Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

As one of Gatlinburg's premier attractions, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies delivers an impressive underwater adventure across three expansive floors. The 10,000+ marine creatures here range from playful penguins to menacing sharks, with the piece de resistance being the Shark Lagoon. This 340-foot underwater tunnel features a moving walkway that carries you beneath swimming sharks, graceful rays, and a massive sea turtle – creating an immersive ocean experience right in the heart of the Smokies.

Kids gravitate toward the interactive zones, where they can safely touch gentle stingrays, peek through bubble windows into active reef habitats, and watch the daily penguin parade. The penguin encounter program offers close-up experiences with these charismatic birds (advance booking required).

Time your visit strategically – arriving when doors open at 9 AM helps you dodge the heaviest crowds, especially during summer months and rainy days. Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore all exhibits without rushing. While admission prices run on the higher end for Gatlinburg attractions, most visitors find the extensive exhibits justify the cost.

The aquarium's downtown location means you'll need to factor in parking fees at nearby garages or lots. Consider combining your visit with other Ripley's attractions in Gatlinburg for package pricing deals. The facility is fully indoor and climate-controlled, making it a reliable year-round attraction regardless of mountain weather.

Pro tip: The moving walkway through Shark Lagoon can be ridden multiple times – take one pass to photograph, another to simply soak in the experience of sharks gliding overhead.