Enter into an underwater world of wonder at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Soar through moving glide paths alongside rays and sea turtles, soak up the beautiful colors of exotic fish, and come face-to-fin with thousands of other fascinating creatures, from barracudas and sharks to jellies and eels! Ripley’s Aquariums’ animal experts also entertain and educate through many hands-on experiences, including touch tanks and behind-the-scenes encounters!
The Ripley’s Aquarium is comprised of:
Shark Lagoon
Explore underwater wonders by traveling on a moving 340-foot long glidepath along the ocean floor! Wind your way through the tunnel and come face-to-face with sharks, tarpons, sea turtles, giant stingrays, sawfish, and much more. Want to spend more time with these beautiful sea creatures? Learn more about Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies’ Sleep With The Sharks program.
Touch-A-Ray Bay
In this shallow lagoon, guests can reach out and touch Ripley’s rays as they glide by. Don’t be shy! Their skin is smooth and interacting with them will not hurt you or the animals. Stick to their soft dark top-sides, though, as rays have strong grinding plates in their mouths. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Educators are always on hand to assure safety and to answer any questions regarding these unusual creatures.
Discovery Center
Solve puzzles and test your knowledge against the experts and your friends! Check the Discovery Center for special class times and topics for group discussions. We offer prescheduled programs in our Discovery Center classroom on a variety of subjects.
Gallery Of The Seas
Sometimes certain species are so incredible they look like works of art—almost too beautiful or strange to believe that they even exist. Octopus, seastars, corals, and jellies, animals with bright colors, strange shapes, and fascinating movements, are just some of the sea’s living jewels highlighted in Ripley’s underwater art gallery.
Penguin Playhouse
Crawl through tunnels and see these amazing birds swim and splash in their Playhouse, both an indoor and outdoor habitat! One of the world’s best penguin exhibits, view our feathered friends from above and below the water in this unique interactive exhibit. Pop up on the penguins’ private beach and get nose-to-beak with these curious creatures.
Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
Venture into Shark Lagoon and experience the new, indoor Glass Bottom Boat Adventure, where only three inches of glass separated you from the 12-foot sharks and other curious creatures that call the Lagoon home!
See more at https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg/.
Text and pictures for this blog listing came directly from the attraction’s official website.
