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6 Fun Facts about Carolina Ocean Species You Didn’t Know



Are you planning a trip to the southern coast this summer? Of course you are! (Or should be!) Whether you’re coming to the south for abundant sunshine or a short work escape, our coastal waters hold unique sea creatures and shells that you won’t find on many coastlines. Keep an eye out for these ocean treasures next time you come to Mrytle Beach:

Animals:

Dolphins: Bottlenose dolphins are a common sight on the southeast coast, but that doesn’t make them any less of a treat to see. These intelligent marine animals range from 300-450 pounds and live up to 40 years. In fact, dolphins can hear sounds up to 15 miles away under water. So, do they ever take a moment to rest? In a sense — Dolphins sleep with 50% of their brain awake and one eye open. Talk about a light night’s sleep!

Jellyfish: Believe it or not, jellyfish existed before dinosaurs! The common knowledge that jellyfish are notorious for stinging is no joke. In fact, they have millions of small stinging cells in their tentacles that help them capture a snack by injecting toxin into their prey. Watch out!

Seagull: While you’re probably thinking “of course there’s seagulls; it’s the beach,” you might not know how insanely clever they are. Over the years, seagulls have learned and passed on behaviors, such as stomping their feet on the ground to imitate rainfall, thus tricking worms to come to the surface for a tasty snack. In addition, seagulls are one of the few animals who can drink both fresh and saltwater thanks to a pair of glands between their eyes which flush the salt out the openings in the bill. What a colony of smart cookies!

Shells:

Sundial: Shells that come from a snail are known as a sundial and are distinguished by their flattened disc shape and spirals. The shell coating can range from white to rainbow color and can have a low lustre or be highly iridescent, although most sundials on the southeast coast are neutral colored.

A sundial is unique in the sense that it’s a flattened disc shape and exhibits beautiful spirals in the hues of white, brown, and ash. Believe it or not, some people recognize sundials for their healing properties. Apparently they can calm emotional situations, promote cooperation and bring harmony in relationships. Now you know how to get your significant other to do the grocery shopping this week; You’re welcome!)

Atlantic Giant Cockle: Equally as strange and humorous as its name is its presence on the coastal shores in South Carolina! Take a stroll down the beach and you’ll be sure to see an abundance of these fan-shaped shells. Radial ribs run throughout the length of the shell and each half is precisely the same size as the other half, making for a strong base that allows the shell to bury into sediment and filter plankton.

Campeche Angel Wing: This sleek, ivory colored shell has an elongated spoon shape that spans 4 inches at maturity. Despite its delicate name and appearance, the angel wing can bore through wood, coral, and even moderately hard rock. Lesson learned: Don’t judge a shell by its cover!

If you’re flocking to the southern shores this spring or summer, be on the lookout for these unique ocean gems! Are you someone who likes to collect shells, daydreams about dolphin sightings, or equally admires both? Let us know what you’re most excited to see at the beach the summer (besides the ocean and sun, of course)!

Mad March Vacation Specials



Planning a trip to the beach can seem like quite a task, especially if you’re travelling in from far away. Even if you’re not far from the Myrtle Beach area, picking the right house to stay in can require thorough research! Fear not! In this post, Surfside is going to point out current specials along with each home’s key features and amenities. We’ve just taken half the load off your vacation planning. (You’re welcome!) Read on for our special deals, and snag them before they’re gone:

Cricket 102: A cozy condo featuring just the right amount of color rests just steps away from the ocean. Complete with Internet, parking, two TVs, and essential kitchen appliances and amenities, Cricket 102 is optimal for single families or couples seeking an adventurous beach vacation. This one bedroom, one bathroom condo includes a private balcony and a sofa bed for extra guest room. Book for July 6-11 and receive a special rental rate of $650 for the week. Book for July 14-20th and receive a rate of $675!

Fore Shore: This five bedroom, four bathroom spacious beach home is situated around a private pool and encompasses a spacious kitchen, ample seating both in the living room and on the two private balconies, Internet and Tvs in each room, and kitchen essentials and appliances. Fore Shore is the optimal beach getaway for family get-togethers, Spring Break vacations, and a relaxing summer hiatus. Book a weekly reservation in 2019 and receive a free baby crib/pack ‘n play and high chair! Just be sure to request these items upon booking so we can make sure your rental is all set to enjoy when you arrive!

Blue Bayou: A pastel blue beach home beckons beach goers with its private pool, covered parking, Internet and TVs, and spacious four bedroom, three and a half bathroom floor plan. Sleep in comfort in one of the four queen or king beds, complemented with essential bedding. Spend late afternoons relaxing by the private pool, knowing you will have snagged a 20% off and a free linen package when you book a new weekly reservation in April or May! Talk about comfort.

A Copa Banana: A vibrant teal exterior welcomes you into a spacious five bedroom, five and a half bathroom retreat where modern amenities are abundant. Kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, and ceiling fans have been installed for your convenience and comfort, and a private pool awaits your arrival. Book a weekly stay at A Copa Banana during the month of May and receive $500 off the rental rate! Enjoy a stay at this highly sought after rental before it’s booked.

To learn more about our ongoing specials, please check out ‘Specials & Deals’ page! If you’re contemplating planning a beach vacation to Myrtle Beach, snag one of these deals and get to planning the rest of your trip. Surfside Realty would love to welcome you!