Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach
Dive into an underwater world at Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach, featuring sharks, penguins, and interactive marine life encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an underwater world at Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach, featuring sharks, penguins, and interactive marine life encounters.
"An absolutely amazing experience for kids and families, with opportunities to touch animals and learn about nature."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Lagoon Tunnel
Underwater Tunnel
Ride a moving walkway through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, sawfish, and other marine life. A truly immersive experience!
Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
Above the Dangerous Reef
Glide over a shark-filled tank on a glass-bottom boat for a thrilling, up-close view of these magnificent predators.
Penguin Playhouse
Penguin Exhibit
Watch playful penguins waddle, swim, and interact in their specially designed habitat. They're known to be quite curious!
Ray Bay
Ray Touch Tank
Get hands-on with gentle stingrays and jellyfish in this interactive touch pool. A favorite for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save Time
Maximize Your Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone! Many exhibits are incredibly photogenic, especially the shark lagoon tunnel.
💧 Hand Sanitizer is Key
After touching marine life, especially at the ray touch tank, a hand cleaning station is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone! Many exhibits are incredibly photogenic, especially the shark lagoon tunnel.
💧 Hand Sanitizer is Key
After touching marine life, especially at the ray touch tank, a hand cleaning station is recommended.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and interactive experiences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach for its immersive exhibits, particularly the Shark Lagoon Tunnel and interactive touch tanks. It's a highly recommended attraction for families and a great rainy-day option, offering a wide variety of marine life and engaging experiences. Some minor critiques include the need for better hand-cleaning facilities after touch exhibits and observations about the emptiness of certain smaller tanks.
"Great attraction. We enjoyed it. Spent 3 hours here. Bought tickets online and walked right in. No wait. We went on a Sunday. We did the glass bottom boat. It was nice, although I thought is was out from the pictures, but I guides were great. I loved the hands on parts who, being able to touch stingrays, jellyfish and starfish. Great place to visit while in MB"
Iris Davenport
"It was awesome. Don't even think about it. Just go. Great rainy day activity. Penguins, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, sloths, tons of neat goldfish, an octopus, neat exhibits. Fun for all ages. There's an inside play park for the kids and some of the exhibits have crawl through tunnels for kids with observation domes. It's like they're inside the tank. And they have a glass bottom boat tour. I went late in the day so I didn't get to do the boat tour, but I'm making that a priority next time I'm in Myrtle for sure."
J Pizzle
"Great fun for the entire family! It’s also a good place to go when it’s raining. The shark and fish experience never fails. Super cool because the tank is completely around you and you ride a conveyor belt through it. You will see hammerheads, reef sharks, and tiger sharks just to name a few. Make sure to check out the sawfish that hangs out at the bottom of the tank. The eels are always fun. Our new addition is a sloth and don’t forget to stop by the Ray tank where you can pet them. Definitely one of our better attractions in Myrtle Beach!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is located at 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. It's easily accessible by car and is part of the Broadway at the Beach complex. Ample parking is available.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Broadway at the Beach, where the aquarium is located. You should have no trouble finding a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Myrtle Beach and can drop you off directly at the aquarium entrance.
While public transport options might be limited and less direct, it's best to check local Myrtle Beach bus routes for the most up-to-date information on accessibility. Driving or ride-sharing is generally more convenient.
Broadway at the Beach is a large entertainment complex. Look for signs directing you to Ripley's Aquarium. It's centrally located and well-marked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach tickets directly from their official website, at the box office on-site, or through various authorized online ticket vendors. Booking online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure discounts.
The operating hours for Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, keep an eye out for Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach discount offers, coupons, and package deals, especially during the off-season or through partnerships with local hotels and attractions. Checking their website or local tourism sites can yield savings.
Ticket prices for Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach can vary. Check their official website for the most up-to-date Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach prices and any available package deals.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the aquarium's box office. However, buying Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach tickets online in advance is often recommended to avoid potential queues and ensure entry, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Shark Lagoon Tunnel for an immersive experience, the Penguin Playhouse, the interactive Ray Bay touch tank, and the unique Glass Bottom Boat Adventure.
Many visitors find the glass bottom boat ride to be a thrilling and worthwhile add-on, offering a unique perspective of the sharks and marine life from above.
Absolutely! Kids will love the Ray Bay touch tank, crawl-through tunnels that put them inside tanks, and observation domes. There's also an indoor play park.
You'll encounter a diverse range of marine life, including various species of sharks (hammerheads, reef sharks, tiger sharks), sawfish, eels, jellyfish, stingrays, octopuses, and penguins.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the aquarium to fully appreciate the exhibits and interactive experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are typically food and beverage options available for purchase inside the aquarium, including snacks and light meals.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to check their specific policy, but it's usually recommended to purchase food on-site.
Expect typical aquarium fare like snacks, hot dogs, pizza, and drinks. For a wider variety of dining options, explore the many restaurants at Broadway at the Beach.
While specific menus can change, most aquarium cafes offer some basic options that may cater to vegetarian diets. Vegan options might be more limited.
Prices for food and drinks inside the aquarium are comparable to other attractions. For more budget-friendly meals, consider dining at Broadway at the Beach before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach for personal use. However, flash photography is usually prohibited as it can disturb the marine life.
The Shark Lagoon Tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities. The Penguin Playhouse and the Ray Bay touch tank are also very popular for capturing memorable shots.
Yes, you can take photos during the glass bottom boat ride, but be mindful of other passengers and the movement of the boat.
The main restriction is usually no flash photography. Always be respectful of the animals and other visitors when taking pictures.
You can find many Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok by searching relevant hashtags, or on the aquarium's official website.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing tickets in advance to save time, and plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore without rushing. The aquarium's layout is generally stroller-friendly, making it easier to navigate with younger children. Don't forget to check for any special feeding times or shows that might engage your little ones even further.
couples
Enjoy exploring the diverse marine life together and discovering new species. Consider visiting during an evening event if available, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the exhibits. The interactive touch tanks also offer a playful way to connect and create shared memories. It's a great option for a rainy day or a break from the beach.
Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting during the off-season when crowds are smaller and prices might be more flexible. Pack your own snacks and drinks if allowed (check their policy) or plan to eat at more affordable spots at Broadway at the Beach before or after your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Shark Lagoon Tunnel
This immersive environment provides an unparalleled perspective on the underwater world. The slow-moving walkway allows ample time to observe the behavior of these magnificent predators and appreciate the intricate details of their habitat. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience that many visitors cite as a highlight of their visit.
For the best experience, try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and allow yourself to fully absorb the wonder of being submerged amongst these incredible ocean dwellers. The tunnel is also a prime spot for photography, though remember to disable your flash to protect the animals' eyes.
Interactive Encounters: Touch Tanks and More
Beyond the rays, the aquarium often features other touch pools, such as a jellyfish touch tank, allowing for a tactile exploration of different marine species. These exhibits are designed to be educational and engaging, fostering a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation.
While these interactive exhibits are a major draw, it's important to follow the guidelines provided by the staff for the safety and well-being of both the animals and visitors. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after participating in any touch experiences.
Beyond the Aquarium: Other Ripley's Attractions
Other popular Ripley's offerings in the area include Ripley's Crazy Golf and the Ripley's Illusion Lab, which features mind-bending optical illusions. These attractions are often located within the Broadway at the Beach complex, making it convenient to hop between them.
When planning your visit, consider purchasing a multi-attraction pass if available, as this can offer cost savings if you intend to experience several Ripley's venues. This allows for a full day of entertainment and discovery in Myrtle Beach.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit