AquariumSouth Carolina, US

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Discover a dazzling aquatic wonderland at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, nestled conveniently within the vibrant Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex.

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About

Discover a dazzling aquatic wonderland at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, nestled conveniently within the vibrant Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex. This captivating attraction transports visitors into the mysteries of the ocean, offering an unforgettable journey through diverse marine habitats from around the globe. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a vibrant array of marine life, promising engaging experiences for all ages. One of the aquarium's most iconic features is the 340-foot Dangerous Reef, a moving glidepath tunnel that immerses you completely as majestic sharks, giant sawfish, and Gabby the green sea turtle swim gracefully overhead in a colossal 750,000-gallon exhibit. Beyond this thrilling encounter, explore the enchanting Planet Jellies, where hundreds of otherworldly jellyfish pulse and glow in illuminated tanks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Don't miss the lively Penguin Playhouse, home to a charming colony of South African penguins that waddle and swim with endearing antics. For a truly unique experience, visit Sloth Valley to meet Cleo and Rico, the adorable two-toed sloths in their lush habitat. The aquarium is designed for interaction and discovery, featuring touch tanks in the Discovery Center where you can gently connect with fascinating sea creatures like horseshoe crabs and jellyfish. Engage with the colorful residents of Rainbow Rock, an Indo-Pacific coral reef exhibit teeming with tropical fish like clownfish and regal blue tangs. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for families and marine enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into marine conservation and discovery. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach holds a significant place in the Ripley Entertainment family, having opened its doors in June 1997 as the company's very first aquarium venture. Its success paved the way for two subsequent world-class facilities in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Toronto, Canada. Over the years, the aquarium has evolved, doubling its exhibits from around 16 to 32, and cementing its commitment to conservation and scientific research. In 2020, Ripley's opened its Marine Science Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to animal care and research, which notably achieved the world's first successful birth by artificial insemination of a sand tiger shark. The addition of the 5,500 square foot Penguin Playhouse also marked a significant expansion, contributing to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan with the birth of African penguin chicks.

What to do here

Walk or ride the glidepath through the Dangerous Reef. Attend daily shows such as the live dive shows at Rainbow Rock or Ray Bay, where divers hand-feed animals. Check for mermaid shows and meet-and-greets on select days. Consider add-on experiences like the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure over the Dangerous Reef, or exclusive encounters with penguins, sloths, or stingrays (reservations highly recommended for these paid experiences).

Seasonal info

During the winter holiday season, the aquarium transforms with the Festival of Trees, featuring over 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, South Carolina's largest indoor display. The aquarium also hosts sensory-friendly days with adjusted lighting and sound levels to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities.

Accessibility

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is designed to be fully accessible for guests with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. It features wheelchair ramps and elevators, as well as wide, smooth walkways throughout all levels of the facility. Accessible restrooms are available, and the aquarium offers on-site wheelchair rentals (check availability). Sensory-friendly initiatives, such as special days with reduced sensory input, further enhance the experience for all visitors.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most families typically spend between two and three hours exploring the aquarium, providing ample time to enjoy the major exhibits without feeling rushed. If you have young children, plan for closer to three hours, or more if you participate in additional experiences or watch multiple shows.
Best time to visit: To avoid the largest crowds, plan your visit during weekdays, especially early mornings right after opening or in the late afternoon/evening. Weekends, holidays, and summer months are generally the busiest. The shoulder seasons of March through May and September through November offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. The aquarium is also an excellent indoor option for hot summer days or rainy weather.
Location: South Carolina, US
Species in this guide: 14

Best for

Families With Young ChildrenMarine Life EnthusiastsCouples Seeking An Engaging Indoor ActivityPhotographyEducational Outings

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Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Great White Shark

Sea Turtle

Blue Spotted Stingray

Box Jellyfish

Weedy Seadragon

Octopus

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Purchase tickets online in advance

Buying tickets online can save you time and sometimes money, helping you bypass lines at the entrance, especially during peak seasons.

Arrive early or late

The aquarium is often busiest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Visiting right at opening or later in the afternoon/evening can help you avoid crowds.

Check daily schedules

Look up showtimes for dive shows, feedings (like shark or penguin feedings), and any mermaid appearances before or upon arrival to plan your visit efficiently.

Consider add-on experiences

Activities like the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure or animal encounters (Sloth, Penguin, Stingray) offer unique perspectives. These often require an additional fee and may need advance reservations.

Utilize free parking

Free parking is available right next to the Aquarium, which can be a significant convenience in the busy Broadway at the Beach area.

Pack light and mind strollers

While strollers are allowed, large "stroller-wagons" and large running strollers are not. Smaller umbrella strollers are recommended, especially during busy times, to navigate easily through the exhibits. Be aware there is a no re-entry policy.

Frequently asked questions

: Most visitors spend approximately 2 to 3 hours touring Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, allowing ample time to enjoy the various exhibits, including the Dangerous Reef shark tunnel, Planet Jellies, and Penguin Playhouse. If you plan to attend shows, participate in special encounters, or visit with young children who might want to linger, you might extend your visit to three hours or more.
: Yes, Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is highly wheelchair accessible. The facility features ramps and elevators for easy navigation between levels, along with wide, smooth pathways throughout all exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available, and manual wheelchairs can often be rented on-site.
: Key highlights include the Dangerous Reef, a 340-foot moving tunnel surrounded by sharks and sea turtles; the Penguin Playhouse, home to adorable South African penguins; and Sloth Valley, where you can observe two-toed sloths. Don't miss Planet Jellies for a mesmerizing display of glowing jellyfish, and the interactive touch tanks in the Discovery Center where you can feel horseshoe crabs and stingrays.