Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg Glass Bottom Boat
Introduction
Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg is a popular tourist attraction located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One of the most unique experiences offered by the aquarium is the glass bottom boat ride. Visitors can take a tour of the aquarium and see the marine life from a different perspective, through the glass bottom of a boat.
History of Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg
Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg was opened in 2000 and has since become one of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg. The aquarium features over 10,000 exotic sea creatures from around the world and has been recognized as one of the best aquariums in the United States.
The Glass Bottom Boat
The glass bottom boat ride is a unique experience that allows visitors to see the aquarium in a different way. The boat is made of clear glass on the bottom, allowing passengers to see the marine life swimming beneath them. The ride lasts approximately 15 minutes and takes visitors through the aquarium's largest tank, Shark Lagoon.
Shark Lagoon
Shark Lagoon is the largest tank at Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg and is home to a variety of sharks and other marine life. The tank holds 1.4 million gallons of water and is 340 feet long. Visitors on the glass bottom boat ride can see the sharks swimming directly beneath them.
Other Exhibits
In addition to Shark Lagoon, Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg features a variety of other exhibits showcasing different types of marine life. Some of the exhibits include:
- Tropical Rainforest
- Penguin Playhouse
- Coral Reef
- Touch-A-Ray Bay
Tropical Rainforest
The Tropical Rainforest exhibit features a variety of exotic fish and other marine life found in the Amazon River. Visitors can see fish that are typically found in the rainforest, such as piranhas and catfish, in a replicated rainforest environment.
Penguin Playhouse
The Penguin Playhouse exhibit features several species of penguins, including Gentoo, King, and Macaroni penguins. Visitors can watch the penguins swim and play in their habitat.
Coral Reef
The Coral Reef exhibit features a variety of tropical fish and coral. Visitors can see colorful fish swimming through the coral and watch as they interact with each other.
Touch-A-Ray Bay
The Touch-A-Ray Bay exhibit allows visitors to interact with stingrays and other marine life. Visitors can touch and feed the stingrays as they swim in a shallow pool.
Conclusion
Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The glass bottom boat ride offers visitors a unique perspective of the marine life at the aquarium, and the variety of exhibits showcase the diversity of marine life found around the world. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity to do with the family, Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg has something for everyone.
