Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Tours

Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies which includes interior views and marine life as well as a large group of people
Gatlinburg
Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies featuring interior views and marine life
Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies showing dangerous animals, marine life and interior views
Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies which includes interior views and marine life as well as a family


From sharks and stingrays, to penguins and octopus, get close to a colorful 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wild Bear Inn
The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center
River Terrace Resort & Convention Center

Reviews of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
774
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
332
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
83
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We loved it

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Went on a Monday evening after 5 p.m. Crowds were very thin.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Skip the mermaid dive

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was my favorite part of my trip!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

By 11:00 a.m. arrival, there was no nearby parking. Apparently, there were shuttle buses from distant parking lots, but we would have had to learn how it worked. So, we did not visit the Aquarium.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Call ahead to find out how many school groups are going to be there. It was great but a lot of groups.

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Best Lodging Options Near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

Edgewater Hotel - Gatlinburg

3 out of 5
402 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
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The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

4 out of 5
705 Cherokee Orchard Road, Gatlinburg, TN
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Gatlinburg Town Square

Gatlinburg Town Square

2.5 out of 5
515 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
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Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

4 out of 5
539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Glenstone Lodge

Glenstone Lodge

3.5 out of 5
504 Historic Nature Trl, Gatlinburg, TN
Glenstone Lodge
Sidney James Mountain Lodge

Sidney James Mountain Lodge

2.5 out of 5
610 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

3 out of 5
315 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown
Gatlinburg River Inn

Gatlinburg River Inn

2 out of 5
324 Hemlock Street, St. Rt 441/321, Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg River Inn
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
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, enjoy engaging exhibits featuring diverse marine life, perfect for family outings. After exploring the aquarium, venture into nearby water parks and outdoor adventures like hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. This destination promises a memorable stay filled with recreation activities, ensuring fun for all ages amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Gatlinburg.

Shopping

For a convenient shopping experience near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, check out the Mountain Mall and The Village Shops, both located 0.1 miles away, offering family-friendly vibes. Additionally, Old Town Gem Mine, just 0.8 miles away, provides a unique shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the fun at Hillbilly Golf, a mini-golf course filled with adventure and family vibes, located 0.3 miles from Ripley's Aquarium. For a tranquil day, visit TopJump Trampoline Park & Extreme Arena, 5 miles away, where wellness and relaxation await amidst exhilarating activities.

Adventure

SkyPark, located 0.3 miles from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, offers thrilling ski adventures and breathtaking views. For family fun, Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, 1 mile away, features exciting water slides and attractions. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, 3 miles away, combines skiing and sports in a stunning mountain setting.

Nightlife

Experience an unforgettable night at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction for dinner and a show, just 5 miles away. For thrills, visit Ripley's Haunted Adventure, half a mile away, or ride the Ripley's Mountain Coaster, a quick 0.2 miles from the aquarium for exhilarating fun.

*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 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is surrounded by a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore. Enjoy outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, immerse yourself in culture at local museums, and create family memories at the Gatlinburg SkyPark. With a variety of popular landmarks and attractions in Gatlinburg, there's something for everyone to enjoy, making it a perfect vacation destination.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Experience breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures just 4 miles from Ripley's Aquarium. This national park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, stunning mountain views, and numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of adventurers.
  • Dollywood: Located 6 miles away, Dollywood is a fantastic amusement park offering thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a taste of Southern culture. It's perfect for family fun and outdoor adventuring, with attractions that appeal to both young and old.
  • Anakeesta: Just 0.1 mile from the aquarium, Anakeesta is a charming theme park featuring treetop adventures, beautiful gardens, and entertainment options. It's an ideal spot for families seeking a mix of fun and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

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.

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 trip to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, consider visiting between January and March, when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels by filtering for Eco-certified options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for additional savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Exploring free activities in Gatlinburg will also help stretch your budget further.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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