Located in the vibrant Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a must-visit attraction for families, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an engaging and educational experience.
Location and Hours
Ripley’s Aquarium is situated at 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC. The aquarium is open daily, with hours of operation from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The last ticket is sold one hour prior to closing, and hours may be subject to seasonal changes[2][4].
Admission Prices
The admission prices are as follows:
$39.99 for adults (12+ years)
$24.99 for children aged 6-11
$12.99 for children aged 3-5 Horry County residents enjoy a 50% discount on tickets[2].
Key Exhibits and Attractions
Sloth Valley
One of the newest and most captivating exhibits is the Sloth Valley, where you can meet Cleo and Rico, two adorable two-toed sloths. These sloths are known for their laid-back lifestyle, and feeding times are around 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM, offering a more active viewing experience[2][4].
Penguin Playhouse
The Penguin Playhouse is home to a charming community of South African penguins. This exhibit features floor-to-ceiling viewing glass and a 360-degree glass tunnel that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the penguin habitat. You can also book a penguin encounter, which includes the option for a VIP experience where you can paint with the penguins and take home your artwork[3][4].
Dangerous Reef Shark Exhibit
A highlight of the aquarium is the 330-foot long Dangerous Reef shark exhibit. This underwater tunnel provides face-to-face encounters with majestic sharks, giant sawfish, Gabby the green sea turtle, and over 14,000 fish swimming in a massive 750,000-gallon tank[1][3][4].
Discovery Center and Touch Tanks
The discovery center features new touch tanks where visitors can get up close and personal with jellyfish and other fascinating sea creatures. Norman’s Water Lab is another interactive area where science becomes hands-on fun[1][2][4].
Stingray Bay
At Stingray Bay, you can observe stingrays swimming up close to a large viewing wall. There is also a touch area where you can touch and even feed the stingrays[2][5].
Jellyfish Exhibit
The jellyfish exhibit is set up to maximize the intricate details of these unique creatures, making it a mesmerizing experience for visitors[2][5].
Festival of Trees
During the winter season, the aquarium transforms into a festive wonderland with the Festival of Trees, featuring South Carolina’s largest collection of Christmas trees. Over 50 beautifully adorned trees create a magical ambiance, perfect for holiday memories[1][4].
Additional Activities and Amenities
Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
For an extra memorable experience, you can take the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure through the shark tank, getting you up close to the sharp-toothed sea creatures of Dangerous Reef[3].
Play Structures and Cafe
The aquarium includes play structures for kids to enjoy, along with a cafe offering snack food options. The facility also has clean and spacious bathrooms conveniently located throughout[2][5].
Sensory-Friendly Attractions
Ripley’s Aquarium is sensory-friendly, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the attractions comfortably[1].
Tips for Your Visit
Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours to see all the exhibits thoroughly.
Check the feeding times for the sloths and other animals to catch them in action.
Book a penguin encounter or the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure for a more immersive experience.
Take advantage of the interactive elements, such as the touch tanks and Norman’s Water Lab.
Don’t forget to explore the gift shop on your way out, which offers a variety of cute and memorable souvenirs[2][3][5].
Most Important Facts About Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Location: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC, within the Broadway at the Beach complex.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Sundays-Thursdays) and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Fridays-Saturdays).
Admission Prices: $39.99 (adults), $24.99 (children 6-11), $12.99 (children 3-5), with 50% off for Horry County residents.
Key Exhibits: Sloth Valley, Penguin Playhouse, Dangerous Reef Shark Exhibit, Discovery Center with touch tanks, Stingray Bay, and Jellyfish Exhibit.
Special Activities: Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, penguin encounters, and the Festival of Trees during winter.
Amenities: Play structures, cafe, clean and spacious bathrooms, and a sensory-friendly environment.
Interactive Elements: Touch tanks, Norman’s Water Lab, and hands-on aquatic encounters.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers a diverse and engaging experience for all ages, making it a top attraction in the area.
