Few family attractions deliver the instant awe of walking through an acrylic tunnel while a 12-foot sand tiger shark glides directly overhead. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers exactly that, housing over 14,000 fish in 750,000 gallons of water.
Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 · Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm daily · Exhibit Size: 750,000 gallons · Number of Fish: 14,000+
Quick snapshot
- Located at 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Ripley’s official site)
- Open daily 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (Ripley’s official site)
- 750,000-gallon exhibit with 14,000+ fish (Visit Myrtle Beach)
- Exact ticket prices not publicly listed on official site
- Total annual visitor numbers not available
- Free parking in adjacent lot (from Expedia and Scribd, not confirmed by official site)
- Military discount availability not explicitly confirmed on official site
- Hours vary seasonally; official site shows daily hours with late closings until 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (Ripley’s official site)
- Last ticket sold one hour before closing (Scribd location-hours document)
- Purchase tickets online in advance to secure entry
- Check official site for daily hours
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
Eight key facts, one pattern: every data point confirms the aquarium is a large-scale, professionally run attraction with reliable logistics.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Ripley’s official site) |
| Phone | (843) 916-0888 (Scribd document) |
| Hours | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm daily; last ticket at 10:00 pm (Ripley’s official site) |
| Exhibit Size | 750,000 gallons (Visit Myrtle Beach) |
| Number of Fish | 14,000+ (Visit Myrtle Beach) |
| Location | Broadway at the Beach entertainment district (Visit Myrtle Beach) |
| Parking | Free, adjacent lot (Expedia) |
| Year-Round Operation | Open 365 days a year (Expedia) |
The implication: logistics are solid. What’s less certain is exactly how much you’ll pay at the gate.
How long does it take to walk through Ripley’s aquarium Myrtle Beach?
Average visit duration
- Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the aquarium (Visit Myrtle Beach)
- The self-guided layout means you control the pace
- The 750,000-gallon shark tunnel is the centerpiece and easily takes 10-15 minutes to walk twice
Factors that affect your time
- Crowds on weekends and holidays can stretch the visit
- Interactive exhibits like Ray Bay touch tank and the touch pools add 10-20 minutes each
- Families with small children often linger longer at the interactive areas
Tips for experiencing the aquarium efficiently
- Visit on a weekday morning for lighter crowds
- Head straight to the shark tunnel first before the crowd builds
- Allow extra time for the Dangerous Reef exhibit — it’s the main draw
The aquarium is a solid 2-hour attraction, not a full-day outing. Plan around it when scheduling other Myrtle Beach activities.
The implication: The aquarium fits neatly into a half-day itinerary, leaving room for other Myrtle Beach activities.
How much does it cost to go to Ripley’s aquarium Myrtle Beach?
Ticket prices for adults and children
- Exact prices are not published on the official site in our source set
- Third-party booking sites indicate adult tickets around $35-40, child tickets around $25-30 (prices vary by season)
Military and local resident discounts
- Reportedly, military discounts are offered — though not confirmed in official sources (Ripley’s official site does not list them prominently)
- Local resident discounts may be available; check at the box office
Combo ticket options
- Combo tickets with other Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach are available online (Ripley’s official site)
- These can save 10-15% compared to buying separate single-day passes
Without transparent on-site pricing, you’re left relying on third-party seller estimates. The safest move: buy online in advance to lock in the best rate.
The takeaway: advance purchase is the best strategy to avoid uncertainty.
Is Ripley’s aquarium worth seeing?
Highlights of the aquarium
- The 750,000-gallon shark tunnel is considered one of the best on the East Coast (Visit Myrtle Beach)
- Interactive touch tanks and Ray Bay allow hands-on experiences
- Gabby the green sea turtle is a beloved resident
Visitor reviews and ratings
- Yelp reviews average 4 stars, with frequent praise for the shark tunnel and cleanliness
- Facebook ratings are similarly positive, though some cite high ticket prices as a drawback
Comparisons to other Myrtle Beach attractions
- Unlike Broadway at the Beach’s free attractions, Ripley’s charges admission but offers a unique indoor experience
- For families, it’s a reliable rain-day backup with guaranteed animal encounters
The pattern: visitors overwhelmingly agree the shark tunnel alone justifies the ticket for first-timers, but repeat visitors may find it less compelling.
Does the Myrtle Beach aquarium have sharks?
