Wanderlust World Wanderlust World With 60 miles of white sand shores, Myrtle Beach is an outdoor playground, complete with 50 miniature golf courses and a boardwalk lined with casual eateries and nostalgic amusement parks. Experience the beachfront city from the waterways that dominate its landscape by booking a boat ride complete with meal service. While Myrtle Beach itself does not offer any dinner cruises, you’ll find a handful of gourmet boating adventures in the surrounding region.
The Barefoot Princess Riverboat departs from North Myrtle Beach, 20 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. Embark on a two-hour riverboat adventure down the Intracoastal Waterway, complete with a buffet dinner. The three-level passenger vessel accommodates 130 people and includes a dining room on the lower level, a dance floor with live bands or DJs on the second level and open-air seating on the third. The riverboat hosts special events, such as a blues and barbecue dinner, on occasion. Traditional dinner cruises are held frequently during the summer but only on select dates during the rest of the year. The boat leaves from a marina that’s just steps from Barefoot Landing, a complex with shops, restaurants and concert venues, including the Alabama Theatre and House of Blues.
Big M Casino is a gambling ship in Little River, South Carolina, a little less than 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. The floating casino departs from the Intracoastal Waterway before making its way to the open Atlantic Ocean. The three-level ship has slot machines and gaming tables on the first floor, including blackjack, craps, poker and roulette. On the second story you’ll find all-you-can-eat buffet with theme nights, such as Italian, prime rib and seafood nights. The third floor has a bar and a handful of televisions. Dining is optional and is not included with the cost of your ticket. Evening cruises take place six days a week year-round.
Island Song Charters in Little River offers private chartered boat rides across the Intracoastal Waterway, Little River Inlet and Atlantic Ocean upon intimate sailboats that accommodate up to six people. Complimentary snacks and beverages are available on all excursions, as are options from catering menus. Special dinner cruises for two can be booked from April through October, where you’ll dock at Bird Island while enjoying a three-course meal and the sunset. Food includes catered meals from a local restaurant or a low-country boil -- a pot of seafood and vegetables -- prepared on the ship.
Hurricane Fleet operates out of Calabash, North Carolina, 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. The company’s fleet is comprised of four fishing boats, the largest of which, Hurricane II, has dining space for up to 40 passengers. The ship can be chartered for groups as small as 25 and you can order from a variety of catered menus from hot dogs and hamburgers, to Italian buffet, to a Carolina barbecue spread. Arrange for a half-day or full-day of deep sea fishing or shrimping.