Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies isn’t just your typical aquarium, but a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world with several amazing interactive exhibits! This is your chance to get nose to beak with a penguin, touch a jellyfish or even get closer to a shark than you ever thought possible! It is no wonder why this aquarium is one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies! Here are the top 4 interactive exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:
1. Shark Lagoon
The Shark Lagoon is a breathtaking exhibit that allows you to explore underwater, all without getting wet! A moving 340 foot long glidepath takes you on an incredible journey along the ocean floor, where you can enjoy up close viewing of sharks, tarpons, sea turtles, giant stingrays, sawfish and much more! Keep your eye out for the impressive sand tiger shark, which is known for its exposed teeth and ferocious appearance. This shark is the largest in the aquarium and can reach lengths of 10 feet while weighing upwards of 400 pounds!
2. Touch-A Ray-Bay
Another one of the top interactive exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the Touch-A-Ray Bay, where you can reach out and touch live rays! This exhibit features a shallow lagoon, making it easy to gently pet the rays as they glide right past you! There is no need to worry as their skin is smooth and interacting with them will not harm you or the rays. While you are visiting the Touch a Ray Bay, there is always friendly staff on hand to assure your safety and to answer any questions you may have about these unusual creatures!
3. Penguin Playhouse
The Penguin Playhouse is an amazing indoor and outdoor habitat that has been named as one of the world’s best penguin exhibits! You can view the playful African penguins from above and below the water, or even pop up onto their private beach by crawling through a tunnel! This allows you to get up close to these feathered friends and discover some of their unique features! If you want to pet one of these curious creatures in person and get a souvenir photo, consider upgrading your visit to include the Penguin Encounter!
4. Touch Jellies
One of the newest exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is Touch Jellies, where you can reach into a tank and touch a moon jellyfish! This exhibit is found in the Aquarium’s Discovery Center, where you can also encounter pufferfish and horseshoe crabs! This is a fun educational experience too as the knowledgeable staff is on hand to provide great information about these wonderful creatures! Feel free to take as many photos as you want throughout the aquarium to share your adventures with your family and friends back home!
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