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Overlooking the picturesque Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium has been connecting people to South Carolina's diverse wildlife since May 2000. Rivaling many of the best aquariums in the US with incredible exhibits, this aquatic establishment exposes guests to the region's wide variety of animal species. However, it also devotes its time and resources to researching and educating visitors about how to become citizens dedicated to the conservation of the planet.
The South Carolina Aquarium even offers exciting events after hours, truly making this an inclusive space for people of all ages. Sure, it's not one of the world's largest aquariums, but with more than 5,000 animals from the sea to the mountains, this watery attraction is worth every second (and penny) spent on seeing all the amazing displays and species within. It's time to dive on in!
What To Know About The South Carolina Aquarium
- Location: 100 Aquarium Warf, Charleston, SC 29401
- Best Time To Go: Weekdays
- Suggested Duration: 1–2 hours
With numerous exhibits to explore, visitors are introduced to South Carolina's distinctive habitats and their respective animals. Some showcased habitats are the: foothills, mountain forest, coastal, deep ocean, and marsh, with each of these sectors offering distinctive wildlife, animals, and activities to participate in.
What's more, this aquarium is also one of the many excellent places to go with friends or as a group. Whether that be as a school field trip, a small group of family and friends, or as an organization, the South Carolina Aquarium welcomes groups to learn and experience together.
How Much Does The South Carolina Aquarium Cost?
- Ticket Costs: $28- $34 depending on the day (discounts are offered for some)
- Operating Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last entry is at 3:30 p.m.)
What Can You See At The South Carolina Aquarium?
Much like North Carolina's best aquariums, neighboring South Carolina's also open up an entire aquatic world for visitors to explore, all in one place. That's exactly what the South Carolina Aquarium delivers; housed within are diverse arrays of wildlife across its many habitats. Visitors can explore these habitats and scope out the fascinating creatures living within them when they explore the aquarium's many intriguing exhibits. What are these exhibits, exactly? Here's a rundown of the best exhibits at the South Carolina Aquarium that visitors mustn't miss.
The Coastal Plain Exhibit
At the Costal Plain exhibit, experience the swamp at twilight! Here, American alligators, rattlesnakes, and a gopher tortoise can be spotted with a knee eye. Whereas the Saltmarsh Aviary showcases two local bird species, pelicans and gulls, and also has a 6,000-gallon tank housing diamondback terrapin turtles, burrfish, and other sea life.
The Mountain Forest Exhibit
At the Mountain Forest exhibit, guests will meet Liberty the bald eagle and native fish in the streams, as well as waterfalls that feed into the home of river otters named Charlie and Beau. Note that at the time of writing, The Mountain Forest exhibit is closed for renovations, so be sure to check the aquarium's website before visiting and see if it's open.
The Great Ocean Tank
Plus, don't miss North America's deepest tank - The Great Ocean Tank! As a two-story 385,000-gallon, this exhibit shows off the mysteries and depths of the Atlantic Ocean; get up close and personal with native sharks, fish, and the aquarium's famous 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta.
The Touch Tank
Besides simply observing, the South Carolina Aquarium takes engagement to the next level by offering many ways to get hands-on, multisensory experiences with the animals and nature itself, making a trip to the aquarium much more exciting and memorable.
Check out the Touch Tank if interested in getting a (literal) feel for marine life. Here, workers and volunteers aid visitors in touching several species of invertebrate, including hermit crabs, sea urchins, Atlantic stingrays, and more. Infatuated with the stingrays? Or just want to experience something amazing? If yes, pop over to The Shallows, where, from 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day (while supplies last), guests can feed the cownose stingrays a fishy feast!
To feed the cownose stingrays, a $5 feeding voucher needs to be purchased prior at the admission gate or information desk.
The Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery
Additionally, The Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery is a must-see while visiting this aquarium. As a rehabilitation hospital for sea turtles, the Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery provides guests with the remarkable opportunity to witness each leg of the journey that sick and injured sea turtles go through, from rescue to rehabilitation to release.
The Trading Post
The Trading Post is a brilliant way to get kids outdoors and curious about Mother Earth. Essentially, children bring in interesting natural artifacts from their environmental surroundings, such as shells, rocks and shark teeth, and in return receive 'points' for these items. Points can be saved and accumulated, or can be redeemed for another natural item at The Trading Post.
To learn more about how to trade, including what is and isn't accepted, read this short flyer on how easy trading can be. Another area designed for the kiddos is the Kids Coast. Here, children learn about nature-based concepts through hands-on play and collaborative activities with other children and aquarium workers.
The Backyard Habitat
Another creative and educational exhibit is the Backyard Habitat: a garden space that provides environmentally beneficial ideas to implement back at home. Learn here about important native plant species, how to attract native birds, butterflies and insects, and even how to create natural animal shelters.
What Events Are There At The South Carolina Aquarium?
In addition to amazing exhibits and interactive experiences, The South Carolina Aquarium also hosts special events, from after-hours occasions for adults to conservation initiatives that take place at certain times of the year. Here are a few of the events that aquariums guests can get involved with.
South Carolina Aquarium After Hours Event
Most people head to romantic date night destinations to spend quality time with their special someone. But what about an aquarium for a lovely date night? Well, consider it! The South Carolina Aquarium puts on a variety of After Hours events for adults 21+. Indulge in light bites, wine, beer and local entertainment, all while strolling through the different exhibits and galleries. Be sure to revel in the peaceful ocean views of the Charleston Harbor too! The South Carolina Aquarium is always coming up with new After Hours events, so be sure to save the date and get an early bird price!
Sea Life By Starlight At The South Carolina Aquarium
Looking for an elegant and unique event that supports a local cause? Each year, the aquarium event Sea Life by Starlight raises funds for the Sea Turtle Care Center. An all-inclusive ticket to this extravagant event includes delicious delicacies, an open (and full!) bar, a luxurious silent auction, and lovely live entertainment. Exhibits will be decorated with glowing lights too, making this an event not to miss! Scheduled for winter 2023, check out the aquarium website for more details to come.
Holland Lifelong Learning Event
Dive into deeper knowledge on environmental conservation, research and science by attending an Holland Lifelong Learning event where expert-led discussions allow adults to learn and discuss in a relaxing and sociable setting.
In need of a one-of-a-kind location to host a spectacular event? This stunning sea-themed venue will be sure to dazzle guests. Should it be a wedding, corporate event, or important celebration, contact the aquarium to learn more about their venue options.