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.

Plan a trip to see Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

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Best Lodging Options Near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

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3 out of 5
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The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

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4 out of 5
705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, TN
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Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

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4 out of 5
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Glenstone Lodge

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3.5 out of 5
504 Historic Nature Trl, Gatlinburg, TN
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Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center

Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center

2.5 out of 5
321 Reagan Drive, Gatlinburg, TN
Comfort Suites Gatlinburg Downtown-Convention Center
Sidney James Mountain Lodge

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

2.5 out of 5
610 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg

Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg

2.5 out of 5
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Quality Inn Creekside - Downtown Gatlinburg
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN

2.5 out of 5
Gatlinburg
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gatlinburg, TN
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg

2.5 out of 5
242 Bishop Lane, Gatlinburg, TN
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg
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 explore a variety of attractions, including interactive exhibits and engaging marine life displays. While there are no traditional water rides or amusement park features, the aquarium offers a captivating experience that can easily fill your day. Be sure to enjoy the aquarium's wonders before bedtime, as it provides a magical atmosphere that is perfect for families seeking fun and adventure in Gatlinburg.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, check out Mountain Mall and The Village Shops, both a mere 161m away, offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, Iron Mountain Metal Craft is about 9.7km away for unique gifts.

Recreation

Hillbilly Golf offers a fun-filled mini-golf experience with a family-friendly atmosphere, located 483m from Ripley's Aquarium. For golf enthusiasts, Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Course, 8.0km away, provides a scenic outdoor setting. For active relaxation, TopJump Trampoline Park, also 8.0km away, combines wellness with thrilling activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of SkyPark's ski lift, located 483m from Ripley's Aquarium, offering stunning 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

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies! Enjoy a captivating show at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, indulge in family fun at Fannie Farkle's Arcade, or take a thrilling ride on Ripley's Mountain Coaster for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and adventure.

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

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers a variety of attractions, including landmarks, national parks, and conference venues. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. While exploring the area, be sure to check out Gatlinburg attractions for a well-rounded experience that highlights the beauty and excitement of this vibrant destination.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this national park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, stunning vistas, and abundant hiking trails. With outdoor adventures ranging from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, it’s perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure.
  • Dollywood: Dive into family fun at Dollywood, an amusement park offering thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. With its beautiful gardens and exciting attractions, it’s an ideal destination for families looking to create lasting memories.
  • Anakeesta: Enjoy a unique theme park experience at Anakeesta, where you can stroll through beautiful gardens, explore treetop walkways, and indulge in family-friendly activities. Its enchanting atmosphere and delightful attractions make it a must-visit for all ages.

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

The best time to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 during your visit to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. The best time to visit for lower accommodation prices is between January and March, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest and consider bundling hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. This way, you can enjoy a memorable trip without overspending.

  • 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, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.