Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is the aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg, filled with sharks, penguins, stingrays, jellyfish, and thousands of other sea creatures. Ride a moving walkway through a 340-foot underwater shark tunnel, watch penguins swim and play, and touch a stingray, all under one roof in the middle of town.

What's inside

Shark Lagoon and the shark tunnel

Step onto a moving walkway and glide through a 340-foot tunnel along the bottom of Shark Lagoon. Sharks, giant stingrays, sea turtles, and schools of fish swim over and around you on all sides.

Penguin Playhouse

Watch the African penguin colony waddle on their beach and zip underwater through the glass. Kids can crawl through a tunnel and pop up right inside the habitat for a face-to-face view.

Touch A Ray Bay

Reach into a shallow pool and gently touch stingrays as they glide past, with staff on hand to help.

Coral reef, rainforest, and jellyfish

Explore a colorful coral reef, a tropical rainforest exhibit with piranhas and poison dart frogs, and a calm, glowing gallery of jellyfish.

Glass bottom boat

Float on a guided glass bottom boat ride above Shark Lagoon for a different look at the sharks below.

Shows and the Penguin Parade

Pick up a show schedule when you arrive. Daily programs often include dive shows, feedings, and the Penguin Parade, when keepers walk penguins past guests through the aquarium. It's a crowd favorite, so plan your visit around it.

Special programs

Ripley's offers extra experiences like Sleep with the Sharks, an overnight stay in the shark tunnel, plus penguin encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. These book up well ahead, especially in summer, so reserve early at ripleys.com.

Tickets

Buy tickets online at ripleys.com or at the aquarium. Online tickets are delivered by email, so there's nothing to print. Ask at the counter about discounts for military, seniors, and other groups, and look into combo tickets that pair the aquarium with other Ripley's attractions in Gatlinburg, like Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Ripley's Haunted Adventure. See our guide to all the Ripley's attractions in Gatlinburg.

Hours and getting there

The aquarium is open every day of the year, with hours that change by season. Check ripleys.com before you go. It sits at 88 River Road in downtown Gatlinburg, next to the Mass Transit Center, so every Gatlinburg Trolley route stops right there. Driving in? See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg.

Accessibility

The aquarium is stroller and wheelchair friendly, with ramps, wide walkways, and accessible restrooms. Trained service dogs are welcome.

Tips for your visit

Arrive early — the galleries are quieter in the morning, and midday on weekends and holidays is busiest.

Plan around the shows — check the schedule when you arrive so you don't miss the Penguin Parade.

Take your time in the tunnel — let the moving walkway carry you slowly through Shark Lagoon.

Save it for a rainy day — it's all indoors. See our list of rainy day activities for more.

Book overnights early — Sleep with the Sharks fills months ahead in busy seasons.

Nearby

The aquarium is in the heart of downtown. Ride the gondola to Anakeesta, take in the views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or walk down River Road to Mysterious Mansion. For lunch or dinner, try No Way Jose's or Big Daddy's Pizzeria. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies?

At 88 River Road in downtown Gatlinburg, next to the Mass Transit Center.

Is there an aquarium in Pigeon Forge?

No. The closest aquarium is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg, a short drive from Pigeon Forge.

How long should I plan to spend?

Most visitors spend two to three hours, or longer if they catch several shows.

What is the Penguin Parade?

A daily event when keepers walk penguins through the aquarium past guests. Check the show schedule when you arrive.

Can you touch the stingrays?

Yes. At Touch A Ray Bay, you can gently touch stingrays as they swim by.

Do I need to print my tickets?

No. Online tickets come by email and can be shown on your phone.

Is it a good rainy-day activity?

Yes. Everything is indoors, so it's a great choice when the weather turns.