Kayaking in Murrells Inlet costs roughly $15–$25 an hour for a self-guided rental, around $45 per person for a guided tour, and about $130 per person for a four-hour guided kayak fishing trip with gear included — though exact rates vary by operator, season, and whether you’re renting hourly, half-day, or booking a guided experience. Here’s how the options break down.
Key takeaways
- Self-guided hourly rentals are the cheapest way on the water, generally starting in the $15–$25/hour range depending on the operator.
- Guided tours (no fishing) typically start around $45 per person and include a guide, safety briefing, and gear.
- Guided kayak fishing trips run higher — around $130 per person for a four-hour trip with tackle and bait included — reflecting the guide’s fishing expertise, not just the boat rental.
- Tandem kayaks (for two paddlers, including parent-and-child pairs) are usually priced per boat, not per person — ask when booking.
- Rates listed here are current as of this site’s own operator pages; call ahead to confirm same-day pricing, especially in peak season.
Self-guided rentals
This is the most budget-friendly option and the most common starting point for a casual trip. Pricing generally starts around $15–$25 an hour depending on the operator, with half-day and full-day rates offering a lower effective hourly cost. See the full Rentals page for a side-by-side comparison of local operators, including Crazy Sister Marina, Pawleys Kayaks, Express Watersports, and Black River Outdoors.
Guided tours
If you want someone to handle navigation and point out wildlife along the way, guided tours generally start around $45 per person. This usually includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket, and a guide who knows the tide-dependent routes through the marsh creeks — worth it if it’s your first time or you’re short on time to plan a route yourself.
Guided kayak fishing trips
Kayak fishing charters cost more than a standard tour — typically around $130 per person for a four-hour trip — because you’re paying for a guide’s fishing knowledge (where the redfish and flounder are holding on that day’s tide) as much as the boat itself. Most guided fishing trips include the fishing kayak, rods, tackle, and bait; you’ll still need your own South Carolina saltwater fishing license (see our Fishing guide).
What affects the price?
- Season: Summer weekends carry the highest demand and least flexibility on rates.
- Group size: Some operators offer per-group or multi-boat discounts.
- Duration: Half-day and full-day rentals typically cost less per hour than a one-hour rental.
- Reservation vs. walk-up: A few operators charge slightly more, or have limited walk-up availability, during peak season.
FAQ
Is kayak fishing more expensive than regular kayak rental? Yes — guided kayak fishing trips cost more than standard rentals or tours because you’re paying for a fishing guide’s expertise, not just the equipment.
Do kids pay full price? Policies vary by operator — some price by boat (so a parent-and-child tandem costs one rate), others charge per person regardless of age. Confirm with the specific operator when booking.
Is it cheaper to bring my own kayak? If you already own one, yes, there’s no rental fee — though you’ll still want to budget for parking at a launch site and, if fishing, a South Carolina fishing license.
Do prices change by season? Generally, yes — summer weekends see the highest demand, though listed hourly/tour rates don’t always change; availability tightens more than price.
Are life jackets and paddles included in the rental price? Yes, all local operators include the kayak, paddle, and a properly sized life jacket in the base rental or tour price.