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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

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Total Price: $45.47 (USD)

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Ripley's Aquarium Admission Options & Prices

Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg Packages

Ripley's Aquarium Vacation Package from Glenstone Lodge

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Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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$99.49

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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).

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!

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.

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 Lakeysha Miles

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.