Georgia Aquarium: The Complete Guide to America's Largest Aquarium
Everything you need to know about visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta — whale sharks, beluga whales, dolphin shows, tickets, and insider tips for an unforgettable underwater experience.
Largest Aquarium in the USA
Home to more than 11 million gallons of water and over 100,000 animals representing 500 species.
Whale Sharks — Nowhere Else in America
The only aquarium in the United States where you can see whale sharks — the largest fish in the ocean.
Dolphin Presentations & Sea Lion Shows
Daily presentations in a 1.8-million-gallon theater with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and charismatic California sea lions.
Interactive Touch Pools
Touch stingrays, sharks, and sea stars in multiple hands-on exhibits throughout the aquarium.
Conservation & Research
The aquarium funds marine research worldwide and operates a dolphin conservation field station in Florida.
- Marine Life Exhibits: 10/10
- Family Appeal: 9/10
- Wow Factor: 10/10
- Value for Money: 7/10
- Location: Downtown Atlanta, Georgia — near Centennial Olympic Park
- Opened: November 23, 2005
- Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by day and season)
- Admission: Adults $45–$55, Children $35–$45 (online discounts available)
- Best For: Families, couples, marine life enthusiasts, Atlanta visitors
- Highlight: Ocean Voyager — a 6.3-million-gallon exhibit with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish behind a 23-foot-tall viewing window
An Ocean in the Heart of Atlanta
The Georgia Aquarium opened in downtown Atlanta in 2005 with a bold claim: the largest aquarium in the world. At the time, it was. While other aquariums have since surpassed it in total water volume, the Georgia Aquarium remains the largest in the United States and the only aquarium in the Western Hemisphere where visitors can see whale sharks — the largest fish in the ocean. That fact alone makes it a bucket-list destination.
The aquarium holds more than 11 million gallons of water across seven major galleries, each focused on a different marine ecosystem. The centerpiece is Ocean Voyager, a 6.3-million-gallon exhibit built around a 100-foot-long acrylic tunnel and a 23-foot-tall by 61-foot-wide viewing window — one of the largest single aquarium viewing panels on Earth. Four whale sharks glide through the exhibit alongside manta rays, hammerhead sharks, goliath grouper, and thousands of schooling fish. It is a sight that stops visitors in their tracks.
But the Georgia Aquarium is more than one exhibit. Cold Water Quest features beluga whales, sea otters, and African penguins. Tropical Diver is a living coral reef with thousands of colorful fish. The River Scout gallery explores freshwater ecosystems with river otters, piranhas, and an overhead river where fish swim above visitors’ heads. The Dolphin Coast presentation brings Atlantic bottlenose dolphins into a 1.8-million-gallon theater for a show that blends education with entertainment.
The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. It is a central piece of Atlanta’s tourism core. Owned and operated by a nonprofit foundation, the aquarium funds marine research and conservation projects worldwide. A visit supports ocean science, animal rescue, and habitat protection.
Today, the zoo houses over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species, many of which are rare and endangered. Its pioneering open-air, cageless exhibits were revolutionary when introduced and remain a model for modern zoos worldwide. From the misty bamboo forests of Panda Canyon to the sun-baked rocks of Africa Rocks, each habitat is meticulously crafted to mimic the animals’ native environments.
What truly sets the San Diego Zoo apart is its dual commitment to visitor experience and global conservation. The zoo is operated by the nonprofit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which funds field projects on six continents. When you visit, you’re not just enjoying a day out — you’re supporting critical work to protect wildlife around the world.
Must-See Exhibits at Georgia Aquarium
Seven major galleries, each focusing on a different aquatic environment — these are the highlights.
Ocean Voyager
The main event. A 6.3-million-gallon exhibit with four whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish. The 100-foot acrylic tunnel takes you through the center of the exhibit. The massive viewing window at the end is where most visitors spend the most time.
Cold Water Quest
Meet beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, and the giant Pacific octopus. The beluga exhibit includes an underwater viewing area where these white whales swim gracefully past the glass.
Tropical Diver
A living Indo-Pacific coral reef with clownfish, jellyfish, seahorses, and thousands of colorful fish. The jellyfish gallery with its backlit displays is one of the most photographed areas.
Dolphin Coast
A 1.8-million-gallon theater hosting daily dolphin presentations. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform alongside trainers in a show that emphasizes natural behaviors, conservation, and the dolphin-human bond.
River Scout
An exploration of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. River otters, piranhas, electric eels, and an overhead river where fish swim above visitors. Great for younger children.
Sharks! Predators of the Deep
A newer gallery focused on shark conservation. Multiple species of sharks including hammerheads, tiger sharks, and silvertip sharks in a massive exhibit with floor-to-ceiling viewing.
Georgia Aquarium Strategy: Tickets, Timing, and Pro Tips
The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s most popular attractions, and it fills up on weekends, holidays, and during summer. The single most important decision is buying tickets online in advance. The aquarium uses timed entry slots to manage capacity, and walk-up availability is not guaranteed, especially on weekends and during spring break. Choose the earliest time slot available — the aquarium is quietest in the first hour.
General admission covers access to all seven galleries and the dolphin presentation. Several premium add-ons are available. The Behind-the-Seas Tour takes small groups into the filtration systems and animal care areas. Animal encounters — including beluga whale interactions, penguin encounters, and shark cage dives — are available at additional cost and book up weeks in advance. The swim and dive programs in Ocean Voyager are some of the only opportunities in the world to be in the water with whale sharks. These are expensive and require advance booking and certification.
