South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium and its collection

South Carolina Aquarium, opened in 2000, is an aquarium in Charleston, United States.

Over 5,000 animals are shown in exhibits spread over two floors. The building sits on Charleston Harbor, with views taking in the USS Yorktown and the Ravenel Bridge.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include bald eagles, river otters and cownose rays.

Exhibits

The galleries follow the state's regions from the mountains down to the sea: Mountain Forest and Piedmont, then Coastal Plain, the Saltmarsh Aviary, Kids Coast, Coast and Ocean. They spread over two floors of a 93,000 sq ft campus holding upwards of 5,000 animals, on a site overlooking Charleston Harbor with the USS Yorktown and the Ravenel Bridge in view. Taking 385,000 US gallons and dropping 42 feet, the Great Ocean Tank is described as the deepest on the continent.

Things to do

Things to do include Feed the Rays, Virtual Reality Experience and Stingray Café.

What the venue says

• On-site dining is available via the Sea Turtle Café (or seasonal concessions), offering light bites, snacks, treats like cookies and popcorn, children's snack boxes, and a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
• The most convenient parking for Aquarium guests is a city-operated parking garage located at 24 Calhoun Street, adjacent to Liberty Square and our campus. There is also metered parking on streets surrounding the Aquarium.
• Wheelchairs are available for free checkout at Admissions and at the Info Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The Aquarium has two elevators and our exhibits are accessible by wheelchair.
• Accessible parking is available on all levels, with spaces for larger vehicles on the first floor.
• American Sign Language interpreters can be arranged at no additional charge for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing.