Step into the Georgia Aquarium and you're immediately surrounded by a world teeming with life — from the deep blue to the splash zone. While the building itself is iconic, it's the animals that steal the spotlight. With more than 100,000 creatures across seven galleries, the Georgia Aquarium offers encounters you’d usually need a passport and a wetsuit to find.
A Brief History of Georgia Aquarium Animals
Since its opening in 2005, Georgia Aquarium has become a sanctuary for some of the most extraordinary marine animals on the planet.
Origins
It began as a gift from Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus, who envisioned a place that would educate, inspire, and conserve. From the start, the aquarium was designed to support large-scale habitats, enabling it to host animals rarely seen in captivity — like whale sharks.
Historical significance
The Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium outside of Asia to house whale sharks and remains one of the few places in the world where you can see manta rays and beluga whales up close. It's also been central in marine research and conservation efforts, particularly for sea lions, penguins, and sea turtles.
Renovations & restorations
Renovations/Restorations: Significant expansions and upgrades have been made, including the 2020 addition of the Sharks! Predators of the Deep gallery — now one of the largest shark exhibits in North America.
Why Visit Georgia Aquarium Animals?
- You’ll come face-to-face with animals you'd normally only see on National Geographic.
- From adorable sea otters to enormous whale sharks, the diversity of marine life is unmatched.
- It’s interactive — you can touch rays, watch feedings, and even dive with some animals if you’re certified.
- A perfect mix of awe, education, and Instagram-worthy moments — especially in the Ocean Voyager tunnel.
Recommended tickets to Georgia Aquarium
Highlights of Georgia Aquarium
1 Whale Sharks
The stars of the show and the largest fish species on Earth, these whale sharks are awe-inspiring in both size and serenity. Watching them cruise through the massive Ocean Voyager tank — sometimes accompanied by schools of fish — feels like witnessing an underwater ballet. You won’t find them anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.
2 Manta Rays & Groupers
Sharing the stage with the whale sharks are the majestic manta rays with wingspans up to 13 feet. They loop, glide, and twirl gracefully through the 6.3 million-gallon tank. Don’t miss the giant groupers — slow-moving, camera-friendly, and surprisingly photogenic.
3 African Penguins
Fast, curious, and full of sass, these penguins aren’t shy. They love to strut, slide, and sometimes bicker over pebbles (penguin dating currency, fun fact). The Cold Water Quest gallery offers peek-in windows so you can watch them swim underwater like tiny torpedoes.
4 Bottlenose Dolphins
The Dolphin Coast is where you’ll witness acrobatics, intelligence, and sheer power in motion. These dolphins don’t just jump — they launch into the air with flips and spins that rival Olympic divers. Shows are both educational and electric, giving insights into behavior and conservation.
5 Green Sea Turtles
Gliding slowly through coral reefs in the Tropical Diver gallery, these turtles are the zen masters of the aquarium. Their calm movements and expressive faces (yes, really!) add a soothing rhythm to your visit. They often surface to breathe — a perfect photo op.
6 Sea Otters
These guys are playful, mischievous, and always a hit with families. They juggle stones, float belly-up, and have one of the most heart-melting grooming routines ever. Bonus: their thick fur (up to a million hairs per square inch) makes them the fluffiest marine animals around.
7 Sharks! Predators of the Deep.
One of North America’s largest shark exhibits, this gallery is designed for maximum drama. With dim lighting and a massive tank, you’ll see sand tiger sharks gliding with their signature toothy grins, tiger sharks patrolling the waters, and sleek reef sharks darting through artificial shipwrecks. It’s like walking through an underwater thriller.
8 Jellyfish & Coral Reefs
The Tropical Diver gallery turns into a dreamscape with moon jellies floating like slow-motion parachutes and reefs pulsing with neon-bright clownfish, anemones, and angelfish. It’s equal parts relaxing and mesmerizing — like nature’s own lava lamp.
How to Visit Georgia Aquarium
Location & entrance
Located in downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park district, the aquarium has a central entrance on Baker Street NW, directly across from the World of Coca-Cola.
Best time to visit
Arrive early — weekday mornings have the fewest crowds, and you’ll get the best views of active animals just after feeding times.
Duration & route
Set aside at least 2–3 hours. Start with Ocean Voyager for the big wow, then work your way through Tropical Diver, Cold Water Quest, and finally Shark! for an adrenaline-pumped finish.
Facilities & restrictions
Family-friendly with stroller access, restrooms, nursing rooms, and wheelchair rentals. Flash photography and feeding the animals are not allowed unless part of a guided experience.
Tips for Visiting Georgia Aquarium
- Check the feeding times online before your visit — animal behaviors are best seen when they’re interacting or being fed.
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones if you're traveling with kids sensitive to sound — some galleries can be loud during presentations.
- Buy tickets in advance to skip the line — especially during weekends or holidays.
- Don’t rush the Ocean Voyager tunnel — the slow-moving belt lets you see creatures from all angles, so soak it in!
Frequently asked questions
Georgia Aquarium animals have been a core part of the aquarium since its opening in 2005, with iconic species like whale sharks and belugas introduced early on as part of its mission to educate and conserve.
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the Georgia Aquarium, especially if taking time at each animal gallery and attending a dolphin or sea lion show.
Yes! Behind-the-scenes and animal encounter tours are available for a closer look at marine life and care practices.
Yes, the aquarium is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and rental wheelchairs available. Animal exhibits are viewable at multiple height levels for all guests.
General admission includes most exhibits, but special animal encounters or behind-the-scenes tours require an additional ticket or timed reservation.
