Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Ocean Drive, highlighting some of the best sites, attractions, and events in and around the Grand Strand.
North Myrtle Beach is home to stunning and diverse wildlife that’s just waiting to be explored! From soaring shorebirds to playful dolphins along the coast, the Grand Strand is more than just sandy beaches. One of the best aspects of visiting the area is the sheer number of experiences you can have, allowing you to interact with and see the area’s various animals right in their habitats. Ocean Drive Resort’s convenient location puts you right in front of many of these experiences, which is why we’ll be taking you through some of the best wildlife tours in North Myrtle Beach!
Sign up for our Ocean Drive Resort Newsletter today and be the first to hear about our special news and updates!
In this Blog:
- Explore Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing
- Take a Trip to Brookgreen Gardens Lowcountry Zoo
- Watch Dolphins on an Eco Cruise
- Ride Through Waties Island on Horseback
- Go Birdwatching at Huntington Beach State Park
- Cast a Line for Coastal Fishing Action
- Interact with Local Sea Turtles at Myrtle Beach State Park
Explore Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing
Spend time with alligators at this 15-acre self-guided animal park in Barefoot Landing. Explore exhibits featuring many types of alligators and caimans, as well as flamingos, lemurs, owls, tortoises, and more. Alligator Adventure also features several live shows, including alligator feeding and snake handling sessions. Stop by to be fully immersed in the park and find out why they call this the “Reptile Capital of the World”!
Take a Trip to Brookgreen Gardens Lowcountry Zoo
Take time for a more traditional wildlife adventure with a trip to the Brookgreen Gardens Lowcountry Zoo! All of the animals at this facility were either born in captivity or have sustained injuries that prevent them from living in the wild. At the Lowcountry Zoo, you’ll find bald eagles, grey foxes, river otters, white-tailed deer, and the endangered red wolf. Stop by at specified times for fun shows and demonstrations like Meet the Animals and Mother Nature’s Café, during which you can feed the creatures at the zoo!
Watch Dolphins on an Eco Cruise
Experience the beauty of the Grand Strand while being surrounded by the area’s favorite aquatic mammals. Join local experts for a trip to some of the best bottlenose dolphin viewing spots. Prices and experiences vary by operator. Many businesses offer jet ski tours, kayak trips, and boat cruises in one convenient place. Below are just two of the dolphin tours you can experience here in North Myrtle Beach.
Ride Through Waties Island on Horseback
For a truly unique Grand Strand journey, head to Inlet Point Plantation, where you can ride through the uninhabited Waties Island on an exciting horseback adventure. Pick your preferred experience: enjoy an hour-long tour along the shoreline in the afternoon, or make it a bit more special by taking that walk at sunset for the best views. Those planning to go on a horseback tour should know that prices vary by season and that there is a weight limit of 240 lbs.
Southern Shore Cruises
Sail the seas aboard a catamaran on this 2-hour tour starting at $35! Cruises begin on the Intracoastal Waterway before passing through Little River fishing village, before heading out to the barrier islands to hop off the boat and explore the uninhabited beaches. Tour operators will spend the cruise searching for dolphins, so be sure to have your camera ready!
- Address: 2201 Little River Neck Road
- Tour Length: 2 hours
- Website
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises
Pick from one of two vessels that this operator takes you all around the coast during its ride. These 1.5- to 2-hour tours begin with a narrated cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Then, the real excitement starts as you head into prime dolphin-viewing areas. Dress for a splash as this wet and wild ride brings you closer to the action.
- Address: 4473 Mineola Avenue
- Tour Length: 1.5- 2 hours
- Website
Go Birdwatching at Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is considered by many to be the single best birding spot in the state at any time of year. Over 300 bird species have been spotted at this park, with many of the best sightings occurring during winter. Species can be found in three distinct parts of the park: the causeway, the jetty, and the beach, where you may spot species like
Cast a Line for Coastal Fishing Action
Sitting right on the shoreline, North Myrtle Beach offers some of the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast, whether you’re an experienced angler or just a casual fisher. If you plan to fish by yourself, hit up Cherry Grove Pier to enjoy a relaxing catch right above the water! If you need a bit more excitement for your fishing adventure, grab a fishing charter and let local experts guide the way for you! Below are just a few of the local operators here in North Myrtle Beach:
North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters
Since 1991, this locally owned charter has taken travelers to North Myrtle Beach on fishing trips headed by expert anglers who truly know the area’s waters. With over 40 years of combined experience, this charter and its crew are ready for any adventure you’re looking to go on, whether that be inshore or deepwater!
- Address: 2201 Little River Neck Rd.
- Website
Little River Fishing Fleet
Maximize your fishing time and cut down on riding time with Little River Fishing Fleet! With charters ranging from 4 to 11 hours, you can easily spend the whole day out on the water with this charter. This family-owned business has been running in the area for over 40 years, making them one of the most trusted operators in the NBM!
- Address: 1901 Hwy 17 South
- Website
Interact with Local Sea Turtles at Myrtle Beach State Park
Wake up bright and early and join the Sea Turtle Patrol at Myrtle Beach State Park for a truly unique wildlife experience. Every Friday, from June through August, starting at sunrise, you’ll join a park ranger for a walk along the beach in search of sea turtle activity. While turtles aren’t guaranteed on every trip, this is a nice way to fully connect with nature and enjoy the company of others while you do so. All you need to do to join is register, pay $10, and meet at the picnic tables at the park!
Enjoy Wildlife Adventures During Your Escape to North Myrtle Beach!
Featured Accommodation: Oceanfront Room
Explore the beauty of the Grand Strand’s natural life and more when you plan a trip to North Myrtle Beach! Whenever you do, be sure to book direct with Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort! Enjoy our on-site amenities and comfortable accommodations, all in a convenient location that puts you front and center for North Myrtle Beach’s best attractions! See all of our available stays and save big when you book directly with us!