Murrells Inlet Sunset Cruise 2 to 3 Hour
Private Trip
Sunset
Private 23 hour sunset cruise for up to 6 guestsDeparts from Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk around 6 PM nightlyScenic waterway tour with coastal views and relaxed atmosphere
There's something magical about watching the day wind down from the water, and this private sunset cruise from Murrells Inlet's famous Marsh Walk delivers exactly that kind of evening you'll remember long after you're back on dry land. McKinley Charters runs this top-rated 2-3 hour tour for up to 6 guests at $400 total, making it perfect for families wanting to escape the crowds or couples looking for a romantic way to cap off their Murrells Inlet adventure. You'll slip away from the bustling restaurants and bars of the Marsh Walk as the golden hour approaches, heading into the peaceful waterways where the real magic happens.
Your captain typically fires up the engines around 6 PM, though departure times shift with the seasons since we're chasing that perfect sunset timing. The beauty of a private charter means you're not stuck with a boatload of strangers - just your group and the captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The tour weaves through Murrells Inlet's winding creeks and channels, giving you front-row seats to some of the most stunning coastal scenery South Carolina has to offer. You'll cruise past salt marshes that stretch for miles, dotted with fishing boats heading back from their day trips and maybe a few dolphins if you're lucky. The pace stays relaxed throughout - this isn't about covering maximum distance but soaking in the atmosphere as the sun starts painting the sky in those incredible oranges and pinks that make Lowcountry sunsets legendary. Bring your camera because the photo opportunities come fast, especially when you're positioned just right as the sun dips toward the horizon.
McKinley Charters keeps their boats well-maintained and comfortable for these evening tours, with enough seating for your whole group to spread out and enjoy the ride. The waters around Murrells Inlet stay relatively calm most evenings, making this a great choice even for folks who might get queasy on rougher ocean trips. Your captain will navigate the main inlet channels first, pointing out local landmarks like the historic waterfront homes and maybe sharing some stories about the area's shrimping and fishing heritage. As the tour progresses, you'll venture into some of the quieter backwater areas where the marsh grass grows thick and the bird life gets active during the evening hours. The boat's shallow draft lets you explore areas that bigger tour boats can't reach, giving you a more intimate look at the ecosystem that makes this stretch of coast so special. Most captains will find a perfect spot to idle or anchor briefly during the actual sunset, letting you enjoy those final moments of daylight without engine noise.
The evening hours bring out some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in these waters, and your captain knows where to look. Bottlenose dolphins are the real stars of most sunset tours here - these playful marine mammals love the inlet's fish-rich waters and often approach boats out of curiosity. They're most active during the cooler evening temperatures, frequently surfacing near the boat and sometimes even riding the wake if you're moving at the right speed. Don't be surprised if a pod of 4-6 dolphins decides to escort you for part of the journey. The marshes come alive with bird activity as the day cools down too. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows waiting for fish, while brown pelicans cruise low over the water in formation. Ospreys nest on channel markers throughout the area and you'll often spot them diving for fish or returning to their massive stick nests with dinner. Evening is also prime time for spotting egrets, ibises, and other wading birds that feed actively before dark. If you're touring during warmer months, keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles surfacing to breathe - they're not as common as dolphins but definitely a special sighting when it happens.
At $400 for up to 6 people, this sunset cruise offers serious value compared to individual tickets on larger tour boats, plus you get the privacy and personalized attention that makes the experience feel special. The trip works great for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or just treating your family to something different during your Murrells Inlet visit. Since departure times change with the seasons and weather can sometimes push tours to different days, it's smart to book early and stay in touch with McKinley Charters about timing. The Marsh Walk location makes it super convenient - you can grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants before or after your cruise, making it easy to build a whole evening around the experience. Most guests find the 2-3 hour duration hits the sweet spot - long enough to really unwind and see the area, but not so long that kids get restless or adults start thinking about dinner plans. Don't wait too long to secure your spot, especially during peak season when these intimate sunset tours fill up fast with both locals and visitors who know a good thing when they see it.
Murrells Inlet, SC