Plan your route to avoid backtracking. Start at Ocean Voyager to see the whale sharks before crowds build, then move through the galleries in order: Cold Water Quest, River Scout, Tropical Diver, and Sharks. The dolphin presentation runs several times daily — check the schedule on arrival and plan your route around a showtime.
The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park. Parking is available on-site in the attached garage for $15–$20. The aquarium is also accessible by MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system. Take the train to the Peachtree Center or CNN Center stations, both within walking distance. Ride-sharing services can drop off at the main entrance.
Dining inside the aquarium is adequate — Cafe Aquaria serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads. There are no outside restaurants inside the aquarium, but the surrounding area has many dining options within walking distance. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Strollers are permitted but the aquarium can be crowded — a baby carrier is easier to navigate in tight spaces. The aquarium is fully accessible with elevators and ramps throughout.
Start your visit with the free Guided Bus Tour, which departs near the entrance and covers roughly 70% of the park in 35 minutes. It’s the best way to get oriented and spot animals you might otherwise miss. Use the Skyfari Aerial Tram to move between the front and back of the zoo while enjoying spectacular views of the park, Balboa Park, and downtown San Diego.
Download the San Diego Zoo app for an interactive map, show times, and feeding schedules. The zoo offers several dining options, from grab-and-go snacks to the full-service Albert’s Restaurant near the Lost Forest. Outside food and drinks are permitted, and bringing your own water bottle is highly recommended — refill stations are located throughout the park.
Must-Do Experiences at Georgia Aquarium
Ocean Voyager is the reason most visitors come to the Georgia Aquarium, and it exceeds expectations. The exhibit holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater — equivalent to more than nine Olympic swimming pools. The 100-foot acrylic tunnel takes you through the center of the habitat with fish swimming on all sides. The main viewing window at the end is 23 feet tall and 61 feet wide, and rows of carpeted seating let visitors sit and watch the whale sharks glide past. The scale is hard to comprehend until you are standing in front of it. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes here. Many visitors stay much longer.
The beluga whales in Cold Water Quest are the aquarium’s other stars. These Arctic marine mammals are highly social and curious. The underwater viewing area lets you watch them from below as they swim, play, and interact with enrichment toys. The beluga habitat is smaller than the massive Ocean Voyager, but the animals’ charisma and intelligence are magnetic.
The dolphin presentation at Dolphin Coast is a 30-minute show in a 1.8-million-gallon theater. The presentation emphasizes natural behaviors — dolphins demonstrating their speed, agility, and intelligence alongside trainers who explain the science of dolphin communication and cognition. It is educational rather than theatrical, though the dolphins’ leaps and splashes are undeniably entertaining.
The touch pools in the Tropical Diver and Sharks galleries let visitors gently touch stingrays, small sharks, and sea stars under the supervision of aquarium staff. The animals are accustomed to contact. The touch experiences are included with general admission and are particularly popular with children.
The jellyfish gallery in Tropical Diver is a quiet, meditative space with backlit tanks displaying several species of jellyfish in color-changing light. It is one of the most photographed areas and a calming contrast to the high-energy exhibits elsewhere. Take your time here.
Animal Encounters and Premium Experiences at Georgia Aquarium**
The Georgia Aquarium offers some of the most extraordinary animal encounter programs in the world. These are premium add-on experiences with additional cost and limited availability, and they sell out weeks or months in advance.
The Journey with Gentle Giants is the aquarium’s signature premium experience — a swim or dive program in the Ocean Voyager exhibit alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish. The swim program requires no SCUBA certification and uses a surface-supplied air system. Participants float on the surface with a breathing apparatus and a clear mask, watching the whale sharks pass beneath them. The dive program requires SCUBA certification. Both are expensive — $200 to $400 — and include admission, a behind-the-scenes tour, and a souvenir video. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors.
The beluga whale encounter lets small groups interact with belugas from the edge of their habitat under trainer supervision. Participants learn about beluga care, help with a training session, and have a chance to touch and feed the whales. It is an intimate experience limited to a handful of participants per session.
Penguin encounters and sea otter encounters operate on a similar model — small groups, behind-the-scenes access, and direct interaction with the animals. The shark cage dive puts participants in a cage inside the Sharks exhibit with hammerheads and other species. No SCUBA certification is required.
The Behind-the-Seas Tour is the most accessible and affordable premium experience. A guide takes a small group into the filtration rooms, veterinary facilities, and animal care areas that visitors never see. The tour explains how the aquarium maintains 11 million gallons of water, cares for its animals, and contributes to conservation worldwide. It is fascinating and changes how you see the exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see the Georgia Aquarium?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours. A thorough visit with a dolphin show, all galleries, and time to sit and watch the whale sharks takes 4 to 5 hours. Add more time for animal encounters or premium experiences.
Is the Georgia Aquarium worth the price?
Yes, for the whale sharks alone — it is the only place in America to see them. The aquarium is expensive compared to other attractions, but the exhibits are world-class and the scale is breathtaking.
Can you really swim with whale sharks?
Yes. The Journey with Gentle Giants program lets visitors swim or dive in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. The swim program requires no diving certification. The dive program requires SCUBA certification. Both are expensive and book up far in advance.
Is the Georgia Aquarium good for toddlers?
Yes. The large viewing windows, colorful fish, and touch pools are engaging for very young children. Strollers are permitted but a baby carrier is easier in crowds. The dolphin show is great for all ages.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday. The first time slot of the day is the quietest. Avoid weekends, summer afternoons, and school holidays if possible. Spring break and the week between Christmas and New Year’s are extremely crowded.
Is the Georgia Aquarium near other Atlanta attractions?
Yes. It is adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. The College Football Hall of Fame is a short walk. The aquarium is walkable to the CNN Center and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area.