Shark species at the aquarium
- Yes — the Dangerous Reef exhibit features multiple shark species including sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and blacktip reef sharks (Ripley’s official site)
- The 750,000-gallon tank is home to a thriving shark population
The Dangerous Reef exhibit
- A 340-foot moving walkway carries you through the acrylic tunnel
- Sharks, sea turtles, and rays swim directly overhead
- Exhibit is designed to mimic a natural reef ecosystem
Other marine life including ray and sea turtles
- Gabby the green sea turtle is a mascot and frequently spotted in the tunnel
- Ray Bay offers a shallow pool where you can touch stingrays (Visit Myrtle Beach)
- Over 14,000 fish from hundreds of species fill the exhibits
The shark tunnel is the headline act, but the touch tanks and interactive exhibits make the visit longer and more engaging for kids. Without them, the aquarium would be a 30-minute walk-through.
The pattern: the shark tunnel is the main draw, but the interactive exhibits add value for families.
What are the hours of Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach?
Operating hours
- Standard hours: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm daily (Ripley’s official site)
- Last ticket sold at 10:00 pm (Scribd location-hours document)
- Friday and Saturday hours may extend to midnight on some dates
Holiday hours
- The aquarium is open 365 days a year (Expedia)
- Hours on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas) may be reduced; check the official site before visiting
Best times to visit
- Weekday mornings (9-11 am) are least crowded
- Evening visits after 6 pm are also quiet and allow for a slower pace
- Saturdays and holiday weeks are busiest — expect lines for the shark tunnel
The trade-off: late hours give you flexibility, but arriving early means shorter wait times at the tunnel entrance.
How to plan your visit: step by step
- Check hours and buy tickets online
- Visit the official Ripley’s website to confirm daily hours and purchase tickets in advance (Ripley’s official site)
- Online tickets often come with a small discount and guarantee entry
- Plan your arrival and parking
- Use GPS address 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Free parking is available in the adjacent lot (Expedia)
- Arrive 15 minutes early to park and walk to the entrance
- Decide on your route through the aquarium
- Start at the touch tanks on the lower level (Ray Bay and the touch pools)
- Then take the moving walkway through the Dangerous Reef shark tunnel
- Spend the remaining time at smaller exhibits and gift shop
- Consider combo tickets if visiting other attractions
- Ripley’s offers combo passes with nearby attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum and WonderWorks (Ripley’s official site)
- Combo tickets save money if you plan to do multiple attractions in the Broadway at the Beach area
Upsides
- Unique, immersive shark tunnel experience
- Interactive exhibits engage children and adults
- Centrally located at Broadway at the Beach with free parking
- Open late every day, including holidays
- Self-guided pace suits all ages
Downsides
- Relatively small for the ticket price; can be seen in 1.5-2 hours
- Exact pricing not transparent on official site
- Can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays
- Not a full-day attraction — you’ll need to fill the rest of your day
“We provide year-round fun and 365 days of non-stop enjoyment.”
– Visit Myrtle Beach, the region’s official tourism authority For tickets and hours to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, check out this Canmore Inn and Suites Guide.
“Ripley’s Aquarium is in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at Broadway at the Beach.”
– Scribd-hosted location-hours document, a visitor information resource
For families visiting Myrtle Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium offers a reliable, high-impact experience that fills a morning or evening. The trade-off: you’ll pay a premium for a relatively quick visit. Decide whether the shark tunnel alone justifies the sticker price, and plan accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. Strollers are welcome inside.
Can I bring a stroller inside?
Strollers are allowed throughout the facility. There is also a designated stroller parking area near the shark tunnel entrance.
Are there dining options inside the aquarium?
There is no full-service restaurant inside, but a small snack bar sells drinks, popcorn, and light snacks. Many dining options are available at Broadway at the Beach.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography is allowed. Flash photography is discouraged in some areas to protect the animals.
How do I get to the aquarium from the Myrtle Beach boardwalk?
It’s a 5-minute drive north on Ocean Boulevard. You can also take the Coast RTA bus route 15 or use a rideshare service.
Is there a discount for seniors?
Senior discounts are not explicitly listed on the official site, but some third-party ticket resellers offer senior rates. Call (843) 916-0888 to inquire.
Can I exit and re-enter on the same day?
Same-day re-entry is allowed with a wristband provided at the exit.