4.6 (11,501 Reviews)

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Tickets Gatlinburg, TN

88 River Road • Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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Total Price: $44.59 (USD)
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Overview

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies tickets unlock access to one of Gatlinburg’s top indoor attractions, featuring Shark Lagoon, Penguin Playhouse, and hands-on exhibits perfect for families and marine life lovers year-round. Touch a stingray, glide along a 340-foot underwater tunnel beneath a sea of sharks, and much more!

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Good To Know

  • Interactive touch pools and 340-foot underwater tunnel with sharks and rays.
  • Live penguin habitat with pop-up viewing bubbles.
  • Great for all ages—infants 1 and under get in free.
  • Located at the Mass Transit Center in downtown Gatlinburg (trolley routes converge here).
  • Paid parking garage available directly behind the aquarium.
  • Plan for 2 to 3 hours to explore all exhibits.
  • Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible (stroller-wagons and oversized running strollers not permitted).
  • No outside food or drinks allowed—visit Feeding Frenzy Cafe on the lower level near the ramp to the gift shop.
  • Complimentary wheelchairs, sensory bags, and noise-canceling headphones available at Guest Services (first-come, first-served with valid ID).
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Joan B. Tripster User Profile Image

Joan B.

Loved the shark tunnel and penguin exhibit! The new Pearl Harbor exhibit is nicely done and very informative.

Description

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is a top-rated indoor attraction and family favorite, featuring over 10,000 exotic sea creatures across immersive aquatic zones. Voted Best U.S. Aquarium by USA Today 10Best and named a Top 5 Aquariums in the World by TripAdvisor, this Gatlinburg aquarium delivers unforgettable marine encounters in the heart of the Smokies.

Walk through a 340-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and a giant sea turtle in the Shark Lagoon. Visit the award-winning Penguin Playhouse for up-close views of playful penguins. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, including Touch a Ray Bay and three-story Discovery Treehouse & Play Center, and seasonal mermaid shows (June–July).

Enhance your visit with the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure—a thrilling ride over Shark Lagoon (additional cost). With climate-controlled comfort, live dive shows, and hands-on experiences, it's one of the most engaging indoor attractions in Tennessee.

Exhibits at Ripley's Aquarium Include:
  • Tropical RainForest – Colorful creatures from the Amazon basin
  • Ocean Realm – Mesmerizing open-water species in deep blue settings
  • Coral Reef – Vibrant fish and delicate corals
  • Shark Lagoon – 12-foot sharks in a 340-foot underwater tunnel
  • Discovery Center & Treehouse – Hands-on fun for kids of all ages
  • Gallery of the Seas – Rare and unusual sea creatures from around the globe
  • Stingray Bay – Graceful stingrays gliding through shallow waters
  • Touch a Ray Bay – Hands-on touch tank with friendly marine life
  • Penguin Playhouse – Waddle with penguins in a pop-up viewing habitat
  • Glass Bottom Boat Adventure (Additional Cost) – Ride over Shark Lagoon

Book your Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies tickets today and dive into a day of interactive exhibits and memorable marine encounters!


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Promotional Images (46)
Cownose Ray - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Touch a Jellyfish - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Enjoy entertaining dive and feeding shows in Coral Reef, Stingray Bay and Penguin Playhouse. Touch a Jellyfish - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Pacific Sea Nettle - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Customer Photos (393)
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies photo submitted by Sabrina Arnold Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies photo submitted by Sabrina Arnold Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies photo submitted by Sabrina Arnold Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies photo submitted by Lakeysha Miles Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies photo submitted by Lakeysha Miles
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Reviews

554 Reviews
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Julia Rossi Tripster User Profile Image
Julia Rossi
Duanesburg, NY
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great time with the kids"
April 2025 NEW
They had lots to look at and a cool kids play area mine had a great trip.
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Tip: Was very easy to get around with my stroller.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Sabrina Arnold Tripster User Profile Image
Sabrina Arnold
Lavergne, TN
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great aquarium"
April 2025 NEW
Great time
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Was this review helpful? Yes

Kanesha W. Tripster User Profile Image
Kanesha W.
Anniston, AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Fun family trip"
April 2025 NEW
I saved more money using Tripster for a family of 5. We was able to go to the aquarium which was amazing & more attractions with the bundle deal. I can't wamt to plan our next trip & see how Tripster can save me more money. I love it here!
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Tip: This is not a scamming site. It's real.

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Lakeysha Miles Tripster User Profile Image
Lakeysha Miles
Martin, TN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"aquarium"
March 2025 NEW
Great experience, great price with tripster will be booking another trip using tripster to get my tickets thank you
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Amanda Crosswhite Tripster User Profile Image
Amanda Crosswhite
Maryville, TN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Fun to see"
February 2025
The aquarium was clean and easy to walk through. Lots of different sea creatures to see
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Zoraida Rivero Granda Tripster User Profile Image
Zoraida Rivero Granda
Coconut Creek, FL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Just Amazing and unforgettable experience."
January 2025
Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies was one of the most wonderful experience of my whole life, really Amazing and unforgettable experience for my Family, I suggest everyone planning to go to Gatlinburg to include this visit to Ripley's Aquarium and buy the tickets through Tripster.com, good discounts found, thanks a lot! Zoraida and family.
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Tip: Buy tickets through tripster.com, good discounts!

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Melissa Rhodes Tripster User Profile Image
Melissa Rhodes
Owensboro, KY
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Anakeesta/ Ripleys Aquarium Combo"
December 2024
Great aquarium!!!!! It was feeding time when we visited and the animals were very active! We especially enjoyed the penguins
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Tip: Several interactive opportunities, so don't rush off before you get the chance

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Sarah Powell Tripster User Profile Image
Sarah Powell
Harrison, AR
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Ripley's Aquarium was great"
December 2024
We could purchase tickets on the day we wanted to attend making planning easy.
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located at 88 River Road • Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Where can I park?

There are various parking areas nearby in Gatlinburg. There is also a city-owned parking garage located directly behind the aquarium. The City charges a maximum of $10 per day (subject to change).

Do children need their own tickets to be admitted?

Yes, but children under the age of 2 are admitted to the aquarium for free! Please note that the combo tickets are not available for children aged 2. Instead, please purchase individual attraction tickets at the discounted children's price.

How long does it take to tour the aquarium?

Most guests spend from 2 to 3 hours exploring, but there's no time limit. The tour is self-guided and you can take as long as you like.

Is re-entry allowed?

Unfortunately, no. Tickets are only valid for one-time entry to the aquarium.

Are cameras allowed?

Yes! Feel free to take pictures and videos to capture all the fun and share with your friends and family.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that some rides and activities that are part of the combo tickets, such as Ripley’s Mountain Coaster and Super Fun Park, are not ADA-accessible due to the nature of the ride or activity.

Are pets allowed?

Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed.

Are wheelchairs and strollers available to rent on-site?

Yes, wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis with a government-issued ID, and strollers are available for rent at the Guest Services counter for a fee. You may also bring your own.

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