sc aquarium versus ripley's aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is in central Myrtle Beach and appeals to tourists and locals alike. Since it is a for-profit business it is easy to assume it won’t offer as much of an educational focus as a non-profit facility like the SC Aquarium. We recently made a day trip to the SC Aquarium in Charleston to compare the two.
key details
ADDRESS: 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston SC 29401
PRICE: Prices fluctuate based on several variables. Most of the time and adult ticket is between $32-42 and a child ticket is $26–34. Buying in advance will offer the best chance at getting the best price.
PARKING: Paid, in a nearby garage.
what we loved about sc aquarium
SEA TURTLE CARE CENTER | There is a huge space devoted to education, conservation and recovery of sea turtles. You can see the resident’s swimming in their thanks and go through information on when/why the turtle was brought in and how it’s treatment is progressing.
FULL STATEWIDE FOCUS | The aquarium features the mountain, piedmont and coastal plains fairly equally. It’s nice to have this balance since most of the smaller aquariums, nature parks, etc. in the area feature just the coastal habitat.
OUTDOOR SPACES | The aquarium’s location on the Cooper River with views of the Ravenel Bridge and Mt Pleasant is beautiful. There is an observation deck, outdoor dining, the Saltmarsh Aviary, and a stingray touch tank all outside.
KIDS COAST | Hands-on learning stations where kids can learn about how the aquarium operates from the inside using water filtration systems.
GETTING THERE: The aquarium is just over the bridge from Mt Pleasant making it easily accessible without getting into downtown Charleston. Parking is also easy in a nearby garage.
GETTING TICKETS: As mentioned, ticket prices vary so purchase them in advance for the best price. You do need to select an entry time. We were going to be 2 hours late for our time so I just called ahead and they resent tickets with the appropriate entry time.
EXPECT CROWDS: During the summer and weekends the place will be crowded. Mid-day to afternoon is probably a better time of day to visit. When we started at 11am it was crowded but by the time we were leaving around 2pm it had thinned considerably.
ripley's aquarium facts
PRICE: $13 (ages 2-5), $26 (ages 6-11) and $42 so prices for the two are comparable.
EXHIBITS: Ripley’s exhibits are beautiful and informative. Despite being a for-profit entity they have done a great job of prioritizing education and conservation. They even have a few habitats like Sloth Valley and Penguin Playhouse for non-aquatic animals. The glidepath through the underwater tunnel is the highlight of Ripley’s for most people. It holds several sharks, sea turtles, eels, and more.
READ MORE ABOUT RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM HERE. We love this aquarium and try to visit at least once a year. In our opinion, it wins out in a head-to-head because it’s closer, roughly the same price, and offers just as much as the SC Aquarium.
