Discover more than 10,000 sea creatures, from fearsome sharks to adorable penguins, at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. You can even spend the night here! Check out our top 10 reasons to visit this world-class aquarium.
1. Interact with Animals
Feel the rubbery skin of a ray and stroke the helmet-like shell of a horseshoe crab. You might even meet scorpionfish, spotted eels, and more critters, but don’t worry. Their names are scarier than they are!
2. Walk On the Ocean Floor
Ride a moving walkway through a transparent tunnel. You’re inside a massive tank holding 1.4 million gallons of sea water. Above and around you swim toothy sharks, twisty eels, sea turtles, and countless fish, so close you’ll come eye to eye with these creatures of the deep.
3. Spend the Night
Sleep just yards away from circling sharks, or have a pajama party with the penguins, in a night full of activities, food and fun.
4. Make Penguin Friends
Special penguin encounters include a 45-minute visit behind the scenes with these popular sea birds. Get the VIP experience and you’ll go home with a painting created by one of these talented penguins!
5. Discover Real Dragons
Fantasy meets science in the newest exhibit, “Dragons: Myths Made Real.” Meet the colorful lizards, snakes, and amphibians that inspired stories of mysterious dragons.
6. Watch Daily Dives and Feedings
Watch keepers dive into vast tanks to hand-feed fish and sharks. Laugh with keepers as they dish up fish for the charming penguins.
7. Join The Penguin Parade
Penguins waddle through the hallways daily at 1:15 p.m, strolling around like they’re tourists taking in the exhibits. Don’t miss this parade!
8. Ride In a Glass-Bottomed Boat
Book this one-of-a-kind cruise on Shark Lagoon. Only three inches of glass separate you from thousands of mysterious and dangerous creatures.
9. Experience Terrifying Creatures
Enter the Tropical Rainforest if you dare, and learn how piranhas and poison dart frogs got their scary reputations.
10. Meet a Mermaid
Have breakfast with a mermaid and take a “shell-fie” photo. Breakfast is extra, but the graceful mermaids’ seasonal swim shows are included with admission.
Reserve a Gatlinburg cabin rental now, and plan a trip to the Aquarium of the Smokies for unbeatable family fun.
