Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach: 3 Things You Can’t Miss and How to Plan Your Visit

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 and how to plan your visit.

One of my favorite things to do when we visit Myrtle Beach is to visit Ripley’s Myrtle Beach Aquarium. It is a great place to escape the heat and it has a lot of fun activities for the kids.

We have visited with preschool kids all the way up to teens and there is something the entire family will enjoy at the aquarium.

Ripley’s Aquarium is part of the 6 Ripley’s attractions located at Myrtle Beach and can be a great addition to your trip to Myrtle Beach.

awesome myrtle beach family vacation with kids

My “Can’t Miss” Top 3 at Myrtle Beach Aquarium

The aquarium offers a lot of fun things to see and do. On our most recent visit my favorite things I would recommend are:

  • Crawl through the tunnel at the Penguin Playhouse
  • Stand on the people mover and go through the Dangerous Reef
  • Hang out with the Sloths at Sloth Trail. (We did this twice because on our first visit the Sloths were sleeping.)

Basics for Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Where is Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Aquarium 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 $42.99. Check the latest ticket deals. (Prices are accurate as of 4/2025 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.

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

What is There to Do at Myrtle Beach Aquarium

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.

Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

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.

mermaids at myrtle beach aquarium

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.

Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

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.

dangerous reef sharks and school of fish

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.

Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

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 home to the Sloth Trail where guests can learn more about Sloths and see Cleo and Rico.

Tips for Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach:

  • Purchase tickets online before you arrive.
  • 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.
  • 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.

I recommend including Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach into your Myrtle Beach vacation. It is a great way to take a break from the beach and learn more about sea life.

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