The aquarium is divided into five main galleries, each consentrating on a different geographical area.
Tropical Diver: Tropical saltwater fish are arguably the most beautiful in the world and the Georgia Aquarium makes the case for them well. From tanks that use jellyfish and changing lights to create living art, to whimsical garden eels that pop out of the sand, to a giant “reef” with waves crashing overhead, Tropical Diver is a delight.
Ocean Voyager: This “Journey with the Giants” is undoubtedly the masterpiece of the Georgia Aquarium. The 6.33 million gallon tank is easiest the largest in the world. Visitors can peek in through “crevices” in the rock, or be amazed as fish glide over them in the 100 foot long tunnel, or just sit and soak in the majesty in front of a 23 ft tall by 61 ft wide window.Home to the only whale sharks in captivity outside of Asia, the tank also boasts hammerhead sharks, guitarfish, giant groupers, manta rays, and more. With powerful, majestic animals swimming overhead, it’s easy for visitors to forget they are in the middle of downtown Atlanta.
Cold Water Quest: Visitors to this part of the aquarium are greeted by a glimpse of a giant kelp forest on the left, and mind-bogglingly large spider crabs a little further up on the right. The exhibit also contains a reclusive octopus, fancy sea dragons, sea lions, sea otters, penguins, and three Beluga whales that love to ham it up to visitors.
River Scout: The aquarium’s freshwater exhibit is a masterpiece of design and architecture. Part of a “river” flows overhead, and logjams and other natural-looking structures work to make this a one-of-a kind exhibit. River Scout features African cichlids, alligators, electric eels, piranhas, river otters, and more.
Georgia Explorer: Visitors can get up close and personal with horseshoe crabs, shrimp, and even small rays and sharks. This section of the aquarium has four touch tanks (which can get rather crowded and can be too deep for little reaching hands) along with a fun play area for kids – complete with tunnels and a slide.
Behind the Scenes Tours: Visitors ages 10+ can take the hour-long or cheaper 45-minute behind-the-scene tours of the Aquarium. A 45-minute tour is also available for families with children ages 5-10. The tours afford a look over the top of the largest tank in the world, the top of the coral reef exhibit, and more. Tours are expensive; members get a 50% discount.
4D Theater: Georgia Aquarium’s state of the art theater combines 3D technology with special seating that lets audience members “feel” what they are seeing. The popular show is geared towards children and families. Cost is not included in the aquarium’s admission price; however, members can watch the show for free.
Visitor Tips
- The Georgia Aquarium can get extremely crowded. If possible, visit during a weekday.
- The aquarium is well worth the cost, but costly it is. Visitors who think they’ll return a couple more times a year should become members. The price of the day’s admission counts towards the membership cost. Visitors who will not be returning may want to look into one of the many special deals that combines discounted aquarium tickets with entrance fees to a museum, zoo, botanical garden, or amusement park.
- The aquarium has ample covered parking on site for a flat fee of $10 (or $8 for museum members). Various other all-day parking lots are available downtown.
- While pricey, the aquarium cafeteria has a wide selection of delicious food, from burgers and fries to paninis and salads.
Visitor Information
- 225 Baker St. NW; Atlanta, GA 30313
- Check current prices and buy tickets online.
- The aquarium is open every day of the year. Check the website for hours, which vary.
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