South Carolina Aquarium
Charleston, South Carolina
Nestled along the picturesque Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium stands as a beacon of marine conservation, education, and awe-inspiring exploration. With its diverse array of habitats and captivating exhibits, the aquarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. From the vibrant colors of tropical reefs to the serene beauty of coastal marshes, each step within the aquarium’s walls invites an appreciation for the world beneath the waves.
Come explore the South Carolina Aquarium with us
Your first stop is to get close to these adorable stingrays. At this tank you can gently pet these beautiful creatures.
Bald Eagle
Otters (Look at that face!)
Gar
Turtle
Octopus
Sea Horse
Sea Turtle
Jellyfish
Lion Fish
This adorable guy stole my heart.
My girls and I could have stared at this tank for days.
We also loved getting to pet these beautiful bonefish sharks.
We even got to pet these fascinating horseshoe crabs.
We all wondered how amazing it would be to have this job!
There is also a wonderful touch tank that the whole family will enjoy.
When can you visit?
Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; last entry time is 3:30 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25
Open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. December 24
Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on the day you go. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Want to learn more about the animals? Try these daily programs:
Animal Care Spotlight
Spend a few moments learning about the different aspects of animal care and how they provide exceptional homes for all the creatures who live here.
Dive into the G.O.T.
Find out what it’s like to dive in our largest exhibit, the Great Ocean Tank! Discover what it takes to care for the 550 animals that call the G.O.T. home.
Turtle Talk
Come experience sea turtle recovery and get a quick orientation of their sea turtle rescue efforts. See what it takes to be a sea turtle biologist and learn how their patients progress from rescue to rehabilitation to release in the Sea Turtle Care Centerâ„¢
Animal Encounters
Join the aquarium staff as they highlight the featured creature of the day and help shed some light on various wild adaptations!
Tips for a great day at the aquarium:
Parking: There’s a great parking garage located at 24 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
Feeling hungry? The Sea Turtle Café is open from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. daily.
Pets? To ensure the safety and health of the animals at the South Carolina Aquarium, pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Service animals are welcome at the Aquarium.
Want to avoid crowds? Weekends and school holidays tend to have the highest volume of guests, so if you would prefer experiencing the Aquarium with smaller crowds, they suggest visiting on a weekday.
Accredited? Yes, they are both accredited by and a member of AZA. They have been accredited since September 2001 and continue to meet and exceed the rigorous standards of animal care set forth by the organization.
Give them a follow
Click HERE for their website
100 Aquarium Wharf
 Charleston, SC 29401
A warm thank you to the South Carolina Aquarium. It was the perfect place to spend the afternoon with my daughters on our first day in Charleston. Throughout the aquarium, the staff was so welcoming and knowledgeable and they created an environment that made us curious to explore. As always, all opinions are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.