Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies stands as Gatlinburg’s premier indoor attraction, voted Best U.S. Aquarium by USA Today readers and home to over 10,000 exotic sea creatures representing 350 species. Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at 88 River Road, this world-class facility combines education, conservation, and hands-on experiences that captivate visitors of all ages with its stunning underwater tunnels, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable animal encounters.
The aquarium’s signature attraction is the Shark Lagoon, featuring a mesmerizing 340-foot-long underwater tunnel where guests glide through on a moving walkway while surrounded by 12-foot sharks, massive sea turtles, sawfish, and thousands of tropical fish swimming overhead and around you. This immersive experience puts you face-to-face with apex predators in crystal-clear acrylic tunnels that make you feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor.
Interactive experiences set Ripley’s apart from traditional aquariums. Touch A-Ray Bay allows visitors to reach into shallow lagoons and gently touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs as they glide past, while the Penguin Playhouse showcases playful African penguins in a climate-controlled habitat. Don’t miss the famous Penguin Parade, where penguins waddle through the exhibit multiple times daily, delighting guests with their adorable antics and personalities.
The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure offers a unique perspective, taking guests on guided tours above the Shark Lagoon exhibit for bird’s-eye views of the marine life below. The Tropical Rainforest exhibit transports visitors to the Amazon with piranhas, poison dart frogs, and exotic freshwater species, while the Jellyfish Gallery mesmerizes with ethereal displays of moon jellies and other translucent creatures pulsing through illuminated tanks.
Beyond the exhibits, Ripley’s Aquarium offers special experiences including Sleeping with the Sharks overnight programs, Behind the Scenes tours revealing how aquarists care for thousands of animals, and Painting with Penguins sessions where guests create art alongside the resident penguin colony. Educational dive shows and feeding demonstrations occur throughout the day, providing insights into marine biology and conservation efforts.
The facility operates 365 days a year, making it the perfect rainy-day activity or anytime adventure during your Smoky Mountain vacation. Plan 2-3 hours to fully explore both levels of exhibits, though many visitors find themselves staying longer to revisit favorite displays or catch scheduled shows and feedings.
Staying at our Gatlinburg vacation rentals puts you within minutes of this downtown attraction. Our Rooftop Retreat and Sweetgum Lodge properties offer the perfect home base for families exploring Gatlinburg’s indoor attractions. After a day marveling at sharks and stingrays, return to your private cabin’s comfortable accommodations and mountain views. Whether you’re seeking a rainy-day adventure or adding variety to your outdoor activities, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies delivers an underwater experience that creates lasting memories for the entire family.
