Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee allows visitors to see and understand what a treasure underwater life is. More than 70% of the earth is covered with water including the oceans, streams, and lagoons in all regions of the world. Water is essential to life and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies shares this basic fact with all who care to visit.
Watching schools of fish, sea turtles, and sharks swim overhead is a truly unique and experience that visitors can't experience at most aquariums. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is home to one of the world's largest and spectacular underwater tunnels. Every hour as visitors walk through the underwater tunnel, which spans almost 350 feet, Ripley's staff members put on dive shows.
More than 10,000 native and exotic sea creatures from all over the world call Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies home. The numerous sea creatures consist of over 350 different species, including Horseshoe crabs, sea horses, stingrays, giant octopi, poisonous frogs, piranhas, countless tropical fish. All of these animals and many more can be seen. All of the creatures featured at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies range from the common freshwater fish to the more exotic saltwater life.
Although Ripley's aquarium is miles and miles away from the ocean, there are more sea creatures and fish swimming around then there are people in the town of Gatlinburg. However, the town's natural setting of lakes and rivers make it the perfect inland location for such an impressive aquarium. Many of the animals featured at the aquarium are native to these lakes, rivers, and streams. More than 10 million visitors have visited Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies since it opened in 2000. By critics, it is referred to as "America's Most Fun Aquarium'' because of the exciting sea adventure that visitors can have right in the middle of the mountains.
In addition to the impressive underwater tunnel, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies also provides an extensive education of fish and other sea creatures. The tropical rainforest exhibit is one of the most popular exhibits, as it includes educational information on creatures not normally seen in the United States. Knowing that fish make up more than half of all vertebrate life on earth, Ripley's allows an up close and personal look at such creatures.
The aquarium features an extensive living coral reef, as well as a shark lagoon. A favorite exhibit among children and parents alike is the Discovery Center at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Within this exhibit visitors can look, touch, and experience several hands-on features. Children may touch a horseshoe crab or pet a stingray in this exciting exhibit.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is open 365 days a year so that visitors may enjoy the exciting exhibits all year long. A gift shop and restaurants are available on the premises for guests to enjoy. Throughout the year, Ripley's offers special rates, discounts, and group tickets for those interested. For more information visitors can call 865-430-8808.
