Myrtle Beach, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach has launched its new Goldfish Realms exhibit, showcasing over 140 varieties of goldfish and koi. The grand opening also coincides with World Miniature Golf Day on September 21st, offering free mini golf for kids under 12 at Ripley’s Crazy Golf. This dynamic aquarium continues to be a hub of learning and excitement for families, blending joy with education about marine life.
Exciting New Goldfish Realms Exhibit Opens at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has just got even cooler with the grand opening of the Goldfish Realms exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium! This fresh attraction debuted with a glittering ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, and it’s sure to wow visitors of all ages.
All About the Goldfish Realms
The Goldfish Realms is a dazzling display that showcases over 140 stunning varieties of goldfish and koi in beautifully illuminated habitats. Imagine stepping into a world where these delightful fish swim gracefully in vivid, colorful settings—it’s a feast for the eyes! Best of all, entry to this new exhibit is included with your standard admission to the aquarium, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
This new exhibit replaces the former Savage Seas and Pearl Harbor displays, and it marks an exciting new chapter for the aquarium. Visitors can explore the serene beauty of these friendly fish while learning about their unique characteristics. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to bond while exploring the wonders of aquatic life!
World Miniature Golf Day is Right Around the Corner!
Mark your calendars: September 21st is World Miniature Golf Day! In celebration of this day, Ripley’s Aquarium will offer a special treat—kids under 12 can play for free at Ripley’s Crazy Golf attraction! What could be better than combining nuggets of knowledge about marine life with a fun round of mini golf? It’s a perfect way for families to spend a day filled with laughter and learning.
Dive Deeper with Interactive Experiences
At Ripley’s Aquarium, learning never stops! Alex Ossmann, one of the aquarium’s enthusiastic staff members, is known for providing insightful educational experiences. Alex hosts interactive sessions, engaging visitors and sparking curiosity about the ocean’s wonders.
Since first opening its doors in 1997, Ripley’s Aquarium has made a name for itself by staying open 365 days a year. Visitors can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour to witness the daily operations of the aquarium, from hatcheries to the filtration systems that keep the water pristine.
Meet the Experts: Aquarists and Their Responsibilities
In charge of educational programs and staff training is Alex McMinn, a passionate young animal behaviorist. Alex’s role encompasses everything from overseeing the enchanting mermaid performances (which are always a hit with guests) to ensuring the health and well-being of the aquatic animals. And yes, they even run their own brine shrimp hatchery to feed their colorful inhabitants!
This dedicated team doesn’t just stop at Myrtle Beach. They also capture marine species from the surrounding waters and supply the Ripley’s aquariums located in Gatlinburg and Toronto, making it a collaborative effort across multiple locations!
A Closer Look at the Highlighted Residents
One of the aquarium’s standout residents is Gabby, a green sea turtle believed to be around 60 years old and federally protected. Meeting her is a heartwarming experience, reminding visitors of the importance of marine conservation.
The aquarium is also planning to unveil an exciting new penguin exhibit by the end of 2019, which is sure to add another layer of charm to this already fantastic destination.
Safety and Care Come First
Behind all the fun and fascinating exhibits, the team at Ripley’s Aquarium takes marine animal care seriously. With rigorous water quality testing and necropsies conducted on deceased animals, staff works diligently to maintain a healthy environment for their aquatic friends. Their commitment to animal welfare ensures that every inhabitant receives the best care possible.
The mermaid performances, beautiful routines that capture hearts and delight audiences, continue to be a must-see for visitors of all ages. They represent not only the fun aspects of Ripley’s Aquarium but also the passion that drives the staff to educate visitors about the vital connection between humans and marine life.
As Myrtle Beach continues to swim with excitement, Ripley’s Aquarium proves to be a treasure trove of learning and adventure. Whether you’re marveling at the colorful Goldfish Realms or enjoying a round of mini golf, there’s something for everyone!
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Additional Resources
- WFXB: Explore Planet Jellies at Ripley’s Aquarium
- Kidding Around: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
- WBTW: Ripley’s Aquarium Adds 2 New Sharks Ahead of Busy Tourist Season
- ABC News 4: A Fin-tastic Journey – Goldfish Realms at Ripley’s Aquarium
- WMBF News: Make-A-Wish Grants 6-Year-Old’s Dream of Becoming a Mermaid
- Wikipedia: Aquarium
- Google Search: Ripley’s Aquarium
- Google Scholar: Marine Life Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aquarium
- Google News: Ripley’s Aquarium
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
