Part of thefamily-oriented Broadway on the Beach complex, Ripley’s Aquarium is home to adiverse and colorful array of marine life. It’s easy to spend an afternoon hereand a great choice on overcast days.

You’ll see fish ofall shapes and sizes on display in several themed aquatic exhibitions. Thebiggest and most popular attraction is the Dangerous Reef. Travel through theunderwater tunnel on a moving walkway. Experience the thrill of comingface-to-face with 13-foot (four-meter) long sand tiger sharks and otherunderwater predators. Don’t miss the ferocious-looking moray eel and theconstantly hungry tarpon “super predator.”

Anothercrowd pleaser is the Ray Bay, where scores of stingrays glide through thewater. Get up-close-and-personal with these friendly giants at the shallow endof the tank where, alongside knowledgeable guides, you can pet the stingrays.

Catch the dive showsat various times each day to see trainers feed the stingrays and other friendlyfish. Watch out for the mermaids who sometimes make a special appearance.Ripley’sAquarium is home to the endangered sea turtle and other rare species, and doesa lot of conservation work. Find out more about all kinds of fascinating marinecreatures at the Discovery Center. Kids and adults alike will enjoy theinteractive exhibits and multimedia displays, including holding horseshoecrabs. If you want more educational experiences, the aquarium organizes expertlectures and special events throughout the year (included in the price ofaquarium admission).

Ripley’sAquarium is open 365 days a year. It’s just a short drive east from downtownMyrtle Beach and there is free parking in the adjacent lot. The Myrtle BeachConnector bus stops at the aquarium and other attractions in the downtown area.