South Carolina Aquarium

Since Charleston is surrounded by the ocean, rivers, harbors, inter-coastal waterways, marshes, barrier islands and beaches, it seems only natural that the South Carolina Aquarium is located there. The South Carolina Aquarium is a regional resource inspiring conservation by excelling in education, and in the care, display, and study of aquatic life. The Aquarium has over 60 exhibits featuring more than 10,000 varieties of creatures from fish to snakes to sea otters to birds.

The Aquarium offers several different gallery exhibits that give the visitor an excellent look at the remarkably varied plant and animal life that is native to South Carolina. The following is an overview of these galleries:

Mountain Forest – This gallery is a remarkable walk-through habitat depicting a mountain ravine at a cascade.

Piedmont – The Piedmont gallery explores the varied life that inhabits the rolling hills of the Piedmont Plateau. This region is identified by its damned rivers which form huge reservoirs to provide hydroelectric power for South Carolina.

Coastal Plain – Nearly two-thirds of South Carolina lies in freshwater swamps and marshes called the Coastal Plain. This area represents a transition zone between land and water characterized by cycles of flooding and drought.

Salt Marsh Aviary – An impressive 2,500 square foot salt marsh anchors this walk-through exhibit with expansive views of Charleston Harbor to create the feeling of riding in a small boat through the marsh.

Coast – Many exhibits highlighting South Carolina’s nearly 3,000 miles of intricate tidal coastline.

Ocean – Exhibits of South Carolina ocean habitats ranging from rocky reefs to sandy plains and from shallow surface water to deep seas.

Touch Tank – Visit the Aquarium’s Discovery Lab featuring a 1,700 gallon “Touch Tank” containing a large selection of South Carolina’s varied marine life. Kids can hold a horseshoe crab or starfish for a “hands-on” learning experience.

Secrets of the Amazon – Several exhibits featuring the amazing diversity of the Amazon’s plant and animal species.

The South Carolina Aquarium continues to offer improvements and new exhibits to its menu. Recently, approximately 40 fish were added to the Great Ocean Tank. Group rates are available to groups of 15 or more who schedule their visit through the Aquarium’s reservations center.

Besides being a fun and educational attraction, the Aquarium is firmly rooted in conservation efforts. They have partnered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to assist with the recovery and release of endangered sea turtles.

If you’re visiting Charleston or Folly Beach, plan a morning or afternoon at the South Carolina Aquarium. There are thousands of aquatic animals and the Aquarium offers fabulous views of Charleston Harbor from the Riverside Terrace. The two-story shark tank is a marvel for visitors of all ages. Enjoy a movie at the IMAX Theater and then visit one of the many fine Charleston restaurants for some authentic southern cuisine. The Aquarium is conveniently located at 100 Aquarium Wharf in downtown Charleston.