Posted in South Carolina May 18, 2019 by

Play With Stingrays At This South Carolina Aquarium For An Absolutely Adorable Adventure

When it comes to sea life, South Carolinians are no strangers to encounters with sea creatures that may unexpectedly join the fun when we’re at the beach. Everyone loves to find a starfish or a sand dollar and then throw it back into the sea so it can carry on its merry way. But a stingray? That’s not something we would typically be happy to see in the wild.

Fortunately, the Stingray Encounter at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is more measured and predictable than a surprise encounter at the beach would be.
Facebook/Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
A little less than five years ago, Ripley's began offering an extraordinary opportunity for you to get up close to two species of stingrays that call the aquarium home.
When reserved in advance, you'll get to climb in the stingray enclosure (goggles and all) and swim with a Spotted Eagle Ray (seen here) and a docile Cownose Ray.
Google/James Ratliff
If the whole idea makes you a bit uneasy, then don't worry... you'll have an expert Ripley's Aquarium diver with you at all times.
With a mask and snorkle, you'll be plunge your head underneath the surface. Once underwater, you'll be able to see the rays in even more detail.
Facebook/Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
The encounter begins in the shallow pool at the stingray enclosure... but on this special encounter, you and the diver will be able to slip over the wall and into the swim tank — as long as you're comfortable proceeding to the deep end.
The stingrays at Ripley's may even brush up to you for a sweet kiss on the, uh... gill(?).
Facebook/Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Your stingray encounter comes with its own Behind the Scenes Tour, an "I swam with the stingrays" t-shirt, and a photo USB of the entire experience. Sounds perfect! (This activity is limited to ages 6 and older.)

Learn more at this link on the Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach website, and follow the Facebook page here!

Ripley’s Aquarium is located at Broadway at the Beach and is open 365 days a year from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Parking is free!

Address: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577

Myrtle Beach is filled with all sorts of animal encounters, including an enormous alligator zoo. Learn more from this previous article!