The seafood capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet, is a short drive from Myrtle Beach. A historical fishing village with abundant natural beauty, it’s a wildlife enthusiast's paradise.
The coastline is rich in biodiversity, dense marshlands, and meandering waterways. A boat ride through Murrells Inlet provides a rare opportunity to watch the region's fascinating wildlife. Here are five species that you may spot on your next adventure on a
Myrtle Beach sightseeing cruise:
- Bottlenose dolphins
Catching sight of the bottlenose dolphins is one of the best moments on the Myrtle Beach sightseeing tours. Bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly spotted among the different species inhabiting the area.
You can find these intelligent and playful creatures in the waters of Murrells Inlet, often swimming with the boats or leaping out of the water in spirited, graceful arcs. The coastal waters provide a unique and perfect habitat for these adorable creatures.
- Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, and Terns
Murrells Inlet hosts a variety of bird species. The Great Blue Heron, Ospreys, Royal Terns, Horned Grebe, Brewers Black Bird, and Great Egret are among them. The large birds can be easily spotted and can often be seen standing at the water’s edge. They often wade through the shallow marshes, patiently hunting for fish.
A Myrtle Beach sightseeing cruise through the inlet’s calm waters provides a wonderful opportunity to watch these graceful birds in their natural habitat. It is a bird lover's paradise, with birds like wrens, cardinals, sparrows, finches, tanagers, waterfowl, and eagles, among others, visible any time of the year in the area surrounding the inlet.
- Alligators
The alligators mostly hang out in the marshes and swamps but venture into the golf courses now and then. The South Carolina gators can weigh up to 1000 pounds and measure 14 feet in length. However, marshlands, wetlands, ponds, and swamps are their native habitat, and they can easily be seen lounging there if one is on a Myrtle Beach sightseeing cruise.
- Atlantic Stingrays
Murrell's Inlet's shallow waters are home to Atlantic stingrays. Usually light brown or gray, Atlantic stingrays are flat, diamond-shaped creatures that glide along the sandy bottom, blending with the ocean floor as they search for food. Contrary to their intimidating appearance, stingrays are harmless and shy. The Myrtle Beach sightseeing cruise boats provide a great opportunity to watch these gentle creatures and other fascinating wonders of the ocean.
- Sea Turtles, Manatees, and Crabs
Murrells Inlet is a haven for sea turtles such as the loggerhead and the green sea turtle. During the warmer months, they can be seen swimming gracefully under the water's surface, surfacing occasionally for air.
It is considered lucky to spot manatees during the cruise, as they are rare. The coastlines are also home to several species of crabs, among them blue crabs. Observing them in their natural habitat during a Myrtle Beach sightseeing cruise can make the cruise a special and memorable experience.
A Myrtle Beach sightseeing cruise is a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of wildlife species in their stunningly beautiful and natural homeland. The winding waterways provide a peek into the lush marshlands and
tranquil waters of Myrtle Beach.
By Chris Bates
