If you are visiting South Carolina and are looking for a fun and exciting activity to do, snorkeling in Myrtle Beach is a great option!
Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world and get up close and personal with the local marine life. And best of all, it’s relatively easy to learn how to snorkel. Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to snorkel in the country. Clear waters and diverse marine life makes Myrtle Beach a snorkeler’s paradise.
I was initially intimidated by snorkeling, but it’s not that difficult. You don’t need any special equipment or training – all you need is a snorkel and a swimsuit. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, you’ll find plenty of great spots to explore in Myrtle Beach. There are several tours available, or you can simply rent some gear and head out on your own. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time snorkeling in Myrtle Beach.
What To Bring With You
Myrtle Beach is a great place to go snorkeling! There are many beautiful reefs and underwater features to explore. However, before you head out into the water, there are a few things you should remember to bring with you.
If you’re snorkeling with the kids, you may want to check out some kid-specific snorkeling gear.
Good quality snorkel mask
You can usually rent these items from a local scuba diving or snorkeling shop. If you’re bringing your own snorkel and mask, make sure they fit properly before heading out – nothing ruins a trip faster than water leaking into your mask!
Float vest or life jacket
Snorkeling can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite tiring. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s good to bring a float vest or life jacket with you. A float vest will help keep you safe and comfortable while snorkeling.
Wetsuit
In the summer, the water in Myrtle Beach can be pretty warm. However, if you’re snorkeling during the winter months or in some of the more northern areas of the coast, a wetsuit can come in handy. It will help keep you warm and comfortable in the water.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Myrtle Beach is an excellent place to snorkel, but it’s also a great place to get sunburned. So ensure to bring sunscreen, reapply it often, and bring along a hat or visor to protect your head. And don’t forget the insect repellent – the mosquitoes can be pretty pesky in Myrtle Beach!
Waterproof camera
If you’re looking to capture the beauty of the underwater world, a waterproof camera is a must-have. There are many great waterproof cameras on the market, so there’s no excuse not to capture those fantastic snorkeling moments.
Food and water
It’s always a good idea to pack some healthy snacks and water when you’re headed out on an adventure. This is especially important if you’re snorkeling in a remote area. You never know when you’ll get hungry, so it’s best to be prepared.
Motion sickness medication
If you’re susceptible to motion sickness, it’s good to bring along some motion sickness medication. This will help keep you feeling your best while snorkeling.
Towel
After a day of snorkeling, you’ll likely be wet and sandy. Make sure to bring a towel along to dry off quickly.
Where to Snorkel in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is home to many snorkeling sites, from calm bays to shipwrecks offshore. And with its warm water and beautiful coral reefs, Myrtle Beach is a snorkeler’s paradise.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in Myrtle Beach include the following:
- Waccamaw River
- Charleston Tug Wreck
- The Bill Perry
- Angel’s Ledge
- Pinnacle Reef
- Folly beach
- Myrtle Beach- North Myrtle Beach
Waccamaw River
One of the best snorkeling spots in Myrtle Beach is the Waccamaw River. The river is home to various fish, including bass, catfish, and bream. And the river’s clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling.
Charleston Tug Wreck
Another great snorkeling site is the Charleston Tug Wreck. This wreck is located just offshore, and it’s home to a variety of fish and coral. It’s a great spot for snorkelers of all experience levels.
The Bill Perry
If you’re looking for a snorkeling challenge, check out Bill Perry. This shipwreck is located in a deep and dark part of the ocean, and it’s home to all sorts of fish and marine life. It’s not for the faint of heart, but snorkelers who make the journey will be rewarded with a unique underwater experience.
Angel’s Ledge
Check out Angel’s Ledge if you’re looking for a calm and relaxing snorkeling site. This beautiful area is home to a wide variety of fish. Its serene setting makes it the perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the underwater world.
Pinnacle Reef
Last but not least, don’t forget to check out Pinnacle Reef. This popular snorkeling spot is home to a wide variety of fish and coral. In addition, it’s easily accessible meaning snorkelers of all levels can enjoy it.
What You’ll See When You Snorkel in Myrtle Beach
Be prepared for lots of saltwater in your snorkel if you decide to snorkel offshore. But you may have better chances if you choose to join snorkeling excursions that venture further into the ocean. The water off North Myrtle Beach shore contains several wrecks that have gained popularity as dive spots.
Snorkeling can give an excellent view of this area without the need to venture out into the deep blues. You will see vessels from different eras and learn about their history. Most of them are from the times of World War II.
How to Snorkel at Myrtle Beach
The best way to snorkel in Myrtle Beach is cruising offshore in a boat where waves are less. However, if you venture into the waves, be very aware of the rip current. Many Myrtle Beach snorkeling areas are safe for novice snorkelers, but some sites have a lot of sea urchins so take care.
When exploring reefs and ledges, go slowly and use a buddy system to keep an eye on each other. It is illegal to snorkel on the beach in Myrtle Beach, but you can walk in the water up to your waist. A better option is to find a place where you can park and wade out into the water without obstructions.
If you are not comfortable swimming in open water, avoid going too far offshore. Most areas around Myrtle Beach have a very gradual drop-off, so you don’t have to go too deep to enjoy the beauty of the seafloor.
Are There Myrtle Beach Snorkeling Tours?
There is no specific snorkeling trip to Myrtle Beach. Instead, the available tour concentrates on water sports above the water, including water skiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing. Snorkeling is possible offshore and only via boat. You can call the dive company that offers Coastal Scuba – South Myrtle Beach or the Scuba Express at Express Watersports.
These two businesses offer dives. Ask for help with snorkeling on diving excursions like Charleston Turtle Wreck. They can give you advice on saving money.
Safety Tips for Snorkeling Offshore in Open Water
A float and a flag are required to show other snorkelers your location when snorkeling offshore. Although the dive boat is near the beach, there is no guarantee he’ll see you all the time. The captain will keep an eye out, but snorkelers are ultimately responsible for their own safety.
Don’t forget to wear your snorkeling fins. Fins allow you to move faster and make swimming in the water easier. Fins can also be helpful if you choose to duck-dive to get a good view or to see a bit deeper. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t venture too far from the boat. Make sure to use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids while snorkeling. Remember to stay hydrated!
Other Things To Do in Myrtle Beach
In addition to snorkeling, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of other activities, such as:
Miniature Golf
There are several miniature golf courses in the area, most of which are beachfront or close to it.
Shopping
Myrtle Beach is home to many shopping centers, including the popular Broadway at the beach.
Amusement Parks
Myrtle Beach boasts numerous amusement parks, including the famous Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
Deep-sea Fishing
Myrtle Beach has several fishing charter services that offer deep-sea fishing trips.
Waterparks
Myrtle Beach is home to several water parks, including the popular Myrtle Waves.
Surfing
Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for surfing, and there are several surf schools in the area.
With so much to do, snorkeling is just one of the many great activities you can enjoy while visiting Myrtle Beach. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation for the whole family, Myrtle Beach is the place to be!
The Takeaway
Myrtle Beach is an excellent place for snorkeling, with plenty of snorkeling spots that are perfect for novices. However, if you’re looking for more of an adventure, you can also explore the area’s many wrecks and reefs. Just be sure to stay safe while snorkeling in open water, and bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and water!
