Ripley's Aquarium has five locations you can visit in person

Ripley's Aquarium operates five separate aquariums across North America, each in a different city. The locations are Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; Toronto, Ontario; and San Antonio, Texas. Each one is a standalone facility with its own exhibits, hours, and admission prices — they are not connected by a single ticketing system or membership that works across all five.

Ripley's Aquarium is part of the larger Ripley's Believe It or Not! entertainment company, which also runs museums and attractions in other cities. The aquariums specifically focus on marine life and underwater exhibits rather than the odditorium collections found at other Ripley's locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Ripley's Aquarium has five locations: Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, Branson, Toronto, and San Antonio, each operating independently.
  • Each location has different hours, admission prices, and featured exhibits, so you need to check the specific aquarium's website before visiting.
  • The Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg locations are the oldest and largest of the five aquariums.
  • Most locations offer parking on-site, though parking fees and availability vary by location.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — the original location

The Myrtle Beach Ripley's Aquarium opened in 1991 and remains the largest of the five locations. It sits on the boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach, making it straightforward to reach if you are visiting the beach area. The facility includes a 70,000-gallon shark lagoon, a touch pool, and a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel.

Parking is available in a dedicated lot next to the aquarium, though spaces fill quickly during peak summer months and weekends. The address is 1110 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Hours vary by season, typically running from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in summer and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in winter, though you should confirm current hours on their website before you go.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee — mountain location with high traffic

The Gatlinburg Ripley's Aquarium opened in 1999 and is the second-largest facility. It sits in the heart of Gatlinburg's tourist district, near the Smoky Mountains, and draws visitors year-round. The building houses a 680,000-gallon main tank system and features a walk-through underwater tunnel similar to the Myrtle Beach location.

Street parking and paid lots surround the facility, though parking can be difficult during peak tourist seasons (summer, fall foliage season, and winter holidays). The address is 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Hours are typically 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, though seasonal adjustments occur. This location tends to be busier than Myrtle Beach during certain times of year, so arriving early or visiting on weekdays may mean shorter lines.

Branson, Missouri — smaller facility in the Ozarks

The Branson Ripley's Aquarium is the smallest of the five locations and opened more recently than Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg. It sits in Branson's entertainment district, which also includes theaters, restaurants, and other attractions. The facility is more compact but still includes a shark tank and underwater tunnel.

Parking is available on-site and in nearby lots. The address is 2702 West Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616. Hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., though seasonal variations explore. This location draws fewer crowds than Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg, which can mean shorter wait times during peak seasons.

Toronto, Ontario — the only Canadian location

The Toronto Ripley's Aquarium opened in 2013 and is the only Ripley's Aquarium in Canada. It sits at the base of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto, making it one of the most accessible aquariums by public transit in North America. The facility includes a 20,000-gallon underwater tunnel and interactive touch pools.

Parking near the CN Tower is limited and expensive, so most visitors use Toronto's subway system (the Spadina Line stops directly at the tower). The address is 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, though hours extend later during summer months. Admission is priced in Canadian dollars and tends to be higher than the U.S. locations.

San Antonio, Texas — the newest location

The San Antonio Ripley's Aquarium is the most recently opened of the five, located in the Pearl District near the River Walk. It features a 250,000-gallon main tank and includes exhibits focused on both freshwater and saltwater species. The facility is designed to be more modern than the older locations.

Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though the River Walk area can be crowded during peak tourist seasons. The address is 1 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215. Hours typically run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with extended hours during summer and holiday periods. This location is newer and less crowded than Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg.

How to plan your visit to any Ripley's Aquarium location

Before you go, check the specific aquarium's website for current hours, admission prices, and any temporary closures or special events. Hours change seasonally and sometimes shift without notice, so confirming ahead saves a wasted trip. Most locations offer online ticket purchases at a slight discount compared to gate prices.

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours at any location to see the main exhibits without rushing. Weekday visits are typically less crowded than weekends, and visiting during off-peak seasons (January through March, September through October) means shorter lines. All five locations are wheelchair accessible, though the Toronto location's CN Tower setting may require additional navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one ticket at multiple Ripley's Aquarium locations?

No. Each location operates independently and does not honor tickets from other Ripley's Aquariums. You must purchase a separate ticket for each location you visit. Some locations offer season passes that work only at that specific facility.

Which Ripley's Aquarium location is the biggest?

Myrtle Beach is the largest and oldest location, followed by Gatlinburg. Both have extensive exhibits and underwater tunnels. Myrtle Beach tends to draw larger crowds, while Gatlinburg's mountain location attracts visitors year-round.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

You do not need to buy in advance, but most locations offer online tickets at a discount compared to walk-up prices. Buying online also lets you skip the ticket line and go straight to entry, which saves time during busy periods.

Are there parking fees at Ripley's Aquarium locations?

Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg have dedicated parking lots with fees that vary by location and season. Branson and San Antonio have on-site or nearby paid parking. Toronto's location near the CN Tower has expensive paid parking; public transit is recommended instead.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday visits during January through March or September through October tend to be less crowded than summer and holiday periods. Arriving early in the day (within the first hour of opening) also means shorter lines at all five locations.