7 Things to See at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Are you visiting Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach during your vacation to Myrtle Beach? These are the best things to do at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach you don’t want to miss.

One of my favorite things to do when we visit Myrtle Beach is to visit Ripley’s Myrtle Beach Aquarium. The exhibits are great and it is a family fun activity.

FAQ’s for Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

There is a reason we visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach every time we visit Myrtle Beach. It is a great place to escape the heat and it has a lot of fun activities for the kids.

The entire family will find something to enjoy when visiting this Myrtle Beach aquarium.

Where is Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is full of great exhibits that get you up close to some of the seas most amazing animals. It is located at Broadway at the Beach. There is free parking on-site.

How much is Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

An aquarium day pass is $39.99 for 12+ and $24.99 for ages 3-11. (Prices are accurate as of 4/2023 but may change.)

What are the hours at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

The aquarium is open from 9:00am-10:00pm.

Are there coupons for Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Yes there are coupons for the aquarium. They can be found in the Monster books or online.

I suggest purchasing your tickets ahead of time and arriving about 20 minutes before opening to be among the first to enter.

There are also combo tickets available that are worth looking at if you plan on visiting other attractions.

How long does it take to do Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

You could spend an entire day visiting the aquarium and exploring the entertainment district of Broadway at the Beach.

If you are only visiting the aquarium expect to spend at 2-3 hours.

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Best Things to Do at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Touch a Jelly Fish!!

Never in my life did I think I would touch a Jelly Fish but to my surprise the tops don’t sting!! We all had an opportunity to touch the jelly fish and this was a really cool experience.

I was a little nervous but I pushed through it and touched the top. It felt like a hard gummy bear and bounced as it floated through the water.

It was an incredible experience. You do need to be careful not to touch the tentacles and I would suggest holding younger kids hands to help them.

Live Mermaid Show

The aquarium has a live mermaid show that runs daily. They also have a mermaid meet and greet.

The show is located in Ray Bay and guests can watch the mermaids swim with the sting rays in the large tank.

The meet and greet is located in the photo cove area at designated times during the day.

Try to claim a spot along the rocks to meet the mermaids if you can. Although they did a very good job of talking and spending time with all the kids waiting to meet them, it was very crowded.

If meeting them is a priority for you, watch the show from the back ramp so you will be among the first at the meeting.  

If you are up in front for the show you will be last to meet the mermaids. We watched from the ramp and had a great view.

Pick up a Horseshoe Crab and Touch a Shark at the Discovery Center

I am not the bravest around animals but I did touch the shark, even if it was quickly!  Located in the Discovery Center, you can touch sharks and horseshoe crabs, and also check out a few interactive exhibits. 

There are a lot of aquarium staff around to help you and pick the animals up if you are not brave. They explain how to hold them and what to do. It is a great experience.

Dangerous Reef

This is my favorite part of the aquarium. Guests step onto a people mover and ride it through an underwater world.

There are sharks, eels, and a turtle. We also love seeing the colorful coral at the end. If it is moving too fast you can step off and move at your own pace.

You can expect to see Sharks, Sea Turtles, Sting Rays, and eels.

I love the views from this and we like to go through two times because there is so much to see. Each time you go through is a different experience and this is great for all ages.

Touch a Sting Ray

This experience is at Ray Bay and if you can reach one it is really neat. Touching the Sting Rays is a really cool experience but make sure your kids are close.

You have to lean over the side and the water is low. I am always clutching the kids…afraid that they may fall in!! This is also the area you meet the mermaids.

Penguin Playhouse

Penguin Playhouse is an area dedicated to the resident Penguins at the Myrtle Beach aquarium. Guests can view the penguins or book a penguin encounter to get a more personal experience.

Sloth Valley

Sloth Valley is opening late spring 2023 and will be home to and all new Sloth habitat for guests to explore.

Best Visiting Tips for Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach:

• Purchase Tickets online.
• Arrive 15-20 minutes before opening.
• Look over the show times for the day and plan accordingly.
• If you are planning on watching the mermaid show arrive 20-30 minutes early to get a spot to sit.
• Exit is through the gift shop so be prepared to walk through with your kids. (It’s always nice to have a plan!)
• There are a few Add-On experiences for a fee. They include Glass Bottom Boat Adventures, Sting Ray Experience, Dive with Sharks, and Behind the Scenes Tour. Check the website for more information.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a great addition to your Myrtle Beach vacation.

Are you planning a Myrtle Beach vacation? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Myrtle Beach.

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