Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Entry Ticket

About this experience

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Tickets This ticket is your admission to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, where thousands of marine creatures reside in purpose-built habitats at the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Guests walk through underwater tunnels as sharks glide overhead, watch penguins play both above and below water, and take part in guided hands-on encounters with stingrays and other sea life at interactive touch tanks. The aquarium spans two levels with exhibits ranging from colourful coral reef displays to the mesmerising jellyfish gallery. The Penguin Playhouse lets visitors crawl through clear tunnels for close-up views of the resident penguins, whilst the Discovery Center Touch Tank offers guided encounters with select marine animals led by the venue's expert staff. Daily live shows and feeding demonstrations provide expert insights into marine behaviour and conservation efforts. With wheelchair accessibility throughout and activities suitable for all ages, it is an excellent indoor option when exploring Gatlinburg's family-friendly attractions. Highlights Walk through underwater tunnels as sharks and rays swim above and around you Visit the Penguin Playhouse with above and below water viewing areas of the resident penguins Experience hands-on learning at the Discovery Center Touch Tank, guided by venue staff Interact with gentle stingrays at Sting Ray Bay Watch daily live animal presentations and feeding demonstrations Explore jellyfish displays and coral reef exhibits across two levels Plan Your Visit to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Allow approximately two hours to fully explore all exhibits and shows. The aquarium is open daily, though specific hours vary by season. Arriving early allows for fewer crowds and easier parking, and checking the live show schedule upon entry helps you plan your route through the exhibits. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts between levels. Parking is available onsite for an additional fee. Photo ID is required for ticket verification at entry. Special experiences such as the Glass Bottom Boat and penguin encounters can be booked onsite for an extra fee. Located in central Gatlinburg, the aquarium pairs well with other Great Smoky Mountains area attractions and makes an excellent indoor activity regardless of weather conditions. Live animals are not sold through this listing. Any animals encountered are part of the visit and none leaves with the guest.

Highlights

• Walk through underwater tunnels with sharks gliding overhead
• Watch penguins above and below water at Penguin Playhouse
• Touch stingrays and sea life at interactive touch tanks
• Explore coral reef displays and a dedicated jellyfish gallery
• Two levels of marine exhibits in central Gatlinburg
• Crawl through clear tunnels for close-up penguin views

What is included

• Admission to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
• Access to the Upper and Lower level exhibits
• Discovery Center Touch Tank
• Sting Ray Bay
• Penguin Playhouse
• Daily live shows - check the schedule upon arrival

Not included

• Turtle Time Encounter
• Glass Bottom Boat
• Penguin Paintings & Encounter
• Parking (available to pay onsite)

Before you go

Arrive early for fewer crowds and easier parking Bring photo ID for ticket verification at entry Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible Check the live show schedule on arrival to plan your visit Parking is available onsite for an additional fee

Cancellation terms

This ticket is nonrefundable. Rescheduling is not possible for this ticket.