Boating and Splashing in Columbia – Discover The Rivers & Lake Murray!
The Saluda River and Broad River meet in a churning rush of rapids, and then combine to form the quiet Congaree River. Kayaking, Canoeing, tubing boating, and more are just a few possibilities for fun on and along the rivers. Lake Murray is unsalted and shark-free! 50,000-acre recreational paradise located 20 minutes from downtown Columbia. Check out these rental options for kayaks, canoes, tubes, and boats!
Kayak, Canoe, SUP’s and Boat Rentals
Saluda Shoals Park
Kayaks and canoes for rent
Guided canoe & kayak trips available too!
5605 Bush River Rd Columbia
803-772-1228
Palmetto Outdoors
Kayaks for rent
131 Alexander Rd. West Columbia
803-404-8254
River Runner Outdoor Center
Kayaks, canoes, SUP’s for rent
Rent at Saluda Shoals Park
Shuttle service
803-771-0353
AquaFun Boat Rentals & Tours LLC
Pontoon boats, jet-skis, kayaks, SUP’s can be rented by hour, half and full days & multiple days
220 Jakes Landing Rd Lexington
803-413-1693
Sesquicentennial State Park
Canoes, kayaks, pedal boat, boat rentals (for use on lake inside park)
803-788-2706
Better Boating
Pontoon boats, ski boats, kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boards
803-407-2929
Lake Murray Boat Rentals
Pontoon boats
803-462-5292
Adventure Carolina
Kayak & canoe rentals | Guided tours available
803-447-3327
Fishing Guides
Playin’ Hooky
Striped Bass
803-600-4999
Slick Willie’s Guide Service LLC
Striped bass & Catfish
803-924-0857
Saluda John Fishing Guide
Striped Bass
803-766-9705
REEL KAOS Striper Guide / Charter
Striped Bass
803-960-6357
Paddle Tours
Enjoy a interpretive paddle tour on the Saluda River and learn about the unique history of the area followed by a wine tasting at the River Overlook. Take home a complimentary Saluda Shoals Park wine glass to commemorate the evening. Ages 21 & up. Click here to register.
- 2020 Dates: May 8, June 26, July 10, August 21, September 4
- Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m. – Meet at Saluda Shoals Park upper boat ramp
- Fee: $37 per person
- For more information: Contact Lindsay Hudson at 213-2062 or lhudson@icrc.net
Rocky Shoals Spider Lily Discovery Tours
The rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily is a special flower that only blooms in rocky river locations in the southeast during the month of May. These beautiful flowers are close to being labeled endangered. South Carolina is one of just 3 places in the world to see them in person. Palmetto Outdoors will be giving 3 mile guided kayak tours on the Saluda River throughout the month of May to see the Spider Lilies bloom. Landsford Canal State Park near Lancaster will also be celebrating the Spider Lily bloom on May 17. From this park ‘s river trail you can view one of the largest populations.
Landsford Canal State Park Info Link
Tubing & Swimming
Saluda Shoals
Enjoy a relaxing trip down river on one of our premium river tubes. This journey is approximately two hours long and includes a shuttle back to your vehicle. Tubes are available seven days a week from 9am until 3pm, weather and river conditions permitting. $5/daily parking fee applies. Call 803-213-2054 or 213-2050 for more information.
Palmetto Outdoors
Several tube rental packages available
803-404-8254
Phoenix Adventures
Several tube rental packages available
843-260-3669
Adventure Carolina
Tubes $15/ 24 hours
From the launch $20
803-447-3327
Lake Murray Public Park Swimming
On the Lexington side – known as Lake Murray Beach SCE&G South Recreation Area is located on the south end of dam on North Lake Drive (SC 6) 1832-1834 N. Lake Drive, Lexington
Open now – 11am-7 pm weekdays until May 2 | 11am- 8pm weekdays May 2 and after | 10am-8pm Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. $3 for cars & trucks | $2 for motorcycles | $5 for buses. Season passes are $45 a car.
Splash Pads
Saluda Splash
803-772-1228
Drew Park
803-545-3100
Greenview Aquatics Center
803-754-5223
Emily Douglas Park
803-733-8531
Melvin Park
803-345-8113
Maxcy Gregg Park
803-545-3100
Heathwood Park
803-733-8446
