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

88 River RoadGatlinburg, TN 37738
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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

  • 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.

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.


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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located at 88 River RoadGatlinburg, TN 37738
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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.