After days of beach traffic, blazing temperatures and binge watching-induced boredom, it’s time to make a splash and switch things up! We’re breaking down five different ways to visit the Aquarium this summer and have a fresh new experience each time. Wave goodbye to boredom and join us for summer fun… your way!
The Educational Expedition
School’s out for summer, but that doesn’t mean learning needs to take a break! Keep your kiddos’ curious minds active as you discover something new together. Learn about the ocean during a dive show or meet a creature up-close during an animal encounter.
A viewing window offers an inside look into veterinary care.Have a heart for animal care? Witness sea turtle rehabilitation in action, digitally diagnose a sea turtle patient, examine X-rays in real-time and check out the CT scanner or, if you’re lucky, a surgery. Then, take in a Turtle Talk with one of our sea turtle biologists to learn more about our current patients.
The Staycation Adventure
You don’t need to leave the Lowcountry for a wild adventure with animals! Check off an item from your bucket list by hand-feeding our cownose rays. An Aquarium educator will show you the proper technique to feed these charismatic creatures, and you’ll have the opportunity to give them several fishy treats yourself.*
If you’re looking to tell an epic tale of your adventures to your friends, a shark dive is a great place to start! Climb aboard the Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality Experience, for a 360-degree, motion-enabled venture to the depths with sharks or whales.**
Guests can go on a virtual reality adventure during their visit.The No-Sweat Cure to Cabin Fever
Visits to the coast can be a bit stifling in the summer heat, so keep your cool in air-conditioned bliss at our Boneyard Beach Touch Tank Experience! Gain a totally new view at what lives just beyond the sandy shore, including horseshoe crabs, sea stars, chain dogfish, Atlantic stingrays, hermit crabs and more.
Fossil Hunt combines paleontology and tactile play.If you’re searching for a way your littles can let all their energy out, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy indoor STEM-based play at Kids Coast or dig for discoveries in our brand new Fossil Hunt experience! Kids can engage in these tactile learning activities for free during your visit.
The Dynamic Day Date
Are you ready to shake up the typical dinner-and-drinks routine on dates? Skip the standard sit-down to discover new connections with your date at the Aquarium! Enjoy panoramic sights across the Charleston Harbor, including views of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, the Ravenel Bridge and more! Pro tip: Snap a selfie on one of our second floor observation decks for a sweet memento!
The Charleston Harbor offers a stunning view of the city.Whether you’re on a first date or are looking for new meaningful moments after decades together, bond over stories of survival as you come face-to-face with sick and injured sea turtles in our care. Learn how your visit directly impacts these threatened and endangered species, and know you’ve made a difference together.
The Solo Summer Solace
Summer is filled with social occasions. From the backyard BBQs of Memorial Day to the holiday happenings of the Fourth of July and everything in between, there’s always plenty of action to find. Sometimes, a solo stroll surrounded by natural wonder is the simple thing you need to feel refreshed. Treat yourself to a peaceful outing and watch hundreds of fish swim through North America’s deepest tank or savor the sea breeze sitting on the deck for a meditative moment.
Channel your blue mind — the positive impact on wellbeing felt by being in, on, under or near water — with stunning views of diverse habitats. From the waterfalls of the Mountain Forest to the waves of the Charleston Harbor, the Aquarium has countless ways to brighten your day.
Dozens of exhibits offer tranquil aquatic views.Have summer fun your way at the Aquarium!
Published July 1, 2025
* Feeding vouchers are $5 per general admission guest and $4 per Aquarium member. Vouchers can be purchased at Admissions or the Info Desk. Available 10:15 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, while supplies last.
** A general admission ticket or member entry reservation to the Aquarium is required to ride. Undersea Explorer tickets are $8 per rider and $7 per Aquarium member. Tickets can be purchased at the VR experience location on the second floor of the Aquarium.