Under the Sea: A Look at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

In the heart of Gatlinburg, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is teeming with 10,000 sea creatures ready to meet you. See why USA Today readers voted this the No. 2 aquarium in the whole country in 2022!

Interact with Astounding Animals

Ripley's Aquarium is packed with hands-on, up-close experiences like these:

You'll get so close to perky penguins you'll be nose-to-beak! Crawl through tunnels and pop below to join the penguins on their private beach. Some days, you can watch these waddling wonders create paintings with their feet!

At Touch a Ray Bay, stroke a graceful ray as it glides past you. Touching these mysterious creatures' smooth skin doesn't hurt you–or them.

Pet horseshoe crabs are the oldest species of animal still living today.

Sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays swim by, just feet from you, as you move through a glass-walled underwater tunnel.

Explore Shark Lagoon in a glass-bottomed boat, with only three inches of glass between you and the 12-foot-long sharks below!

Aquarium Sleepovers for All Ages

Grab your "Finding Nemo" pajamas! The Aquarium invites you to stay overnight.

• Mermaid Slumber Party: Enjoy mermaid-themed fun and take home a special photo memory.
• PJ Party with the Penguins: Sleep at the Penguin Playhouse, with a late-night activity, scavenger hunt, and delightful penguin company.
• Sleep with Sharks: Learn about toothy predators, challenge yourself on a scavenger hunt and sleep while sharks circle nearby.
• Pints and Penguins: Take a behind-the-scenes tour, get a personal visit with a penguin and enjoy a full bar and food. Age 21+ only.
• Sips and Sharks: Sleep in the underwater Shark Lagoon tunnel after a memorable tour. A full bar and food are included. Age 21+ only.

Tickets and Transportation

Tickets: Kids under two visit for free. Admission is $9.99 for kids ages 2 through 5. Tickets for ages 6 through 11 are $24.99, and for ages 12 and up, $39.99. Save money with combo tickets pairing aquarium admission with other Ripley's Gatlinburg attractions, including, Believe It Or Not, mini golf, and more.

Getting there: Park all day for $10 in the city garage behind the Aquarium. You can also reach the Aquarium from almost anywhere in town by riding the free Gatlinburg Trolley.

When you stay in a Gatlinburg vacation cabin, you can spend more time with your aquatic friends and drive around less. Reserve your Smoky Mountains cabin today!