The Georgia Aquarium covers 10 acres and holds 11 million gallons of water

The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is one of the largest aquariums in the world by water volume. The building itself spans 550,000 square feet — roughly the size of nine football fields. The main structure opened in 2005 and contains eight galleries spread across multiple levels, each holding different saltwater and freshwater environments.

The sheer volume of water is what makes this facility stand out. At 11 million gallons total, the aquarium holds more water than 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The largest single tank, the Ocean Voyager, contains 6.3 million gallons by itself and is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish. Walking through that gallery gives you a sense of the scale — the acrylic panel in front of you is 2 feet thick and 23 feet tall.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium holds 11 million gallons of water across eight galleries and covers 550,000 square feet of indoor space.
  • The Ocean Voyager tank alone contains 6.3 million gallons and is one of the largest single aquarium tanks in the world.
  • The facility sits on 10 acres in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
  • The building has multiple levels and viewing areas, so you can see the same exhibits from different angles and depths.

What you see across the eight galleries

Each gallery focuses on a different habitat or region. The Tropical Diver gallery shows coral reef environments. The Cold Water Quest gallery holds beluga whales and sea otters in cooler saltwater tanks. The River Scout gallery features freshwater systems — rivers, streams, and wetlands from around the world. The Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest and Beluga Whale Encounter are separate immersive spaces where you can watch animals from multiple viewing angles.

The Aquarium also has a Dolphin Tales gallery with bottlenose dolphins, a Tropical Diver section with smaller reef fish and invertebrates, and rotating seasonal exhibits. The size of each gallery varies — some are small intimate spaces with a few thousand gallons, while others like Ocean Voyager dwarf everything else. The layout is designed so you move through different water temperatures and ecosystems as you walk through the building.

How the building is organized vertically

The aquarium is not just one big room. It has four main levels, and tanks are stacked and positioned so water flows from upper levels to lower ones. This design lets the facility manage 11 million gallons of water efficiently and lets visitors see the same animals from different heights and distances. The Ocean Voyager tank, for example, has viewing areas on multiple floors so you can watch whale sharks from above and from the side.

The upper levels hold smaller freshwater and specialized exhibits. The middle levels contain most of the major saltwater tanks. The lower level includes the Beluga Whale Encounter and some of the deepest viewing areas. This vertical stacking also means the building is taller than it is wide — it rises seven stories in some sections, though much of that height is behind the walls where filtration systems and water pipes run.

Comparison to other major aquariums

The Georgia Aquarium is the second-largest aquarium in the world by water volume. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan holds 7.5 million gallons but is smaller overall. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is much smaller by volume but is considered one of the most prestigious. The Shanghai Disneyland Aquarium holds around 12 million gallons, making it slightly larger than Georgia's facility.

What makes the Georgia Aquarium notable is not just the volume but the diversity of what it holds. Most of the water is saltwater, but the facility also maintains freshwater systems, cold-water environments, and tropical reefs all in one building. The Ocean Voyager tank alone is larger than most complete aquariums in smaller cities.

Visiting and what to expect

Because the aquarium is so large, most visits take two to four hours depending on how long you spend at each exhibit. The building is climate-controlled and indoors, so weather does not affect your visit. Crowds tend to be heaviest on weekends and during school holidays, which can make some of the popular galleries like Ocean Voyager feel crowded during peak hours.

The facility is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta, near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages. The building is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are permitted, though the crowds and narrow passages in some galleries can make navigation difficult during busy times.

Behind-the-scenes systems that support the size

Running 11 million gallons of water requires massive filtration, temperature control, and life support systems. The aquarium uses a combination of mechanical filters, biological filters, and chemical treatment to keep the water clean. Each major tank has its own temperature control system because different animals need different water temperatures — whale sharks need cooler water than tropical reef fish.

The facility employs hundreds of staff members, including aquarists, veterinarians, and maintenance workers. The water systems run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The aquarium also has backup power systems and redundant filtration in case of equipment failure, because losing filtration on 11 million gallons of water would be catastrophic for the animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?

Most people spend two to four hours at the aquarium. If you move quickly and skip the interactive exhibits, you can see the main galleries in about two hours. If you watch the animal demonstrations, spend time at the touch pools, or visit during a slow time when you can linger, plan for four hours or more.

Is the Georgia Aquarium bigger than the Monterey Bay Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium holds more water — 11 million gallons versus Monterey Bay's 750,000 gallons. However, Monterey Bay is considered more prestigious and has a different focus. Georgia's aquarium emphasizes large animals and volume; Monterey Bay emphasizes local marine ecosystems and conservation research.

Can you see all the tanks from one spot?

No. The aquarium is spread across multiple galleries and levels. The Ocean Voyager tank is the largest and most visible, but you have to walk through different sections to see all eight galleries. The layout is designed to guide you through different habitats rather than show everything at once.

What is the deepest tank in the Georgia Aquarium?

The Ocean Voyager tank is the deepest and largest. It reaches depths of over 30 feet in some sections. Most other tanks are shallower, ranging from 8 to 20 feet depending on the animals and habitat they represent.

Does the aquarium have a gift shop or food options?

Yes. The facility has a gift shop, a café, and a full-service restaurant. Food options range from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Prices are typical for a major tourist attraction — higher than outside the building but reasonable for the location.