Southern Byways

What’s New at…Tennessee Aquarium

by Apryl on July 11th, 2008

If you haven’t been to the Tennessee Aquarium in a while, you might want to plan on visiting soon.Why? Well, the aquarium has recently introduced The River Gorge Explorer, an unique eco-cruise. Departing from the Chattanooga Pier (next to the Aquarium), this 90-minute guided excursion moves passengers along the Tennessee River Gorge. What makes this experience different is that it’s the first of its kind to operate  on an inland waterway in North America.

Southern Byways (SB) had an opportunity to ask Thom Benson, spokesman for the Tennessee Aquarium, more about this newest attraction at the aquarium.

SB: What’s special about the Tennessee River Gorge?

Benson: The protected habitat has been designated as a United Nations Biosphere Reserve based on its biodiversity. There are more plant and animal species located in this area than any other temperate zone in the world.  It is also an area rich with history from the archaeological sites on Williams Island suggesting hunter/gatherers have been living in the Gorge for the past 12,000 to 15,000 years ago to the pivotal role the mountains and the Gorge played in the Civil War.

SB: What can people see/learn on the excursion?

Benson: The naturalist on board talks history and  points out natural highlights along the way. Personally, I’ve seen great blue herons, vultures, hawks and osprey on every trip. Last week, I saw a great egret on one of the evening cruises. I have also seen a river otter on the banks once. Others have seen bald eagles. 

SB: Why should visitors to the aquarium do this?

Benson: For many people, including many Chattanooga area residents, the Gorge is inaccessible enough that just being there is a real treat. For the Aquarium, this is a chance to take people out into nature and get them excited about the real treasures that surround us.

Quick Facts about The Tennessee River Gorge Explorer

• The high-speed catamaran was designed in New Zealand and custom built by All American Marine in Bellingham, Wash.
• The vessel is 65-feet in length and holds up to 70 passengers. It reaches a maximum speed of 50 mph.
• It has oversized windows and overhead sky panes. The boat also has a topside viewing deck. In addition, there is an onboard concession stand.
• The excursion departs five times a day and is a 90-minute guided trip.

Photo credits: (top right) The River Gorge Explorer, provided by Tennessee Aquarium/copyright Warren-McLelland Photography; (mid left) Egrets seen by a passenger on the first tour, provided by Tennessee Aquarium; (bottom left) Inside the vessel, provided by Tennessee Aquarium.

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POSTED IN: Aquariums, Eco-Tourism, Eco-friendly travel, History, Nature, Southern Byways, Things to See in Tennessee, Weekend Trip, What's New in..., attractions