Why You Must Visit Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach This Fall!

Nov 15, 2022 | Blog, South Carolina

If you are looking for a great place with fun-filled activities to do with your family and loved ones, Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, is the perfect destination! Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in South Carolina because it offers amazing activities and events that will keep you entertained for hours.

Ripley’s Aquarium is home to over 14,000 aquatic animals from all over the world. You can see everything from sharks and dolphins to penguins and sea turtles. In addition to the unique animal exhibits, Ripley’s Aquarium also offers various interactive activities for visitors and adults of all ages.

This guide will give you an overview of what Ripley’s Aquarium offers so you can plan your visit accordingly. The article will also provide the best tip for planning your visits and making the most of your Ripley’s Aquarium experience! Get ready for some family fun!

General Information About Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

First and foremost, Ripley’s Aquarium is a nice place to learn about aquatic animals and their habitats. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have. In addition, there are several educational shows and presentations throughout the day.



Here are some quick facts about Ripley’s Aquarium:

Opened In 1997

Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, opened in June 1997 and is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Ripley’s Aquarium has become one of the best Myrtle Beach attractions for locals and tourists alike.

Winner Of The 1999 SC Governor’s Cup

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach was awarded the 1999 SC Governor’s Cup, which is given to the state’s top tourist attraction. The award is based on several factors, including economic impact, visitor satisfaction, and community involvement.

Home To Over 2,000 Aquatic Species

Ripley’s Aquarium is home to more than 2,000 aquatic animals from all over the world. This allows visitors to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most amazing creatures. Some of the most popular aquatic species in this nice aquarium are Sting rays, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and penguins.

Popular Exhibits

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach also has other exhibits that make you see the sea life differently. Some of the most popular exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium include the Great Barrier Reef, Shark Tunnel, and the Dangerous Reef Lagoon.

Over 83,000 Square Feet

Ripley’s Aquarium has a massive 83,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The facility also has over 1.2 million gallons of saltwater, making it one of the largest aquariums in the United States.

Marine Science Research Center

Ripley’s Aquarium also opened a Marine Science Research Center in 2020. The center is dedicated to the study and conservation of marine life. The MSRC is also home to the Sea Turtle Rescue program, which helps sick and injured sea turtles, and the penguin rescue program.

Open All year round

Ripley’s Aquarium is open all year round, making it a great place to visit no matter the time of the year. This offers a great time for the whole family to see the ocean life and learn about the different animals.

What is Inside Ripley’s Aquarium?

What is Inside Ripley's Aquarium?

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is filled with different exhibits that showcase the fantastic sea life. The aquarium is divided into different sections, each with its own unique exhibits.

The Upper-Level

The upper level of Ripley’s Aquarium is home to the Rio Amazon, a facility that recreates the primeval and lush world of the rainforest. This exhibit features Redtail catfishes, Piranhas, Arapaima, electric eels, Poison dart frogs, and other aquatic animals that are native to the Amazon River.

Also, the upper level is where you will find the Aquarium’s Planet Jellies and Friendship Flats. At Planet Jellies, you can see various jellyfish from all over the world. The Friendship Flats exhibit is where you can see sting rays and nurse sharks up close.

Furthermore, the Penguin Playhouse is also located on the upper level. This exhibit is where you can see African penguins swimming, playing, and interacting with each other.

The Lower Level

The lower level of Ripley’s Aquarium is home to the Dangerous Reef, a 300-foot-long walkway that brings you face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most dangerous creatures. The Dangerous Reef is home to sharks, barracudas, eels, Tarpon, and other predatory fish.

In addition, the lower level is also home to the Rainbow Rock, where you can see colorful coral reefs and the exotic fish that live in them. The Rainbow Rock is a beautiful exhibit showcasing the ocean’s vibrant colors. Some popular fish species are Clown Triggerfish, Regal Blue Tang, Foxface Rabbitfish, Clownfish, Emperor Angelfish, and so on.

Also, the lower level has the Living Gallery of Ripley’s Aquarium. The Living Gallery is a collection of special under-sea life creatures, including the Pacific giant octopus, jellies, sea anemones, living corals, and weedy sea dragons.

Finally, the lower level also has system controls where tourists can see the high-capacity machines that filter and clean the water for Ripley’s Aquarium.

Events At Ripley’s Aquarium

Events At Ripley's Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach also hosts various events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include:

Penguin Walk

The Penguin Walk is an event where you can see African penguins walking around the facility. This is a great time to see these amazing creatures up close at Ripley’s penguin playhouse and learn about their habitat and diet.

Dive With The Sharks

The Dive with the Sharks event allows you to scuba dive with sharks in the Dangerous Reef Shark Tank. This is a wonderful time to see these predators up close and learn about their behavior.

The Mermaid Show

The Mermaid Show is a popular event where you can see mermaids swimming in the Rainbow Rock exhibit. Visitors can have a buffet with a variety of seafood while watching the mermaids.

Some popular upcoming events this December include:

The 12 Days Of Ripley’s Aquarium

This event is where Ripley’s Aquarium will have a different activity for each day leading up to Christmas. Some activities include meet and greets with Santa, holiday crafts, and more.

Gingerbread Decorating

This event is where Ripley’s Aquarium will have a gingerbread house decorating station. This is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Movie Night: Elf

Also, Ripley’s Aquarium will have a movie night where they will be showing Elf on December 22, 2022. This is a great activity for families to do together.

As you can see, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a wonderful place to visit with your family and loved ones. Some various exhibits and events are sure to please everyone in your group. So, if you are looking for a fun and exciting place to visit, check out Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

Educative And Interactive Sessions

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is not only a great place to see cool things and the amazing sea world, but it is also a great place to learn about ocean life. Ripley’s Aquarium offers various educational and interactive programs perfect for families and groups.

Some of the most popular educational programs include:

Aquarium Camps

Ripley’s Aquarium offers various camps that are perfect for kids. These camps include topics such as shark biology, oceanography, and coral reef ecology.

Zoological Practices

Ripley’s Aquarium also offers different zoological practices that are perfect for those who want to learn more about the animal kingdom. These practices include topics such as animal behavior, veterinary medicine, and zoo management.

Animal Interaction Programs

Ripley’s Aquarium also offers various animal interaction programs that are perfect for families and groups. These programs allow you to interact with different animals, such as sharks, stingrays, and penguins.

Sea Turtle Rescue And Release

Ripley’s Aquarium also offers a sea turtle rescue and release program. This is a great way to learn about amazing creatures and how to help them in their time of need.

Top Tips for Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Now that you know all about Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, you may be wondering what tips to follow before visiting. Here are some top tips for visiting Ripley’s Aquarium:

– Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

– Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

– Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

– Check the calendar of events before you visit so you don’t miss anything.

– Avoid visiting on weekends as it is usually very crowded.

Following these tips, you will surely have a wonderful time at Ripleys Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

Reviews About Ripley’s Aquarium

If you are still not convinced that Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is worth a visit, check out some of the reviews below:

“Ripley’s Aquarium is a must-see when visiting Myrtle Beach. The exhibits are beautiful and educational. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. My kids enjoyed every minute of our visit.” – Amber Rick.

“This was our first time visiting Ripleys Aquarium, and we loved it! The exhibits are so well done, and the staff is very knowledgeable. My family enjoyed the aquarium, and we will be back.” – Jerome Sanders shares.

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