Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Opens New Glass Bottom Boat Adventure

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies unveiled its new Glass Bottom Boat Adventure earlier this month, which gives tourists a chance to venture into Shark Lagoon and explore the spectacular habitat of the many animals of the aquarium.

The new specifically designed indoor 16-foot glass bottom boat features only 3 inches of glass that separate the visitor from the animals that live in Shark Lagoon. The boat is the first of its kind in Tennessee and only the second of its kind in North America next to the first one that is located at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“This is one of the most amazing additions we have added to the aquarium. You can relax under the canopy and ride the glass bottom boat in Shark Lagoon, the largest tank in the aquarium, and see up close the most interesting animals the ocean has to offer,” said Ryan DeSear, regional manager of Ripley’s Attractions.

You will be surrounded by colorful and dangerous marine life that inhabit Atlantic and Caribbean reefs. From Sally, our resident sea turtle, to big sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, sawfish and more. Shark Lagoon is home to over 85,000 aquatic animals representing more than 75 different species.

Now you can see Shark Lagoon and its inhabitants from a different view, above the surface, as well as below the surface in the underwater tunnel.

The experienced guides on the glass bottom boat adventure include information on feeding of the animals, schooling fish, shark and aquarium facts, the acclimation pool and so much more. Approximately 10 people can go on a boat tour that launches every 20 minutes.

Residents and workers of Anderson, Blount, Cocke, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox & Sevier County can visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and six other Ripley’s Tennessee attractions during local appreciation days running Feb. 21-27, 2017 for just $5 per person. Ripley’s will donate $1 from each admission to Sevier County Food Ministries. The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure is an add-on to your aquarium ticket and not included in admission to the aquarium.

Ripley’s Attractions $5 Special Admission for Local Residents and Workers

The aquarium is located at traffic light #5 on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and is open 365 days a year. For information: call 888-240-1358 or see us on the web at www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com.