Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium between 2005-2012
Be prepared to be mesmerized by the ocean's wonders when exploring Georgia Aquarium's 7 galleries and exhibits of colorful aquatic animals, scary Apex predators, and incredible encounters. One of the biggest aquariums in the world, and indeed the largest in the U.S., Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 animals from 500 species.
Essential Visitor Information
Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 animals
To ensure visitors' experience in Georgia Aquarium is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are some essential advisories, tips, and information before heading off.
Address:
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, U.S.A.
Georgia Aquarium Hours:
Opening 365 days a year, Georgia Aquarium hours are Monday to Thursday, 09:00 – 20:00, and Friday to Sunday, 09:00 – 21:00. As hours are subject to change, checking the official website to view hours before your visit is advisable.
Advisory Before the Visit:
All visitors are welcome to visit Georgia Aquarium regarding the latest health and safety rules. Proof of vaccination or negative test is not required. While masks are not necessary, they are encouraged for the safety of aquarium staff and animals. The limited capacity of 30-minute entry timeslots remains in place. This is to allow new cleaning and sanitization protocols.
Other helpful tips:
Weekends are the busiest times for Georgia Aquarium, so remember to arrive early. Several presentations like the dolphin and sea lion shows are included with Georgia Aquarium tickets and are seated on a first-come-first-served basis using the aquarium's reservation system. No outside food or beverages are permitted. In addition, smoking/vaping and weapons are prohibited in the Georgia Aquarium. While cameras are allowed for personal use only, flash is strictly forbidden as it may scare and harm the animals.
Reservation and Ticketing:
Georgia Aquarium tickets must be purchased before your visit. Georgia Aquarium members do not need to reserve a time for their visit. There is a single price for general admission Georgia Aquarium tickets, regardless of age or arrival time. Reservation for popular shows is highly recommended, like the dolphin show, the sea lion show, and the 4-D theater presentation. Reservations can be made on the day of the visit, and please get in line at least 15-30 mins before showtime.
Amenities and Services:
To enhance visitors' overall experience of the aquarium, an array of amenities is available. Examples include free Wi-Fi, charging stations, a unique app-guided experience, a private nursing/pumping room, Information Desk, wheelchairs, and golf carts for car parking transfer.
Shopping and Dining:
For food and beverage options in the aquarium, head to the on-site Cafe Aquaria. There is an extensive menu of sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, pizzas, snacks, desserts, drinks, and much more. In addition, visitors can also enjoy value-for-money meal combos, e.g., Café Combos and Family Meal Deal. Cafe Aquaria opens 30 mins after the aquarium opens and closes 1 hour before the aquarium closes. Fancy a drink? The Rotunda Bar opens daily from noon to 30 mins before the aquarium's closing time.
Georgia Aquarium Map:
To conserve paper, Georgia Aquarium no longer prints maps. Alternatively, visitors can access the map via the Georgia Aquarium mobile app or make a print-at-home version via the official website. For the convenience of visitors, the map comes in 8 languages, e.g., English, Chinese, Spanish, German, and Korean.
About Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium first opened its doors in 2005
As a non-profit organization, Georgia Aquarium has an inspiring goal of raising awareness and preserving oceans and aquatic animals worldwide. Opened in 2005, Georgia Aquarium was the largest aquarium in the world until 2012. Today, it remains the largest aquarium in the U.S. The aquarium's more than 100,000 animals from 500 species are housed in 7 different galleries. Its most notable exhibits are the gigantic whale shark tank (the first institution outside of Asia to house the giant species), manta rays (only one of 4 sites in the world), and beluga whales. The new "Sharks! Predators of the Deep" exhibit with multiple shark species was added in 2021. According to the founder of the aquarium, Bernard Marcus, Georgia Aquarium is as much about being a first-class attraction as being a leader in marine research and animal care. It is a scientific institute dedicated to promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity around the world.
Georgia Aquarium Tickets: Options and Packages
Georgia Aquarium discount tickets are available on Trip.com
Ticket Pricing:
To make things easier, there is one single price for general admission Georgia Aquarium tickets, regardless of age or arrival time. $39.95 online only, instead of the walk-up price of $44.95. Children aged 2 and under are free. The ticket includes access to all the Aquarium galleries, 4D theater shows, and general seating for Dolphin Presentation and Sea Lion Presentation. Plus, $1 of each ticket sold supports ocean conservation & research.
