Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the top attractions in Gatlinburg because it not only features dozens of fascinating exhibits, but several incredible experiences where you can get up close and personal with the sea creatures! If you have ever wanted to get nose to beak with a penguin or see a shark up close, now is your chance! Here are 4 unique encounters that you can experience at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg:

1. Glass Bottom Boat Adventure

One of the most popular exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is the Shark Lagoon, where a moving glidepath travels through an underwater tunnel with sharks, giant stingrays, snappers, a green sea turtle and other aquatic animals. While this is a great way to see the sharks, you can get even more intimate on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure! On this unique experience, you actually venture into the Shark Lagoon on a glass bottom boat where just 3 inches of glass separates you from 12 foot sharks! During your adventure, you will also learn about the animals within the aquarium and what it takes to maintain the facility. The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure is open daily, and boats launch approximately every 20 minutes.

2. Splash With The Stingrays 

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to the Touch a Ray Bay, a fun exhibit where you can reach out and touch rays as they glide by in a shallow lagoon. You can take the interaction one step further with the Splash With The Stingrays experience! This is a fabulous opportunity to actually get into the water with the stingrays. These amazing sea creatures have smooth skin and enjoy being touched by visitors, and touching them will not hurt you or the rays. This special experience is available from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

3. Penguin Encounter

Meet the most adorable creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg with the Penguin Encounter! This incredible experience allows you to interact with one of the playful penguins from the aquarium’s indoor and outdoor habitat. During your encounter, you will have the chance to pet a penguin, get a souvenir photo with a penguin and learn all about these wonderful creatures from an expert on the staff at Ripley’s Aquarium. The Penguin Encounter is offered on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

4. Penguin Painting Experience

If you would like to see a penguin artist in action, join the Penguin Painting Experience at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg! Watch as the aquarium’s African Penguins use their webbed feet to help you create an amazing piece of artwork! The best part is that that you get an 8 X 10 penguin painting to take home with you so that you can always remember your special encounter! You can also purchase canvas size upgrades based on availability. The Penguin Painting Experience is offered on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Click here to purchase discounted tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg and experience these unique encounters!