Ripley's Shark Tunnel Gatlinburg: What to Know Before You Go

There’s a moment on every trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where you want to escape the hustle of the Parkway and find some real, jaw-dropping magic. For my money, the best place to find it is deep beneath the water at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, inside their world-famous underwater shark tunnel.

But what's it really like? Is it worth the ticket? And what should you know before you go? We're diving deep into the Shark Lagoon to give you the complete, no-BS guide every traveler needs.

Ripley's Shark Tunnel: At-a-Glance

Location

Inside Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, TN

Ticket Cost

Included with Aquarium Admission (~$40 for adults as of 2025)

Time Needed

~12 minutes per trip on the glidepath

Best Time to Go

First thing in the morning or late afternoon

Must-See Animal

Sally, the giant Green Sea Turtle

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair and ECV accessible

Watch First: Our Full Video Experience!

Reading is great, but seeing is believing. Before you dive into the details, take a 5-minute trip with us through the entire tunnel experience. We cover all the highlights and give you a real feel for the place.

Seriously, if you enjoy the video, head over to YouTube and hit that subscribe button! We're dedicated to bringing you the best no-BS travel guides for the USA.

The Vibe: What It Feels Like to Walk Under the Sea

The second you step onto the 340-foot glidepath, the world changes. The sounds of the bustling aquarium fade away, replaced by the gentle, ambient sounds of the ocean. You're immediately surrounded by 700,000 gallons of saltwater and some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. It’s calming, thrilling, and absolutely mesmerizing.

What You'll Actually See: The Stars of the Show

While the sharks are the headliners, the Shark Lagoon is a complete ecosystem. Here’s a look at who you'll be sharing the tunnel with:

• The Sharks: You’re guaranteed to see a ton of them! The big boys are the Sand Tiger Sharks, easily identified by their jagged, protruding teeth (don't worry, they're quite docile). You'll also spot sleek Sandbar Sharks, energetic Blacktip Reef Sharks, and the calm, bottom-dwelling Nurse Sharks.

• The Gentle Giant: The undisputed superstar is Sally, the giant Green Sea Turtle. At over 35 years old, this rescue turtle has a calming, majestic presence that is simply unforgettable.

• The Supporting Cast: It's not just sharks! Look for massive, silvery Tarpon, graceful Southern Stingrays that seem to fly through the water, and the very unique Sawfish (which is actually a type of ray!). You'll also see thousands of smaller, vibrant fish like Yellowtail Snapper and Porkfish swimming in massive schools.

The No-BS Traveler Q&A: Your Questions Answered

• Q: Will the tunnel break? Is it safe?

  • A: Absolutely. That's not glass over your head; it's a 4.7-inch-thick specialized acrylic panel that is stronger than steel. It's designed to withstand the 1.4 million pounds of water pressure with ease. You are perfectly safe.

• Q: Is the shark tunnel wheelchair accessible?

  • A: Yes! The entire aquarium, including the entrance to the moving glidepath and the adjacent stationary path, is fully accessible for wheelchairs and ECVs.

• Q: Do the sharks fight or eat the other fish?

  • A: Nope! The aquarium's expert team of aquarists and divers keeps all the animals on a specific, high-quality feeding schedule. A well-fed shark is a happy shark and has no interest in hunting its thousands of tank-mates.

• Q: Do I have to take the moving glidepath?

  • A: Not at all. The moving sidewalk is optional. There is a stationary walkway right next to it, allowing you to stop, take pictures, and move at your own pace.

• Q: Is it scary for young kids?

  • A: For most kids, it's a moment of pure wonder! The tunnel is spacious and the animals are calm. Because the sharks are just gracefully swimming, the experience is more awe-inspiring than frightening.

Our Top 3 Pro-Tips for a Perfect Visit

1. Go Early or Late. The aquarium is busiest from about 11 AM to 3 PM. To experience the tunnel with fewer crowds, plan to go right when they open or in the last couple of hours before they close. Check the forecast with our free Travel Weather Tools to pick a potentially rainy day when an indoor attraction is the perfect plan.

2. Ride It Twice. The first time through, stand on the moving glidepath and just soak it all in. The second time, use the walking path to stop and get those perfect photos. Your ticket allows unlimited trips, so take advantage of it!

3. Master Your Camera. Turn OFF your flash—it will only create a glare on the acrylic. For the best photos, get your lens as close to the acrylic as possible to minimize reflections and use the incredible ambient blue light to your advantage.

Finding the Aquarium

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is located right on the Parkway, making it easy to get to from anywhere in downtown Gatlinburg.

• Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Planning Your Gatlinburg Adventure

Ready to see the sharks for yourself? You can get tickets, hours, and information on special experiences like the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure at the official Ripley's website.

• Official Link: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

The shark tunnel is just one piece of an amazing Gatlinburg vacation. For more tips on the best shops, food, and how to navigate the city, check out our other guides:

• Related Post: The Ultimate Gatlinburg Parkway Shops Guide

• Related Post: A Wine Hater's Review of Old Mountain Wine Company

For more free resources to help plan your entire USA trip, from National Parks to the latest theme park news, be sure to explore the rest of AmericanTravel.fun.

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Did you know the underwater tunnel at Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg isn't glass? It's 4.7-inch-thick acrylic that's stronger than steel and holds back 1.4 million pounds of water! #Gatlinburg #RipleysAquarium #Facts

Thanks for reading, and as always, have fun out there, guys

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