Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN

88 River Road • Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Overview

An award-winning and top-rated aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ripley’s® Aquarium of the Smokies offers a variety of interactive experiences and exhibits that showcase the many thousands of exotic sea creatures that call this venue home. Guests can touch real stingrays, travel along a 340-foot moving glidepath beneath a sea of sharks, paint a piece of artwork with penguins, and much more.

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our Gatlinburg Travel Experts
  • Voted America’s #1 Aquarium by TripAdvisor.
  • Family Pass and combo tickets available.
  • Aquarium features playful penguins and thousands of exotic sea creatures including a giant sea turtle, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and more.
  • Live animal shows and hands-on experiences make for a memorable visit.
  • Trolley stop located in front of Aquarium.
  • Allot approximately 2 hours for the self-guided tour.
  • Evening hours are less crowded.
  • Open 365 days a year
  • No outside food or drinks are allowed.
  • Paid parking garage located directly behind Ripley’s Aquarium.
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Insights from Tripster's own team members

Joan B.

Loved the shark tunnel and penguin exhibit! The new Pearl Harbor exhibit is nicely done and very informative.

Description

from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Voted Best U.S. Aquarium by USA Today 10Best.com, one of the Top 5 Aquariums in the USA & the World by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice, and Top Destination to See Penguins by USA Today!

Explore the Amazing Aquatic World Up-Close!
Marvel at 12-foot sharks, a giant sea turtle, thousands of exotic sea creatures and playful penguins as you enjoy the most spectacular, state-of-the-art underwater tunnels! Touch horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, and stingrays. Play in the new 3-story Discovery Treehouse & Play Center!. Experience a ride over Shark Lagoon in the New Glass Bottom Boat (additional cost). See Mermaids swimming in June & July!

Family fun, interactive, hourly dive/feeding shows, and much, much more!

Exhibits at Ripley's Aquarium Include:
  • Tropical RainForest

  • Ocean Realm

  • Systems Control

  • Coral Reef

  • Shark Lagoon

  • Discovery Center

  • Gallery of the Seas

  • Stingray Bay

  • Touch a Ray Bay

  • Penguin Playhouse

  • Glass Bottom Boats (Additional Cost)


Open 365 days a year. Located in downtown Gatlinburg at traffic light #5.


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Promotional Images (44)
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Savage Seas - Tales of Adventure, Myth and Ruin at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Blueface Angelfish - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Savage Seas - Tales of Adventure, Myth and Ruin at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Tripster Customer Reviews

532 Reviews
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Johnna Akers
Dublin, VA
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"amazing"
March 2020
took our trip right as this covid-19 was hitting, the staff was amazing, making sure everything stayed as clean and sanitized as possible.
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Tripster Customer
Bowling Green, KY
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Cool"
January 2020
People super friendly easy to get to stays open late in the week 10pm. I expected more thought the place had more exhibits. I was fooled by a couple weird shark photos thinking they were real saw them got so excited and then let down. Oh dang their fake. Lol. If you print your vouchers take ID at least one were last names match. We enjoyed the place just expected a little more. Just to seeing the surrounding area was worth going. Tickets were about $33.00 each for kids over 11.
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Ray Elliott
Covington , LA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great"
January 2020
It was a great place to visit. Very well kept up.
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Marla Hernandez
Stone Mountain, GA
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Beautiful!! Awesome!!! Love it!!!!"
December 2019
The most beautiful aquarium ever!!! I will always come back to this location!!!! Have so much to do on this aquarium!!
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Tip: Beautiful and amazing

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Cynthia Brimm
Pulaski, VA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Kids loved it!"
December 2019
My children absolutely loved the aquarium. There is lots to do and see for all ages. One of my children has sensory issues and while it wasnt needed I appreciated that they had several low noise areas set aside in case they were needed. It is a lot of walking to get into the facility.
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Tip: It's a lot of walking to get into facility. You need to pay extra for parking.

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Brandon Drake
Louisville, KY
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great Aquarium"
December 2019
Took 3 and 4 yr old daughters. Ripleys mixes in a good mix of education and interactive activities to keep young kids interested.
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Amber Dean
Elkton, VA
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Awesome aquarium"
December 2019
This was one of the best aquariums we have attended!! Very much made for kids so it was awesome!!! Our child had a blast
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Christopher Sullivan
IRVINGTON, AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Family fun for all ages"
December 2019
What an amazing time! My family traveled for a 10 day excursion to the mountains. We had a blast. The aquarium had exactly what we needed for all ages (3-49). The entire party of 8 enjoyed the interactions, the playlands and the excitement was electric with the shark watching up close and personal.
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Tip: I would recommend buying your tickets prior to arrival. Makes it easier and the little ones dont have to wait as long

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TripAdvisor Reviews
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CoryWD
"Clean Fun"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed September 17, 2020 NEW
Nice place. Few things closed inside from COVID. We have been each visit for the last 5 years. Kids enjoy it.
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lmsmith529
Saint Louis, Missouri
"Fun place"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed September 16, 2020 NEW
We visited during the week, late afternoon and it was not crowded; this was especially nice with the COVID situation. My 15 month old enjoyed seeing all the fish, he loved the big tanks that had divers feeding animals and also the walk through tunnel. After watching one of the shows, my toddler was walking around the tank and busted his lip. The bathrooms were a bit cumbersome, as it seemed the only facilities were at the front door and it is basically a one way path traveling through the aquarium. All in all, a good visit.
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patchouligirl1972
Hodgenville, Kentucky
"Fun for all"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed September 16, 2020 NEW
Been to the Aquarium probably 15 times and I enjoy it every time. Evertthing is always clean. Staff is helpful. And I got to touch a jellyfish the last time i was there. How could you beat that? Fun for everyone.
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Marilyn K
"Vacation"
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed September 14, 2020 NEW
It was over priced. Penguins were awesome. Liked the gift shop. It was very different since couldn't move around like we used too.
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woodsonlocke
Madisonville, Kentucky
"So cool!!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed September 14, 2020 NEW
This was one of the main attractions we planned our family trip for and my son was blown away with all the different exhibits and tanks! For a little boy who loves sharks and jellyfish he was enamored! He loved seeing all the sharks in the big main tank and his favorite part was the “Pet a Jellyfish” exhibit. Great spot for anyone who likes aquatic life!
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located at 88 River Road • Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

How long does it take to tour the attraction?
We recommend allowing 2 hours or more to tour the aquarium.

Where can I park?
There are various parking areas nearby in Gatlinburg. There is a City owned parking garage directly behind the Aquarium. The City charges a maximum of $8 per day.

Do you allow pets?
Only service animals per ADA specifications.

Are cameras allowed?
Yes. Feel free to take pictures and shoot video and share with your friends and family.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Aquarium is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Wheelchairs are also available at Guest Services.

Do you have stroller rentals? Are strollers allowed?
The aquarium is stroller friendly. Strollers can be rented at guest services for $3.

Can I leave and revisit the same day?
Sorry, the tickets are good for one-time admission to the aquarium.

Are any of the Unique Experiences included with the admission ticket?
No, those cost extra. If you are looking to Splash with the Stingrays or participate in other special tours, contact the Aquarium directly.

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