| Group Rates |
 |
At the South Carolina Aquarium we love groups! To ensure your group has the best experience possible we have provided the following:
- free, on-site motor coach or bus parking
- a group orientation
- express entry
- program options
| Non-School Group Rates |
| Adults (12-61) |
$13.50 |
| Seniors (62+) |
$11.00 |
| Youth (3-11) |
$7.50 |
Comp policy: 1/20 paid
*Note: Special discounted rates and other exclusive benefits are available to tour operators. Please call for more information.
| Tour Operators |
|
 |
The South Carolina Aquarium understands the hassle and bustle of planning group outings and we want to make your group's visit as easy and stress free as possible.
Conveniently located on the Charleston Harbor at Aquarium Wharf, next door to Fort Sumter/SpiritLine Cruises and the Fountain Walk Shops. |
- Unique programming and packaging for both student and adult groups
- Complimentary admission for driver and escort
- Free on-site parking for buses
- Special Tour Operator Confirmation packets
- Meet and Greet with express entry
- Daily programming including interactive dive shows and animal feedings
- Marketing aids available
* Please call our Customer Service Center at 800-722-6455 for special Tour Operator rates.
| School Groups |
|
At the South Carolina Aquarium education is an integral part of our mission and we want all students to experience the beauty, mystery and science of our Aquarium. We provide free grade-appropriate on-line activities based on the South Carolina Department of Education standards. Plus, we offer several packages to enhance the educational experience. Below, please see our special discounted rates for all schools:
| School Group Rates |
| Grades Pre-K - 8 |
$6.00 |
| Grades 9 - 12 |
$10.00 |
|
 |
Comp policy: 1 free adult per 10 students.
Additional chaperones will be charged $12.50
| Scout Groups |
|
At the South Carolina Aquarium we can help your scouts earn badges.
| Hint for a Successful Visit |
|
- Make your reservation early. Our calendar fills up fast, especially in the spring.
- Visit us in the fall or winter. Fall weather is often beautiful and with fewer visitors here, your group can move through the Aquarium more freely.
- While you are here, take advantage of the other opportunities available at "Aquarium Wharf" - Charleston's one-stop entertainment district for groups. For more information on Aquarium Wharf, please visit www.AquariumWharf.com.
- Take advantage of our website to help you plan your visit. We have great teacher resources available online, as well as a wealth of information about our exhibits and animals.
- Boxed lunches may not be taken inside the Aquarium. There are covered picnic areas in the park in front of the Aquarium.
| Package Options |
|
From See to Sea
See the Charleston Harbor like you've never seen it before!
Come to the South Carolina Aquarium to get an overview of the animals found in Charleston's waterways. You will encounter thousands of fascinating creatures including otters, snakes, jellyfish, alligators, turtles, free-flying birds, sharks, and many other species of fish. After your visit, board the Palmetto, a 45 ft. USCG certified catamaran. Take pleasure in being in the midst of a maritime forest while meandering down a salt-marsh creek or two (tide dependent). Sneak close up views of wading and shore birds, such as Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Eastern Brown Pelicans, and Least Terns, in their natural habitat. A naturalist will discuss the habitats of the abundant wildlife as seen in Charleston's harbor estuaries. You will sure to be refreshed after spending an afternoon in the salty air and discovering "where the wild things are.
Tuck in with the Turtles
The enchanting glow of water, the quiet of nature and the beauty of our animals will accompany you to dreamland at the South Carolina Aquarium’s “Tuck in with the Turtles”. It’s a slumber party like no other with fun, educational programs, evening snacks and continental breakfast, plus the best view of the Charleston Harbor.
For more information and prices, please call (843) 579-8600 or (800) 722-6455.
Photo courtesy of Terry Manier
|
Sea Turtle Hospital Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Five types of sea turtles are found in the Southeastern Atlantic and all of them are threatened or endangered. Locally, the loggerhead sea turtle is the most common species swimming off our shores and nesting on our beaches. To help ensure that sea turtles have a future in our oceans, the South Carolina Aquarium uses its facilities to aid sick and injured sea turtles through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program. When an unhealthy sea turtle is found along the coast, it is brought by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to our Sea Turtle Hospital where our staff and volunteers can begin to monitor and take care of it in our state-of-the-art facility.
Find out what your group can do to help these magnificent creatures survive through our Behind-the-Scenes Sea Turtle Hospital tour. Your group will begin its journey with a specially trained guide in the Coast Gallery where participants will learn about sea turtles and the challenges to their survival. The tour will continue in the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital, where they will see our team in action and the patients in treatment.
 |
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Great Ocean Tank (our largest exhibit at 385,000 gallons), holding tanks, food prep kitchen and rooftop mountain forest exhibit with a guide accompanying you every step of the way. It’s a true insider’s peek into the Aquarium that guests normally do not have the opportunity to see.
For available dates and times, please call (800) 722-6455 or (843) 579-8600. |
| Dining Options |
|
Lunches for School Groups
There are a number of lunch options for school groups of all sizes. Please call (800)722-6455 or (843)579-8600 to find out more details.
| New Program - Celebrate your Child's Birthday at the South Carolina Aquarium! |
|
 Celebrate your child’s special day with nature’s finest friends at the South Carolina Aquarium. Voted the #1 attraction in Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium will provide an entertaining and educational setting for your child’s next birthday party. The Aquarium will assist with important party-planning details from themed invitations and decorations, to food and refreshments and a special Birthday wish to your child on behalf of all the animals in the Great Ocean Tank!
Create a truly memorable event for your child and instill a love of learning and animals that will last a lifetime. Call the Aquarium today to get started on planning your child’s next birthday party!
Birthday Party Package Includes:
- Admission to party and Aquarium for entire day of event for 14 people
- Aquarium Themed Birthday Invitations
- Private Decorated Room for 90 minutes
- 2 pizzas cut in 12 slices; additional pizzas $15 (Cheese & Pepperoni)
- Juice Boxes
- Serviceware
- Special Activity (Game/Storytelling/Coloring)
- Birthday Party host for the 90 minutes
- $10 Gift Certificate to Birthday Child to use in South Carolina Aquarium Gift Store
- Optional Addition: Personalized Birthday Cake (1/4 Sheet) $25
Members: $400 + $75 refundable damage deposit
Non-Members: $480 + $75 refundable damage deposit
Birthday Parties are for children between the ages of 4 and 12 and are designed for up to 14 people (10 children & 4 adults);
Each additional guest will be charged $15 (beginning at age 1). A maximum of 25 people may attend in one party room.
Call our Customer Service Center for more information at (843) 577-FISH (3474).
| Policies |
|
Chaperone Ratio
For the safety of the children and the animals, all youth groups and student groups are required to have 1 chaperone per 10 children. Chaperones must stay with their children at all times during their visit.
Deposits and Payment
For non-school groups a deposit payment of $75 is required 21 days from booking the reservation. Payment may be made by cash, company check, cashiers check, or credit card. (Full payment is required 21 days in advance for school groups.) Any balance due must be paid upon arrival. One payment for the entire group is due before entering the building. We do not accept purchase orders.
Cancellations
Cancellations can be made up to 2 weeks prior to the visit day with no penalty. Any group canceling within the 2-week limit will forfeit their deposit.
|
