Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is consistently ranked as one of the top attractions in the Smoky Mountains region, housing more than 10,000 sea creatures representing over 350 species. The aquarium's centerpiece is a dramatic 340-foot underwater tunnel through which visitors walk while sharks, giant stingrays, and sea turtles glide overhead. Major exhibits include Shark Lagoon, the Penguin Playhouse, Touch a Ray Bay, a Tropical Rainforest, a Coral Reef gallery, and the all-new Dragons: Myths Made Real exhibit. Signature experiences include a glass-bottom boat ride over Shark Lagoon, Penguin Encounter meet-and-greets, and overnight adventures such as Sleeping With the Sharks. Daily dive and feeding shows, a penguin parade, and interactive hourly programming make Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies an immersive, entertaining destination for the whole family visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
