Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Tickets in Gatlinburg, TN

88 River RoadGatlinburg, TN 37738
View on Map
Starting at
$39.99
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

An award-winning and top-rated aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers various interactive experiences and exhibits that showcase thousands of exotic sea creatures that call this aquarium home. Touch real stingrays, glide along a 340-foot moving path beneath a sea of sharks, paint a piece of artwork with penguins, and more.

1 or more people

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our Gatlinburg Travel Experts
  • Discover playful penguins and thousands of exotic sea creatures, including a giant sea turtle, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and more.
  • Fun for the whole family. Infants ages one and under visit free!
  • Free Gatlinburg Trolley stops at the Mass Transit Center at the aquarium.
  • A paid parking garage is located directly behind the aquarium.
  • Allow about 2 hours to walk through all the exhibits.
  • The aquarium is stroller-friendly, but please note that they no longer allow stroller-wagons or large running strollers inside the building.
  • No outside food or drinks are allowed. If you work up an appetite, you can grab a bite at Feeding Frenzy, located on the lower level near the ramp to the gift shop.
  • Wheelchairs, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory bags are available for use free of charge from the guest services counter on a first-come, first-serve basis. Valid ID required.

Discover More With Us

Insights from Tripster's own team members
Joan B. Tripster User Profile Image

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 at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! 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 three-story Discovery Treehouse & Play Center. Experience a ride over Shark Lagoon in Ripley's Glass Bottom Boat adventure (additional cost). See Mermaids swimming in June and July.

Tickets to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offer a day of family fun with interactive activities, hourly dive/feeding shows, and much, much more!

Ripley's Aquarium Exhibits 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.


Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Reviews

534 Reviews
Rebacca Swords Tripster User Profile Image
Rebacca Swords
New Albany, MS
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"49 th wedding anniversary"
March 2024 NEW
It was nice enjoyed it one our favorites attraction we did this trip
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

irene straz Tripster User Profile Image
irene straz
Loudon, TN
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great Ripley's Aquarium"
March 2024 NEW
Wasn't sure what to expect. Entering the aquarium was just the beginning of a great experience. The surroundings on the walls and in the aquariums was amazing. Children of all ages would love this aquarium- plenty to look at and almost feel as the were different species of sharks above us, below us or in front of us depending on which aquarium you were in/near. Different fish were interesting- never saw a dragon fish before. ...
Recommend for a visit
Read More
Tip: Tripster offers a nice discount

Was this review helpful? Yes

Johnna Akers Tripster User Profile Image
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.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

 Tripster User Profile Image
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.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Ray Elliott Tripster User Profile Image
Ray Elliott
Covington , LA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great"
January 2020
It was a great place to visit. Very well kept up.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Marla Hernandez Tripster User Profile Image
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!!
Read More
Tip: Beautiful and amazing

Was this review helpful? Yes

Cynthia Brimm Tripster User Profile Image
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.
Read More
Tip: It's a lot of walking to get into facility. You need to pay extra for parking.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Brandon Drake Tripster User Profile Image
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.
Read More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Frequently Asked Questions about Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Where can I park?

There are various parking areas nearby in Gatlinburg. There is also a city-owned parking garage located directly behind the aquarium. The City charges a maximum of $10 per day (subject to change).

Do children need their own tickets to be admitted?

Yes, but children under the age of 2 are admitted to the aquarium for free! Please note that the combo tickets are not available for children aged 2. Instead, please purchase individual attraction tickets at the discounted children's price.

How long does it take to tour the aquarium?

It's best to allow 2 hours or more to tour the aquarium to walk through all of the exhibits. The tour is self-guided and you can take as long as you like.

Is re-entry allowed?

Unfortunately, no. Tickets are only valid for one-time entry to the aquarium.

Are cameras allowed?

Yes! Feel free to take pictures and videos to capture all the fun and share with your friends and family.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that some rides and activities that are part of the combo tickets, such as Ripley’s Mountain Coaster and Super Fun Park, are not ADA-accessible due to the nature of the ride or activity.

Are pets allowed?

Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed.

Are there wheelchairs and strollers for rent on site?

Yes. Wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis with a government-issued ID, and strollers are available for rent at the guest services counter for a fee. You may also bring your own strollers.