Introduction
Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach is part of the famous Ripley’s Entertainment Inc, a global leader in location based attractions and entertainment.
The aquarium is located in the Broadway at the Beach complex and provides a host of entertainment and educational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
One of the most noteworthy Ripley’s Aquarium exhibits include the Dangerous Reef, a massive 340-foot underwater tunnel which brings you face to face with sharks, eels, tarpons and other aquatic creatures.
The Discovery Center exhibit has touch pools that have a variety of aquatic animals such as the pufferfish, horseshoe crabs and others.
Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach also offers several special experiences including behind the scene tours, sleepovers, dive with the sharks, swim with the rays, paint with the penguins etc.
The Aquarium also offers one of a kind experience – the glass bottomed boat ride in the shark tank.
Ripley’s Aquarium combo tickets are available where you can club a visit to the Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach and other attractions of Ripley’s such as the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum or Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
Aquarium Myrtle Beach is not only about entertainment and fun. It also provides an excellent learning opportunity for children and adults alike about the importance of marine animals in balancing the ecosystem of the underwater world.
The aquarium is also part of the conservation of the unique African Penguins that are an endangered species of penguins.
The main aim of Ripley’s Aquariums is to provide top quality facilities for aquatic life and through this facility promote environmental education, conservation and research.
Is Ripley’s Aquarium open today? Find out by clicking on their official website
Fun Facts about Ripley’s Aquarium
- Besides the regular exhibits, Aquarium Myrtle Beach has travelling exhibits as well so each time you visit the facility you can view different exhibits.
- Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach first opened in June 1997 and has continued to be one of the most popular attractions of the Broadway at the Beach both for kids as well as adults.
- Over one million visitors visit the facility each year.
- The massive jellyfish tank weighs more than 8 tons and is more than 20 feet long. In order to get it inside the building, the crew had to remove the glass panels from the main entrance.
- The Penguin Playhouse at 5500 square foot, is the largest expansion in Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
What’s inside the Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach?
Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach has two levels with different exhibits and displays on each level.
Upper Level
Rio Amazon
This exhibit features the amazing inhabitants of one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, the rainforests. This exhibit at Ripley’s in Myrtle Beach has piranhas, redtail catfish, arapaima, colorful poison dart frogs and so much more.
Friendship Flats
This is a shallow exhibit at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach with a variety of stingrays floating around. Guests can gently touch the rays as they glide by. Aquarium educators are always nearby to educate the guests about these beautiful creatures as well as to ensure the safety of the guests and the animals.
Planet Jellies
This extraordinary exhibit at the Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach has 10 interactive displays and tanks with some of the most fascinating species of Jellyfish you can find. The tank has moon jellies, Japanese sea nettles, spotted lagoon jelly, Atlantic sea nettle, upside-down jelly and more.
Besides learning about these unique sea creatures visitors can also touch the jellies and experience what they feel like.
The Penguin Playhouse
The Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium has African penguins with whom guests can interact and learn more about these unique species of penguins who prefer warmer climates rather than cold.
This section has two classrooms for educational programs, schools and special interactions with the guests.
The African penguins are one of the most endangered species of penguins and this addition to the Aquarium is one of Ripley’s conservation efforts towards these creatures. The area also has an on-site penguin nursery that will house and care for baby penguins.
Savage Seas
This is a new addition to the Ripley’s Aquarium of interactive exhibits. This is a temporary pop-up exhibit where visitors get to learn about the life at sea and the adventure it holds.
The exhibit relates stories that tell about the daily life of a pirate, the various sea monsters from folklores, treasures buried in shipwrecks and many secrets that are buried at sea.
Ripley’s Cargo Hold Gift Shop
The Upper Level also has the Ripley’s Aquarium gift shop where guests can create their own sea critter or split their very own geode. The gift shop has a wide collection of fun and engaging toys featuring many species of aquatic animals.
Lower Level
Rainbow Rock
This wonderful exhibit has a wide collection of beautiful and colorful fish from the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean. The exhibit also has a delicate coral reef structure and the fish swim around these intricate reefs.
The fish here include regal blue tangs, Foxface rabbitfish, clown triggerfish, clownfish, Emperor angelfish, Sohal tang and lots more.
