Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a premier indoor attraction located in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It features a 340-foot underwater tunnel called Shark Lagoon, where visitors glide beneath sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish. The aquarium offers interactive exhibits such as touch tanks, the Penguin Playhouse, and a mesmerizing jellyfish gallery. Special experiences like Penguin Encounters are available for an additional fee. Most guests plan to spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the aquarium.
Opened in 1997, Ripley's Aquarium was designed to combine education and entertainment while showcasing aquatic species from around the world. The aquarium’s design takes advantage of state-of-the-art filtration and lighting technologies to create naturalistic habitats. Gatlinburg’s location near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a unique contrast between mountain and marine environments, attracting visitors who appreciate both nature and wildlife. The aquarium has grown in popularity as a family-friendly attraction that supports marine conservation efforts.
Visitors typically begin their experience at the entry exhibits with colorful reef fish and interactive touch tanks featuring stingrays and horseshoe crabs. The highlight is the moving glidepath through Shark Lagoon, where you can observe sand tiger sharks, giant groupers, and green sea turtles swimming overhead. The Penguin Playhouse offers a close-up view of African penguins, often engaging in playful antics. Throughout the aquarium, informative displays and staff presentations help guests learn about marine ecosystems and conservation practices. Conveniently located with a parking garage nearby, it’s an accessible option rain or shine.
Yes, Ripley's Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps throughout the facility.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but there are dining options nearby in downtown Gatlinburg.
Photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography is discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals.
Most visitors spend between two and three hours exploring the exhibits and special experiences.
Yes, the aquarium offers various educational programs and interactive presentations tailored to children and school groups.
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Field Notes
Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: On October 15, 2024, a visitor reported seeing a tall, shadowy figure near the parking garage adjacent to Ripley's Aquarium late in the evening. The figure was described as walking upright and disappearing into the trees behind traffic light #5. While no evidence was found, the story added a playful mystery to the aquarium’s surroundings.
