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All 95 Gatlinburg Attractions »

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
888-240-1358, 865-430-8808
Ranked #2 of 56 attractions in Gatlinburg
4.5 of 5 stars 749 Reviews
Type: Aquariums
Owner description: Sharks are overhead, but you're safe as you walk through a 340-foot see-through tunnel at this enormous aquarium, where colorful fish will dazzle you...... more » Owner description: Sharks are overhead, but you're safe as you walk through a 340-foot see-through tunnel at this enormous aquarium, where colorful fish will dazzle you and interactive exhibits will entice the younger set. New for 2012, "Sharks: Perfect Predators". This all new addition to the Aquarium is fantastic! Come see this limited engagement! « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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749 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    495
    190
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Date Rating
trinkey
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012 NEW

This was the best aquarium we have ever seen. Beautiful displays of marine life . We were in awe of the amazing sights and sounds. And it was so clean and well presented. My whole family had such a nice day there. PS don"t miss the dragonfish-neat!! More

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eric97amy
Maryville
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW

We always have a great time at the Aquarium! Lots of fun for kids and adults. More

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mdl444
Knoxville
Reviewer
3 reviews
4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW

This is a very good aquarium for such a small town and very kid friendly.Take the kids and enjoy. More

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pastorjdh
Morgantown, IN
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012 NEW

This is a definite if you intend on spending some time in Gatlinburg. The building is set up in a way that it is very convenient to see all of the attractions within it and still not be too crowded by others - more of an assembly line movement throughout the building. The shark display is probably one of the... More

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ontheteeindy
Indianapolis, Indiana
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2012 NEW

My kiddos love marine life, and this aquarium did not disappoint. The hands-on horseshoe crab exhibit was a wonderful experience. The penguins are delightful. A nice break from the kitschy atmosphere of most of Gatlinburg. More

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mattress1982
Southwest VA
Contributor
11 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012

Visited here on New Years Day with several of our friends and family. We enjoyed the penguin feeding show and the tunnel under the penguins. We have been here several times over the last 5 years and it is always updated and interesting entertainment. The aquarium is huge, twice the size of the Myrtle Beach location. Not a bad price... More

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pappa207
DC area
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012

Had a blast, but it is crowded and a little costly. More

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R S
Greenbrier, Tennessee
Contributor
20 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

Have been a lot. We own cabins and take others to the Aquarium. Especially the grandchildren. Have been here and Chattanooga. Both are great:-) savagecabins.com More

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singerandpianist
Lebanon, Tennessee
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

Everything about Ripley's Aquarium was a pleasure. Around every corner there is something new and fascinating. There is so much beauty in the underwater world that we would never get to experience were it not for exceptional places like this. The penguin exhibit was great. I have never been able to see them so up close and personal. Also, all... More

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3lizabeth
Reviewer
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

When hanging out with friends, it's so nice to visit some place where you're not all sitting side by side in a dark room. Ripley's Aquarium is the PERFECT spot for walking, talking and being entertained all at the same time (not to mention getting educated)! You may not think you have any interest in fish, but once you enter... More

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