Accessibility is an important priority of the South Carolina Aquarium. Our vision of connecting people to water, wildlife and wild places extends to all members of our community. If you have barriers to visiting due to financial circumstances, we invite you to participate in our Angelfish Program so you and your family or group can explore, learn and make lasting memories with us!
This program is made possible thanks to the S. Parker Gilbert Angelfish Fund.
Membership
The Aquarium is for all, and we are pleased to offer Angelfish memberships to families who qualify. At $40 annually, this membership receives all the benefits of a Family level membership! Email [email protected] with proof of eligibility, and we will be happy to set up your membership.
Eligibility with proof of SNAP/EBT (a copy of your card), digital WIC card (screenshot that includes your name), SC Voucher Program letter and photo ID. P-EBT and Medicaid not accepted for eligibility. South Carolina residents only. Memberships may take 24–48 hours to process; please be prepared to pay at time of acceptance.
Complimentary Admission
The South Carolina Aquarium has a limited number of complimentary general admission tickets that may be requested by South Carolina residents who have long-term physical or intellectual limitations as well as face financial barriers to visit under typical admission prices, along with immediate family members living in the same household. In addition, South Carolina service-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government organizations who support underserved members of our community may apply for complimentary tickets for groups of 24 or less.
A legal guardian may apply for complimentary general admission tickets on behalf of an individual under the age of 18 or an individual who requires support to complete the application. Nonprofit and government organizations may apply for (and if selected, use) these tickets once per calendar year.
Nonprofit Group Rates
We know the Aquarium is even more fun to enjoy with a group! If your nonprofit organization has a large group (25–100 guests) and does not qualify for complimentary admission, you may apply for reduced-rate group admission.
Only South Carolina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible for reduced-rate group admission. If selected, organizations may use these group tickets once per calendar year.
Library Partnerships
As part of our partnership with Charleston County Public Library, Berkeley County Library System and Dorchester County Library, the Aquarium has added a limited number of Family level memberships to each county’s library catalog, available to check out for up to one week. These memberships provide general admission for up to two adults and eight children of the same household during normal business hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Library cardholders may check out a membership for one week from any branch of their county’s library system. Library memberships may not be used for admission to special events, including Aquarium Aglow. Please reach out to your library for additional assistance.
Open Access Events
Throughout the year, the Aquarium participates in and hosts open access events. Some events are open to the public, like the City of Charleston’s First Day Festival, and some events are exclusive to specific nonprofit organizations.