Vibrant coral reefs, Japanese spider crabs, ten-foot sharks with razor sharp teeth... in the Great Smoky Mountains? Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features an array of exotic sea life displayed in strikingly authentic settings in a new, 1.3 million gallon world-renowned aquarium. Surround yourself with ten foot sand tiger sharks as you move through the world's longest underwater aquarium tunnel on a 340 foot moving walkway. Ripley's Rain Forest exhibition takes you even further into the lush worlds of these extraordinary sea creatures.

For those wanting more than a view of verdant rain forests, slippery Morey eels, petrifying piranhas, lethal sea anemones, and a gargantuan Pacific octopus, Ripley's provides "special touch" areas where visitors can actually touch a variety of sea life, such as rays and horseshoe crabs. Ripley's aquarium has on staff over 15 marine biologists who help educate tourists and students about the interaction between man and marine life.

Complete your family's excursion through the watery unknown with a hearty meal at one of the two restaurants located in Ripley's Aquarium: the upscale Verdana Restaurant and family-friendly Feeding Frenzy. Feeding Frenzy is an indoor patio that overlooks a tank of sharks and rays. The Veranda Restaurant offers gourmet dining with views of the Smokies and Gatlinburg's Little Pigeon River. There are also private dining rooms available for those special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and proposals. And don't forget to pick up a little memento in The Cargo Hold Gift Shop, where you can find custom gifts crafted by local merchants, as well as artists from around the world. So whether you're touring for a day with a school group or visiting by yourself for a weekend retreat, take a detour through Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, "Where the Ocean Meets the Mountains"!

Ripley's Aquarium is located on the Parkway of downtown Gatlinburg at traffic light # 5 and is open 365 days a year. Sunday-Thursday from 9am-9pm and Friday and Saturday from 9am-11pm.

Admission Price

Adults (12 and up)
One-day Pass: $17.95
Annual Pass: $36.95

Children (6 to 11)
One-day Pass: $9.95
Annual Pass: $21.95

Children (2 to 5)
One-day Pass: $3.95
Annual Pass: $11.95

Under 2 free

For more information, please call (865) 430-8808 or visit their Web site at: http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com.