Coastal Animal Encounters For Nature Lovers

The combination of forested land, warm ocean, and fresh river waters sets the stage for a unique biodiversity along the coast of South Carolina. As alligators bathe in the marshy wetlands, ospreys build their nests on Spanish moss-covered oaks. Impressive American bald eagles circle high above the ocean waves before diving in for the kill, right next to a pod of dolphins happily splashing and feeding on shrimp. Yet, within the same square mileage are big cats of the African safari, sharks, tropical fish from around the world, and domestic horses ready to plod both beach and trail. Bookmark these rare opportunities to interact with animals during your next getaway to Myrtle Beach!

Myrtle Beach Safari

If the Tiger King helped you through the quarantine of 2020, then the only logical thing to follow is befriending a tiger in real life! Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre preserve for animals of the African wilderness. The Wild Encounters tour is a 3-4-hour guided tour full of hands-on animal experiences. Interact with majestic beasts like Hercules, the Liger, and Ramses, the Cheetah. Play with sweet tiger cubs, feed Bubbles the African elephant, and then hang out with the apes.

Myrtle Beach Safari also operates a specialty night tour. The tour includes the rare opportunity to hand-feed other big cats like Bengal tigers, a snow-white tiger, and a golden tabby tiger. The tour ends with an evening stroll through the tropical gardens. Dinner and a fire-side marshmallow roast with the chimpanzees are the highlights.

Myrtle Beach Safari offers an opportunity to take a photo with an adorable tiger cub. The experience is separate from the Wild Encounters tour and takes place at the Preservation Station. The Preservation Station has two convenient locations. The first is at The Safari Lodge in South Myrtle Beach, and the other is at Barefoot Landing. No matter which side of town you are visiting, be sure to partake in this unforgettable animal encounter!

Alligator Adventure

One of the most exciting places to begin your wildlife journey in Myrtle Beach is the Alligator Adventure. Known locally as the “Reptile Capital of the World,” this exciting animal sanctuary is home to over 200 species of animals. However, the alligators take center stage. Witness the feeding frenzy of these giant reptiles or get up-close to a baby alligator. Remember, there’s more than just alligators. Discover everything from exotic birds to hyenas. Your encounter with these Myrtle Beach animals promises to be an extraordinary experience.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

At Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, the Dangerous Reef is the most popular exhibit for a reason. Sandbar, sand tiger, and nurse sharks glide overhead and all around you as you walk the 340-foot transparent tunnel on the aquarium floor. Head on to Stingray Bay for an up-close and personal visit with several species of stingrays. Then marvel at the colorfully backlit jellyfish at Planet Jellies. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach has nine exhibits and five extraordinary in-person experiences. In addition, there’s a virtual tour where you’ll see every aquatic creature, from turtles to octopuses.

Myrtle Beach Zoos

Myrtle Beach is more than just a stunning shoreline. It also has a fascinating variety of wildlife. Myrtle Beach zoos offer you a chance to encounter various animals in environments that resemble their natural habitats. From the smallest critters to the grandest beasts, the zoos of Myrtle Beach bring out the true essence of the animal kingdom. Prepare to take the reins as we journey into the wild side of Myrtle Beach!

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is much more than meets the eye. The gardens act as a natural sanctuary and a thriving habitat for the region’s wildlife. Brookgreen Gardens is also home to the Low Country Zoo. The Low Country Zoo isn’t about showcasing animals in cages; it’s about conservation and education. Witness river otters playing, eagles soaring, and foxes frolicking. The Low Country Zoo is a true haven for South Carolina fauna and challenges you to understand their behavior and importance in our world. 

T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station

Ready to shake hands (or should I say, paws) with the wild side of Myrtle Beach? Then go check out T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station. This is not your average zoo tour. No, my friends, this is a walk on the wild side, a chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most stunning creatures.

Specializing in big cats, T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station is a heart-thumping thrill of an experience. You might even find yourself locking eyes with a tiger. Make no mistake, a visit to T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station adds a taste of wild adventure to your Myrtle Beach getaway.

Myrtle Beach Boat Tours

Prepare yourself for a unique adventure – one where the wind tousles your hair, sunlight dances off the waves, and you explore Myrtle Beach in an entirely new light. Welcome to the mesmerizing realm of Myrtle Beach Boat Tours. These tours offer relaxed sunset cruises, thrilling dolphin sightings, and more. Brace yourself as you embark on a journey filled with fun and a fresh appreciation for Myrtle Beach’s marine life. Time to cast off!

Waccamaw Cooter Airboat Tours

The most intriguing Myrtle Beach zoo is the local outdoors. Waccamaw Cooter Airboat Tours hosts a few unique ways to witness the native flora and fauna from the comfort of a 60-foot pontoon boat or an airboat.

