Ripley's Aquarium In The Smoky Mountains
Introduction
The Great Smoky Mountains is a popular tourist destination in the United States of America. It is home to various attractions, including the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The aquarium is a world-class destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is a perfect place for families to spend quality time together and learn about marine life.
The Location
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The location of the aquarium is perfect for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains while also enjoying the attractions in the city.
The Exhibits
The aquarium has over 10,000 exotic sea creatures from around the world, including sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, and penguins. The exhibits are designed to educate visitors about marine life and their habitats. Visitors can explore various zones, including the Ocean Realm, Shark Lagoon, Coral Reef, and Penguin Playhouse.
The Ocean Realm
The Ocean Realm is the largest exhibit in the aquarium, and it features a 340-foot underwater tunnel that visitors can walk through. The tunnel offers a unique perspective of marine life and allows visitors to see various species of fish, including stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles, up close.
The Shark Lagoon
The Shark Lagoon is home to various species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks, blacktip sharks, and nurse sharks. Visitors can walk through an acrylic tunnel and observe the sharks swimming above them.
The Coral Reef
The Coral Reef exhibit showcases a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, eels, and sea horses. Visitors can explore the exhibit through a series of interactive displays and learn about the importance of coral reefs to marine ecosystems.
The Penguin Playhouse
The Penguin Playhouse is a popular exhibit for visitors of all ages. It features a collection of African penguins that visitors can observe up close. The exhibit also includes a play area for children where they can learn about penguins and their habitats through interactive displays.
The Touch Tank
The Touch Tank is an interactive exhibit where visitors can touch and interact with various marine creatures, including horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins. This exhibit is perfect for children who want to learn about marine life through hands-on experiences.
The Behind The Scenes Tour
The aquarium offers a behind the scenes tour for visitors who want to learn more about the care and maintenance of the marine creatures. The tour takes visitors through the aquarium's laboratory and filtration systems, where they can learn about the aquarium's research and conservation efforts.
The Splash With The Stingrays
The Splash With The Stingrays is a unique experience offered by the aquarium where visitors can interact with stingrays in a shallow pool. Visitors can touch and feed the stingrays while learning about their habitats and behaviors.
The Mermaid Shows
The Mermaid Shows are a popular attraction for children. The shows feature mermaids swimming with various marine creatures, including sea turtles and sharks. The mermaids also perform synchronized swimming routines that entertain visitors of all ages.
The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure
The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure is a unique experience that allows visitors to explore the aquarium's exhibits through a glass-bottomed boat. Visitors can observe the marine creatures swimming below them while learning about their habitats and behaviors.
The Food And Gift Shop
The aquarium features a food court that offers a variety of food options, including pizza, burgers, and salads. The food court is perfect for families who want to take a break from exploring the exhibits. The aquarium also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and marine-themed merchandise.
The Admission Fees
The admission fees for the aquarium vary based on the age of the visitors. Children under the age of three get free admission. The regular admission fee for adults is $34.99, and for children between the ages of three and eleven is $19.99. The aquarium also offers discounts for seniors, military personnel, and groups.
The Opening Hours
The aquarium is open every day of the year, including holidays. The opening hours vary based on the season. During the peak season, the aquarium is open from 9 am to 11 pm. During the off-season, the aquarium is open from 9 am to 9 pm.
The Parking
The aquarium offers various parking options for visitors. There is a paid parking garage located next to the aquarium that offers convenient parking for visitors. The parking garage charges hourly rates, and the maximum daily rate is $15.
The Accessibility
The aquarium is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The exhibits are wheelchair accessible, and the aquarium offers special services for visitors with visual and hearing impairments. Visitors with disabilities can also receive discounted admission fees.
The Safety Measures
The aquarium has implemented various safety measures to ensure the safety of visitors and marine creatures. The aquarium's staff is trained to handle emergencies, and there are first aid stations located throughout the aquarium. Visitors are also required to follow safety rules, including not touching the marine creatures and not leaning over the exhibits.
The Conclusion
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a world-class destination that offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. It is a perfect place for families to spend quality time together and learn about marine life. The aquarium's exhibits, interactive displays, and special events make it a must-visit attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains.
