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

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the largest aquariums in the world by water volume. The main building itself spans 550,000 square feet — roughly the size of nine football fields. The entire complex, including outdoor habitats and support areas, occupies 10 acres in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola.

That 11 million gallons of water makes it the second-largest aquarium globally by volume, after the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. To put that in perspective, the largest single tank in the Georgia Aquarium — the Ocean Voyager exhibit — holds 6.3 million gallons by itself and is designed to house whale sharks and manta rays.

The building opened in 2005 and was designed specifically around the whale shark habitat. The architects had to engineer the structure to support the weight of that much water and the animals living in it, which shaped how the entire facility was laid out.

Key Takeaways

  • The main building covers 550,000 square feet with 11 million gallons of water across multiple exhibits.
  • The Ocean Voyager tank alone holds 6.3 million gallons and is one of the largest single aquarium tanks in the world.
  • The facility occupies 10 acres total in downtown Atlanta, including outdoor areas and support structures.
  • The building was engineered around the whale shark habitat, which determined much of the facility's design and layout.

How the space breaks down across different exhibits

The Georgia Aquarium is organized into several major gallery areas, each with its own tanks and systems. The Ocean Voyager exhibit takes up the most space and water volume. Other major sections include the Tropical Diver gallery, the Cold Water Quest area, the Beluga whale habitat, and the River Scout section focused on freshwater ecosystems.

Beyond the main galleries, the facility includes a 4D theater, a touch pool area where visitors can interact with certain animals, and spaces for educational programs. The building also contains behind-the-scenes areas for animal care, food preparation, water filtration, and veterinary work — these spaces are not open to visitors but make up a significant portion of the 550,000 square feet.

What the size means for your visit

A 550,000-square-foot building takes time to walk through. Most visitors spend between three and five hours exploring the exhibits, though you can move through faster if you skip the theater or spend less time at each tank. The layout is designed so you do not have to backtrack, but the sheer number of galleries means there is a lot of ground to cover.

The size also affects crowd flow. On busy days, certain popular exhibits like the Ocean Voyager can feel crowded, while less-trafficked galleries remain quieter. The facility's scale means you have room to step back from tanks and find less-crowded viewing angles, which is helpful if you are visiting with children or prefer to move at your own pace.

The water systems that support this volume

Maintaining 11 million gallons of water requires industrial-scale filtration, temperature control, and chemical balance systems. The aquarium uses a combination of mechanical and biological filtration to keep the water clean. Saltwater exhibits use different systems than freshwater ones, and the cold-water sections require refrigeration to maintain temperatures that match the animals' natural habitats.

The facility recirculates water constantly rather than replacing it entirely. Pumps move water through filtration systems, and the building has backup power systems to keep circulation running if the main power fails — stopping water movement in a tank that size for even a few hours can harm the animals living in it.

How the Georgia Aquarium compares to other major aquariums

By water volume, the Georgia Aquarium ranks second globally. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan holds approximately 7.5 million gallons more. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is much smaller by volume but is considered one of the most prestigious in the United States. The Shanghai Disneyland Aquarium is comparable in size to the Georgia facility.

Size does not determine quality or the experience you have. A smaller aquarium with excellent animal care and thoughtful exhibit design can be more engaging than a larger one. The Georgia Aquarium's size is one feature, but visitors often comment more on the specific animals they see and the quality of the exhibits themselves.

Planning your visit with the facility's size in mind

Because the building is large and contains multiple levels, wear comfortable shoes. The layout is generally straightforward to navigate, with clear signage, but you will be on your feet for hours. Bring water and plan breaks, especially if you are visiting with young children or elderly family members.

Arrive early if you want to see the most popular exhibits with smaller crowds. The Ocean Voyager exhibit, where the whale sharks are, draws the heaviest traffic, particularly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends. If you have limited time, prioritize the exhibits you most want to see rather than trying to cover the entire facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most people spend three to five hours walking through all the galleries. If you move quickly and skip the theater, you might finish in two and a half hours. If you spend time at each tank and watch feeding demonstrations, you could easily spend six hours or more.

Is the Georgia Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible throughout the main galleries. Elevators connect the different levels, and pathways are wide enough for wheelchairs. Contact the aquarium directly if you have specific accessibility questions about particular exhibits or areas.

Can you see the whale sharks from multiple angles?

Yes. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is designed so you can view the tank from multiple levels and angles. There is a main viewing area with a large acrylic panel, and you can also see into the tank from other parts of the building as you move through the galleries.

Does the size of the aquarium mean it is better than smaller ones?

Size alone does not determine quality. A larger facility can house bigger animals and more exhibits, but smaller aquariums often provide more intimate experiences and may have higher standards for animal care. The Georgia Aquarium's size is one feature among many that shape your visit.

Is there a map of the facility available?

Yes, maps are available at the entrance and on the aquarium's website. The layout is straightforward and designed so you move through galleries in a logical order without backtracking, so most visitors do not need to reference the map frequently.