How to Visit Ripley's Aquarium

Ripley's Aquarium logo

Ripley's Aquarium has two locations you can visit. One aquarium is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the other in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At Ripley's Aquarium you can encounter marine life up close and personal in ways you and your children never imagined. There is plenty to do, see and experience. Though admission prices are not inexpensive, it is well worth the money when you see the adventures that await you inside.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Walking Shoes
• Credit Card

Instructions

1. Plan the day and time of your visit. You will want at least two and a half hours to visit Ripley's Aquarium. Not including shows, hands-on or kids' activities.

2. Plan where you will park while you visit Ripley's Aquarium. There are many trolleys and shuttles that you can take for a small fee and park your car safely. Parking closer to the aquarium tends to be expensive and spaces fill quickly. Shuttles generally leave every half hour.

3. Obtain discount tickets by purchasing them as a package with other Ripley's attractions. Alternatively, use your motor club card at the admission office and get in for reduced admission prices.

4. Use the map you receive to plan out your visit to Ripley's aquarium. It may seem crowded at first, however, as you stroll through the building, crowds tend to disburse and go to other exhibits and classes.

5. Look above and below you when you walk through the tunnel at Ripley's. There are sharks and other marine wildlife and fish swimming above you and below you in the floor. This is a spectacular site to see. You can see other angles of the animals and view them from a unique perspective.

6. Pet stingrays and small sharks in the open water stingray exhibit when you are given the chance. This is a unique feature Ripley's Aquarium offers for all ages; included with your admission.

7. View the Rainforest replicas and observe the creatures from them inside a special exhibit in Ripley's Aquarium. There are also hands-on classes and training your child can take part in to become a real animal explorer.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your AAA card to save money on admission.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet a lot.

• Point your camera away from the glass slightly so you do not get a reflection from the flash in your picture.

• Park at one of the trolley stops so you do not have to pay for parking.

Resources

• Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach, SC
• Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg