Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle beach SC

[Lance A. Lot]

Has anyone been to this aquarium in Myrtle Beach? My family is going to the beach next week and I was considering stopping by this place. Is it worth the price of admission? Also if anyone has any scuba diving experience in this same area my sister and I want to do a dive or two while we are there. I am trying to find good spots that are not too deep so I can maximize my time under.

 

[Reeferhead]

I went to the aquarium a long long time ago, read 15+ years. I remember it being pretty pricey but interesting. As far as diving goes, I looked into it when I was in the area but never pulled the trigger. There are some decent wrecks but from what I remember they'll all pretty deep with some pretty strong currents and unpredictable vis. I'm not sure the area is the best for beginners but I could be wrong. You should ask the local forum on scubaboard.com

 

[makeshift101]

My gf and I went 2 years ago, its a nice place, your typical aquarium type place, pet the sting rays and what not. Dont know much about the scuba diving though, you can always ask your hotel concierge.

I'll try to find pictures tonight and post them up of the aquarium.

 

[Lance A. Lot]

I saw the wreck dives. They are pretty far off shore and far down with unpredictable visibility. Bottom time seemed to be under 15 minutes. Not sure that it would be worth it... Found out that the aquarium offers a behind the scenes tour. Probably going to do that.

 

[chucklez]

Dont forget, the first topical storm of the season just blew through the area. Down deep it still could be stirred up and currents.

 

[lifeoffaith]

I remember the aquarium being nice, but that was before I got into saltwater. I found another aquarium that I used to love to be dissapointing after I got into saltwater myself, but I do remember it being interesting and fairly good sized as well.

 

[Lance A. Lot]

Dont forget, the first topical storm of the season just blew through the area. Down deep it still could be stirred up and currents.

Yeah my dad just reminded me about that. Well maybe the surf will be up and I can long board instead of diving.

 

[Outlaw843]

I live here...I go to the aquarium once a year usually, its nothing special, definitely not a state aquarium but its worth it, especially if you've never been. I would suggest against diving, our water is pretty murky, visibility is never that great and with the TS that just came though...even worse.

 

[Lance A. Lot]

I live here...I go to the aquarium once a year usually, its nothing special, definitely not a state aquarium but its worth it, especially if you've never been. I would suggest against diving, our water is pretty murky, visibility is never that great and with the TS that just came though...even worse.

Thanks for the advice. I will save my Scuba $s for Hawaii then. What is the best surf shop in town/location or is that not something worth while either?

 

[Outlaw843]

Thanks for the advice. I will save my Scuba $s for Hawaii then. What is the best surf shop in town/location or is that not something worth while either?

Surf City and Wallerbears is where most of the locals go but they're not real surf shops, more skewed towards 'surf wear'. If you have the time one day, or can extend the trip I suggest heading down to Charleston, the 'state' aqaurium there is phenomenal especially if you can spend the whole day there. Theres also nicer beaches (less crowded and less touristy), shopping/shops are better, you can spend a day doing the historical stuff if thats your thing, the ghost tour(s) are awesome and Id venture to say edisto has better surfing too.