Have you hand-fed a red panda or crawled through a cavern before? If you answered no, check out some of these behind-the-scenes tours and unforgettable experiences next time you’re in Chattanooga.

WILD Encounters – Chattanooga Zoo

If you’ve always wanted to interact with some of the world’s most exotic animals, now’s your chance! The Chattanooga Zoo offers a variety of WILD Encounters that give guests an up-close experience with red pandas, meerkats, fennec foxed, komodo dragons, and more. Each experience includes hand-feeding the animals and learning about their unique lifestyles from the Keepers. The 30-minute encounters range in price depending on which animal you want to visit and 10% of all funds from the WILD Encounter program go directly toward the Chattanooga Zoo's conservation programs and their efforts to save animals in the wild.

Zoo Tours - Chattanooga Zoo

Experience the Chattanooga Zoo from a whole different perspective with a zoo tour! Visit 4-5 exhibits with this private, 30-minute tour and learn fun facts about the animals you meet.

Deeper Dives – Tennessee Aquarium

There are plenty of fish in the sea, and even more to see at the Tennessee Aquarium! With the Deeper Dives guided tours, you'll say "Good morning!" to some of the amazing animals at the Tennessee Aquarium.

During this in-depth exploration, an aquarium educator leads you through both River and Ocean Journeys for an exclusive 1.5-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public.

Wild Cave Expedition – Raccoon Mountain

For the true adventurer, a Wild Cave Expedition inside Raccoon Mountain is a must-do while in Chattanooga.  Explore the limestone cavern in its natural state as you crawl and climb through a maze of formations and passageways. These expeditions aren’t for the faint of heart and are known as some of the most rigorous excursions in the Southeast. Whether you choose the Canyon Crawl, Waterfall Dome, or Gypsum Crawl Expedition, be prepared to get dirty and put your spelunking skills to the test!

Cave Lantern Tours – Ruby Falls

If you love caves and caverns but aren’t so sure about crawling through the mud to explore them, Ruby Falls’ Lantern Tour is for you. Discover the cavern like Leo Lambert in 1928. The cavern and falls are illuminated by hand-held lanterns during this after-hours specialty tour. Rock formations and shadows take on intriguing dimensions as your guide shares stories exclusive to this tour.