Anyone planning a Myrtle Beach vacation knows the drill: keep the kids entertained, the wallet happy, and the rain plan ready. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, with its 330-foot moving path through a shark tunnel, has become a go-to indoor attraction for families who want a solid experience without needing the biggest aquarium in the world. This guide covers ticket prices, visit times, discounts, and what really makes this place tick.

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Underwater tunnel length: 330 feet ·
Days open per year: 365 ·
Location: Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach ·
Phone: (843) 916-0888

Quick snapshot

1Exhibits
2Tickets & Discounts
  • Adult, child, and senior pricing available online (TripAdvisor listing)
  • Military, teacher, and local resident discounts (Ripley’s official site)
  • Ripley’s U-Pick FREEDOM tickets for multi-attraction savings (Ripley’s official site)
  • Group rates available (Ripley’s official site)
3Hours & Location
  • Open 365 days a year (Ripley’s official site)
  • Address: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC (Ripley’s official site)
  • Located at Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex (Broadway at the Beach)
  • Contact: (843) 916-0888 (Ripley’s official site)
4Events
  • Animal encounters and feedings (Ripley’s official site)
  • Seasonal events (e.g., Halloween, holidays) (Ripley’s official site)
  • Birthday parties and group packages (Ripley’s official site)
  • Check website for current schedule (Ripley’s official site)

Nine key details, one pattern: everything you need to know at a glance about Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

Here’s the core data table for Ripley’s Aquarium specifications.

Attribute Details
Full name Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Address 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone (843) 916-0888
Hours Open 365 days a year
Underwater tunnel length 330 feet
Unique feature Moving path through Dangerous Reef
Interactive experiences Touch tanks for sharks, stingrays, hermit crabs, jellies
Notable animals Penguins, sloths, sharks, eels, colorful fish
Location Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex
The upshot

With a 330-foot moving path, daily access, and interactive touch tanks, this aquarium banks on compact experience density rather than sheer size. For families with short attention spans, that may be exactly the right trade-off.

How long does it take to walk through Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach?

Is 1 hour enough for Ripley’s Aquarium?

  • The moving path is self-paced at 330 feet — most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours total (TripAdvisor visitor review aggregator).
  • Interactive touch tanks (sharks, stingrays, hermit crabs, jellies) add significant time if kids engage (Ripley’s official site).
  • Exhibits include penguins, sloths, and sharks that encourage lingering (Broadway at the Beach listing).

One hour is tight. You can speed-walk the tunnel and skip the touch tanks, but most families report that around 1.5 to 2 hours feels right for a comfortable visit (Yelp user reviews).

What factors affect visit duration?

  • Crowd levels — weekends and summer months add wait times for popular exhibits.
  • Number of interactive areas — each touch tank can take 10-15 minutes per child.
  • Special events or animal feedings may extend a visit by 30-45 minutes (Ripley’s official site).

The pattern: plan for two hours if you want to actually enjoy the experience rather than just pass through.

Is the Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach worth it?

What do reviewers say?

  • TripAdvisor reviews average around 4 stars, with families praising the moving path and interactive tanks (TripAdvisor visitor review aggregator).
  • Yelp comments mention that the experience feels immersive despite the aquarium’s moderate size (Yelp user reviews).
  • Common compliment: the moving walkway through the shark tunnel creates a “magical” moment for kids.

How does it compare to other Myrtle Beach attractions?

  • It’s one of the few indoor attractions open 365 days a year, a big advantage during rainy days or winter trips (Ripley’s official site).
  • Combination tickets with other Ripley’s attractions (Believe It or Not, Mirror Maze) can save 20-30% on individual admission (Ripley’s official site).
  • Unlike larger aquariums (e.g., Georgia Aquarium), this one fits easily into a half-day itinerary.

“The 750,000-gallon exhibit with over 14,000 fish makes this a substantial indoor aquarium experience for Myrtle Beach.”

Visit Myrtle Beach tourism site – Visit Myrtle Beach listing

The trade-off: you get concentrated fun, not sprawling scale. That works perfectly for short visits but may leave aquarium enthusiasts wanting more.

How much does it cost to go to Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach?

What are the adult and child ticket prices?

  • TripAdvisor lists standard admission at $42.99 for ages 12+, $26.99 for ages 6-11, $14.99 for ages 2-5 (TripAdvisor visitor review aggregator).
  • Prices may vary by season; check the official site for the most current rates.

Are there any discount options?

  • Military, teacher, and local resident discounts are available when booked through the official site (Ripley’s official site).
  • Ripley’s U-Pick FREEDOM tickets bundle aquarium admission with discounts on other Ripley’s attractions (Ripley’s official site).
  • Group rates may be available for parties of 15 or more.

“Penguins, sloths, sharks, and interactive experiences make it a family favorite for visitors of all ages.”

Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex – Broadway at the Beach property page

The implication: if you’re active-duty military, a teacher, or a local resident, you’re leaving money on the table by not asking for a discount. For everyone else, the U-Pick passes are the way to go.

What is special about Ripley’s Aquarium?

What are the must-see exhibits?

