Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the Tennessee Aquarium like never before.
The Aquarium is pleased to offer new ways for guests to peek behind the curtain to see just what it takes to feed and care for our animals. With two different tours available, you will be able to customize your visit with the tour that best suits your interests and schedule.
Experience the unseen magic of the Tennessee Aquarium alongside a knowledgeable Aquarium Educator as you go on an exclusive guided tour or participate in feeding some of our marine life. Whether you’re a long-time Aquarium member or a first-time visitor, our in-depth tours are guaranteed to enhance your experience!
All tours are subject to availability and must be booked online before your Aquarium visit. Please visit the registration link to view available dates and times.
Learn more about:
Deeper Dives: Insider’s Tour (ages 8+)
$45 for Members / Non-Members can add a Deeper Dives: Insider’s Tour onto their Aquarium admission ticket for $50
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings one hour before the Aquarium opens. Start time varies by day. Please check the registration link for your tour’s start time. (Please note that Chattanooga is in the Eastern time zone.)
All participants must be at least 8 years old. Participants between the ages of 8-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Limited to a total of 8 guests. A minimum of 2 participants is required to book a tour.
Say, “Good morning!” to some of the Aquarium’s amazing animals during this exclusive guided tour before opening hours. You will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Aquarium and greet the day alongside our animals and animal care staff.
A knowledgeable Aquarium Educator will spend 1.5 hours guiding you and your party through parts of the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, where you will gain a new perspective on your favorite exhibits. You will get a peek behind the scenes to see how the animals are cared for and have the unique chance to meet one of our ambassador animals.
Set your alarm clock and experience the magic of mornings here at the Tennessee Aquarium!
Please note that participants must be 8+ and accompanied by an adult.
Deeper Dives: Feeding Frenzy (ages 8+)
$30 for Members / Non-Members can add a Deeper Dives: Feeding Frenzy tour onto their Aquarium admission ticket for $35
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30 p.m.-2 p.m. (Please note that Chattanooga is in the eastern time zone.)
All participants must be at least 8 years old. Participants between the ages of 8-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Limited to a total of 6 guests. A minimum of 2 participants is required to book a tour.
Have you ever wondered why the sharks don’t eat the other fish? You’re not alone!
Join an Aquarium Educator and Aquarist behind the scenes of Ocean Journey to assist in feeding our schooling fishes in the Secret Reef exhibit and learn about the nutritional needs of other marine life in this habitat.
You will spend half an hour in the afternoon participating in a unique experience and learning about the animals from the aquarists who care for them. Feed your curiosity alongside our animals during this one-of-a-kind Aquarium experience.
The Feeding Frenzy tour involves contact with shellfish and other seafood. Those with allergy concerns are advised against participating or should contact us for more information.
Make your visit unforgettable by booking your Feeding Frenzy today!
Please note that participants must be 8+ and accompanied by an adult.
Getting ready for your tour
- All participants must wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.
- Plan to arrive ten minutes before your designated start time.
- Deeper Dives: A Guided Tour will meet in front of River Journey.
- Deeper Dives: Feeding Frenzy will meet in the Ocean Journey lobby.
- All participants must sign a waiver in order to participate in the tour. Participants aged 8-17 will need a waiver signed by their accompanying paid adult.
Reservation Policies
- A minimum of 2 participants are required to book tour.
- The Aquarium reserves the right to cancel. In the event that the Aquarium cancels program, participants will be notified and offered a full refund or an opportunity to reschedule.
- No refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to program start date.
- Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to the program will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations may be done via phone at 423-785-3066 or by email.
- Refunds will not be issued for no-shows.
Safety Policies
Aquarium Education programs follow CDC recommendations. This means that indoor mask requirements will be determined by current community transmission levels for diseases such as, but not limited to, COVID and measles.
Please note that certain activities within the Aquarium, specifically behind the scenes tours with mammals, may require masks for the safety of the animals and the participants regardless of current community transmission levels. Participants will be notified of these activities prior to them taking place and masks will be provided.
We ask all participants to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of the following diseases:
- If they are experiencing COVID symptoms or if they have been in contact with a COVID-positive individual in the past 2 weeks.
- If they are experiencing MEASLES symptoms or if they have been in contact with a MEASLES-positive individual in the past 2 weeks.
If a participant is not feeling well and/or displaying symptoms of any illness such as flu, bronchitis, mono, or pink eye, please stay home.
Accessibility & Accommodations
Some areas during the tour may not be fully accessible due to loud sounds, bright or low lighting, uneven terrain and/or tight spaces.
Please contact our Education Department at (423-785-3066) or ([email protected]) for specific information pertaining to accessibility accommodations and allergy concerns.