Membership:
To become a member of Georgia Aquarium, the membership fee costs $85 per person or $295 per family (4 persons membership + 2 free guest passes). Benefits of being a member include 12 months of unlimited entry, discounts on meals, parking, gift shop purchases, and selected encounters and events.
Ticket Policies:
Tickets need to be purchased in advance of your visit. The visit begins at the arrival time selected by the visitor. There is a 1-hour grace period to enter the building from the chosen arrival time.
Refund Policy:
There are no refunds for purchased tickets. Date changes are possible up to 24 hours before the reserved date. A processing fee per ticket applies.
Discounted Georgia Aquarium Tickets on Trip.com
If visitors want to save time and money with a special promotion, purchase Georgia Aquarium tickets in advance and online. Here is a selection of Georgia Aquarium discount tickets offered by Trip.com:
Special Georgia Aquarium discount tickets are offered by Trip.com
General Admission Ticket to Georgia Aquarium
This Trip.com offer includes 1× Georgia Aquarium discount tickets (the barcoded admission ticket allowing you to skip the line) plus admission to the 4D theater, dolphin, and sea lion presentations. When booking, the customer must choose the date and time of visit. This Trip.com offer is available now. Conditional Cancellation policies apply – free cancellation is only possible if made at or before midnight, at least 1 day before the date of use. Present an e-voucher on your phone to gain admission.
Trip.com's Georgia Aquarium discount ticket price for this offer is $36.99. Free admission is available for children aged 2 years and under.
Check out Trip.com's Georgia Aquarium tickets 👇
Flexible Date Ticket to Georgia Aquarium
This Trip.com offer includes general admission to Georgia Aquarium (plus access to the 4D theater, dolphin, and sea lion presentations). This Trip.com offer is available from Mar 16, 2022, to Dec 31, 2022. Once this product is successfully booked, it can't be changed or canceled. For admission, show a printed or mobile voucher for scanning at the aquarium entry point.
Trip.com's Georgia Aquarium discount ticket price for this offer is $39.99.
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Top Attractions at Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium's animals are displayed in 7 galleries
As the home to over 100,000 animals of around 500 species, visitors of all ages will be impressed by the scale and quantity of marine life that lives and breeds in the Georgia Aquarium. Since its doors opened in 2005, Georgia Aquarium has created some of the most stunning habitats to house rare and majestic creatures like whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales. As recent as 2021, it added the spectacular "Sharks! Predators of the Deep" exhibit with multiple shark species in a tank containing 1.2 million gallons of water.
Here are highlights of Atlanta Georgia Aquarium's 7 fantastic galleries.
Enhance your experience with animal encounters, e.g., dolphins
–Aquanaut Adventure: Known as the discovery zone, the Aquanaut Adventure gallery combines fun and education to let guests learn about aquatic life in some extreme environments. Explore fresh water and marine habitats, discover how animals thrive under harsh conditions, and get a glimpse into a career in aquatic and marine sciences. Creatures in this gallery include Baja blue rock lizard, electric eel, American alligator, and emerald tree boa.
–Cold Water Quest: With 1 touch pool, 3 crawl tunnel viewing windows, and 1 kelp forest, this gallery teems with fish and marine mammals. It houses some of the world's coldest ocean animals, such as sea otters and penguins. The southern sea otter exhibit, African penguin exhibit, and beluga whale exhibit are popular exhibits. Creatures in this gallery include harbor seal, horned puffing, and giant Pacific octopus.
–Dolphin Coast: This gallery has its own pod of common bottlenose dolphins, which visitors can see in either the Dolphin Coast lobby or the 1800+ seater dolphin theater. The Dolphin Presentation is one of the hottest activities in the aquarium. Although it is free with the admission ticket, seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis with online reservations. For $5, visitors can receive Dolphin Presentation Preferred Seating and skip the line.
