There’s so much to do and explore in Myrtle Beach, from strolling its famous boardwalk to riding the Skywheel, and dining at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. One of Myrtle Beach’s best can’t-miss attractions – especially for families – is Ripley’s Aquarium, an 85,000-square-foot aquarium located in the Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex. The aquarium has two levels and all kinds of exhibits and events, including hands-on aquatic encounters and even mermaids. For an extra memorable visit, book a penguin encounter, then explore the shark tank on a glass-bottomed boat!

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach has thousands of sea animals, including colorful tropical fish, jellyfish, octopuses, a sea turtle named Gabby, and of course, sharks.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach/Facebook
But the aquarium’s African penguins are one of its biggest draws, and you can get up close and personal with these charismatic flightless birds – and even help create a penguin painting – when you book a penguin encounter.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach/Facebook
The penguins are located in the Penguin Playhouse, which has floor-to-ceiling viewing glass, and a 360-degree glass tunnel you can crawl through to really immerse yourself in the penguin habitat.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach/Facebook

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When you schedule your penguin encounter, you’ll have the option to choose the VIP experience, which allows you to paint with the penguins. You’ll get to bring home your own penguin painting as a souvenir of this unique encounter. Whether you go for the VIP experience or just the regular encounter, you’ll still get to pet a penguin and learn about the species from an expert on staff.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach/Facebook
After you’ve played with the penguins, explore the shark tank on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure!
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach/Facebook
You’ll go right into the heart of Dangerous Reef, where sharp-toothed sea creatures swim separated from you by just a mere three inches of glass.
Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach
You can also stroll on foot through a tunnel that lets you get right up close to the creatures of Dangerous Reef, including sharks, Sawfish, snappers, moray eels, and more.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach/Facebook

For more info about Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and to book your penguin encounter or glass bottom boat tour, visit its website.

Have you ever visited Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach? What was your favorite sea creature?

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Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USA