Dangerous Reef
This is the largest and most popular of Ripley’s Aquarium exhibits. There is a 340-foot long glide path where guests can walk through and come face to face with a variety of toothy sharks.
Along with the sharks, there are sea turtles, giant stingrays, sawfish, snappers, tarpons, squirrelfish, green moray eels and thousands of other fish of every shape and size.
Discovery Centre
This is an interactive exhibit at the Ripley’s Aquarium where guests can hold horseshoe crabs, meet the pufferfish and enjoy the fun and interactive displays. There are puzzles and quizzes where guests can test their knowledge against the aquarium experts.
The Living Gallery
This is one of the most fascinating exhibits in the Ripley’s Aquarium SC. Here you will find a Pacific giant octopus, sea anemones, sea dragons, sea jellies and a variety of colorful living corals.
The living corals are beautiful vibrant underwater animals that look like plants but are actually animals. These living corals are very important for marine animals as they provide the necessary protection for all types of aquatic animals.
Ray Bay
Contrary to popular beliefs, stingrays are quite gentle creatures who spend most of their time buried in the sand away from the prying eyes of predators and divers. But at the aquarium, they enjoy the spotlight and they glide about gracefully and even eat from the hands of the divers.
Guests can touch these beautiful creatures at the Ripley’s Aquarium as they swim around in the shallow end of the tank. Get up close and personal with cownose rays, leopard shark, bonnethead shark, spotted eagle ray and southern stingrays at Ray Bay.
Systems Control
Last but not least learn how the Ripley’s Aquarium runs on a day to day basis. Take a look at the state-of-the-art computer-controlled system that keeps the aquarium going, filtering the water and keeping all the animals alive and healthy.
Special Experiences
Paint with the Penguins
Get close to one of the friendly Ripley’s Aquarium penguins and together you can paint a unique footprint art which you can take home with you.
The Penguin Playhouse is an immersive world-class facility that will captivate the visitors and also learn first hand about these unique African Penguins.
Diving with the Sharks
This is one of the most exhilarating experiences at the Ripley’s Aquarium. The dive is for certified divers and it is for 30 minutes. The experience also includes a behind the scenes tour, a backpack, a T-shirt and a photo of the dive.
Before the dive, the lead diver will brief the guests and then observe the patterns in which the sharks are swimming to determine if it is the right time to dive into the shark cage.
The Stingray Experience
Enjoy a snorkelling experience to meet the rays in Friendship Flats. You and a diver from the aquarium venture out to the exhibit and then on to the deep waters of Ray Bay.
This unique experience also includes a behind the scene tour, a session with the stingrays, an “I swam with the Stingray” T-shirt and an image USB of the encounter.
Sleep with the Sharks
Enjoy an overnight adventure with the sharks at the Dangerous Reef exhibit of the Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. The overnight program is specially designed for families, children field trips, groups and special occasions such as New Year’s Eve, etc.
During these overnight programs, guests can enjoy fun filled activities, a scavenger hunt, a dive show and late-night activities.
Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
The glass-bottom boat adventure at the Ripley’s Aquarium is a one of a kind experience in the whole of North America. In this activity, guests are invited to sail in a tank full of predatory sharks in a glass-bottomed boat.
You can clearly see the various types of sharks that inhabit the Dangerous Reef swimming around.
Live Shows and Events
Rainbow Rock Dive
This is a daily show when divers dive into the coral reef exhibit to feed the fish that inhabit this tank. The divers also share various fun facts about the various marine animals.
Mermaid Shows
Watch mermaids in fabulous costumes splash around and play with the sharks and stingrays in Ray Bay. This show is held on weekends and is popular amongst children as well as adults. Each show is for 15 to 30 minutes.
Live Feedings
Watch the scuba divers feed the various marine animals in the tanks. They also share amazing facts about these marine animals and how to care for them. Live feedings include Shark Tunnel feeding, Sea Dragon feeding, Jellyfish feeding and Octopus feeding. Each of these live feedings is scheduled on different days of the week.
Festival of Trees
November and December a very special festival is held at the Ripley’s Aquarium. This is a family event where over 100 Christmas Trees are decorated in an extravagant and beautifully unique manner. Explore each tree with your family and friends for one of the most incredible holidays ever.
