---
title: Murrells Inlet Shelling & Bird Watching Eco Cruise
slug: murrells-inlet-shelling-and-bird-watching-eco-cruise
type: attraction
sub_type: cruises
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/murrells-inlet-shelling-and-bird-watching-eco-cruise
city: Murrells Inlet
state: SC
country: US
address: 4079 US 17 Business
geo:
  lat: 33.55717
  lng: -79.03276
duration: up to 2 hrs
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T20:27:41.617Z
price_from:
  amount: 30
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 4.5
  count: 398
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: Saltwater Marsh Bird Watching & Eco Excursion
        price: 30
        regular_price: 32
        savings: 2
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (13+ yrs)
            min_age: 13
          - name: Child (3-12 yrs)
            min_age: 3
            max_age: 12
          - name: Toddler & Baby (0-2 yrs)
            min_age: 0
            max_age: 2
---
## Overview

Explore the stunning saltwater marsh estuary of Murrells Inlet on a two-hour shelling and bird watching eco cruise. Led by a naturalist guide, observe native and migratory birds and sea life, enjoy a live demonstration with a touch tank, and take a walkabout on a local beach to search for shells and treasures along the shoreline.

## What's Included

- Two-hour eco cruise aboard The Explorer, a 54′ United States Coast Guard–certified vessel with a bathroom onboard
- Guided naturalist commentary by a wildlife biologist
- Live demonstration featuring local crabs and a sample dredge brought into a touch tank for close-up observation
- Walkabout shelling and exploration on a nearby beach

## What's Not Included

- Light snacks and drinks, including alcohol, available for purchase at the onboard snack bar

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **Saltwater Marsh Bird Watching & Eco Excursion** — $30.00 (regularly $32.00, save $2.00)
  Discover Murrells Inlet's saltwater marsh estuary on a 2-hour naturalist-led boat tour aboard The Explorer, a 59-foot catamaran. The tour includes a licensed master captain and an onboard restroom and snack bar. Food and drinks including alcohol, are available for purchase.
  - Adult (13+ yrs)
  - Child (3-12 yrs)
  - Toddler & Baby (0-2 yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know

* Enjoy a 2-hour bird-watching and shelling tour that explores Murrells Inlet's saltwater marsh estuary.
* Tour takes place aboard The Explorer, a 54′ vessel certified by the United States Coast Guard, which includes a bathroom for convenience.
* Please arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure to allow time for parking, check-in, bathroom use, and boarding.
* Complimentary parking is available in the gravel lot across the street from the ship’s store.
* Check in at the ship's store located in the front parking lot of Dead Dog Saloon.
* Light snacks and drinks, including alcohol, are available for sale at the onboard snack bar.
* All ages are welcome to participate in this educational and engaging experience.
* Tour sails through a light rain or drizzle. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and flat-soled shoes.
* The cruise remains within tranquil, protected waters, minimizing the chance of seasickness, but bring medication if prone.
* Guests are not allowed to bring food, drinks, coolers, or large items like luggage onboard due to limited storage.
* Take as many pictures as you like.
* Recommended to bring a camera or smartphone, binoculars, sunscreen, cash for snacks or gratuity, and photo ID if purchasing alcohol.
* Dress according to temperature, wind, and weather; the water is typically cooler than the land.

## Cancellation Policy

Free Changes & Cancellations - See details upon selection.

## FAQs

### Where does the shelling and bird watching eco cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the Visit Murrells Inlet ship's store and ticket booth, located next to the big red chair by the front stairs of the Dead Dog Saloon restaurant on the parking lot side in Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County. It is approximately 10-12 miles south of Myrtle Beach International Airport and five miles north of Brookgreen Gardens.

### Is parking provided?

Yes, absolutely! Guests can enjoy complimentary parking located in the gravel lot across the street from the ship's store.

### What is the duration of the eco cruise?

The eco cruise lasts approximately two hours.

### Are there any age restrictions for the tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages!

### What will I experience during the tour?

You'll observe local wildlife, including birds and underwater creatures, and participate in a live demonstration. There is a touch tank where you can safely observe and touch sea life.

### Who will guide the tour?

A naturalist will guide the tour, providing expert commentary on the wildlife and ecosystem.

### Can I take pictures?

Yes, definitely! Take as many pictures as you like to capture the fun and share your amazing experience with your friends and family.

### What should I bring on the tour?

It's recommended to bring a camera or smartphone for pictures, binoculars for bird watching, sunscreen, cash for purchasing snacks or drinks and crew gratuity, and a valid photo ID if you plan to buy alcohol onboard.

### Are there any items prohibited on the tour?

Yes. Guests are not allowed to bring food, drinks, coolers, and large items like luggage on board due to limited storage space.

### What should I wear?

Please dress appropriately for the temperature, wind, and weather conditions. Remember that the water is typically cooler than the land. The cruise operates in light rain or drizzle, so plan accordingly. Wear flat-soled shoes and avoid heels or platforms for comfort and safety.

### Will I experience seasickness?

The cruise remains within the tranquil and protected waters of Murrells Inlet, so there is no possibility of experiencing seasickness. However, everyone is different, and if you are prone to seasickness, please remember to bring your medication and take it before boarding.

## Reviews

> "The cruise was a wonderful experience for our family. The naturalist was very knowledgeable, pointing out various birds and explaining the ecosystem. The touch tank demonstration was interactive and fun for the kids, and the shelling walk on the beach was a great way to finish the tour. Highly recommend for families and nature lovers!"
> — GoPlaces281634, Reviewed May 24, 2025

> "Worth every penny! We learned so much about the local wildlife and really enjoyed the calm and beautiful scenery. The boat was comfortable and snacks available onboard were a nice touch. Perfect relaxing adventure."
> — BeccaEddy0523, Reviewed May 29, 2024

> "Argh! A Pirate's Life is Great! This tour mixes fun with education in a beautiful setting. The guide was engaging, and my kids loved searching for shells on the beach. A must-do if you're in the Myrtle Beach area."
> — 976christinal, Reviewed July 13, 2023

> "Multigenerational fun! Our whole family—kids, parents, and grandparents—all enjoyed this tour. The expert guide made it fascinating for all ages, and the opportunity to see and touch sea creatures was memorable."
> — CherylL919, Reviewed June 22, 2023