The Plantation River Tour is a great way to see why this rich land attracted 19th-century plantation owners. Set to a local historian’s narration, the 2.5-hour tour cruises along the Waccamaw River for views of six different plantations. Colonial-era architectural remains like trunk gates and slave cabins still stand in contrast to their natural environment of moss-laden oak and grand cypress trees.

Meanwhile, the Airboat Tour explores the Waccamaw, Black, and Pee Dee Rivers along the National Wildlife Refuge, where you may see eagles, alligators and osprey. Rather than bringing the animals into the human world, Waccamaw Cooter Airboat Tours brings you to the animals in their preferred habitat.

Sea Screamer & Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruises

Leave the land behind for the sparkling waters of the Atlantic aboard the Sea Screamer or Sea Thunder. This exhilarating Dolphin Cruise allows you to witness playful dolphins frolicking in their natural habitat. Delight in the sight of these majestic creatures leaping from the water. The cruises last up to two hours and take you through the Intercoastal highway and out to open water. This is your chance to spot uninhabited islands before accelerating to your first sighting.

J & L Kayak Ecoventures

J & L Kayak Ecoventures offer more tranquility and a hands-on nature experience. This locally owned kayaking tour kicks off at Cherry Grove Beach. Choose from a range of highly rated tours that include: a Backwater Scenic Tour, Wates Island Tour, Twilight Tour, self-guided island tour, and even a crabbing tour of the Lowcountry. Paddle your way through the scenic waterways and marshes of Myrtle Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, ospreys, and, yes, dolphins, too.

Little River Fishing Fleet

The Little River Fishing Fleet provides an exciting angling experience and fishing expeditions. Operating since 1985, the Little River Fishing Fleet offers private charters for small groups and large groups up to 70 people. Choose from a selection of five vessels to embark on your day trip. Packages start at 4 hours for a ½ day trip and last up to 11 hours for a full day out on the water. Experience the thrill of catching a large grouper or black sea bass. Experienced anglers may encounter larger species like tuna and sharks. You just never know what surprises the ocean has in store!

Waccamaw River Tours

Craving a breath of fresh air and a whole lot of greenery? Then treat yourself to an encounter with Mother Nature on a Waccamaw River tour. This isn’t just an excursion. It’s an opportunity to navigate picture-perfect landscapes teeming with wildlife.

Two exciting options await you – the Wildlife Boat Tour and the Osprey Photography Tour. For avid birdwatchers, the Osprey Photography Tour is heaven! Observe the ospreys as they take flight, with their regal wings spanning across the sky. Or perhaps the thrill of the unexpected lures you? In that case, keep an eye out for the alligators basking in the sun on the riverbanks.

Coastal Scuba

Coastal Scuba is an immersive way to experience Myrtle Beach animals and a chance to plunge into the Atlantic Ocean depths like a mermaid! Historic shipwrecks at their popular diving sites are always teeming with marine life like Spanish mackerel, barracudas, black sea bass, coral, sponges, stingrays, and much more.

Additionally, Coastal Scuba is a one-stop shop for any and all diving gear you desire for purchase or rent, professional-grade PADI-certified dive training, and scuba diving advice from experienced staff members. Beginners to scuba diving can get as much practice as they need through Coastal Scuba’s training program. Once you’re ready to take on the deep blue, sign up for one of their scuba diving charters.

Horseback Riding in Myrtle Beach

As one of humankind’s first tamed companions, our equine friends must not be excluded from your search for animal connection. Take advantage of the Myrtle Beach horseback riding opportunities at Grand Strand Horseback Riding. Their trail-riding adventure wanders through 100 acres of scenic woods, crop fields, pastures, and ponds on the backs of well-trained and sweet-tempered horses. Or, take in the salty ocean air as your sure-footed friend carries you across the Myrtle Beach shoreline on the beach riding tour. Remember to keep an eye and a camera out for the local woodland critters and aquatic wildlife!

You’ve been to the beach plenty of times, but have you ever splashed in the shallows on horseback? Myrtle Beach Horseback Riding will expose you to a new perspective of the sandy shoreline with their 1.5-hour beach ride from November to February. During these excursions, it’s not uncommon to see pods of dolphins, bald eagles, pelicans, jellyfish, horseshoe crabs, and other coastal creatures. The horses would also love to accompany you to their favorite stomping grounds, about a half-hour’s drive away. From March to October, the countryside tour wanders through the gorgeous equestrian trails of Conway. Each tour includes an expert guide to teach you how to ride, plus complimentary photos to help you remember this lifelong memory.

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The native wildlife is one of the most beautiful things to explore in Myrtle Beach, especially for people who feel a special connection to the environment and all of Earth’s critters. Nature lovers will also appreciate the abundance of non-native animal preserves striving to protect the lives in their care and educate the public about the symbiotic nature of ecosystems. From zoos to outdoor habitat excursions to horseback riding adventures, there are countless opportunities in Myrtle Beach to encounter all kinds of animal species and indulge in your appreciation for nature.

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