Georgia Aquarium: A Deep Dive into Atlanta’s Aquatic Wonder

If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium should be at the top of your itinerary. Located in the heart of downtown, this world-class attraction offers an immersive experience for families, solo travelers, and marine life enthusiasts alike. With more than 10 million gallons of water and thousands of animals, Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world.

The aquarium has a lot to offer. If you want to take it all in, plan on spending the day at the aquarium. If your time is limited, then make sure and check the show schedules so you can catch the one that interests you most.

Explore the Aquarium’s Galleries

Georgia Aquarium is organized into several themed galleries, each offering a unique glimpse into aquatic ecosystems around the globe:

• Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot: Home to the whale shark, the largest fish in the sea, and massive manta rays, this exhibit features a 100-foot-long tunnel and one of the largest viewing windows in the world. It’s a breathtaking walk-through experience that surrounds you with marine giants.
• Cold Water Quest: Encounter animals from frigid ocean environments, including sea otters, penguins, and beluga whales. The exhibit highlights the adaptations these creatures have made to survive in icy waters.
• Tropical Diver: A vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish, jellyfish, and living corals. This gallery showcases the delicate balance of tropical marine ecosystems.
• Southern Company River Scout: Explore freshwater habitats from around the world, including North American rivers. Look for albino alligators, gar, and other river dwellers in this multi-level exhibit.
• Sharks! Predators of the Deep: One of North America’s largest shark exhibits, this gallery brings you face-to-face with hammerheads, sand tiger sharks, and other apex predators. It’s designed to educate visitors on the vital role sharks play in ocean health.

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When you first arrive, you’ll find yourself in the center of a wheel. The entrances to each of these exhibits surround you, so you can visit them in whatever order you want. I went counter clockwise and made my way around the clock. I saw others who chose randomly. It’s your call.

Don’t Miss the Shows at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium offers daily presentations that combine entertainment with education. I wasn’t familiar with the shows in advance of my visit, but I was lucky enough to catch the Dolphin Presentation.

• Dolphin Presentation Watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform acrobatic feats while learning about their behavior and conservation. This show is a crowd favorite and fills up quickly.
• Sea Lion Show California sea lions showcase their intelligence and playfulness in a lively, interactive performance.
• 4D Theater Experience Enjoy short films enhanced with sensory effects like wind, mist, and seat vibrations. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Reservations are required for entry and for popular shows like the Dolphin Presentation and Sea Lion Show, so plan ahead to secure your spot. We made our show reservations when we arrived, so take a look at the times for the shows you’re most interested in and plan your arrival time and schedule accordingly. The reservations are first-come, first-served.

A Few Added Extras – Touch pool, Foods, and Gifts

Kids love to touch things, and the touch pool at Georgia Aquarium is a must-see for kids. Using two fingers, they can feel how slimy a ray can be. Or does it feel like sandpaper? Guess you’ll have to visit to find out.

Considering the fact that you could spend several hours at the Georgia Aquarium, you may want to grab lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. Pop into the Coastline Café to buy something to tame your hunger. The Café features a variety of family-friendly foods, including homemade chicken tenders, juicy burgers, cheesy pizza, sustainable seafood options, seasonal menu items, fresh salads and more. They also have vegetarian and vegan options to enjoy.

RELATED TRAVEL TIP: Visit the Seattle Aquarium in Washington

On your way out of the Georgia Aquarium, you’ll pass through the gift shop. You’ll find a variety of souvenirs, including souvenir mugs, attire, trinkets and of course… stuffed animals. Snagging a little gift allows you to bring home a small item to remember the memories you created in Atlanta.

Save Big with Atlanta CityPASS

Before diving into the exhibits, let’s talk tickets. General admission to Georgia Aquarium includes access to all galleries and shows, but savvy travelers can save up to 49% by purchasing an Atlanta CityPASS. This bundled ticket includes entry to five top Atlanta attractions—including Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, College Football Hall of Fame, and more. CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

The Details

Address: 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA

How long to spend: A minimum of 3 hours, but you could likely spend up to 8 hours exploring the aquarium and taking advantage of all the shows and presentations.

Cost: Adult passes are $99 plus tax, and children (ages 3–12) are $79 plus tax.

Hours: Museum hours vary by day, but generally it opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 6 and 10 p.m. Check their website for the operating hours for the day of your visit.

Website: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

Phone: (404) 581-4000

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