Rover Boat Tours - Carolina Rover
Rover Boat Tours - Carolina Rover
Rover Boat Tours - Carolina Rover
4.5
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About
The Carolina Rover a 4 hour Eco-tourism cruise that is guaranteed to be unlike any other attraction along the Grand Strand. Our comfortable shaded 40 ft. pontoon boat cruises on smooth inland waters to a remote barrier island where the Winyah Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. We take you through a bird-watcher's paradise to South Carolina's oldest lighthouse, the Georgetown Light, 1811, that lit the way for two centuries for seafarers. Explore and beachcomb where the sea unfolds her secrets depositing an ever-changing array of shelling opportunities. During this adventure you will see the sight of the Civil War wreck of the Union flagship, the USS Harvest Moon, and our naturalists will give an informative commentary on the historic plantation tidelands. Keep an eye out for such wildlife as Dolphins, Bald Eagles, Alligators, and Sturgeon! This cruise is a wonderful unique experience for all ages.
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Rover Boat Tours - Carolina Rover
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
306 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
45
Average
11
Poor
4
Terrible
8
Natalie Schweiger
Cary, NC5 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
River Boat Tours was my first guided tour in South Carolina, and it definitely set the bar high for any that follow. Our Naturalist Elizabeth was friendly and informative, both on and off the boat. She was very accommodating in making sure all guests were comfortable and had an enjoyable time, answering all questions and offering Gatorade for just a dollar to make sure we stayed hydrated.
The North Beach was beautiful and covered with an array of shells to collect, as promised on their website.
Captain Tom added to the experience with his own local tips, trivia and witty jokes gained from a long career in Georgetown.
On the ride back we were treated to a sighting of wild dolphins that swam and jumped minor feet from the bow of the boat.
I was vacationing with my parents, grandmother and teenage brother. On our drive home we all agreed River Boat Tours would be added to the itinerary for our annual Myrtle Beach trip.
The North Beach was beautiful and covered with an array of shells to collect, as promised on their website.
Captain Tom added to the experience with his own local tips, trivia and witty jokes gained from a long career in Georgetown.
On the ride back we were treated to a sighting of wild dolphins that swam and jumped minor feet from the bow of the boat.
I was vacationing with my parents, grandmother and teenage brother. On our drive home we all agreed River Boat Tours would be added to the itinerary for our annual Myrtle Beach trip.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review and for choosing to spend your day with Rover Tours. I can't tell you how blessed we all feel to be able to share our beautiful part of this world with our guests. Elizabeth & Tom always do an excellent job (as do all of our work family) and will really appreciate your praise. We look forward to sharing in your new vacation tradition.
Written July 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travelwriter52
Clinton, SC3,594 contributions
Sep 2020
Honestly, I only went on the tour to see the lighthouse (Georgetown Lighthouse). But I got a whole lot more. On the way out I saw two eagles. While on the island, I had a pleasant walk on the beach. I didn't find shells, but others found whelks (when you are slow, the people ahead will find the shells). On the way out, they showed us the lighthouse. I was disappointed to find out that they couldn't take us to the dock to see it up close, but apparently since 9-11, that is not allowed. On the way back we saw dolphins. The only negative was that they confirmation email emphasized that we needed to be there at 9 am and no one showed up till 9:15 am. The tour guide later explained to me that the person who was supposed to open up and process the customers had an issue and she was called in to substitute. So that is at least forgivable.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travnur
Muskegon, MI207 contributions
Oct 2020
I love to go shelling and signed up as soon as I saw this option while staying at Myrtle Beach. We also were looking for a lighthouse tour and were disappointed that we could not even get on the property. We actually volunteer at one of our local lighthouses on Lake Michigan living in the apartment with 4 others for 2 weeks a summer. This is an active light called Big Sable Point that was built in 1867 that is located on a point out into the lake and is 2 miles from an active shipping lane that takes ocean going freighters down to Chicago and ore carriers from Minnesota to South Chicago. We have hundreds of visitors that climb 130 steps to the top. I really question the reason of 911 as the excuse to stay off the property
I have never seen so many shells in one place. We collected our buckets full. The interpreter, First Mate was very knowledgeable about the shells, birds, submerged ships, and plantations. He obviously loves his job as does the Capt and it shows. Would repeat this again in a heartbeat. Bring a jacket for the ride back.