–Ocean Voyager Built by the Home Depot: As the aquarium's centerpiece, this habitat is one of the world's largest single aquatic exhibits. With 6.3 million gallons of water and a 100-ft tunnel, Ocean Voyager gallery houses marine giants like the whale shark and manta rays. With a 23-ft viewing window, visitors can admire these gentle giants from all angles. Creatures in this gallery include whale shark, manta ray, goliath grouper, cownose ray, and blacktip reef shark.
–Southern Company River Scout: This freshwater gallery shows visitors life of marine animals in rivers around the world, e.g., in Africa, South America, Asia, and locally in Georgia. The gallery also features waterfalls, logjams, and a simulated meandering North American river. Creatures in this gallery include Asian small-clawed otter, black spot piranha, giant puffer, and fire eel.
"Sharks! Predators of the Deep" exhibit was added in 2021
–SHARKS! Predators of the Deep: Newly added in 2021, this gallery is home to multiple shark species. As one of North America's most extensive shark exhibits, its floor-to-ceiling acrylic viewing window allows visitors a rare glimpse into the mysterious underwater world of sharks. Species of shark in this gallery include the great hammerhead shark, sand tiger shark, silvertip shark, and tiger shark.
–Tropical River: Tropical River is where living corals and thousands of vibrant reef fish thrive as they'd have in a tropical Pacific coral reef. Nestled amongst the coral reef, visitors can spot stunning creatures like seahorses, yellow-head jawfish, blue-spotted stingray, and clown anemonefish.
Things to Do at Georgia Aquarium
While close encounters with animals at the Georgia Aquarium are fun and exciting, for the safety of staff, animals, and guests, there are some important rules to follow. All Animal Program participants are asked to wear a facial covering for the duration of the program. Upon arrival, you need to complete a temperature check and a questionnaire to assess recent illness, including exposure to COVID-19.
There are shows, presentations, and encounters to choose from
–Encounters: The Encounter experiences allow visitors the rare and precious opportunity to get close and personal with some of the most exciting animals in the world. Animals participating in the Encounter experiences are beluga whales, dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions, and penguins. There are age restrictions for this program. The minimum age is 7 years old. Each guest 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by a participating adult.
–Swims and Dives: Not many people in the world can say that they've swum or dived with majestic whale sharks and manta rays. The Journey with Gentle Giants (swim or dive) programs allow guests the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being surrounded by these giants of the sea. Participants get to talk with a trainer, spend 30 mins in the water, and get a souvenir photo and an exclusive T-shirt to remember the experience.
–Experiences: Visitors can see how the aquarium operates by opting for a Behind-the-Seas-Tour, going into the Virtual Reality Simulator, or spending the night in the aquarium with the Sleepover.
–Shows and Presentations: The 4D theater shows, Dolphin Presentation, and Sea Lion Presentation are all included in the general admission ticket. Reservation is highly recommended.
Pricing for Encounters, Dives, and Presentations
Shark Cage Dive – Non-Members: $249.95 / Members: $235.95
Shark and Ray Interaction – Non-Members: $99.95 / Members: $95.95
Beluga Encounter – Non-Members: $79.95 / Members: $75.95
Dolphin Encounter – Non-Members: $69.95 / Members: $65.95
Harbor Seal Encounter – Non-Members: $65.95 / Members: $59.95
Penguin Encounter – Non-Members: $65.95 / Members: $59.95
Sea Lion Encounter – Non-Members: $69.95 / Members: $65.95
Journey with Gentle Giants (Swim) – Non-Members: $249.95 / Members: $235.95
Journey with Gentle Giants (Dive) – Non-Members: $349.95 / Members: $325.95
Transportation to Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium can be reached by car, taxi, MARTA, or on foot
Located in the heart of Atlanta's downtown area, Georgia Aquarium is connected to the rest of the city by various modes of transportation. Visitors can travel to Atlanta Georgia Aquarium by car, taxi, MARTA (bus and train), or by walking.
By Car or Taxi
Arriving by car or taxi, the address for Georgia Aquarium is 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA. Note that there are 2 entrances to the aquarium: Aquarium Main Entrance and Oceans Ballroom Entrance. If visitors plan to park on-site, head to the packing deck at 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313.
