What to Bring on a Bird Watching Tour in Murrells Inlet
Home to gorgeous salt marshes and estuaries, Murrells Inlet is perhaps one of the most popular birding destinations in South Carolina. The area’s unique, protected coastal landscape attracts a variety of wonderful bird species such as Roseate Spoonbills, Brown Pelicans, Osprey, Bald Eagles, and American White Ibises! Want to see some of South Carolina’s wildlife up close and personal? At Visit Murrells Inlet, we proudly offer the best bird watching tours near Myrtle Beach, perfect for beginner and advanced birders alike! Here’s what you should bring on your South Carolina bird watching cruise:
Clothing to Wear on South Carolina Bird Watching Cruise
While the weather in Murrells Inlet generally isn’t very extreme, it is known to have hot and humid summers mixed with chilly and windy winters. Bringing layers is a must, especially if you’re taking a birding cruise in the morning. We recommend wearing a breathable base layer plus a light jacket. The color you wear matters too! Wearing bright colors can actually scare birds away, so we recommend choosing muted earth tones and natural hues so you can blend in better with the surroundings. We also suggest wearing comfortable shoes, especially if you choose our Murrells Inlet eco-tour, which includes a fun walkabout on a local beach. Protect your skin! Wear sunglasses to help reduce water glare and help you see the beautiful birds both in the air and near the water. A wide-brimmed hat is also a great option if you are sensitive to the sun or want some additional UV protection on your birding tour near Myrtle Beach.
Bird Watching near Myrtle Beach Essential Gear
Many birdwatching enthusiasts like to opt for fancy gear; however, we like to keep it simple to make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible! For the best views of the birds, we recommend bringing along your binoculars. These will help you spot smaller birds hiding in the tall marsh grasses and nesting in the trees. If you’re into tech, there are tons of great birding apps such as iBird or Merlin that can help you identify the species you see during your cruise, or you can bring along a South Carolina birds field guide. Don’t have either? Don’t worry! Our expert birding tour guides know how to spot and identify the many animals that call the inlet home.
Should I Bring a Camera? What Else Should I Bring on the Tour?
Our wildlife cruises in Murrells Inlet are a popular choice amongst photographers because they get you the best 360-degree views of the marsh! So if you’re into photography, we’d highly recommend bringing along your camera. If you want some next-level photos of the birds, perhaps pack your zoom lens and remember to silence your shutter sounds and avoid flash so you don’t scare them away! However, please note that boat decks can sometimes get a little wet, so be extra careful with your gear! We also suggest bringing a backpack so you can comfortably carry your water bottle, extra sunscreen (reef-safe, please), and eco-friendly bug spray.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Bring on A Murrells Inlet Bird Watching Tour?
Yes! Keeping noise to a minimum is essential on our South Carolina wildlife tours. Please avoid bringing loud electronic devices such as speakers, and please remember to put your phone on “do not disturb” or turn it off for a totally distraction-free experience! We also suggest avoiding wearing bright clothing or strong perfumes, as these can deter the birds from coming within sight of our tour.
Can Kids Come on the Bird Watching Tour?
Yes! Our bird watching cruises are totally kid-friendly. In fact, we think they are a great way to help your little ones learn about the world around them and gain a greater appreciation for nature. Unplug for a while as a family and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the marsh together. We suggest bringing some kid-sized binoculars for them and an extra layer in case they get cold, especially in the fall and winter. Many of our tours are all ages, so you can bring even your youngest kiddos along for the ride!
Reserve Your Spot on Our Popular Bird Watching Tour Today
See the unique natural beauty of South Carolina on an amazing, family-friendly bird watching tour in Murrells Inlet! Bring your binoculars and your sense of wonder and see the amazing species that call this beautiful coastline “home.” Our expert guides will help you identify and learn about all the wonderful wildlife you might find hiding in the waters and grasses of the saltwater marsh estuary. This tour is ideal for seniors, couples, and families who love nature and want to create a wonderful memory together! Reserve your spot on a birding cruise online today!