I have never seen so many shells in one place. We collected our buckets full. The interpreter, First Mate was very knowledgeable about the shells, birds, submerged ships, and plantations. He obviously loves his job as does the Capt and it shows. Would repeat this again in a heartbeat. Bring a jacket for the ride back.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria K
Independence, KY52 contributions
Oct 2020
Went with 2 of my friends on a day trip...we half day anyway. I have to preface this by saying that I had taking their competitor Captain Rod's trip 2 years ago just before he retired. The actual trip to the island is of course the same but the narration that accompanies it is different as you would expect. The other trip had more local legend and ecology and history I thought... If I had taken this trip first I might have rated it higher. Our guide was really very good and such a pleasant person. We didn't find a lot of shells but they can't help that. I would still recommend the trip just because it is so pleasant and frankly, I LOVED how many eagles we saw on this trip. I am sure not sorry I went.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren T
61 contributions
Apr 2023
The boat ride was beautiful and the narration was interesting - from historic stories, info about shells, the untouched/protected beach, and various animals/fish were all very informative. The unspoiled beach had tons of shells and driftwood - very peaceful. I highly recommend this trip - how do you beat about $10 per hour?
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pathfinder140384
1 contribution
Mar 2023
The views were awesome. Bill was wonderful in the telling of the history of the area and engaging with all of us on the boat. Really enjoyed walking the island and collecting some treasures. Would recommend to both visitors and locals. Jesse was an awesome captain and bald eagle spotter.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan from MD
Frederick, MD3 contributions
Jun 2022
My family and I went on this boat cruise the last week in June. The price was a little much but doable. The tour guide gave out great historical information and pointed out the geographical layout of the inlet. We got off the boat at the island and were told to go to the right for shelling, something about to the left was restricted by Homeland Security. We did not see any signs. We shelled(shelling was mediocre but the crew couldn't help that) for about 45 minutes and we headed back, not wanting to be late for boarding. As we walked back in the direction of where the boat had pulled up on the sand and let us off we could see the boat out in the inlet pretty far off shore. We looked around again and could not figure out where we were suppose to wait for the boat. We walked on looking for a landmark where we had gotten off. Nothing. Suddenly, we heard a loud whistle and turn around to see the boat pulled in about 200 yards back. As we made our way back, the tour guide yelled very angrily at my 60 year old daughter,"Where do you think you were going?" When she tried to explain that there was no marker for the boarding area, he said "That's what the captain said you would say!" My daughter said "You are rude!" and when he realized she wasnt going to back down, he suddenly started backpeddling. I even said there was no way to tell where to board the boat and that they needed a flag or a sign. He spent the whole trip back trying to be overly nice to my daughter. ALSO, the boat was supposed to have a working toilet on board but no one could use it because it had not been cleaned out properly. He never announced that but we heard him tell someone that was the reason he didn't think they should use it. I would not recommend this tour to others. There are others tour boats there.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael F
Myrtle Beach, SC1,338 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
My wife and I signed up for this boat tour with four of our neighbors. The boat ride from Georgetown harbor to the barrier island- North Island - was about an hour n fifteen minutes. Along the way our host historian gave us exciting facts about the area from civil war era to the present. Our boat captain also contributed lots Of info n made sure we spotted the gators, eagles and dolphins along the way. We spent an hour or so on the beach finding beautiful drift wood and some shells. Some other passengers found large whelks but we didn’t this time. This was so much fun... will definitely do this again. Well worth the money.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the fantastic review. We're thrilled to hear your party enjoyed the Shelling adventure and look forward to seeing you again.
Written August 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jerry R
Conway, SC133 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The boat ride is longer than the time spent on Shell Island looking for seashells. The boat trip is very interesting and educational with lots of historical facts.
Besides wanting more time on the beach looking for shells, guide should stick to facts and leave commentary of California out of his script, since that was false info. I also recommend leaving cooler on the boat when on the island. Only take shell scoops and bags on beach.
Besides wanting more time on the beach looking for shells, guide should stick to facts and leave commentary of California out of his script, since that was false info. I also recommend leaving cooler on the boat when on the island. Only take shell scoops and bags on beach.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth S
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Wonderful this was so much fun for everyone in my family we got a great history lesson a beautiful boat ride and plenty of time on a pristine beach. The extra care and concern for passengers of all ages was heart warming. This tour is something I would highly recommend.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We only sell bottled water for $1.00 each (cash). You are urged to bring drinks (you will need to hydrate) and snacks or a picnic to be consumed on the cruise (you will get hungry). All coolers should be 12 pack or smaller and able to slide under your seats.
Written November 6, 2016
You can get a wheel chair down to the boat. But I do remember that I had to step from ramp down into the boat but the best thing to do is call the office, since they might have a ramp that would make is handicap access.
Written April 26, 2016
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