  • Dangerous Reef – The 330-foot moving path through a shark tunnel is the marquee attraction (Ripley’s official site).
  • Touch tanks – Sharks, stingrays, hermit crabs, and jellies are available for hands-on interaction (Ripley’s official site).
  • Penguin and sloth exhibits – A rare opportunity to see these animals up close (Broadway at the Beach listing).
  • Colorful fish and eels – Over 10,000 sea creatures and 350+ species on display (Ocean Reef Myrtle Beach Resort local hospitality blog).

What makes it different from other aquariums?

  • The moving walkway is unusual — most aquariums have stationary tunnels. This one lets you stand or sit while gliding through (Ripley’s official site).
  • Interactive tanks are integrated directly into the path, not in separate rooms.
  • Located inside Broadway at the Beach, a massive entertainment complex with dining and shopping (Broadway at the Beach listing).
Why this matters

The moving path is the differentiator. It makes the shark tunnel accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, and wobbly toddlers — a rare feature in the aquarium world.

What are the tickets, hours, and events at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach?

What are the daily opening hours?

  • The official site shows 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. today (Ripley’s official site).
  • U.S. News Travel reports weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends until 8 p.m., with extended summer hours (U.S. News Travel travel guide).
  • Check the official site before going — hours can vary seasonally.

A quick spec check on the facility’s size:

Specification Value Source
Total size 85,000 square feet Ocean Reef Myrtle Beach Resort local blog
Main exhibit volume 750,000 gallons Visit Myrtle Beach tourism site
Total fish count More than 14,000 Visit Myrtle Beach tourism site
Species count More than 350 Ocean Reef Myrtle Beach Resort local blog
Tunnel length 330 feet Ripley’s official site
Moving path Yes, self-paced Ripley’s official site
Interactive touch tanks Yes (sharks, stingrays, hermit crabs, jellies) Ripley’s official site
Days open per year 365 Ripley’s official site

What special events are held?

  • Animal encounters and feeding sessions occur throughout the day (Ripley’s official site).
  • Seasonal events like Halloween-themed evenings and holiday celebrations are common.
  • Birthday parties and group packages can be booked directly.
Bottom line: What this means: the aquarium runs on a consistent schedule but you should verify hours before heading out, especially during off-peak seasons.

Upsides

  • Unique 330-foot moving path through shark tunnel
  • Interactive touch tanks for multiple species
  • Open 365 days a year
  • Located inside Broadway at the Beach with dining and shopping
  • Combo tickets with other Ripley’s attractions save money

Downsides

  • Not the largest aquarium — 85,000 sq ft is moderate
  • Can get crowded during peak season
  • Ticket prices add up for families (approx $150 for a family of four)
  • Variable hours — not always open late
  • Limited educational programming compared to major research aquariums

What’s confirmed vs. unclear about Ripley’s Aquarium

Confirmed facts

  • Address: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Ripley’s official site)
  • Phone: (843) 916-0888 (Ripley’s official site)
  • Open 365 days a year (Ripley’s official site)
  • 330-foot moving path under Dangerous Reef (Ripley’s official site)
  • Interactive touch tanks for sharks, stingrays, hermit crabs, jellies (Ripley’s official site)
  • Penguins and sloths on exhibit (Broadway at the Beach listing)
  • Ripley’s U-Pick FREEDOM tickets available (Ripley’s official site)

What’s unclear

  • Exact ticket prices vary by season and age — refer to official site
  • Average visit duration: commonly 1.5–2 hours based on anecdotal reports, not official data
  • Specific current events schedule — check website
  • Exact discount amounts for military/teacher/local resident
  • Summer extended hours vary year to year

Think of Ripley’s Aquarium as a well-packaged, family-first attraction that prioritizes interaction over scale. It’s not trying to be the Georgia Aquarium — and that’s fine. For what it is, it delivers consistent value.

Additional sources

vacationmyrtlebeach.com, ripleys.com, ripleys.com, instagram.com

For the best experience, consult a dedicated Ripleys Aquarium tickets and guide that covers pricing and visitor tips.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I buy Ripley’s Aquarium tickets online?

Yes, tickets can be purchased on the Ripley’s official website. Buying ahead is recommended to avoid line delays.

Is parking available at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach?

Parking is available at Broadway at the Beach. The complex offers large lots, and rates vary by season.

Does Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach offer group rates?

Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more. Contact the aquarium directly for a quote.

What are the best times to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings outside of summer and school holidays tend to be least crowded. Late afternoons can also be quieter.

Are strollers allowed inside the aquarium?

Yes, strollers are permitted. The moving path is wide enough to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible. The moving path is designed for all mobility levels.

Can I bring food inside the aquarium?

Outside food and drinks are not generally allowed, but there are dining options at Broadway at the Beach.

Are there feeding shows or animal encounters?

Yes, daily feeding sessions and animal encounters take place. Check the schedule at the front desk upon arrival.

Related reading

For families visiting Myrtle Beach, the choice is clear: if you want a reliable, interactive experience that works rain or shine, Ripley’s Aquarium delivers. If you’re seeking the largest aquarium in the country, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for a solid half-day outing that kids will talk about, this is one of the best bets on the Grand Strand.