The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is America's largest and the world's sixth-biggest aquatic wonderland! Home to over 100,000 fascinating marine creatures swimming in more than 11 million gallons of water, this place will leave you absolutely mesmerized. From majestic whale sharks to playful dolphins and curious sea otters, there's a whole oceanic world waiting for you to explore.
What to expect at Georgia Aquarium
Get ready to be wowed at every turn! Here's what's in store for your aquatic journey:
Incredible Marine Life
- Gentle Giants: Come face-to-face with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world! You'll also spot graceful manta rays, massive goliath groupers, and serene green sea turtles gliding through the water.
- Toothy Grins: Get up close (but not too close!) to impressive tiger sharks, sand tiger sharks, and great hammerheads. Watch for the distinctive patterns of zebra sharks and the graceful movements of various stingrays.
- Charismatic Mammals: Fall in love with the snow-white beluga whales, playful bottlenose dolphins, barking California sea lions, and waddling African penguins.
- Other Species: Keep an eye out for adorable sea otters, colorful sea stars, and thousands of fish species in every shape and hue imaginable.
Amazing Zones and Exhibitions
- Ocean Voyager: Walk through a breathtaking 100-foot underwater tunnel with whale sharks and colorful fish swimming right above your head! This is the aquarium's largest exhibit and an absolute must-see.
- Cold Water Quest: Bundle up (not really, but the theming might make you feel chilly!) as you discover creatures from colder climates, including the beloved beluga whales and playful sea otters.
- Dolphin Coast: Watch bottlenose dolphins show off their incredible intelligence and acrobatic skills in this spectacular exhibit.
- Explorers Cove: Get your hands wet in the touch pools where you can gently feel rays and sturgeon — a perfect hands-on experience for curious visitors of all ages!
- Sharks Gallery: Brave enough to get close to sharks? This deep tank lets you observe these magnificent predators while learning fascinating facts about them through interactive displays.
- Aquanaut Adventure: Let your little ones become marine scientists with fun, hands-on activities designed especially for kids. They'll learn while having a blast!
Unique Experiences
- Interactive Touch Pools: Feel the unique texture of rays and other friendly marine creatures in the safe, supervised touch pools.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Peek behind the curtain to see how this massive aquatic world operates – you'll gain a whole new appreciation for what it takes to maintain this underwater paradise!
- Animal Encounters: Make memories that will last a lifetime with up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. These premium experiences let you connect with these amazing animals in ways most visitors never get to experience.
- Sleep Under the Sea: Ever dreamed of sleeping with sharks swimming overhead? This unique overnight experience lets you and your family camp out in the aquarium after hours!
Don't Miss: Dolphin Presentation
The dolphin presentation is absolutely jaw-dropping! These intelligent creatures will amaze you with their spectacular jumps, flips, and playful interactions with trainers. It's educational, entertaining, and guaranteed to be a highlight of your visit. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Check the daily schedule: Before your visit to find the show times that work best with your arrival time.
- Reserve early: Make your reservation as early as possible on the day of your visit to secure a seat. Space is limited.
- Upgrade your seat: Want the absolute best view? Guarantee you get the best view when you reserve a preferred seat in advance for an additional $5.
Recommended tickets
Best time to visit Georgia Aquarium
- Best Days: Mondays and Tuesdays are typically the quietest
- Best Time: Weekday mornings right when they open (9am)
- Pro Tip: Visit the galleries during show times when everyone else is watching the presentations!
If mornings don't work for your schedule, try weekday afternoons after 5pm or evenings (7-9pm) when the crowds thin out considerably. Weekends get packed (especially Saturdays), but if that's your only option, aim for Sunday morning between 9-10am.
Best seasons
- Spring & Fall: Perfect weather and moderate crowds
- Late Summer/Early Fall: August to October sees fewer school field trips
- Georgia Residents: Don't forget your free birthday admission!
For the most relaxed experience, visit on a weekday afternoon (after 1pm) during September to November. You'll get all the fun with half the crowd!
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday: 9am - 6pm
- Friday to Sunday: 9am - 8pm
- Saturday: Extended until 9pm
Your ticket includes the amazing Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Encounter, but you'll need to make a reservation once you arrive. Shows run throughout the day, and seating is first-come, first-served. Our advice? Arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to snag good seats!
Getting to Georgia Aquarium
By Bus
Hop on MARTA bus Route 32 from either Five Points MARTA Station or Civic Center MARTA Station. The buses run regularly and drop you right at the aquarium entrance.
By Train
The aquarium is an easy 10-15 minute walk from several MARTA stations:
- Civic Center or Peachtree Center Stations (Red/Gold lines)
- GWCC/CNN Center/Philips Arena Station (Blue/Green lines)
By Car
Driving yourself or taking a rideshare? Set your GPS to: 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313.
Parking tip: The aquarium has its own parking deck, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Consider arriving early or looking at nearby public parking options.
Facilities & amenities on site
- Wheelchair Access: The entire venue is wheelchair and stroller-friendly with ramps and elevators throughout. Free wheelchairs are available at Guest Relations (bring a photo ID).
- For Families: Two dedicated nursing stations provide privacy for parents and little ones.
- Sensory Support: Enjoy low-sensory hours, quiet zones, a Sensory Room, and sensory bags for guests who need them.
- Mobility Assistance: Free golf cart service between the parking deck and entrance – just ask an attendant on the 1st or 2nd floor.
- For Service Animals: Guide dogs and service animals are welcome inside.
- Stay Connected: Free WiFi throughout the aquarium
- Charging Stations: Keep your devices powered up
- Water Refill Stations: Stay hydrated during your visit
- Accessible Parking: Located on Level 3 of the Aquarium Parking Deck
- EV Charging: Available in the parking lot (first-come, first-served)
Food & Shopping
Coastline Café: Hungry explorers can refuel at the Coastline Café, serving family-friendly meals throughout the day. Choose from sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, and more – including vegetarian and gluten-free options. They even offer beer and wine for adults! Note that outside food and drinks aren't permitted.
Aquarium Gift Shop: Don't leave without a souvenir! The gift shop is packed with marine-themed treasures from plush toys to t-shirts and unique gifts. Every purchase helps support the aquarium's conservation efforts, so you can feel good about your shopping spree!
Amenities
- Lost and Found: Located at the Guest Relations Desk near the main entrance
- Restrooms: Conveniently located throughout the aquarium
- First Aid Station: Available if needed, staffed by trained personnel
Insider tips for visiting
- Book online in advance: Skip the ticket line and guarantee your entry, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
- Download the app: The Georgia Aquarium Explorer app provides real-time information, maps, and schedules right at your fingertips.
- Arrive early or late: The first hour after opening and the last two hours before closing are typically the least crowded.
- Reserve your shows first: As soon as you arrive, make reservations for the dolphin and sea lion shows – these fill up fast!
- Pack light but smart: Bring a light jacket (some areas are chilly) and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking you'll do.
- Plan for 4–5 hours: Most visitors need at least 4 hours to see everything, so plan accordingly.
- Follow the path: The aquarium is designed for a one-way journey through all exhibits – follow the suggested route for the best experience.
- Snap photos without flash: Your fishy friends will appreciate it, and your pictures will turn out better too.
- Visit on weekdays: If possible, Tuesday through Thursday tends to be less crowded than other days.
- Check the feeding schedule: Witnessing feeding time adds an extra dimension to your visit – check times on the app or ask staff.
