Ripley's Aquarium has five locations across North America

Ripley's Aquarium operates five separate facilities in the United States and Canada, each in a different city. There is no single "main" location — each one is independently run and displays different marine life. The five locations are in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Panama City Beach, Florida; Toronto, Ontario; and Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Each aquarium is a standalone building with its own hours, admission prices, and featured exhibits. They are not branches of a central company but rather licensed operations under the Ripley's Entertainment brand. If you are planning a visit, you will need to know which city you are traveling to, because the drive time and what you will see inside differ significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Ripley's Aquarium has five locations: Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, Panama City Beach, Toronto, and Niagara Falls.
  • Each location operates independently with different hours, admission prices, and exhibits, so check the specific aquarium's website before you visit.
  • The Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg locations are the largest and most visited in the United States.
  • Toronto and Niagara Falls locations are in Canada and require a passport or appropriate travel documents to enter from the United States.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — the largest U.S. location

The Myrtle Beach aquarium is the biggest Ripley's facility in the United States and sits directly on the oceanfront at 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. It is open year-round and draws the most visitors of any Ripley's location. The building houses over 8,000 animals across multiple levels, including a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead.

Parking is available on-site, and the facility is within walking distance of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Admission prices vary by season, with higher rates during summer and holiday weeks. The aquarium typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. depending on the season. You can purchase tickets at the door or online in advance.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee — mountain location near the Smoky Mountains

The Gatlinburg aquarium is located at 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. This location is smaller than Myrtle Beach but still features a large underwater tunnel and interactive touch pools. It operates year-round and is a popular stop for families visiting the Smoky Mountains National Park area.

The facility sits near downtown Gatlinburg attractions and has its own parking lot. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in summer and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in winter, though these change seasonally. Like the Myrtle Beach location, you can buy tickets on-site or online ahead of time.

Panama City Beach, Florida — Gulf Coast location

The Panama City Beach aquarium is at 9807 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, directly on the Gulf of Mexico. This is the smallest of the five Ripley's locations but still includes a shark lagoon and underwater tunnel. It operates year-round and is popular with beach visitors during spring break and summer months.

Parking is available nearby, and the aquarium is within the beach resort area. Hours typically run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., though summer hours may extend later. Admission is lower than the larger locations, and online tickets are often discounted compared to walk-up prices.

Toronto, Ontario — Canada's largest Ripley's location

The Toronto aquarium is located at 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, ON M5V 3Z9, right on the waterfront near the CN Tower. This is the largest Ripley's facility overall and features over 20,000 animals, including jellyfish, seahorses, and a large stingray touch pool. It is open year-round and is one of Canada's most visited attractions.

The facility is accessible by public transit, and paid parking is available nearby. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, though hours extend during summer. You will need a valid passport or appropriate travel document to enter Canada from the United States. Admission prices are listed in Canadian dollars.

Niagara Falls, Ontario — near the famous waterfalls

The Niagara Falls aquarium is at 288 Bridge Street, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S2, within walking distance of Niagara Falls itself. This location is smaller than Toronto but features a large shark tank and interactive exhibits. It operates year-round and is a common stop for visitors to the falls.

Parking is available on-site and nearby. Hours typically run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer. Like Toronto, you will need a valid passport or travel document to cross the border from the United States. Admission is lower than the Toronto location.

How to plan your visit

Before you go, visit the specific aquarium's website to check current hours, admission prices, and any special exhibits or events. Hours change seasonally, and some locations may have different schedules on weekends versus weekdays. Many locations offer discounts for purchasing tickets online in advance.

If you are visiting the Canadian locations, allow extra time for border crossing and bring a valid passport or NEXUS card. Parking fees vary by location — some are free, while others charge a daily rate. Most locations have a gift shop and food options inside, though prices are higher than outside restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ripley's Aquarium location is the best to visit?

The Toronto location is the largest with the most animals, while Myrtle Beach is the most visited in the United States. The best choice depends on where you are traveling from and what you want to see. All five locations have underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits.

Do I need a ticket in advance or can I buy one at the door?

All five locations sell tickets at the door, but online tickets are usually cheaper and let you skip the ticket line. You can purchase online through each aquarium's website and print or show your confirmation on your phone.

Are there discounts for children or seniors?

Yes, all five locations offer reduced admission for children and seniors, though the exact prices vary by location. Children under a certain age (usually 2 or 3) are often free. Check the specific aquarium's website for current pricing.

Can I bring my own food into the aquarium?

Most Ripley's locations do not allow outside food, though some permit you to bring your own drinks. Each facility has a café or snack bar inside. Check the specific location's rules before you visit.

How long does it take to see everything at a Ripley's Aquarium?

Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at the larger locations like Toronto and Myrtle Beach, and 1 to 2 hours at the smaller ones. The time depends on how long you spend at each exhibit and whether you do interactive activities like the touch pools.