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Untouched Myrtle Beach Island Offering Picturesque Scenery for Kayaking, Swimming, and Sunbathing

Despite its beauty and popularity, Myrtle Beach is often bustling and crowded. Just a stone's throw away, however, lies a serene island free from modern distractions.

Untouched Barrier Island of Myrtle Beach: Ideal for Kayaking, Swimming, and Sunbathing in its...
Untouched Barrier Island of Myrtle Beach: Ideal for Kayaking, Swimming, and Sunbathing in its Pristine Scenery

Untouched Myrtle Beach Island Offering Picturesque Scenery for Kayaking, Swimming, and Sunbathing

Discovering Hidden Gems: Exploring Waites Island and Surrounding Attractions in South Carolina

Nestled along the northern edge of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the undeveloped barrier island of Waites Island offers a unique beach vacation experience for nature lovers and eco-adventurers. This hidden gem boasts pristine beaches, sand dunes, and sparkling blue waters, making it a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Exploring Waites Island's Pristine Natural Environment

Visitors to Waites Island can enjoy swimming in the calm Atlantic waters, sunbathing on soft white sands, and paddling through marshy inlets teeming with wildlife. The island is home to a variety of species such as birds, crabs, dolphins, marsh hens, bald eagles, and even sand dollars and shells, making it a paradise for shell hunting.

Guided kayak tours around Waites Island provide a more immersive adventure, lasting about three hours. These tours offer the opportunity to explore tidal creeks, maritime forests, and sandy shores, providing a unique perspective of this untouched island.

Island Excursions and Dolphin Watch Cruises

For a more comprehensive experience, island excursions and dolphin watch cruises departing from nearby North Myrtle Beach are available. These cruises include stops at Waites Island for shell collecting, sandcastle building, and photography. They also provide opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, sting rays, and various seabirds, making it a family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing with wildlife watching.

Nearby Attractions

Cherry Grove Beach, located near Waites Island, offers quieter beach views away from resort crowds. For those seeking more commercial, recreational, and entertainment activities, Barefoot Landing is a lively destination featuring waterfront shopping, dining, live music, art galleries, and animal attractions such as viewing alligators.

Active Beach and Water Fun

For those seeking more active beach and water experiences, options like parasailing, banana boat rides, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and fishing charters are available in the North Myrtle Beach area. These activities cater to various interests and ages, ensuring a fun-filled vacation for all.

Inlet Point Plantation Stables and Local Tour Operators

Horseback rides along coastal sands and sunset excursions can be arranged through Inlet Point Plantation Stables. Local tour operators such as J&L Kayak Tours and Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions also offer tours to Waites Island.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park, an undisturbed coastal state park, offers beach activities, maritime forest trails, and campgrounds. This park serves as a vital hub for marine science research and conservation education by Coastal Carolina University.

In summary, Waites Island offers a uniquely natural and tranquil barrier island experience, while nearby North Myrtle Beach complements this with commercial, recreational, and entertainment activities, making it an ideal destination for a well-rounded beach vacation.

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