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Best Chttanooga Discount

Did you know you can save 15% by purchasing the Aquarium, IMAX and River Gorge Explorer combo ticket? The more you do, the more you save!

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Chattanooga Riverboat Cruise | River Gorge Explorer

Cruises the River Gorge

Cruise into a natural wonder aboard the Aquarium's sleek new boat, the River Gorge Explorer. This 70-passenger catamaran, the first of its kind in the Southeast, transports guests downstream into  “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon,”, the Tennessee River Gorge.  This scenic waterway is home to a remarkable array of plants and animals. An Aquarium naturalist leads each excursion and points out wildlife and historic points of interest along the way.

Four water jets propel this hydrofoil-assisted vessel smoothly and swiftly downstream. Angled seating allows each guest to relax in the climate-controlled cabin and enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife through oversized windows. Climb aboard the River Gorge Explorer and experience 'Tennessee's Grand Canyon' as it was meant to be seen - from the water.
 
Islands in the Stream Cruise | Saturday, May 25 | 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. 
Circumnavigate two islands in the Tennessee River that were formed by natural forces! You will discover the fascinating natural and cultural history of Williams Island, once inhabited by Native Americans, and McClellan Island, an urban bird sanctuary. Learn their fascinating natural and cultural history, from early Native American inhabitants to modern-day organic farmers bird sanctuary, formation by forces in the river, habitat, osprey nest, heron rookeries on both islands and historic human uses.  >> Register online


>> Click here for the River Gorge Explorer Schedule


Ticket Prices:

Adult $29 / Child $21.50 (3 -12) / Toddler $18        Buy tickets now
All children under 3 riding the River Gorge Explorer will be charged $18. They are counted as a passenger via Coast Guard regulations.

Cruises take 2 hours. Please allow 10 minutes for loading and disembarking. The boat boards at the Chattanooga Riverboat Pier - two blocks from the Tennessee Aquarium. Refreshments & restrooms are available on the boat. The Explorer is handicap accessible, however only two wheelchairs or small motorized chairs are allowed aboard each trip due to limited cabin space. Passengers with large motorized chairs or scooters will be asked to transfer to a cabin chair whenever possible.. 

Please call 423-265-0698 for advance reservations. The reservations department is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:45 pm. Please note cruises are subject to cancellation due to circumstances beyond our control (river conditions, weather, etc.). Whenever possible those holding advance reservations will be given one day’s notice of schedule changes. 

Locating the River Gorge Explorer is easy!  Boarding Basics:

  1. From either the Tennessee Aquarium or IMAX 3D Theater, simply walk toward the Tennessee River on Chestnut Street.
  2. Turn left on Riverfront Parkway and continue to the Chattanooga Pier, located at the corner of Riverfront Parkway and Power Alley.  *If you need additional tickets, you may purchase them on the Chattanooga Pier at the ticketing kiosk.
  3. Proceed under the arch displaying the nautical flags and continue down the ramp to board the River Gorge Explorer.

A River View of Civil War History
Notable military points exist between Downtown Chattanooga and historic Pot Point. Tennessee Aquarium naturalists highlight strategic locations for passengers aboard the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer.

Tour Highlights and Descriptions
Join us aboard the River Gorge Explorer and experience “Tennessee's Grand Canyon” as it was meant to be seen - from the water.

About the Tennessee River Gorge
The Tennessee River Gorge winds along 26 miles of the Tennessee River, and contains over 27,000 acres of protected land.  It is the perfect setting for taking beautiful photos from the deck of your Chattanooga riverboat cruise.

Ticket Information & Sales
Order your tickets online anytime for the Aquarium, IMAX Theater and River Gorge Explorer and you can pick them up at the will-call window.

Charter a Chattanooga Cruise
Whether it's a special occasion with family and friends, or a relaxing company cruise, the River Gorge Explorer can be chartered for all kinds of events making it both flexible and fun!

Sponsored by:

Tennessee American Water Company         First Tennessee Bank

Certified by the Passenger Vessel Association's Green Waters Program