Personal and Social Events
Let the amazing backdrop of Ripley’s Aquarium transform all your social events into an unforgettable adventure and one of the most memorable events in your life.
Catered Events
The Aquarium has a good events space which can be used for a host of personal and corporate events. Host an anniversary sit down dinner, themed parties, galas, reunions, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, Church socials and a host of other events.
Weddings
Make sure that your special day is etched not only in your memory but also your guests’ with a special wedding at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach.
The events management team will be there through the whole process right from planning to the time you say ‘I do’. The team will take care of menu planning, decor, seating, floral arrangements and entertainment.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child’s birthday with amazing aquatic animals in the background. Let the team at the aquarium take care of every tiny detail to ensure your child has the best birthday. Pick from three exciting themes: Pirates, Mermaids and Sharks.
The package includes a special gift for the birthday girl or boy, $5 gift card for each child, private room with party plates and other essentials, take-home craft, behind the scenes tours, personalized dive sign and admission to the aquarium after the party.
Camps
Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach has various camping programs for kids ranging from half-day adventures to overnight camping at the aquarium.
Half Day Camping
Mermaid Fin Squad
This camping adventure is designed for children between the age of 6 to 12. Children will get to create their own mermaid name, a mermaid treasure and meet the mermaids at the aquarium as well.
Campers play mermaid games and learn all kinds of mermaid tricks while all the time dressing like a mermaid with a tail and all.
Children will receive a pin after the program to acknowledge their mermaid transformation.
Marine Time
This camp is meant for children between the age of 8 to 14 years. In this program children will learn what a marine biologist does and how the animals at the Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach are taken care of.
This program also includes a behind the scene tour as well as an opportunity to swim with the rays and sharks.
Overnight Adventures at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach
Waddle Wednesday with Overnight Adventure
Children between the age of 6 to 12 can be part of this adventure at the aquarium where they will spend some quality time with the sharks and penguins at the aquarium. They will also get the opportunity to explore the aquarium’s latest addition, the Marine Science Centre.
After exploring the aquarium the happy campers get to enjoy a pyjama party with the Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach Penguins.
Party with the Penguins
Spend the night at the aquarium in the company of a Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach penguin with this special camping program meant for kids between the age of 6 to 12. Campers can enjoy lots of fun filled activities, dancing, music, karaoke, pizzas, scavenger hunts and lots more.
The campers will be sleeping in the new expansion of the aquarium alongside the South African Penguins.
Ripley’s Aquarium Education
The Ripley’s Aquarium at Myrtle Beach offers several learning opportunities for children of all ages.
Field Trips and Classes
The aquarium provides for several hands-on learning about the various aquatic animals from sharks to rays to tropical fish to moon jellies and all others.
These learning programs are designed to enhance classroom learning with hands-on experience and to ensure that students learn about the importance and conservation of the ocean natural ecosystem.
Homeschooling
The aquarium has special programs designed for homeschoolers and students get to participate in educational and fun filled activities at the aquarium. The students are also taught how to become advocates of conservation in their own communities and environment.
Conservation Programs
Ripley’s Aquarium SC actively helps in the rescue and release of several marine animals. They have continuously used their resources to rescue marine wildlife along the coast and cared for these animals till they are ready to go back to their natural habitat.
Major conservation programs by the Ripley’s Aquarium are Release and Rescue, Conservation at Home, Zoological practices and Penguin Conservation.
Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach Career opportunities
Ripley’s Entertainment Inc is an internationally famous brand of attractions and entertainment. With more than 14 million visitors a year and over 100 attractions worldwide the company continues to scale its growth chart.
If you are looking for an opportunity to build your Ripley’s Aquarium Career then explore the various opportunities available on their official website.
Ripley’s Entertainment Inc.
Ripley’s Entertainment Inc is part of a $350 million entertainment project with Pocono Mountains. The Pocono Springs Entertainment Village in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County will sit on 175 acre land and it will include a Ripley’s Aquarium Poconos aquarium which is a 90,000 square foot, $100 million aquarium.
Ripley’s Entertainment Inc has three world-class aquariums with some of the most exciting exhibits and world-class entertainment. Visitors have a close encounter with thousands of fascinating species of fish and other aquatic wonders. Ripley’s Aquarium exhibits a variety of aquatic animals including barracudas, jellyfish, sea turtles, sharks, octopi, moray eels and lots more.
