Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies | NEW Dragon's Exhibit & FULL TOUR!

Having a natural place at the very core of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been one of the most popular attractions of families, outdoor lovers and people, prone to discovery, in general, over an impressive array of years. Each of them is an adventure with amazing underwater life, differing from being breath taking, such as the shark tunnels down to being civic such as the penguin area. It is a place that many people call magical, and now, with the opening of the brand-new Dragon Exhibit, it can be called even more so.

During this whole visit we are going to go through all exciting corners of the aquarium, including the circular dance of the spooling fish, meeting close to such animals like a piranha, electric eel, rock iguanas, mudskippers, etc. Whether you are on your way to visit or simply you love marine life, this post will give you a tour of all the things that make Ripley’s Aquarium one to visit.

Watch this Our awesome YouTube video tour:

🐠 Aquatic Creatures & Animals

Piranhas

These sharp-toothed fish are known for their fast movements and group hunting behavior.

Rock Iguana

A large reptile that looks fierce but is actually calm and slow-moving.

Sea Turtle

Gentle and graceful, sea turtles glide through the water with ease and beauty.

Electric Eel

This amazing fish can generate electricity to shock its prey or protect itself.

Poison Dart Frogs

Small, brightly colored frogs whose skin contains natural toxins.

Mudskippers

Fun little fish that can walk on land and hop around in muddy areas.

Axolotl

Known for its smiling face, this water creature can regrow its limbs if injured.

Spooling Fish

These fish swim in large schools, creating mesmerizing underwater patterns.

Tiger Shark

A powerful ocean predator with striped markings — hence the name “tiger.”

Seahorses

Tiny, horse-shaped fish that swim upright and often stay in pairs.

Lobster

A sea-dwelling crustacean with strong claws and a hard outer shell.

Green Iguana

A bright green lizard that loves to live in trees and humid environments.

Stingrays

Flat-bodied fish with wing-like fins that you can often touch in special tanks.

Penguins

Flightless birds that waddle on land but swim like champions in the water.

Green Tree Python

A bright green snake that curls up in trees and rarely shows aggression.

Dragon

🧒 Interactive Play Area

1. Walk-Out Bridges
Guests can walk across small wooden bridges above the aquatic displays — a fun and scenic experience.

2. Little Playground
A safe play space where kids can run, explore, and have fun while parents relax.

3. Climbing Zone
Kids love to climb in these structured areas designed for active fun and adventure.

🎮 Games & Interactive Fun

Aquarium Games
There are fun, educational games inside the aquarium to keep children engaged while they learn about marine life.

👕 Gift Shop & Souvenirs

1. Shirts

Colorful aquarium-themed T-shirts make a perfect memory of your visit.

2. Hoodies

Cozy hoodies with fun Ripley’s designs — great for gifts or wearing on a chilly day.

Plan Your Visit – Location, Hours, and Tips

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is accessible in downtown Gatlinburg, making it quite accessible to tourists visiting the national park of the Great Smoky Mountains or even Pigeon Forge.

The most convenient time to go would be early in the morning because there are fewer people especially during weekends or holidays. You should make reservation in advance and combo passes are also available when you want to visit other Ripley properties in town.

Set aside a few hours, or rather two to three hours, to have a comprehensive experience of the aquarium and you may have to extend the time in case you want to experience the games, the photo spots, or the special animal interactive experiences.

For up-to-date pricing and seasonal events, visit the official website:
👉 https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies