Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest and most respected aquariums in the world. It is renowned for its massive aquatic exhibits, rare species, and deep commitment to education, research, and marine conservation. Here's a detailed breakdown of everything the Georgia Aquarium offers:

Overview

Opened: November 23, 2005

Location: Pemberton Place, downtown Atlanta

Total Tank Volume: Over 11 million gallons of water

Notable Features: Only aquarium outside of Asia to house whale sharks

Purpose: Education, conservation, inspiration, and entertainment through aquatic life

Major Exhibits

1. Ocean Voyager Built by Home Depot

Size: Over 6.3 million gallons

Signature Species: Whale sharks, manta rays, green sea turtles, sawfish, groupers

Experience: Features a 100-foot-long acrylic tunnel and a massive viewing window

Unique Aspect: Only facility outside of Asia to house whale sharks, which are transported from Taiwan under conservation partnerships

Educational Value: Demonstrates the scale of marine ecosystems and oceanic biodiversity

2. Cold Water Quest

Focus: Marine life from cold, temperate ocean regions

Key Species: Beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, giant Pacific octopus, Japanese spider crabs

Exhibit Design: Rocky and icy terrains simulate natural environments

Highlights:

Beluga Whale Habitat: Carefully controlled environment for this Arctic species

Penguin Pop-Up Tunnel: Allows guests to crawl through and stand inside an exhibit

Educational Emphasis: Highlights adaptation in extreme cold water environments

3. SHARKS! Predators of the Deep

Opened: 2020

Tank Volume: Over 1.2 million gallons

Shark Species: Tiger sharks, great hammerheads, sand tiger sharks, silvertip sharks

Features:

Immersive tunnel and floor-to-ceiling viewing windows

Shark cage dive experience for certified divers and non-divers

Purpose: Change perceptions of sharks and promote shark conservation

Atmosphere: Dark, mysterious, and cinematic, reinforcing the dramatic nature of the species

4. Dolphin Coast

Inhabitants: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins

Presentation: Live educational dolphin presentations throughout the day

Focus: Dolphin behavior, training techniques, and conservation issues

Backstage Access: Available through animal encounter programs

Educational Purpose: Understanding mammalian intelligence and communication

5. River Scout

Theme: Freshwater ecosystems from North and South America, Asia, and Africa

Notable Creatures: Piranhas, Asian small-clawed otters, electric eels, alligator snapping turtles

Unique Display: Overhead river tank where fish swim above the visitor's head

Interactive Areas: Touch tanks and visual surprises around every turn

Message: Rivers are just as vital as oceans in global biodiversity

6. Tropical Diver

Design: Mimics a tropical reef ecosystem

Inhabitants: Colorful reef fish, sea anemones, corals, clownfish, garden eels

Highlight: Living coral exhibits—rare in aquariums due to maintenance challenges

Ambience: Bright and serene, with wave simulators to mimic ocean currents

Educational Role: Showcases the complexity and fragility of coral reef environments

7. Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone

Audience: Primarily children and families

Type: Interactive science and exploration area

Activities: Touch tanks, quizzes, diving simulations, marine biology challenges

Learning Themes: Ocean exploration, animal adaptation, scientific discovery

Ideal For: School groups, families, and STEM education exposure

8. Explorer’s Cove (Newest Exhibit)

Opened: 2024

Features:

Touch Pools: Including rays and sturgeon

Digital Interactive Wall: Children can draw sea creatures and watch them animate on a large screen

Focus: Tactile and visual engagement, promoting creativity in marine learning

Design: Vibrant, family-friendly, technologically advanced

Interactive Experiences and Encounters

1. Journey with Gentle Giants

Activity: Swim or scuba dive with whale sharks and manta rays

Participants: Available to both certified divers and snorkelers

Significance: Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside the ocean’s largest fish

2. Shark Cage Dive

Safety-focused experience in the "Predators of the Deep" exhibit

Non-certified divers welcome

Up-close interaction with sharks behind a sturdy acrylic barrier

Message: Demystifies sharks and builds respect for their ecological role

3. Penguin Encounter

Guided session: Includes touching and feeding African penguins

Education: Discussion on climate impact, conservation efforts, and penguin biology

4. Sea Otter Encounter

Behind-the-scenes access: Meet sea otters and learn how they are cared for

Interactive Elements: Behavioral training demonstrations

5. Seal and Sea Lion Encounters

Training demos and Q&A: Learn about these animals' behaviors and the bond between trainer and animal

Conservation theme: Emphasizes marine mammal protection

Conservation and Research Initiatives

Marine Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

Assists stranded and injured animals, particularly sea turtles and seals

Provides medical care at their on-site veterinary facility

Coral Conservation

Partnership in coral gene banks and reef restoration

Research and breeding of coral in controlled environments

Whale Shark Research

One of the leading global contributors to whale shark studies

Uses satellite tagging and tissue sampling to track migration and health

Educational Outreach

Programs for K–12 schools, teacher resources, and STEM-focused curriculum

College partnerships for marine biology and veterinary science students

Scholarships and free programs for underserved communities

Visitor Amenities

Hours: Typically open 365 days a year, with extended hours during peak seasons

Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant, with wheelchair rentals available

Dining: Multiple cafes, including sustainable seafood options

Gift Shop: Offers ocean-themed merchandise and conservation-focused gifts

Parking: On-site parking deck with direct access

Ticket Options: Single day, annual membership, combo tickets with other Atlanta attractions

Summary

The Georgia Aquarium is not just a tourist attraction—it’s a comprehensive marine science center that combines world-class exhibits with impactful conservation efforts and cutting-edge research. From awe-inspiring creatures like whale sharks and beluga whales to deeply engaging educational programs, the aquarium appeals to a wide range of interests and age groups. It stands as a pillar of Atlanta’s cultural and scientific community, inspiring millions of visitors to appreciate and protect the aquatic world.