Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a world class aquarium containing 1.4 million gallons of salt water. Being the world’s longest underwater tunnel, this aquarium is one of the major attractions of Gatlinburg.

The aquarium features more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures from all around the world. You can see the sharks overhead in the tunnel aquarium. They mean it, when they say largest shark exhibit in the aquarium.

People get to see fascinating species of aquatic animals when they travel Gatlinburg Tennessee. Some of the prominent species in this aquarium are Pacific Giant Octopus, West Coast Sea Nettle, Bat Star, Regal Blue Tang etc.

You can also find some delicate undersea life like the corals, jellies, weedy sea dragons and sea anemones. The living corals look vibrant and provide protection to the marine life.

Can you imagine viewing penguins when you travel Gatlinburg? It is actually possible now with Penguin Playhouse opened at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The 18 new residents of the aquarium arrived in early April 2010.

The habitat designed for penguins have naturalistic rockwork and temperature controlled saltwater. Aquarium guests can crawl through the underwater tunnels and have a spectacular view of penguin’s private beach which looks very close to their natural habitat.

Another interesting feature is the tropical rainforest display in the aquarium. More than 2000 species of fish flourish in this area of the aquarium. Discover freshwater four-eyed fish, piranhas, and stingrays in this world class aquarium.

Shark Lagoon is the most popular exhibit of this aquarium which consists of many other small species of fish. The magnificent view of the aquatic animals inside the tunnel will make you feel as if you are exploring the deep ocean and are surround by the sea life.

Animal lovers like to travel Gatlinburg because of the Ripley’s Aquarium which offers more than 350 species of aquatic animals. You can make advance reservations while traveling with a group.

You can swim with the stingrays and enjoy watching them closely. Minimum age limit for stingray experience is 6 years and the package costs $85 plus tax per person. They provide snorkel and a mask which can get you a closer look.

You can get to learn a lot about these aquatic animals from the classroom sessions of one hour each. There is a fast food restaurant as well as a buffet restaurant inside the campus.

Official Website of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

http://gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com/your-visit/welcome/

Ripley’s Aquarium on vacationsmadeeasy.com

http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/RipleysAquariumoftheSmokies1.cfm