The Three Ripley Aquariums areRipley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Tennessee; Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto.
Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach South Carolina
This 80,000 square foot Ripley’s Aquarium is located on Broadway at the Beach, South Carolina where there is an entertainment and dining complex that has several restaurants, shops, rides and lots more.
Operating Hours
Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach Hours
The Aquarium opens daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Ripley’s Aquarium location
Ripley’s Aquarium address is 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Click on the link below to find the directions to Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium Parking
There is free parking available adjacent to Ripley’s Aquarium and all around the Myrtle Beach area. There are other parking options nearby that also have wheelchair accessibility.
Special Discounts on Tickets
Ripley’s Aquarium season pass has a bunch of benefits for all and these can be purchased online from the official website.
Pass Holders have a number of benefits:
- Unlimited General Admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
- Discounts on General Admission to all of Ripley’s Attractions in Myrtle Beach.
- Discounted General Admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies TN
- 20% off merchandise in Cargo Hold Gift Shop in Myrtle Beach
- 20% off Fintastic Photos Purchases in Cargo Hold Gift Shop in Myrtle Beach,
- 20% off meals in Feeding Frenzy Café in Myrtle Beach
- 15% off Aquarium Camp Programs in Myrtle Beach
- $3.00 Off – Adult (Ages 12 and older) Tickets
- $2.00 Off – Child (Ages 6-11) Tickets
- $1.00 Off – Child (Ages 2-5) Tickets
There are also various coupons for Ripley’s Aquarium offering a wide range of discounts on the tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium.
Special discounts are available for those in the military both are retired and active. Get a 50% Ripley’s Aquarium military discount on tickets to the aquarium. Family members get a flat 25% on general admission.
Teachers from NC and SC receive free admission with the Ripley’s Aquarium teacher discount and a 50% discount for the one accompanying guest.
Save up to 30% with Mobile-Friendly Ripley’s Aquarium discount code, Ripley’s Aquarium Promo Codes, Discount Codes, Voucher Codes
Ripley’s Aquarium AAA discount saves $6 from your regular ticket prices.
Save upto 30% with Ripley’s Aquarium discount for tickets purchased online from the official website. Find out about more offers by clicking on the official website link
Ripley’s Aquarium Groupon discounts range between 15% to 30% on general admission tickets. Groupon also has excellent Ripley’s Aquarium deals in the other activities and shows as well.
Hotels near Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach
Hampton Inn Broadway at the Beach
This Caribbean style hotel is just 0.19 miles away from the aquarium and it offers over 140 and luxury suites. It is also conveniently located close to various shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment centres and just a few minutes from the beach.
Holiday Inn Express Myrtle Beach – Broadway at the Beach
This hotel is about 0.4 miles away from the aquarium and it offers excellent rooms with a spa and wellness centre, fitness centre and family rooms. The hotel is also a pet friendly property and it is close to the entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach.
Courtyard Myrtle Beach by Marriott Broadway
This hotel is located at a 10 minutes drive from the Myrtle Beach Airport and just 0.3 miles from Ripley’s Aquarium at Myrtle Beach. The hotel features comfortable rooms, on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, free parking, free wifi and fitness centre.
Fairfield Inn Myrtle Beach Broadway at the Beach
The hotel is located at the very heart of Myrtle Beach and about 0.4 miles from Ripley’s Aquarium. It offers an outdoor pool, heated hot tub, fitness centre and a daily continental breakfast.
Sheraton Broadway Plantation Resort Villas
At 0.8 miles from Ripley’s Aquarium and other attractions of Myrtle Beach within short distances this is one of the most convenient hotels near Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach. The property features a games room, a fitness centre, a tennis court, an outdoor pool with a lazy river, a poolside bar and grill and an in-house restaurant.
Restaurants near Ripley’s Aquarium
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Landry’s Seafood House – Myrtle Beach
This is one of the most popular restaurants near Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach. It specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and mouth watering desserts. The local golfers love the restaurant’s Happy Hour and their cool drinks and excellent snacks.
- Carolina Ale House – Myrtle Beach
This is an ideal sports bar started by a sports enthusiast Papa Lou. The favourite joint for most locals to enjoy a game and snack on fresh homemade food and cold beers.
