeking a peaceful outdoor activity. If you prefer a more active, high-speed adventure, this may feel too slow. It also works well for couples or solo travelers looking to disconnect and enjoy an afternoon on the water.
Pricing and Value
At $44 per person, this tour offers pretty solid value. It includes gear, a scenic float, and access to the island and river, which are the main attractions. Considering the relaxing environment and the friendly guides, most reviews suggest it’s money well spent, especially if you want a gentle, scenic escape in Myrtle Beach.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a relaxing day out on the water, this river tubing and kayaking trip ticks many boxes. The friendly staff, beautiful scenery, and option to customize your activities make it a compelling choice. It’s ideal for those who want a peaceful, nature-focused experience without the chaos of more adventurous water sports.
While the condition of the life vests could be better, the overall experience seems to leave most visitors satisfied. The opportunity to explore River Island, enjoy a packed lunch, and paddle at your own pace makes for a memorable, low-pressure outing. For reasonable pricing and a chance to unwind, it’s a good pick for travelers staying near Myrtle Beach.
River Tubing & Kayaking
“My family and I had a blast at River Island Adventures tubing and kayaking! We paddled down the River then floated back. We beached an on island an…”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are allowed when accompanied by an adult. It’s a calm, family-friendly activity, perfect for kids who can enjoy the gentle waters.
What gear is included?
You’ll get a tube or kayak, paddles, and a life vest. The gear is provided and ready for your use, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own picnic or snacks. A floating cooler is available for $10, including ice.
How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 3 hours, starting around 2:00 pm. Most of that is spent floating, paddling, and relaxing on the river.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
Not at all. The river is described as peaceful and suitable for beginners. Staff is friendly and helpful, making it a stress-free experience.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for water activities. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof footwear if you prefer. The gear provided includes life vests, which should be worn at all times.
Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
It’s near public transportation, but most travelers drive or arrange private transport to the meeting point.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the maximum group size?
Up to 20 travelers can join each trip, making it a small, relaxed group.
How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 49 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, so plan early to secure your spot.
If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic way to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s outdoors without the fuss, this river tubing and kayaking tour hits the mark. It’s all about relaxing, exploring, and making the most of the peaceful Waccamaw River—and that’s something many travelers seem to love.