Georgia Aquarium is a large marine-life attraction at 225 Baker St NW in downtown Atlanta. Its Ocean Voyager gallery puts whale sharks and manta rays in view through a 100-foot underwater tunnel, while other galleries bring you close to beluga whales, African penguins and sea otters. Touch pools add a hands-on stop, and dolphin and sea lion presentations combine animal encounters with information from the aquarium’s educators. There is enough to explore for several hours, so plan a substantial part of your day here, especially if you want to see a presentation as well as the exhibits.
Ocean Voyager and its underwater tunnel
Ocean Voyager is the aquarium’s standout gallery for large marine animals. Its underwater tunnel runs through the exhibit, bringing whale sharks, manta rays and schools of fish into view above and beside you. The scale of the tank is part of the experience: instead of looking at a small display from one spot, you can watch animals move across a much wider field of view.
Viewing areas around the exhibit give you another way to pause and observe. Look for the whale sharks as they pass, then watch for rays and other fish sharing the water. The aquarium also presents information about its animals, conservation work and research, so take time to read and listen rather than rushing straight through.
Galleries for different marine habitats
The aquarium’s galleries group animals by habitat and type, giving the visit a change of pace as you move between exhibits. Cold-water animals include beluga whales, African penguins and sea otters. Other galleries bring together tropical marine life and a range of fish, while the shark exhibits include species from smaller reef sharks to larger sharks.
Explorers Cove has touch pools where you can encounter stingrays. Bioluminescent jellies provide a contrasting stop, with their glowing forms set apart from the larger-animal exhibits. The mix of galleries means there is no need to focus only on the biggest tank. Allow time for the smaller displays and the animals that may be easier to miss while moving between popular viewing areas.
Presentations and planning your route
Dolphin and sea lion presentations add scheduled stops to a visit focused otherwise on moving through the galleries. They include information about the animals as well as live demonstrations. If you want to attend one, check the presentation arrangements when booking. The supplied visitor information notes that seats can be reserved on the day, but does not give a current schedule, so confirm the details for your date.
The layout is organized around a central hall, with galleries branching away from it. That makes it easier to return to the central area between exhibits, rather than following a single winding route. Restrooms are also accessible from the central area. With several hours of exhibits and presentations to fit in, arriving early on a weekday can leave more time to explore at an unhurried pace. Tickets in advance are recommended, especially during busy periods.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at Georgia Aquarium?
Allow about 4 to 6 hours to explore the galleries and attend presentations. The visit can take several hours.
Can you see whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium?
Yes. Whale sharks are in the Ocean Voyager gallery, where a 100-foot underwater tunnel gives you views of the exhibit.
Does Georgia Aquarium have dolphin and sea lion presentations?
Yes. The aquarium holds presentations featuring dolphins and sea lions. Check the arrangements for your visit, as presentation details are not provided here.
Can you touch animals at Georgia Aquarium?
Explorers Cove has touch pools where you can encounter stingrays.
