Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers an unforgettable underwater adventure featuring over 15,000 marine animals and an awe-inspiring underwater tunnel where sharks and rays glide overhead. Kids will be thrilled by the interactive touch pools where they can feel stingrays and horseshoe crabs, while families explore diverse exhibits showcasing everything from colorful tropical fish to mesmerizing jellyfish displays.

• ✓The 330-foot underwater tunnel with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles swimming overhead
• ✓Interactive touch pools featuring stingrays and horseshoe crabs
• ✓Dangerous Reef exhibit showcasing live sharks up close
• ✓Colorful jellyfish gallery with mesmerizing displays
• ✓Live dive shows and daily feeding demonstrations

1. 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibits with smaller groups, especially during summer and holiday weeks.
2. 2.Purchase tickets online in advance for discounts and to skip the ticket counter lines,this can save 30+ minutes during peak times.
3. 3.Don't miss the daily dive shows and feeding times (check schedule upon arrival) for the most engaging educational experiences that kids love.
4. 4.Bring a sweatshirt or light jacket as the aquarium is kept cool, and kids tend to get chilly after an hour or two inside.
5. 5.The touch pools are located early in the route,let kids interact there first when they're fresh and excited, as the facility follows a one-way path through exhibits.

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) right at opening for the smallest crowds. Fridays and Saturdays stay open until 8:00 PM, making early evening (after 5:00 PM) a good option when day-trippers have left the beach. Avoid visiting during spring break and summer holiday weekends when wait times are longest.

Tickets are around $30-35 for adults and $20-25 for children (prices vary by season), with discounts available online. The aquarium is fully stroller-accessible and climate-controlled, making it an ideal rainy day activity. On-site parking is available, and while there's no restaurant inside, snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Open year-round with consistent hours, making it a perfect rainy day or hot summer afternoon escape. During summer months and major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas), expect larger crowds. Check their website for special seasonal events like Shark Week celebrations in July and holiday-themed activities.

Broadway at the Beach (where the aquarium is located) offers dozens of family-friendly restaurants within walking distance, including Paula Deen's Family Kitchen for Southern comfort food and Hard Rock Cafe for a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly menus.