THE VISITOR'S GUIDE TO THE BEST CHARLESTON EXPERIENCES

South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium is located on the Charleston Harbor at Aquarium Wharf. The aquarium has over 10,000 aquatic animals from across the state of South Carolina, along with 60 displays and exhibits including an interactive touch tank with hermit crabs, whelk, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and Atlantic stingrays.

Visitors enter the aquarium, and encounter The Great Ocean Tank which holds over 385,000 gallons of water and 10,000 species of marine life. Now the journey through the aquarium begins visiting aquatic animals from the mountain forest, Piedmont, coastal plain, salt marsh, the Charleston Coast, and the ocean. The aquarium is fairly small and all exhibits can be viewed in about an hour. Any questions about the marine life or exhibits can be answered by the friendly and helpful volunteers and staff.

Buying advance tickets is recommended to avoid waiting in long lines or missing the hospital tour which often sells out early. The aquarium also has a gift shop and a cafe that serves pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, chips, and cold drinks. A deck that projects out over the Copper River provides awesome views of boats and dolphins in the Charleston Harbor. Parking is available in the city parking garage at 24 Calhoun St for $2 an hour or metered parking is offered along Washington St. and Concord St. The free CARTA Dash shuttle also stops at the aquarium.

South Carolina Aquarium Photos

Click Photos to Enlarge

South Carolina Aquarium Hours and Admission

Hours:
Open Daily 9am - 4pm
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve Hours 9am - noon

Admission:
Adults (13+) $29.95
Child (3-12) $22.95
Children under 3 Free

South Carolina Aquarium Address and Map

South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium Wharf St
Charleston SC 29401
(843) 577-3474
South Carolina Aquarium Website

Current and Upcoming Events
at the South Carolina Aquarium

What: Jazz on the Harbor
When: Friday, June 5, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
Admission: $50 ($45 for members)

Jazz up your weekend with a night of music, food, drinks, animals and more at Jazz on the Harbor! Enjoy a live open-air concert overlooking the beautiful Charleston Harbor, meet an Aquarium critter during an animal encounter and enjoy small plates from our local Good Catch partners. Beer and wine are provided with your all-inclusive ticket.