South Carolina is known for its incredible southern hospitality, its coastal cities, and high temperatures come summertime. If you’re looking for a reprieve from the heat no matter the time of year, getting out on the water helps stave off the discomfort that comes with high temperatures. South Carolina doesn’t have many companies that offer river tubing and you’ll undoubtedly want to try them all. We suggest you start that quest with the biggest outfitter and the longest float trip in the state from Palmetto Outdoor Center In Columbia. It’s a locally-owned gem that’s perfect for a day out and about on the water. If you’re looking for the longest float trip in South Carolina, well, you just found it!

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You'll meet up with the trip at the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater where you'll check-in and then board a bus to the launch point upriver. This is where you'll meet the folks that will be joining you during your time river tubing in South Carolina.
Facebook/Palmetto Outdoor Center
The spot you meet is also the take-out point when your river float is over. Be sure to wear water shoes for the river and for the hot pavement when you return and walk back to your vehicle.
After a quick, 10-minute ride to the launch point upriver, everyone will launch in the same place.
Facebook/Palmetto Outdoor Center
When making reservations online, it's important to understand the different between the Regular tube and the Deluxe tube. Seen here in yellow, the regular tube is built so you can put your feet and body all the way through the tube.
And the Deluxe tube is covered in mesh, creating a cozy seat and different tubing experience altogether.
Google/Carla Thompson
There's only a slight difference in the rental price, so it's really a matter of preference. Outdoor summer activities in South Carolina vary greatly, as do the requirements for each. Make sure to plan ahead and order the right tube, folks!

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You can expect this tubing experience to be like none other in the Palmetto State!
Facebook/Palmetto Outdoor Center
While other tubing trips are just as peaceful and serene, they may not have some mini rapids to create a bit of excitement as you make your way over them.
Don't worry: if you fall out, the water isn't very deep at all!
Facebook/Palmetto Outdoor Center
And either way... you're guaranteed to get wet. During the height of the summer season, the water temps here barely reach 65 degrees, so prepare for a refreshing experience! The longest float trip in South Carolina has a few tricks up its sleeve, so be ready to adventure come rapids or slow-moving water. There's a lot of fun to be had, friends.
During the last few hundred feet of your trip, you'll get to float right under the historic Gervais Street Bridge...
Facebook/Palmetto Outdoor Center
...just before arriving at the take out point. In all, the trip takes 3-4 hours and you can move at your own pace since you don't have to meet a bus at the takeout point. Some people rent an extra Deluxe tube and secure a cooler to it with rope.

Palmetto Outdoor Center also hosts kayaking trips and rents tubes and kayaks for use in and around Columbia. Kids must be at least 10 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds. For this river tubing excursion, the meetup point is at this Address: 131 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC, 29169

If you reserve your package online, then you’ll be able to book with a credit card; however, if you are a walk-up customer at the address above, you’ll need to bring cash.

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longest float trip in South Carolina

Meghan Kraft | May 15, 2020

Where else can I go river tubing in South Carolina?

There aren’t many tubing-centric companies in South Carolina, but there is a handful. Each of them is equitably priced and offers a fantastic experience out on the river! If you’re in Ridgeville, South Carolina, you may want to check out the tubing opportunities at Edisto River Adventures. This local favorite also offers canoe and kayak options as well. Also located on the Saluda, Green River Cove Tubing is located just across the border in North Carolina. Rock Hill, South Carolina boasts Bailey’s Outdoor Adventures and it's known for being a quick, easy and cheap option that suits getting out on the water earlier rather than later. There’s no better way to experience the summer than on the water in South Carolina.

What are the most popular water sports in South Carolina?

There are all sorts of popular water sports indulged in by locals and tourists alike throughout the great state of South Carolina. From tubing on the rivers to swimming in swimming holes, from banana boat rides to jet skiing and parasailing there’s nothing like a day out on the water in the Palmetto State. The Lowcountry aesthetic is hard to repeat anywhere else, and you can even get a closer look at the animals beneath the water’s surface with a glass-bottom kayak ride. Come to canoe or waterski, fish, or go windsurfing. There’s no end to the warm weather opportunities!

What are the best outdoor summer activities in South Carolina?

The absolute best outdoor activities are hard to pin down, but if you’re looking to get outside and explore the state then you will want to head to the beach for everything from beachcombing to wakeboarding. Hike the famed Palmetto trail, or maybe walk along the Conway’s Riverwalk. South Carolina is dotted with lakes, so you can even rent a cabin or a vacation home if you’re in the market. Sit out on the front porch, any front porch, your friend’s or your family’s or some beach house down on the coast, and indulge in a cup of iced tea. There’s nothing more southern than that.

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