Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Visitors can get up close to different sea creatures in habitats such as the Tropical Rainforest, Ocean Realm, Systems Controls, Coral Reef, Shark Lagoon, Discovery Center, the Gallery of the Seas, Stingray Bay, Touch a Ray Bay, and Penguin Playhouse. The aquarium also offers live shows, feedings, interactive activities like touch pools, and special activities that offer a more in-depth experience or interaction.

A variety of ticket options are available for the aquarium, including single-visit passes and annual passes. For the best value, book combo tickets for the aquarium and up to seven additional Ripley’s attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Ripley’s Super Fun Park.

• The aquarium is ideal for families with young kids and animal lovers.

• There’s a restaurant and gift shop on-site.

• Certain experiences require an additional fee.

• The aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible; guests can borrow wheelchairs for free or rent strollers.

The aquarium is located in downtown Gatlinburg, at Traffic Light #5 off U.S. Highway 441. Parking is available at several sites nearby, including a paid city garage behind the aquarium. You can also take the trolley, which visits other Ripley attractions as well.

The aquarium is open 365 days a year, with extended hours from Friday through Sunday. Weekends are especially popular. Visit during the week or in the evening over the weekends for the smallest crowds. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the aquarium. Special events—including seasonal events, sensory events, camps, and sleepovers—are also held throughout the year.

In addition to exhibits, the aquarium offers a variety of activities and experiences, including live shows like penguin feedings, penguin parades, coral reef and ray bay shows, mermaid shows, and touch pool encounters with stingrays, jellyfish, and horseshoe crabs. Additional paid experiences include penguin encounters, a glass-bottom boat ride over the shark lagoon, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium.