Throughout October, the Tennessee Aquarium will be offering guided tours to enrich the guest experience and set the stage for a thrilling cruise into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” The new Gold Pass, available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, combines history, nature and a bit of adventure.

An Aquarium naturalist begins with a brief walking tour of the Aquarium Plaza. This linear park reflects the unique history and culture of Chattanooga. Known as Ross’s Landing, this site has been the temporal center of early European exploration, Native American heritage, Civil War strategy, railroad and industrial history.

Then, journey from the mountains to the sea while exploring the Aquarium’s two buildings. Your guide provides fun facts about the richly diverse living collection of more than 10,000 animals from around the world. Along the way, visitors will discover their connections to freshwater ecosystems that feed into the vast saltwater realm first unveiled by Jacques Cousteau.

After a break for lunch on your own at one of Chattanooga’s nearby restaurants, the adventure continues aboard the River Gorge Explorer. This sleek, 70-passenger vessel whisks passengers swiftly downstream to a protected habitat. Your naturalist guide points out wildlife and historic points of interest during each 2-hour voyage. Guests can soak in the views from the topside observation deck while slowly cruising through the most scenic portions of the route.

Tennessee Aquarium Gold Pass details:
$58.95 for adults ~ Includes guided Plaza and Aquarium tours and 2-hour river cruise.

Groups of 10 or more is $54.50 per person. Available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 30 to October 30, 2013.