Yes, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has whale sharks on display
The Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street, is home to whale sharks. The aquarium houses multiple whale sharks in its Tropical Diver exhibit, one of the largest indoor aquarium habitats in the world. The tank holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater and is designed to replicate the open ocean environment these animals live in.
Whale sharks are the world's largest fish species. They can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 20 tons, though the ones at the Georgia Aquarium are smaller. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are filter feeders that eat only plankton and small fish, making them gentle animals that pose no threat to humans or other large marine life in the tank.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium's Tropical Diver exhibit holds multiple whale sharks in a 6.3 million-gallon saltwater tank.
- Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton, not large prey, so they coexist peacefully with other fish species in the exhibit.
- The aquarium also displays manta rays, sea turtles, and groupers in the same habitat as the whale sharks.
- You can view the whale sharks from multiple levels of the aquarium, including an underwater viewing tunnel that puts you at eye level with the animals.
- The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, though hours and admission prices vary by season and day of the week.
What the Tropical Diver exhibit looks like
The Tropical Diver is the second-largest exhibit in the Georgia Aquarium. The tank is 203 feet long, 84 feet wide, and 27 feet deep. The water is kept at 78 degrees Fahrenheit to match the warm ocean environments where whale sharks naturally live. The exhibit is designed to look like an open-ocean reef system, with rock formations, coral structures, and sandy areas on the floor.
The whale sharks share the tank with other large marine animals, including manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, and various species of smaller fish. The exhibit is built to accommodate the whale sharks' size and swimming patterns—these animals need space to move freely, and the tank is large enough to allow them to swim in their natural cruising pattern without constantly turning around.
How to view the whale sharks
The Georgia Aquarium offers multiple viewing angles for the Tropical Diver exhibit. You can watch the whale sharks from the main viewing area, which is a large acrylic panel at the front of the tank. This is the primary spot where most visitors stand to photograph and observe the animals.
The aquarium also has an underwater tunnel called the Ocean Voyager tunnel that runs through the main tank. Walking through this tunnel puts you below the water level, so you can see the whale sharks swimming above and around you. This is one of the most popular viewing experiences at the aquarium because it gives you a sense of being in the ocean with the animals. The tunnel is included with general admission and does not require a separate ticket.
When whale sharks are most active
Whale sharks tend to be more active during feeding times. The Georgia Aquarium feeds the whale sharks on a regular schedule, and the aquarium staff often provides educational talks during these feedings. The exact feeding times vary, so check the aquarium's website or ask a staff member when you arrive to find out when the next feeding is scheduled.
Early morning hours, right after the aquarium opens, are often the best time to see the whale sharks with fewer crowds. The animals are typically more active in the cooler parts of the day, so visiting in the morning or late afternoon may give you better viewing opportunities than midday visits.
Admission, hours, and planning your visit
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round. Hours vary by season—the aquarium is typically open from 9 or 10 a.m. until 5 or 6 p.m., depending on the time of year. Hours are longer during summer months and school holidays. The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
General admission includes access to all exhibits, including the Tropical Diver and the Ocean Voyager tunnel. Ticket prices vary based on the day of the week and the season. Weekends and summer months are typically more expensive than weekday visits during the school year. The aquarium offers discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate.
Plan to spend at least two to three hours at the aquarium if you want to see the whale sharks and other exhibits without rushing. The facility is large, and there is a lot to see beyond the Tropical Diver exhibit. The aquarium also has a gift shop, restaurants, and a café if you need food or souvenirs during your visit.
Other large animals at the Georgia Aquarium
Beyond the whale sharks, the Georgia Aquarium is known for its collection of large marine animals. The aquarium has a separate exhibit called the Beluga Whale exhibit, which houses beluga whales in a 5.2 million-gallon tank. The aquarium also has an exhibit dedicated to sea otters, jellyfish, and various species of sharks, including hammerhead sharks and sawfish.
The aquarium's collection changes periodically as animals are born, age, or are transferred to other facilities as part of breeding and conservation programs. If you are interested in seeing a specific animal beyond the whale sharks, it is worth checking the aquarium's website before your visit to confirm that animal is currently on display.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many whale sharks does the Georgia Aquarium have?
The Georgia Aquarium has multiple whale sharks in the Tropical Diver exhibit. The exact number can change over time due to births, deaths, or transfers to other facilities. The aquarium's website lists the current animals on display, or you can call ahead to ask about the current whale shark population.
Can you touch the whale sharks?
No, visitors cannot touch the whale sharks or any animals in the exhibits. The tanks have barriers and acrylic panels that separate visitors from the animals. This protects both the animals and the visitors. Touching the glass or attempting to reach into the water is not permitted.
Are whale sharks dangerous?
Whale sharks are not dangerous to humans. They are filter feeders that eat only plankton and small fish, not large animals. In the wild, whale sharks are known to be gentle and curious around humans. They have never been documented attacking people.
Is the Georgia Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. The facility has elevators, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking. The Ocean Voyager tunnel and main viewing areas are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility devices. The aquarium's website has detailed accessibility information, or you can call ahead with specific questions.
Can you bring your own food into the Georgia Aquarium?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the aquarium. However, the facility has multiple restaurants and cafés where you can purchase meals and snacks. Prices are typical for aquarium food service—higher than outside restaurants but comparable to other major attractions in Atlanta.