About Ripley's aquarium of the smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: A Family-Friendly Attraction with State-of-the-Art Facilities and Exotic Sea Creatures
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-visit family attraction located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This world-class aquarium boasts state-of-the-art facilities that house over 10,000 exotic sea creatures from around the globe. With 10 themed galleries to explore, visitors can immerse themselves in an underwater wonderland that is both educational and entertaining.
The aquarium's mission is to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect aquatic life through education, conservation, and research. The exhibits are designed to showcase the diversity of marine life while also highlighting the importance of preserving our oceans for future generations.
One of the most popular exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is Shark Lagoon. This exhibit features a 340-foot-long moving walkway that takes visitors through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks swimming overhead. It's an awe-inspiring experience that gives visitors a unique perspective on these magnificent creatures.
Another highlight of Ripley’s Aquarium is Penguin Playhouse. This exhibit features a colony of African penguins living in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment. Visitors can watch as these playful birds swim, waddle, and interact with each other.
Other exhibits include Coral Reef, which showcases vibrant coral formations teeming with colorful fish; Stingray Bay where you can touch stingrays as they glide past you; Tropical Rainforest which houses exotic birds and reptiles; Ocean Realm where giant sea turtles swim alongside schools of fish; Discovery Center which offers hands-on activities for kids; Systems Control where you can see how all the aquarium systems work together seamlessly; Gallery Of The Seas featuring rare sea creatures like Giant Pacific Octopus & Japanese Spider Crabs.
In addition to its impressive collection of marine life exhibits, Ripley’s Aquarium also offers several interactive experiences for visitors. These include behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and sleepovers. The aquarium also hosts special events throughout the year, such as mermaid shows and holiday-themed activities.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is committed to conservation efforts that protect marine life and their habitats. The aquarium participates in several research programs that focus on topics such as shark behavior, coral reef health, and sea turtle conservation. They also have a recycling program in place to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Overall, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an amazing family attraction that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with your family, this world-class aquarium is sure to impress. With its state-of-the-art facilities, educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and commitment to conservation efforts - it's no wonder why Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the top-rated attractions in Gatlinburg!