Admit it—most of us were attracted to the Grand Strand by the beach. There is a lure of the ocean that beckons us like a moth to the flame. The feel of soft, warm sand between your toes and the exhilaration from clear, salty water as the waves crash over your back is hard to resist. Yet there are instances when it’s time to rinse off the sand, put away the boogie board and enjoy the water from a different view. The Grand Strand offers a variety of ways to enjoy our waters without getting wet that will appeal to every member of the family.

If it’s sightseeing you’re interested in, The Getaway Adventures is your ticket. The 43-foot custom built catamaran holds 34 passengers and leaves the dock from Cricket Cove Marina in Little River daily from April through September. From the minute they cast off the mooring lines, the captains are narrating the tour with local knowledge of the history surrounding the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River Inlet. You may hear stories of the pirates who used Little River as a hiding place or the land/sea battles that were fought during the Civil War at the mouth of the Calabash River. The stable catamaran will leave the inlet and venture onto the ocean far enough for you to see dolphins swimming so close to the boat you can almost touch them. The cost for the three-hour cruise is $20 for adults and $15 for children 15 and under. www.myrtlebeachboatcruises.com, (843) 663-1100

Do you feel lucky? If you do, the Grand Strand offers Las Vegas style casino gambling aboard The Big M Casino. Other casino boats have come and gone, but the Big M is getting ready to celebrate five years of service in Horry County. Each excursion lasts six hours and games include blackjack, craps, roulette, and three-card poker. If you don’t care to gamble, there is a full buffet. On the top level is an indoor lounge with live entertainment and an outside sitting area. Located on the Little River waterfront. The cost is $20 per person. Buffet is an additional $15. You must be at least 21. www.bigmcasino.com, (843) 249-9811

Is romance in the air? Then The Barefoot Princess Riverboat cruise will do the trick with a 90-minute sightseeing or sunset cruise or a two-hour dinner/dance cruise. During the dinner cruise you will experience live entertainment with dancing, guided narration, Southern-style dinner and a full bar. Barefoot Princess docks at Barefoot Landing on the Intracoastal Waterway and departs throughout the week. www.mbriverboat.com or (843) 272-2140