Dive into Adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Are you interested in cool places to visit in the Smoky Mountains? Do you like the ocean and want to know about sea animals? Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Mountains is a famous and top aquarium in the country, loved by many visitors.
Right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll discover 10,000 ocean animals of 350 different kinds. It’s a unique and super fun experience for families. It offers an immersive, interactive, and educational experience that delights visitors across generations. Get ready to explore an underwater treasure where surprises await at every turn!
What’s Inside Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Coral Reef Kaleidoscope
You can see many bright and colorful fish in the Gatlinburg aquarium’s special area! There are regal blue tang, butterfly fish, Foxface rabbitfish, clown triggerfish, clownfish, sohl tang, and many others. This tank is also where they have dive shows happening often. These shows let people explore the world of coral reefs and learn about the different fish living there.
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is where you can have some hands-on fun! You can touch and play with Moon Jellies, real horseshoe crabs, check out pufferfish, and more. They also have puzzles for you to solve and group discussions where you can show what you know about sea creatures!
Tropical Rainforest
The Tropical Rainforest display at the Gatlinburg Aquarium shows you the amazing world of the Rainforest, where over 2,000 kinds of fish live. Explore and find freshwater stingrays, cardinal tetras, four-eyed fish, poison dart frogs, zebra cichlids, armored catfish, piranhas, mudskippers, and more. The Amazon River, which has a lot of water rushing through it, is home to Piranhas, stingrays, armored catfish, and many other cool freshwater creatures.
Shark Lagoon
The Shark Lagoon is a really cool thing to see at the aquarium! You can take a ride on a 340-foot clear glass tunnel under the water. It’s like you’re right there with thousands of fish of all kinds and sizes. This is the biggest and most famous exhibit.
As you walk through the clear tunnel, you’ll see snappers, tarpons, grunts, squirrelfish, a green sea turtle, giant stingrays, sawfish, and really big sharks up close! Your family will be amazed at how clear the water is and how it feels like you’re right there in the deep ocean, almost able to touch the incredible sea life!
Ocean Realm
This exhibit has different sea animals that live in the ocean. Check out things like flounder, weedy scorpionfish, and spotted garden eels!
Stingray Bay
If you want to get up close to sea animals, don’t miss Touch A Ray Bay. Here, you can touch the smooth backs of stingrays as they glide through the water.
Stingray Bay has lots of rays, including the Cownose Ray, Southern Stingrays, and the Spotted Eagle Ray. Their skin is called cartilage, which is the same stuff humans have in their ears and nose.
Don’t worry about getting stung because these stingrays don’t have sharp barbs. Besides their smooth skin, stingrays have special grinding plates in their mouths that work like teeth. They eat shrimp and medium-sized fish. Stingrays use hairlike cells in their ears to find food by sensing vibrations.
Penguin Playhouse
This Gatlinburg place has an awesome penguin area called the Penguin Playhouse. Check out the cool patterns on the penguins while they swim and play. Kids will have a blast crawling through tunnels, making them feel like they’re in the penguin’s home.
Go to the Penguin Encounter to see these funny birds up close. You can even take a picture with a real penguin as a cool souvenir.
If you try the Penguin Painting Experience, you’ll see African Penguin artists at work. You can even take home one of their artworks! Work together with these talented penguins to create a unique painting that you can proudly show off in your home.
Gallery of the Seas
This exhibit is like a really cool underwater art gallery! The Gallery of the Seas has species that are so amazing, they look like works of art. You’ll see an octopus, sea stars, corals, jellyfish, and animals with bright colors and unique shapes, and a lot more.
Fun Activities at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
Taking a ride on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure is a really fun thing to do at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. When you look down, you’ll see a whole underwater world with over 8,500 aquatic animals from 75 different species. These animals come from the Atlantic and Caribbean reefs. There’s just 3 inches of glass between you and big 12-foot sharks.
You’ll also spot lots of colorful smaller fish and sea plants. Don’t forget to watch for Sally, the resident green sea turtle! If you have any questions, the Adventure Crew on the boat can help and tell you all about how they take care of the aquarium.
Turtle Time
Spend time with Sally, the sea turtle, during Turtle Time at Ripley’s Aquarium. You can give Sally her daily lettuce and go on a special tour behind the scenes of the aquarium. First, there’s a short 10-minute class where they teach you about the aquarium and Sally. Then, you get to see the husbandry department and watch one of Sally’s training sessions.
Aquarium Camps
Everyone, no matter your age, can join the super cool camps at Ripley’s Aquarium! These camps are fun, teach you things, and let you do interactive stuff, making memories you’ll always remember! There are three camps to choose from: Expedition Camp, Jr. Aquarist Camp, and Vet Camp.
In Expedition Camp, if you’re 4 to 7 years old, you’ll spend half a day meeting animals, doing arts and crafts, going on a scavenger hunt, and enjoying story time and snacks.
You can join the Jr. Aquarist Camp if you’re 8 to 14 years old. You’ll learn about marine science and conservation and find out how Ripley’s helps protect oceans and creatures.
For those dreaming of being a marine vet, Vet Camp is perfect! If you’re 9 to 14 years old, you’ll see what Ripley’s marine vets do, like suturing and reading ultrasounds.
Top Reasons for Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Gatlinburg
Live Shows
Check out the Live Shows at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for a really cool time! You can see divers cleaning the biggest exhibit and getting close to big predators in Shark Lagoon Dive! Or explore the world of coral reefs and learn about colorful fish in Coral Reef Dive. There are lots of fantastic shows waiting for you!
