When you visit Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, you step into a world full of color, movement, and magic. It’s only about a 25-minute drive from North Myrtle Beach, making it one of the most popular day trips for families, couples, and anyone curious about marine life. As soon as you walk through the doors, you’re surrounded by glowing tanks, playful sea creatures, and immersive exhibits that make you feel like you’re underwater.
What’s more, this aquarium isn’t just about looking, it’s about learning and experiencing. You’ll find interactive touch pools, glass tunnels, and unique themed zones designed to bring the ocean to life. Whether you love sharks, jellyfish, or seahorses, something fascinating is waiting around every corner.
What Can You See at Ripley’s Aquarium?
Ripley’s Aquarium is divided into themed galleries, each offering a glimpse into a different underwater world. Some of the highlights include:
- Dangerous Reef: Walk through a 340-foot-long underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and giant stingrays. The slow-moving glide path lets you feel like you’re diving through the ocean without getting wet.
- Ray Bay: Watch the graceful rays glide through crystal-clear water. Their wing-like movements are hypnotic, and you can even touch them in the shallow pools.
- Planet Jellies: This glowing room of jellyfish is one of the aquarium’s most mesmerizing exhibits. With colorful lights and fluid movement, it’s almost like watching living art.
- Rainbow Rock: See vibrant fish from the Indo-Pacific reef, from clownfish and angelfish to butterflyfish. The colors pop against the coral, creating an incredible photo opportunity.
- Friendship Flats: Get up close with cownose rays in a hands-on exhibit that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
What Makes the Dangerous Reef So Popular?
The Dangerous Reef is the star attraction at Ripley’s Aquarium. As you glide along the moving walkway, you’re entirely surrounded by massive sharks, sawfish, and sea turtles. The curved glass makes it feel like theyāre swimming right beside you.
If youāve ever wondered what it’s like to dive in the open sea, this is as close as it gets without scuba gear. Kids love spotting the Sand Tiger Sharks, while adults are often amazed by the sheer size of the sawfish gliding silently above. It’s both thrilling and peacefulāa moment that captures the beauty and mystery of ocean life.
Can You Touch the Animals?
Yes, and that’s part of what makes Ripley’s Aquarium so memorable. You can touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and even jellyfish (in a safe environment, of course). The touch tanks are carefully supervised by staff who teach you how to handle marine animals gently.
For many visitors, these moments of connection are the most meaningful. Feeling the soft texture of a ray or the smooth shell of a crab helps you appreciate how delicate and diverse marine life really is.
Are There Shows and Feedings?
Throughout the day, Ripley’s offers scheduled feedings and educational shows. You can watch divers feed the sharks in the Dangerous Reef or learn about the behavior of sea turtles and jellyfish. The schedule changes daily, so it’s best to check it upon arrival.
If you visit during special eventsālike Mermaids at Ripley’s Aquarium or Sleep with the Sharksāyouāll get a whole new experience. These unique programs let you explore the aquarium after hours, making it a great family activity.
What About Kids and Families?
Families love this aquarium because it blends education with fun. Kids can participate in interactive exhibits, explore touch pools, and even take part in summer camps and behind-the-scenes tours. The layout is stroller-friendly, and there’s plenty of seating if you want to rest between exhibits.
There’s also a small cafĆ© and a large gift shop filled with plush sea creatures, books, and souvenirs. It’s easy to spend two to three hours exploring everything at a relaxed pace.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
If you want to avoid crowds, go early in the morning or later in the evening. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. During the summer, it can get busy, especially when the weather turns rainy, since it’s one of the top indoor attractions in the Grand Strand area.
Nevertheless, the aquarium manages crowds well, and the exhibits are spaced out enough that you rarely feel rushed.
How Much Are Tickets?
Ticket prices vary by season and whether you book online or at the door. There are also combo passes if you plan to visit other Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach, like Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or the Mirror Maze. Buying online can often save you a few dollars, and kids under a certain age usually get in free or at a reduced rate.
If youāre traveling with a group, look for family packages. Annual memberships are also available and can pay off if you plan to return.
How to Get There from North Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Aquarium is located at 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, inside the Broadway at the Beach complex. From North Myrtle Beach, take US-17 South for about 25 minutes. There’s plenty of free parking around the area, and you’ll find restaurants, shops, and other attractions nearby.
Afterward, you can grab lunch or dinner at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants or take a walk around Broadway Lake for a peaceful end to your visit.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you want to stay close to the aquarium but enjoy quieter surroundings, North Myrtle Beach is your best choice. You’ll have access to wide beaches, family-friendly restaurants, and comfortable vacation rentals. Many travelers prefer to book their stay with Sea Mountain Vacation Rentals for easy access to both beach relaxation and Myrtle Beach attractions.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the most enchanting experiences near North Myrtle Beach. It’s not just an attraction, it’s a window into the underwater world that fascinates people of all ages. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the ocean and plenty of beautiful photos to remember it by.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or on your own, the aquarium’s mix of wonder, education, and hands-on adventure makes it a must-see during your Myrtle Beach vacation.
