--- title: Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies slug: ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies-gatlinburg-tn type: attraction sub_type: aquariums source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies-gatlinburg-tn city: Gatlinburg state: TN country: US address: 88 River Road geo: lat: 35.71417 lng: -83.513 cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T20:56:53.448Z price_from: amount: 39.99 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 574 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: Aquarium Single Entry price: 39.99 regular_price: 42.99 savings: 3 ticket_types: - name: Adult (12+ yrs) min_age: 12 - name: Child (6-11 yrs) min_age: 6 max_age: 11 - name: Child (2-5 yrs) min_age: 2 max_age: 5 - name: Aquarium 2 Attractions price: 59.99 ticket_types: - name: Adult (12+ yrs) min_age: 12 - name: Child (3-11 yrs) min_age: 3 max_age: 11 - name: Aquarium 3 Attractions price: 69.99 ticket_types: - name: Adult (12+ yrs) min_age: 12 - name: Child (3-11 yrs) min_age: 3 max_age: 11 --- ## Overview Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is a top-rated indoor attraction featuring over 10,000 exotic sea creatures in immersive aquatic zones like Shark Lagoon and Penguin Playhouse. Highlights include a 340-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays, hands-on exhibits, and seasonal mermaid shows. ## What's Included - Admission to all aquarium exhibits, including Shark Lagoon, Penguin Playhouse, Touch-a-Ray Bay, Tropical Rainforest, Coral Reef, Gallery of the Seas, Stingray Bay, Discovery Center, and seasonal mermaid shows. ## What's Not Included - Glass Bottom Boat Adventure (available for an additional cost). ## Ticket Options - **Aquarium Single Entry** — $39.99 (regularly $42.99, save $3.00) Single Entry tickets to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies include access to all standard exhibits, including Shark Lagoon and Penguin Playhouse. Valid for one visit on any one operating day. No re-entry permitted. Expires one year from selected date. - Adult (12+ yrs) - Child (6-11 yrs) - Child (2-5 yrs) - **Aquarium 2 Attractions** — $59.99 Enjoy one-day access to Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg, plus your choice of two (2) additional Ripley's Gatlinburg attractions. Choose what to visit when you arrive. Tickets are valid for one year from selected date. - Adult (12+ yrs) - Child (3-11 yrs) - **Aquarium 3 Attractions** — $69.99 Enjoy one-day access to Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg, plus three (3) tickets to the Ripley's attractions of your choice. Decide which attractions to visit when you arrive. Tickets are valid for one year from date of purchase. - Adult (12+ yrs) - Child (3-11 yrs) ## Good to Know * Try the interactive touch pools and a 340-foot underwater tunnel with sharks and rays. * See the live penguin habitat with pop-up viewing bubbles. * The aquarium is great for all ages—infants aged 1 and under get in free. * Located at the Mass Transit Center in downtown Gatlinburg (trolley routes converge here). * City-owned paid parking garage is available directly behind the aquarium. * Plan for 2 to 3 hours to explore all exhibits. * Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, but stroller-wagons and oversized running strollers are 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). ## Cancellation Policy Free Changes & Cancellations. See details upon selection. ## FAQs ### 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 $15 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. ## Reviews > "Loved the shark tunnel and penguin exhibit! The new Pearl Harbor exhibit is nicely done and very informative." > — Joan B. > "Ripley’s Smokies Aquarium" > — Adona Campbell, June 2026 > "Our family trip" > — Teja Hockinson, April 2026 > "It was very interesting" > — Jonathan Mixon, March 2026 > "Family Vacation" > — misael vasallo, January 2026 > "Great experience" > — Paula Frye, January 2026 > "ripley's by night" > — Sandra Hungerford, December 2025 > "Beautiful and relaxing" > — Nicole S., November 2025