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Ever wondered how the aquarium at the smokies takes care of all its amazing sea creatures? Take a behind-the-scenes tour to find out! A staff member will show you different rooms where they support life, control water quality, and prepare food for the animals.
Cargo Hold Gift Shop
After a fun day at the aquarium, get a cool souvenir at the Cargo Hold Gift Shop. They have all kinds of marine stuff from different places and creations by local artists. These special keepsakes are also great gifts for people who love sea creatures.
Interact With the Animals
Make cute new buddies by joining the fun activities at the aquarium. In Penguin Encounter, you can touch and hang out with the playful penguins in their cool indoor/outdoor home. Watch the African Penguin artists paint a special artwork for you to take home. And in Touch a Ray Bay, you can touch the stingrays as they swim in the lagoon.
Sleepovers
The fun continues when you stay overnight! After a night full of excitement, like a dive show and scavenger hunt, you can fall asleep with sharks all around you. If you spend the night in the Penguin Playhouse, you’ll discover what penguins do at night. In the morning, you even get to meet the penguins up close.
Feeding Frenzy Restaurant
When you’re having a great time, you might get hungry! You and your family can eat a tasty and quick bite at the Feeding Frenzy. It’s right by Stingray Bay, and the best thing is that they have lots of different foods on the menu, and they’re not too expensive!
Tickets and How to Get There
- Tickets: If your child is under two, they get in for free. For kids aged 2 to 5, it’s $9.99. For ages 6 to 11, it’s $24.99, and for 12 and up, it’s $39.99. You can save money with combo tickets that include the Aquarium and other Ripley’s Gatlinburg attractions like Believe It Or Not, mini golf, and more.
- Getting there: You can park for $10 in the city garage behind the Aquarium all day. Or you can take the free Gatlinburg Trolley from almost anywhere in town.
If you stay in a Gatlinburg vacation cabin, you can spend more time with the sea creatures and drive less. Reserve your Smoky Mountains cabin today!
Tips on Enjoying Ripley’s Aquarium
- Going early helps you avoid big crowds and focus on the exhibits your kids like. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, and everyone in your family can find something they like.
- It’s easier if you park right by the aquarium. You might have to pay for parking unless you stay at the Greystone Lodge across the street (which we suggest). You can make a whole day of it by visiting nearby attractions within walking distance.
- While you can rush through, there’s a lot to see, and kids might want to spend extra time in some areas.
- Strollers are okay, but using a baby carrier might be easier in crowded places.
- Your tickets are good for a year after you buy them. It’s good to know in case you need to reschedule. You only need a reservation if you’re adding extra experiences.
Pricing & Hours
The prices and hours for Ripley’s Aquarium may change, so it’s a good idea to check Ripley’s official website for the most recent info. Adult tickets cost $32.99, tickets for kids aged 6-11 are $17.99, and tickets for kids aged 2-5 are $7.99. Here are the hours for the Gatlinburg aquarium:
- January to February:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- March to Memorial Day:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Memorial Day to Labor Day:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Labor Day to New Year’s Day:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Conclusion
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has fun for all, with touch pools for kids and thrilling experiences for adults. Don’t miss the chance to see some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures up close and immerse yourself in their world at this top-rated attraction.
Ripley’s Aquarium offers marine life education, interactive encounters, and a fun day out for families and friends. Plan your visit today and get ready for an adventure like no other! So, why wait? Book your tickets now and prepare to embark on an unforgettable undersea journey at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it cheaper to buy Ripley’s Aquarium tickets online?
Purchasing tickets online can save you both time and money. You’ll often find discounts and packages exclusive to online buyers, so planning ahead can be worth it.
Q2: Is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies worth it?
Yes, Ripley’s Aquarium of Smokies is worth it. It offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From mesmerizing exhibits to interactive encounters, it provides a unique and entertaining journey into the world beneath the waves.
Q3: What is special about Ripley’s Aquarium?
Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies has many different types of sea creatures, with over 10,000 animals from 350 species. The Aquarium has touch tanks, dive shows, and a glass tunnel where visitors can walk under swimming sharks. It’s a top-rated attraction in the Smoky Mountains, providing a memorable and captivating adventure.
Q4: How much does it cost to go to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg?
The cost of tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg varies. For kids under two, it’s free. Tickets for children aged 2 to 5 are $9.99; for ages 6 to 11, it’s $24.99; and for ages 12 and up, it’s $39.99. Combo tickets are also available, including admission to other Ripley’s Gatlinburg attractions.
Q5: How big is Ripley’s aquarium Smokies?
Ripley Aquarium of the Smokies is a sizable attraction in downtown Gatlinburg’s heart. It houses over 10,000 ocean creatures representing 350 different species. The Aquarium features various exhibits and interactive displays spread across its premises.
Q6: What are the fun facts about Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies?
- The Aquarium has received recognition as one of the best aquariums in the country.
- It features diverse marine life, including sharks, penguins, stingrays, and more.
- The Shark Lagoon offers a unique experience with a 340-foot clear glass tunnel under the water.
- The Penguin Playhouse provides an entertaining exhibit with playful penguins and interactive experiences.
- Ripley’s Aquarium offers educational camps for different age groups, allowing visitors to learn more about marine science.
Q7: How long does Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies take?
The time spent at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies can vary based on individual preferences. Visitors can spend around two hours or more exploring the Aquarium, but they can also go through it quickly. The diverse attractions and interactive experiences can make for a fulfilling and enjoyable visit.
