Duration
2-3 hours (longer if kids play extensively in interactive areas)
Price
$25-45 per person depending on age, plus $10-15 for add-on experiences
Best For
Families with kids of all ages • Rainy day activities • First-time Gatlinburg visitors
Pro Tip
Arrive right at 9 AM opening time to experience the shark tunnel and penguin exhibits before tour buses arrive around 10:30 AM.
About Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies consistently ranks among Gatlinburg's most beloved attractions, and for good reason. This massive indoor aquarium houses over 10,000 sea creatures across three floors of captivating exhibits.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the Shark Lagoon tunnel with its moving walkway. Visitors glide through an underwater tube while sharks, rays, and a giant sea turtle swim overhead and around them in a truly immersive experience.
Children particularly enjoy the interactive exhibits, where they can crawl through bubble windows into fish tanks and touch stingrays at the touch-a-ray bay. The daily penguin parade proves absolutely delightful for guests of all ages.
Fair warning: this popular destination becomes extremely crowded during peak season and rainy days. Savvy visitors arrive right at opening time to beat the crowds and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
The complete aquarium experience typically takes about 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. While admission isn't inexpensive, most families find the experience well worth the investment. Visitors should budget additional funds for downtown parking fees.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Shark Lagoon Tunnel
The crown jewel is this 340-foot underwater tunnel with a moving walkway. You'll glide through while massive sharks, rays, and a giant sea turtle swim overhead and around you. You can walk alongside the moving walkway if you want to linger for photos.
Penguin Playhouse
Home to adorable penguins with multiple viewing areas including tunnels that put you at penguin eye-level. The daily penguin parade around 1:15 PM is absolutely delightful and a huge hit with kids.
Touch-A-Ray Bay
Kids and adults can gently touch live stingrays in this shallow pool. The rays are friendly and used to human contact. There are sinks nearby for washing hands afterward.
Discovery Center Play Area
Interactive play zone where kids can crawl through bubble windows that put them inside fish tanks. It's like being underwater with tropical fish swimming all around them - pure magic for little ones.
Glass Bottom Boat Experience
For an extra fee, you can take a glass bottom boat ride over the Shark Lagoon for a bird's eye view of the sharks and rays below. It's a unique perspective you can't get anywhere else.
Tropical Rainforest
Multi-level exhibit featuring colorful tropical fish, eels, and exotic sea creatures in naturalistic habitats. The variety of species here is incredible and the displays are beautifully designed.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early or use nearby paid parking garages - no free on-site parking available
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for standing and walking across three floors
- Buy tickets online in advance to save money and skip entrance lines
- Busiest on rainy days when everyone heads indoors
- Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators between floors
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsRipley's Aquarium of the Smokies receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?
The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Hours can vary during holidays and peak seasons, so we always check their website before visiting to confirm current times.
How much does Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies cost?
Adult tickets (12+) cost around $40-45, children (6-11) are about $25-30, and kids 2-5 get discounted rates. Under 2 is typically free. Add-ons like the glass bottom boat cost extra $10-15 per person.
Do I need reservations for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?
Reservations aren't required, but we highly recommend buying tickets online in advance. You'll often save money and skip the ticket line, especially during busy summer and fall seasons.
How long should I spend at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?
Plan on 2-3 hours for the full experience. If you have young kids who want to play in all the interactive areas, you might need closer to 3-4 hours.
Is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies good for kids?
Absolutely! It's designed with families in mind. Kids love the crawl-through bubble windows, touch tanks, and penguin parade. We'd say it's great for ages 2 and up.
Is there parking at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?
There's no dedicated free parking lot. You'll use downtown Gatlinburg's paid public parking garages and lots within walking distance. Budget about $5-10 for parking depending on how long you stay.
Can you see sharks at Ripley's Aquarium?
Yes! The Shark Lagoon tunnel is the main attraction where you walk through an underwater tunnel with sharks, rays, and a massive sea turtle swimming all around you.
What's the penguin parade at Ripley's Aquarium?
It's a daily event where penguins are walked through part of the aquarium, usually around 1:15 PM. Check the current schedule when you arrive since times can change seasonally.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
88 River Rd Gatlinburg TN 37738
88 River Rd Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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