Whether you're on vacation or live near Myrtle Beach, you can't miss all the billboards directing you to the aquarium... and it's definitely a visit worth making!
Post updated on Sept. 28, 2023
When we moved to Myrtle Beach 8 years ago, we purchased annual passes to Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and we have renewed them every year since. The staff is friendly, the space is clean and welcoming, new exhibits have consistently been added over time, and every single visit is unique.
Here are some of our top tips and tricks whether you're planning your first visit or you've been before and looking forward to your next stop by.
tip #1 invest in an annual pass if you plan on coming more than once
An annual pass, as of September 2023, is $79.99 for an adult, $53.99 for a child 6-11, and $25.99 for a child 2-5. A day pass is $39.99 for an adult, $26.99 for a child 6-11, and $12.99 for a child 2-5. So if you come to the aquarium twice, you've essentially paid for the pass.
And when you renew an annual pass, you get a 35% discount on this price!
It's also worth noting that Ripley's offers an ultimate pass that's $99.99 for an adult, $79.99 for a child 6-11, and $59.99 for a child 2-5. It includes admission to ALL Ripley's attractions in Myrtle Beach which includes Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze, and Ripley's Moving Theater.
Passholders get discounted admission to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and all Ripley's attractions in Gatlinburg, 20% off merch, photos, and meals, and 15% off camp programs.
tip #2 THE DAY AND TIME YOU VISIT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
One of the most exciting things for little kids is seeing the mermaid dive show at Ray Bay, which consists of one or two mermaids swimming around to a catchy soundtrack, waving and blowing bubble kisses. However, depending on the time of year, the show may only be presented on weekends or not as often during the day.
The dive shows at Rainbow Rock are also great where you can learn about all of the fish, watch the divers feed them, and maybe even play Rock, Paper, Scissors with them!
Special sightings also take place throughout the week like the penguin feedings and the "penguin parade" around the center of the aquarium. Sloth feedings happen twice a day, and that's 100% the best time to go when Cleo and Rico are active. Shark feedings happen right now on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
Our favorite time to visit the aquarium is during the off-season for the two hours leading up to closing time when we have the place mostly to ourselves. During the busier summer months, evenings are still the best shot of a less crowded experience.
tip #3 take your time... and ask questions!
The aquarium is not huge but it's very well curated with several interactive elements tucked into every nook and cranny, tons of fun facts about every animal and habitat, and some highlights you'll miss if you're moving too fast.
For instance, one of Skyela and Holden's favorite spots is in the center of the aquarium where they can crawl into a tunnel to look at flashlight fish. But if you don't see the sign, you'll miss it.
We love to spot Gabby the sea turtle as we walk through the shark tunnel, but she likes to hide. We've found her favorite spots over time but if you walk through and don't see her (or any animal you're looking for, from Nemo to Dory), just ask a staff member. They are so knowledgeable and want you to have a great visit.
The place your kiddos will want to spend the most time is the new play area right in the center of the aquarium, featuring a big playground, touch tank, water play area, and several tactile games and activities. There's another playground right outside Planet Jellies which is also a great place to stop and rest.
tip #4 SPECIAL EXPERIENCES ARE PRICeY... but may be worth it for sea life lovers
Ripley's offers 30-minute Penguin Experiences that are $89.99 for ages 4 and up in which you get to touch a penguin; a 45-minute Stingray Experience for $75 for ages 6 and up in which you get to get to put on your swimsuit and get up close and personal with the stingrays; a 45-minute Sloth Encounter for ages 4 and up in which you step inside Sloth Valley with an experienced Keeper to hang out with Rico and Cleo, their two-toed sloths, during their feeding time; and opportunities for kids to sleep with the sharks or have a PJ party with the penguins for $100 which includes a scavenger hunt, snack, and light breakfast.
Each day, aquarium guests can also pay $9.99 for the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. We have never done this because we don't see how you can beat the views from the massive tunnel that surrounds you as you walk beneath the sharks.
Guests can also reserve spots to attend Breakfast with a Mermaid and/or Pirate, Pancakes and Penguins, Beaks and Brushes, Terrariums at the Aquarium, and more. Costs vary by event and age. One of the less pricey special events the aquarium sometimes offers are Dive-In Movies for $27 per vehicle.
tip #5 HOLIDAYS ARE An awesome TIME TO VISIT
Ripley's Aquarium hosts special events throughout the year centered on holidays such as the Father Daughter Dance in February ($55 for a duo), Spook-Quarium Halloween Splash, and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. The decorations around the aquarium change year-round, and they especially go all out for Halloween.
By far, the showstopper is the Festival of Trees which runs throughout November and December... and it's included with aquarium admission! Themed trees are adorned in decorations and ornaments representing each of America's 55 states and territories. Each tree is extremely unique and it's so fun to try to spot the states that mean the most to your family.
The Bottom Line
Ripley's Aquarium is one Myrtle Beach tourist attraction that lives up to the hype. If you live nearby, it's a great spot to keep returning to. If you're here for a vacation during the hot summer months, it's the perfect place to take kids of all ages when you're away from the beach and in search of some air-conditioned family fun. Be sure to tell Gabby we said hi!
Comments