Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Gatlinburg Aquarium Brings Ocean Life to the Smoky Mountains

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is the most impressive attraction in Gatlinburg. You’ll want to take your time here, because there are more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures for you to gawk at. You can even pet some of them. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits designed to let you experience the natural environment of the animals on display:

• Tropical Rainforest takes you to the lush rainforest and displays the exotic creatures who live there.
• Ocean Realm exhibits a great variety of sea creatures from around the world.
• Coral Reef features exotic colorful fish and dive shows.
• Shark Lagoon takes you on a 340 foot long moving walk through an acrylic tunnel, where you’ll see sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and many other creatures. The effect is mesmerizing, and a bit dizzying.
• Discovery Center is a hit with the kids. It features interactive displays where you can explore by touching, climbing, and even petting horseshoe crabs.
• Gallery of The Seas displays the strangest, most stunning sea creatures: seahorses, octopuses, jellies, corals and more.
• Stingray Bay showcases the graceful movements of rays. Many species are exhibited, and dive shows are scheduled regularly.
• Touch-A-Ray Bay brings you up close and personal with rays in shallow petting pools.
• Mars: the Search for Life is a total change of pace. It features interactive displays and miniature remote-controlled Mars Rovers.

Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg is located at traffic light #5 on the Parkway (U.S. Highway 441), right in the center of town. You really can’t miss it; it’s huge. It’s open 365 days a year. There’s a dining area and gift shop located in the aquarium, as well as many eateries nearby. Parking is available at a public parking garage located next to the aquarium.

Return to Discovering East Tennessee home page from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies