Explore underwater worlds at these fascinating Ripley’s aquariums in Toronto, Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg
Most people know the name Ripley’s from the company’s popular museums, but Ripley’s also has spectacular aquariums, each with its own unique features.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
There are more fish inside Ripley’s than there are people living in the town of Gatlinburg. Venture into the Tropical Rainforest and come face-to-face with piranhas and poisonous dart frogs. Switch your attention from rivers to oceans at Ocean Realm where your group will find weedy scorpionfish, spotted garden eels and flounder. The Coral Reef features colorful clownfish, butterfly fish and the regal blue tang. Get up close with moon jellies at the Touch a Jellies exhibit. Check out unique experiences like Waddle with the Penguins, Splash with the Rays and Sleep with the Sharks to make your visit unforgettable. (ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg)
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
There is plenty for your group to see at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Get a hands-on experience at Ray Bay and touch the friendly stingrays. Feeling more adventurous? If so, head over to Dangerous Reef, the home of sawfish, snappers, eels and sharks. Observe puzzling creatures like giant octopuses, sea anemones, jellyfish and weedy sea dragons at the Living Gallery. Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium and learn about animal care and food preparation. (ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach)
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Toronto, Ontario
Home to North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, 16,000 aquatic animals and over 100 interactive opportunities, Ripley’s offers much to discover. Your group will venture through galleries such as Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, Dangerous Lagoon, Planet Jellies and Ray Bay, which showcase saltwater and freshwater environments around the world. Get up close and personal with horseshoe crabs, sharks and stingrays at the three touch exhibits. Get a one-of-a-kind experience with overnight programs like Sleep with the Sharks. (ripleyaquariums.com/canada)
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