From the East of Atlanta via I-20 West, exit at 56B Spring/Windsor Street, then turn right onto Spring Street and take a left to Marietta Street NW. Lastly, turn right onto Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and the Georgia Aquarium parking deck is on the right.
From the West of Atlanta via I-20 East, exit at 56B Spring/Windsor Street, then turn left onto Spring Street and take a left to Marietta Street NW. Lastly, turn right onto Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and the Georgia Aquarium parking deck is on the right.
By MARTA:
MARTA stands for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. It is the primary public transport operator in the city of Atlanta. MARTA fare costs $2.50 for a one-way trip. Various unlimited daily/weekly/monthly passes are available for $9 per day, $23.75 per week, and $95 per month. Tickets can be purchased with credit, debit, and cash at vending machines in all rail stations.
To reach Georgia Aquarium, visitors can use MARTA by train. It is a 10-15 min walk from the GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green line or from the Civic Center or Peachtree Center Stations on the Red/Gold line. Using MARTA by Bus: hop on Route 32 bus from the Civic Center MARTA bus station and Five Points MARTA station.
On Foot:
As Atlanta Georgia Aquarium is located amongst the hotels and attractions of Atlanta downtown, reaching the aquarium by walking couldn't be easier. Visitors can choose 2 entrances: Aquarium Main Entrance and Oceans Ballroom Entrance. Estimated times for walking between Georgia Aquarium and various hotels are 9 mins for Omni Hotel; 14-16 mins for World Congress Center, Westin Peachtree Hotel, Marriott Atlanta Marquis, and Hyatt Regency; 18-22 mins for Sheraton Atlanta and Hilton Atlanta Towers.
Georgia Aquarium Parking
Georgia Aquarium's official parking deck offers 1,600 safe on-site spaces for easy access to the aquarium. Both covered and rooftop parking spaces are available. For visitors who plan to park on-site, the address for this parking deck is 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313. There are entrances on Luckie Street or Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. After parking the car, simply follow the signage to the elevators that'd lead to Georgia Aquarium's main entrance.
Pre-paid parking: Visitors can pay for parking in advance online to save time and money. The parking price when purchased in the parking deck is $17. A pre-paid parking pass costs only $11 for Members and $12 for Non-Members. Also, a pre-paid parking pass guarantees you a spot. To use it, just print and bring the pre-paid parking ticket when entering the parking deck. Keep the ticket as it needs to be re-scanned when exiting. No re-entry is allowed, and limited oversized parking is available (must enter from the Ivan Allen Entrance).
Hotels Near Georgia Aquarium
Trip.com features numerous hotels close to Atlanta Georgia Aquarium
For visitors who prefer to stay close to Atlanta Georgia Aquarium, there are many incredible hotel options in the area and the city of Atlanta for their consideration. Here is a selection of hotels around Georgia Aquarium recommended by Trip.com:
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Restaurants Near Georgia Aquarium
For restaurants close to Georgia Aquarium, check out Trip.com
The Georgia Aquarium is in the heart of Atlanta's downtown, so there's no shortage of restaurants to choose from. Examples of eateries within walking distance of the aquarium include Atlanta Break Club, Suite Food Lounge, Sundaze Kitchen, and Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria.
What else to do in Atlanta?
First time visiting Georgia Aquarium and the city of Atlanta? Let Trip.com's Atlanta Travel Guide help you navigate the city with helpful information about what to see, where to eat, and where to stay. After visiting the Georgia Aquarium, why not enjoy a Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Atlanta with an official tour guide?
FAQ
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How much are tickets to Georgia Aquarium?
Georgia Aquarium ticket costs $39.99 (online only). Save money with Trip.com's Georgia Aquarium tickets for $36.99.
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How to cancel Georgia Aquarium tickets?
There are no refunds for purchased tickets. Date changes are possible 24 hours before the reserved date (with a processing fee).
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How to get to Georgia Aquarium?
Visitors can travel to Georgia Aquarium by car, taxi, MARTA, or on foot.
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Is it free to park at Georgia Aquarium?
Parking is not free; it costs $17 when purchased at the aquarium's parking deck. Pre-paid parking pass has a reduced price.
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Are there discounted Georgia Aquarium tickets available?
Visit Trip.com for great offers and Georgia Aquarium tickets.