On your next family vacation to the Smokey Mountains, spend a few days in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee. One of the most popular attractions in the area is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This world-class aquarium was built in 2000 at a cost of $50 million and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Since its opening, the attraction has consistently been voted one of the five best aquariums in the United States.
Aquarium Galleries
The aquarium has two floors with over a million gallons of water, home to 10,000 sea animals across 350 species. The 10 galleries are easy to navigate. Follow the suggested route up and down escalators to see it all in a few hours of casual exploration.
The Upper Level of the aquarium is home to the Ocean Realm, Shark Lagoon, Touch a Ray Bay, and the Tropical Forest. The 340-foot glidepath through an underwater tunnel will be one of the highlights of your visit. Watch the sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and tarpon swim overhead as the walkway moves you through the glass tunnel. It might take a second trip through the tunnel to spot a moray eel or a green sea turtle. In the Touch a Ray Bay gallery you get a chance to gently touch a ray as it swiftly swims past your hand in the shallow lagoon.
The Lower Level of the aquarium has the Coral Reef, Discovery Center, Gallery of the Seas, Stingray Bay and the Penguin Playhouse. At the Penguin Playhouse, watch the energetic penguins swim around the exhibit, making sure you crawl into one of the clear tunnels and come nose-to-beak with one of the penguins.
Did you know? There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Tickets
The aquarium is open 365 days per year. Summer hours are from 9:00am to 8:00pm (Monday – Thursday) and 9:00am – 10:00pm (Friday – Sunday). Tickets to the aquarium cost $32.99 (adults) and $17.99 (children). Consider purchasing combo passes to save more and visit other local attractions and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies partners.
Combo Passes include these other nearby attractions:
– Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
– Haunted Adventure
– 5D Moving Theater
– Mirror Maze
– Mini Golfs
– Guinness World Records Attraction
Ripley’s Ultimate Funpass is the most flexible ticket option for a frequent visitor to Tennessee. You get admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and ALL Ripley’s Attractions in Tennessee for 12 months.
Getting There
Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee. It is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Knoxville. There are multiple parking lots close to the aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg. A city-owned parking garage directly behind the Aquarium is convenient and charges a maximum of $6.00 per day.
Bonus: Make Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa your home base on your Smokey Mountains family vacation. Book an entertaining family dinner show during your stay— there are dozens to choose from in the area.
Insider Tip: No matter what your age, you will feel like a kid again as you ride, climb, swim, and jump on over 75 family fun attractions in the Smokey Mountains. Plan your trip in advance, make reservations and start your days early.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
