If you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach and want to get on the water, jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach are easy to find and worth every minute. The coastline here is built for it. Calm inlets, open ocean stretches, and warm water from May through September. You can chase dolphins through the Intracoastal Waterway or push the throttle wide open on the Atlantic. Either way, you’re going to have a good time.
Myrtle Beach has no shortage of rental companies, so this guide cuts through the noise. Below you’ll find the five best jet ski spots on the Grand Strand, where they are, what makes each one worth your time, and everything you need to know before you book the smarter move. Arriving early helps too, since most companies run safety briefings and paperwork before anyone gets near the water.
Here are the best jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach worth booking on the next trip down.
1. Myrtle Beach Watersports
Address: 8201 Marina Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Myrtle Beach Watersports sits at the marina and has built one of the strongest reputations along the coast for good reason. The fleet runs top-of-the-line Yamaha jet skis, and the guided dolphin tours through the Intracoastal Waterway are among the most consistently reviewed experiences on the Grand Strand. Wild dolphins regularly show up along the route, and the guides know the waterways well enough to position riders for the best sightings without turning it into a crowded traffic jam.
Single- and double-rider options are both available, and pricing holds up well against comparable companies for the same amount of time on the water. Families and small groups tend to do particularly well here, given the staff’s patience with first-time riders and the overall safety-forward approach built into every session.
2. Action Water Sportz
Address: 1525 13th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Action Water Sportz sits right in North Myrtle Beach, which makes it the natural first call for anyone staying in the area. The hour-long jet ski dolphin tours are the headline offering and remain one of the most popular water activities along the entire North Myrtle Beach corridor. The route moves through calm waterways before opening onto ocean stretches, giving riders a solid mix of relaxed cruising and open-water riding within a single session.
The staff runs a laid-back operation without cutting corners on safety, which quickly puts first-time riders at ease. Pontoon boat rentals are also available for groups looking to build a full day on the water, and the Cherry Grove location keeps everything within easy reach of the area’s best restaurants and beach access points.
3. Island Adventure Watersports
Address: 5843 Dick Pond Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Island Adventure Watersports takes a different approach from the standard ocean rental and is worth seeking out specifically for that reason. The guided tours here move along the Waccamaw River and surrounding salt marshes rather than the open coastline, trading wave jumping for a slower, more scenic ride through one of the area’s most visually interesting ecosystems.
Herons, osprey, and other coastal wildlife show up consistently along the route, and the green corridors of the marsh give the whole experience a quieter and more personal feel than anything available closer to the main beach strip. The team operates with an eco-friendly focus and spends time explaining the surrounding environment throughout the tour, making it a strong fit for families with curious kids or anyone who wants more out of a watersports session than just speed.
4. Downwind Sails Watersports
Address: 2985 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Downwind Sails has operated on South Ocean Boulevard since the 1970s and remains one of the most trusted names in Myrtle Beach watersports. Jet ski rentals launch directly from the beach, so riders are on the ocean within minutes of arrival rather than waiting for a boat to shuttle them out. The setup is clean and straightforward, and the experience delivers exactly what most people picture when they think about a classic Myrtle Beach beach day.
Parasailing, banana boat rides, and sailboat rentals all depart from the same location, making it a reliable one-stop option for groups who want to cover multiple activities without switching between vendors. The decades of local operation show in how smoothly the whole thing runs from check-in to launch.
5. Express Watersports
Address: 4042 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Express Watersports sits in Murrells Inlet, a short drive south of Myrtle Beach proper, and the change in setting is noticeable. The salt marsh surroundings keep the water calmer and the crowds considerably thinner than those on the main strip, making it a strong choice for riders who want smooth conditions and a more unhurried pace.
The company operates from a private dock with clean facilities and free parking, and its customer service consistently shows up. Dolphin sightings are common along the inlet routes, and for those looking to extend the day beyond jet skis, sunset cruises, and scuba tours run from the same location. The slightly removed setting is worth the extra drive for the overall quality of the experience.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Jet Skiing?
The best time to book jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach is between May and September, when water temperatures range from 70–80°F (21–27°C). However, many rental companies open as early as March for spring visitors. Many companies open as early as March for spring visitors willing to trade slightly cooler conditions for noticeably smaller crowds. Early June and late September hit a sweet spot when the water is still warm, and the peak-season rush has either not arrived or already cleared out.
