Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Tours and Activities

Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies featuring marine life and interior views as well as a large group of people
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies


From sharks and stingrays, to penguins and octopus, get close to a colourful collection of tropical sea creatures at this walk-through aquarium.

Experience a spectacular aquatic adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where 10,000 sea creatures represent over 350 species. Explore a tropical rain forest or walk through an underwater tunnel, watch live feeding shows and get face-to-face with tropical animals. Since opening in 2000, the aquarium has become one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions and welcomes about 1 million visitors per year.

Follow the aquarium’s walkways as they lead you between exhibits located on two floors. A major highlight is the Underwater Tunnel and Shark Lagoon. Walk through a 340-foot (104-meter) tunnel and watch as sharks, sea turtles and giant stingrays swim overhead. Spot colorful Indo-Pacific creatures, such as the clownfish, in the Coral Reef exhibit and then admire giant octopi at the Gallery of the Seas. Kids will love the interactive games and the chance to touch a live horseshoe crab in the Discovery Center.

Watch as professional divers hand feed rays in the Stingray Bay before traveling through tunnels and coming up-close to African penguins. Go to the Tropical Rainforest exhibit to see a poison dart frog and schools of piranhas. Take the opportunity to pet stingrays in the Touch a Ray Bay. Visit the aquarium’s control room to learn how the animals are kept alive.

Check the aquarium’s official website for a schedule of interactive events. Among these are swimming with stingrays, interacting with penguins and participating in an overnight camp, where kids can sleep in the Underwater Tunnel.

If you get hungry while visiting the aquarium visit the lower-floor restaurant serving fast food, snacks and drinks. There is also a gift shop selling aquatic souvenirs, art and handicrafts.  

The aquarium is easily accessible from downtown Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Trolley stops a short walk from the aquarium’s entrance. If arriving by car, you’ll find several pay-and-display parking lots nearby.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is open daily, including public holidays. Purchase your tickets online to receive discounted admission. Find more details, including information about family tickets, on the aquarium’s official website.

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Best Lodging Options Near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

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Gatlinburg River Inn

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including scenic picnic areas perfect for family gatherings. While the aquarium itself is the main attraction, nearby attractions like amusement parks, boat tours, and a lazy river offer additional fun. Don’t forget to check out Fannie Farkle’s for some arcade excitement, making it a comprehensive destination for a delightful day in Gatlinburg.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, visit Mountain Mall and The Village Shops, both located 161m away, offering a variety of family-friendly stores. Old Town Gem Mine, just 1.3km away, also provides unique finds for souvenirs.

Recreation

Hillbilly Golf offers a fun mini-golf experience with a family-friendly atmosphere, located 483m from Ripley's Aquarium. For golf enthusiasts, the Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Course, 8.0km away, provides a perfect outdoor setting. TopJump Trampoline Park & Extreme Arena, also 8.0km away, combines wellness with exhilarating activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling SkyPark skiLift, located 483m from Ripley's Aquarium, offering incredible views and adventure vibes. Enjoy family fun at Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, 1.6km away, or hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park, situated 4.8km from the aquarium.

Nightlife

In Gatlinburg, Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction offers a delightful mix of culture and family entertainment just 8.0km from Ripley's Aquarium. For an adrenaline rush, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Ripley's Mountain Coaster, located 0.5 and 322m away respectively, provide thrilling adventures perfect for a lively night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offers a fantastic blend of adventure and culture, making it a top destination for tourists. Explore nearby landmarks and national parks, or delve into local museums for a dose of history. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are ample opportunities for hiking and experiencing the stunning natural surroundings. Don't miss the chance to visit the aquarium, renowned as one of the best in the region, promising an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located 6.4km from Ripley's Aquarium, this stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and a chance to explore diverse wildlife. Hike picturesque trails, enjoy serene picnic spots, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
  • Dollywood: Situated 9.7km away, Dollywood is a family-friendly amusement park featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. Experience the charm of Appalachian culture while enjoying a day filled with fun and excitement.
  • Anakeesta: Just 161m away, Anakeesta is a vibrant theme park that provides entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy treetop adventures, scenic views, and beautiful gardens, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and fun.

Best time to go to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

The best time to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

To save money on your visit to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, consider travelling between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower, and aim to book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare deals on hotels and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. For transportation, explore walking or local transit options to keep costs down. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in Gatlinburg to enhance your trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and deals available, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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