Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Review
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Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly experience that includes some fun interactive opportunities! I’ve been to quite a few aquariums in my life now and thought for this post, I could offer some insight into how this aquarium stacks up to others in the country (& world) and if it’s worth the time/money.
And for this experience in Myrtle Beach, it was, once again, a mixed basket of adults, teenagers, and my little nephew (who was about 1 year and 4 months at the time). So, it truly was an experience for everyone!
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Prices & Location
Location:
1110 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Ticket Prices:
Adults $ 26.99
Child 6-11 $ 16.99
Child 2-5 $ 6.99
Under 2 – free
Discounts are available on their website; click here to purchase & see the latest deals.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Photos & Exhibits
Shark Tunnel
The shark tunnel was the family favorite by far! Like the aquarium in Sydney, there’s a moving walkway to take you slowly through the shark tanks while they swim overhead. Take a look below at my little nephew’s face as we went through the shark tunnel. He was amazed, to say the least!
Seriously, for that experience alone, going to this aquarium was worth it. My little nephew’s expressions were priceless! And you can check out a few more photos below.
Interactive Exhibits: Horseshoe Crabs!
The next fan favorite was the interactive exhibits. I do believe these rotate, but at the time we were there, Horseshoe Crabs were front and center for touching and information sessions. Did you know Horseshoe Crab blood is bright blue? And that it is very important to the medical world?
Teenagers, adults, and babies all enjoyed touching a Horseshoe Crab!
Interactive Exhibits: Jellyfish!
This is one of the only aquariums I’ve ever been to, where you can touch a jellyfish! I honestly didn’t touch one, just because the line was long and I was starting to get claustrophobic (more on that in a second), but the kids and adults both loved this too!
Exclusive Experiences at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Now, we didn’t actually try any of these experiences, but I thought it was worth mentioning, as they sound pretty neat!
- Sleep with the Sharks
- Stingray Experience
- Dive with the Sharks
- Birthday Parties
Wondering what experiences are available at the Ripley’s closest to you? Click here to browse their locations!
Honest Thoughts on Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach – Is it Worth It?
In Comparison: I’ve been to the Shedd Aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, the Dallas Aquarium, and the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium. In comparison, the Myrtle Beach aquarium is nowhere near as large as the Shedd Aquarium or Georgia Aquarium. (I believe out of all of these aquariums, the Myrtle Beach one might be the smallest.) If you’re looking to make a trip somewhere solely for the purpose of seeing an aquarium, I’d head to Atlanta or Chicago first.
But, if you have a rainy afternoon in Myrtle Beach or just some kiddos who want to touch some fish and get a close look at sharks, then the aquarium in Myrtle Beach will be worth your time.
Crowds: The day we went, the weather wasn’t overly nice or overly bad, and we weren’t there during peak season. (We went at the beginning of April.) But oh my goodness gracious! This place was packed! I do get claustrophobia from time to time and had to actually step out of exhibits because I was starting to get too panicky with the number of people in them. I can’t imagine what this place is like during peak season! (But you could also argue that ALL aquariums are going to feel congested.)
Bottom line: If you have kids who are interested in sharks and touching jellyfish, this will be a great way to spend a half day! (You only need a few hours here, really.) However, if you’ve been to other aquariums, there isn’t really anything that sets this particular aquarium apart…so, I wouldn’t say you need to go out of your way to see it while you’re in Myrtle Beach.
Has anyone else ever been to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach? And I’m curious, what’s your favorite aquarium you’ve ever been to? Let me know in the comments!
*Don’t miss my post on things to do in North Myrtle Beach!
The shark tunnel would be my favorite too, for sure! Your nephew is a cutie, that’s awesome you got pics of his expressions. Great post!
Aw, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. 🙂
The shark tunnel is incredible looking Lindsey. Awe-inspiring. I have not been there but would be on board for all it has to offer. Especially horseshoe crabs. I recall seeing millions – or close to that many – on the beaches of Cape May, NJ as a kid. #1 place on earth for spotting these prehistoric guys, during breeding season.
I have heard Cape May is the place to go to see them! I’ll have to make a trip back to NJ one day. That would be so cool to see. 🙂
This looks like such a fun, immersive experience!! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
It looks like so much fun. Thanks for sharing the tips for when I visit!
XO, Masha | http://thehighinfluence.com/
Yay! You’ll have so much fun when you go. 🙂
OMG! I’m from Monterey Bay, so I basically grew up going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and it never gets old! I love the ocean and al its critters! Such a great place to take kids too
Oooh! I’ve always wanted to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium! That’s so awesome you grew up close to it!
This aquarium looks like so much fun. My 6 year old daughter would love it!
Oh yes! It was a big hit with the kiddos. 🙂
The sharks I could do without, but it looks like an amazing place and so educational!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Haha, they can be pretty scary looking. And it was really educational – I learned some new things while we were there!
This sounds like such a neat place to visit! I love aquariums and sealife.
It really was. 🙂
This place looks amazing. Hope that you had fun!
http://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/
Thank you! I did.
I love your nephew’s expression…that would probably be me the entire time. And sometimes I think the smaller venues are even better. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets overwhelmed at some of those places!!
What a fun field trip!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh my gosh, isn’t that the best expression? Haha. It was a really nice time.