Early mornings offer the calmest water and the best dolphin activity, while late afternoons bring softer light and a quieter stretch of coastline once the midday crowd thins out. Weekday sessions tend to run more smoothly than weekend sessions across the board.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach rewards people who stay close to the action. When you’re jet skiing in the morning, grabbing seafood for lunch, and catching a sunset walk on the pier, you want your home base to be comfortable and convenient.
A vacation home gives you things a hotel room simply can’t. A full kitchen means you can start the day with a proper breakfast and pack cooler snacks for the water. More bedrooms mean everyone gets real sleep instead of squeezing into two double beds. A private outdoor space — a deck, a patio, a yard- and gives your group somewhere to decompress after a full day outside.
For families or groups of friends, the difference in comfort is significant. You’re not just booking a place to sleep. You’re giving yourself a proper home base that makes every day easier and more enjoyable. That matters when you’re spending multiple days exploring everything the Grand Strand has to offer.
Sea Mountain Vacations offers vacation rentals throughout the area, putting guests within easy reach of every company on this list without the added time spent driving from farther down the strand. Properties come with fully equipped kitchens for early departures without hunting for breakfast, spacious living areas for the group to unwind after a full day on the water, and private outdoor spaces, including pools and direct beach access, depending on the home. Larger houses sleep groups without anyone drawing the short straw on room arrangements, while oceanfront condos give couples and solo travelers a front-row seat to the same coastline they spent the day riding across.
Browse available channel homes on SeaMountainVacations.com to find the right base for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jet Skiing in Myrtle Beach
What is jet skiing in Myrtle Beach known for? Myrtle Beach is known for its calm coastal waterways, regular dolphin sightings, and the wide variety of rental options along the Grand Strand. The mix of open ocean and sheltered inlets makes it suitable for all skill levels, from total beginners to experienced riders.
Is jet skiing in Myrtle Beach good for families? Yes — most rental companies offer tandem jet skis, so adults can ride with children. Several locations specialize in family-friendly tours with calm routes and experienced guides. Always check minimum age requirements before booking, as they vary by company.
When is the best time to go jet skiing in Myrtle Beach? May through September offers the warmest water and the most rental options. Early June and late September give you great conditions with noticeably fewer crowds. Weekday mornings are the best time of day — the water is calmer and the docks are quieter.
Do I need experience to rent a jet ski in Myrtle Beach? No experience required. Every rental company provides a safety briefing and basic riding instructions before you head out. Guided tours are a great option if you’re nervous — you follow a guide the entire time, which makes the experience feel much more manageable.
How much does jet skiing cost in Myrtle Beach? Prices vary depending on the tour length, company, and time of year. A standard 30-minute rental typically runs between $60–$100 per jet ski. Guided dolphin tours are usually priced by the hour and may cost slightly more. Booking online in advance sometimes offers a discount.
Are there age or height requirements for jet skiing? You must be at least 16 years old to operate a jet ski independently in South Carolina. Younger riders can ride tandem with an adult operator. Some companies have additional weight or height guidelines, so it’s worth checking directly when you book.
Is Myrtle Beach safe for jet skiing? Yes, when you ride with a licensed rental company and follow the safety guidelines. Stick to designated riding zones, wear your life jacket at all times, and pay attention during the safety briefing. Ocean conditions can change quickly, so always check the weather and water conditions before heading out.
Final Thoughts on Jet Ski Rentals in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has a lot going for it, but the water is what makes it truly special. Jet skiing here gives you a front-row view of the coast, the kind you can’t get from a beach chair or a hotel balcony. Whether you’re sprinting across open water or drifting through a quiet salt marsh, the experience sticks with you.
If you’re building a trip around the Grand Strand, don’t leave jet skiing as an afterthought. Book it early, plan your day around the water, and give yourself time to explore beyond the busy beach strips. There’s a lot to discover out there.
The best way to experience all of it? Stay somewhere that feels like home. A vacation rental near the water puts you close to everything, gives your group room to breathe, and makes the whole trip feel more relaxed and less rushed. It’s a practical choice and once you’re settled in, you’ll understand why so many Myrtle Beach regulars wouldn’t stay any other way.
