Top 5 Water Sports Rentals and Activities in Myrtle Beach

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The beach is a great place to play a variety of sports and games, like football, volleyball, bocce and cornhole. But for some real excitement, step over to the other side of the surf line and experience the thrills of water sports in Myrtle Beach.

You don't have to own a yacht or a speedboat to explore the emerald green waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the pristine inlets along the South Carolina coast. Thanks to the abundance of water-sports outfitters operating on the Grand Strand, guests at the Caribbean Resort & Villas can charter a boat or rent the necessary equipment to enjoy a wide range of aquatic adventures for a fun day on the open seas. Here are the five most popular water-sports rentals and activities on the Strand:

* Banana Boats: If you see a bright yellow missile speeding across the ocean and hear several screams coming from the same direction, do not be alarmed. It's not some sort of strange sea monster, but a banana boat, the ultimate way to glide through the ocean waves as a group. Seating up to six passengers, the banana boat is a dual-pontoon vessel that combines the thrill of being pulled behind a jet ski or motorboat with the excitement of sharing the ride with the whole family. Use horsepower or paddle power to maneuver the Banana Boat into open waters or backwater inlets. Express Watersports is one of the top outfitters.

* Charter Boats: Allow a captain and his crew to provide a fun day on the high seas. Whether it's a deep-sea or offshore fishing trip or a dolphin-watching cruise, charter boats give guests the chance to explore the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway at their own speed. Another unique way to take a boat ride and entertain the kids is Blackbeard's Pirate Cruise, which takes passengers on a treasure hunt while racing against the notorious pirate who used to patrol local waters. Guests receive one free ticket per room to this Barefoot Landing attraction through our Sun & Fun Rewards program.

* Jet Skis: These aquatic motorcycles provide the perfect way to check out the ocean and backwaters of the Strand. With outfitters renting jet skis along the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, guests can use these watercrafts for high-speed thrills or low-speed exploration. Some models allow for one or two passengers, so those too young to drive can enjoy the fun. Ocean Watersports offers rentals on the beach, and Island Adventure Watersports offers waterway rentals near the Socastee Swing Bridge.

* Kayaks: Forgo the speed and power of a jet ski for the peaceful paddling of a kayak ride through the scenic inlets and backwater streams along the Strand. There are ocean kayaks that allow for trips on the sea, river kayaks for inland sightseeing, and even glass-bottom kayaks for checking out the sights under the water. Take a tranquil tour of the inlets and salt marshes or cross the open ocean to Waites Island with a tour through Glass Bottom Kayak Tours in North Myrtle Beach.

* Paddleboards/Surfboards: Standing up on the ocean with only a thin slice of fiberglass between your feet and the water is an amazing experience for those who master the craft. Paddleboards are longer and heavier than surfboards and are easier to learn to ride because of the increased buoyancy. Surfboards require a little more time to learn how to ride the ocean waves. Guests can rent both types of boards through Surf City Surf Shop, and Jack's Surf Lessons & Board Rentals can help you get started.

We hope you enjoy your day of water sports on the Grand Strand and your stay with us at Caribbean Resort & Villas in Myrtle Beach. The summer is ticking away, so make your plans to visit us today!