1 / 6
Location
Best time
Visit during early morning (opening at 10am) or late evening (open until 10pm) to avoid crowds. Reviewers specifically noted that avoiding peak times made the experience significantly more enjoyable and allowed them to actually read exhibits and view animals without being crowded out.
Visitor tip
The shark tunnel is the standout experience—it features a moving walkway that allows comfortable viewing without crowds. Prioritize this exhibit early in your visit, as multiple reviewers highlighted it as the most memorable part of the aquarium.
Visitor tip
The aquarium offers excellent accessibility features including audible instructions, ASL interpretation, and closed captions at touch tanks and exhibits. Tactile replicas of animals are available outside exhibits for hands-on learning, making it uniquely accessible for visually impaired visitors.
About Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Big facility with sharks, rays & turtles. Sprawling aquarium showcasing sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, penguins & a glass-bottom boat ride.
What visitors say
I don’t feel the cost matched the overall quality of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. While the crowds were expected for a busy tourist destination, they made much of the aquarium difficult to enjoy, and overall the experience felt…
What really impressed me was the accessibility of the aquarium. The touch tanks and the shark lagoon had instructions audibly, in ASL, and in closed caption. That is a thoughtful consideration for their guests. Another thoughtful…
Amazing! My boyfriend and I came on a rainy day and were very impressed with this aquarium. It has all the fish, sharks and sea life you can imagine and more. Tons of interactive spots and playgrounds for kids and a very well- kept,…
From 43,544 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Features a moving walkway shark tunnel, described as one of the most popular exhibits allowing comfortable viewing of sharks without crowding
- Implements comprehensive accessibility features including audible instructions, ASL interpretation, and closed captioning at touch tanks and exhibits, plus tactile replicas of animals for visually impaired visitors
- Open extended hours from 10 AM to 10 PM, allowing visitors to avoid peak crowds by visiting early or late in the day
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Aquariums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section