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New York Prime Steakhouse – Myrtle Beach
This restaurant is famous in the area as the best steak house and the winner of the diner’s choice awards. The highlights of the menu are broiled aged beef, fresh Florida stone crabs and colossal baked shrimp.
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Señor Frog’s – Myrtle Beach
This restaurant is famous for its fun filled atmosphere and great dining scene. This is a place for fun, parties and a place where you can just let go. The cuisine served here is Mexican and they also have a Cocktail bar.
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Cafe Old Vienna
This casual dining restaurant serves authentic German, Austrian and European cuisines. The restaurant also has live performance and also provides special diet food such as gluten free items and kids’ menu.
Top 10 Attractions near Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach
- The Pavillion Park
- Stupid Factory
- Ridemakerz
- Carolina Comedy Club
- Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
- Legends in Concert
- Broadway At the Beach
- The Simpsons in 4D
- Boardwalk Winery
- Myrtle Beach Convention Centre
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg has over 10,000 exotic sea animals comprising more than 350 of individual species.
Ripley’s Aquarium hours Gatlinburg
Open Daily
9 AM to 9 PM
Parking at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg Parking is available in a city owned parking garage located just behind the aquarium.
Visitors to the aquarium can park all day at a minimum fee of $8:00.
Visitors can park all day and also take the trolley to the other attractions of Ripley’s.
General Admission to Ripley’s
Aquarium Adult (12 & Up) – $ 37.99
Aquarium Child (6-11) – $ 19.99
Aquarium Child (2-5) – $ 9.99
Aquarium Guide Book – $ 2.00
Special Discounts
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Coupons
With a Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg coupon save $2 on every ticket for Adults. Visitors can also save $2 per ticket for Adults if purchased from the official website. This also saves time as you skip the ticket line.
Save upto 70% on your admission tickets with Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlin promo code and coupon codes online.
A Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg Military coupon gives a flat 50% discount on admission tickets for those in the military, veterans, retired officials and reserves. Plus an added 30% Military discount for dependents.
The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies $10 admission fee is specifically for Tennessee residents and it is an occasional offering.
The Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg $5 Admission is a special Local Appreciation Day offer that is available for all of Ripley’s attractions. Check the official website for these promotional offers to make the best of your deals for Ripley’s Aquarium.
Hotels near Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg TN
Some of the best hotels close to Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg are:
- Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
- Gatlinburg Inn
- Zoders Inn and Suites
- Greystone Lodge on the River
- Marshall’s Creek Rest Motel
Cabins near Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg
- Mountain Shadows
- The Glades
- Elk Cove
- Chalet Village Resort
- Sky Harbor
Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a world-class family attraction the showcases marine and freshwater habitats from around the world.
Operating Hours
Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto Hours
The Aquarium stays open from 10 AM to 8 PM daily.
Location
Ripley’s Aquarium Canada address is
288 Bremner Boulevard
Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, CANADA
Parking
Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto parking is available within the facility. However, the space may be limited. If you are looking for guaranteed parking, search and reserve a spot with Spothero. All parking spaces are within walking distance from the aquarium.
Once the spot is booked, parking at Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto is confirmed 100%.
Special Discounts
Ripley’s Aquarium Canada tickets are available on the official website of the aquarium.
Coupons for Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto offer upto 20% discount when tickets are purchased online.
Riplet’s Aquarium Toronto discount on tickets offer upto 15 to 20% savings on group purchases.
Special passes are available for different kinds of packages on the official website of Ripley’s Aquarium Canada.
Click on the link to find out more about these special offers.
Hotels near Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto
- Fairmont Royal York
- The Strathcona Hotel
- Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square
- The Westin Harbor Castle Toronto
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
Final Words
Ripley’s Aquarium SC is a fascinating entertainment facility that brings marine animals and their lives up close for people to learn and understand their daily efforts to survive in the open waters.
The aquarium tries to inculcate conservation habits in people beginning from their own homes. It strives to promote the importance of conservation of these magnificent aquatic creatures not just for their beauty but for balancing the whole ecosystem of the oceans around the world.
It educates children to ensure that the next generation are more aware about marine animals and their habitat. How, as humans we are damaging these natural ecosystems and how to conserve and save these animals from the danger of extinction.
