The Georgia Aquarium by the Numbers

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta covers 10 acres of land and holds 11 million gallons of water—more than any other aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The main building itself spans 550,000 square feet, which is roughly the size of 10 football fields. To put the water volume in perspective, that is enough to fill 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The aquarium opened in 2005 and was the world's largest by volume until 2012, when the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan opened with a slightly larger tank. The Georgia Aquarium remains one of the top three largest aquariums globally by total water volume.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium holds 11 million gallons of water across its entire facility, making it the largest in North America.
  • The main building covers 550,000 square feet, equivalent to about 10 American football fields.
  • The Ocean Voyager exhibit alone contains 6.3 million gallons and is one of the largest single tanks in the world.
  • The aquarium sits on 10 acres of land in downtown Atlanta and includes multiple galleries and viewing areas.
  • Visiting typically takes three to five hours to see the main exhibits, though you can spend longer if you explore every section.

The Ocean Voyager: The Massive Central Tank

The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the centerpiece of the Georgia Aquarium and accounts for more than half of the facility's total water volume. This single tank holds 6.3 million gallons of saltwater and measures 203 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 33 feet deep. The tank is so large that it takes up an entire wing of the building.

The Ocean Voyager is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other fish species. The acrylic panels that form the viewing walls are 2 feet thick and weigh several tons each. The tank requires constant filtration and temperature control to maintain the saltwater environment for its inhabitants.

Other Major Exhibits and Their Sizes

Beyond the Ocean Voyager, the Georgia Aquarium has five other major galleries, each with its own collection of tanks and water volume. The Tropical Diver gallery focuses on coral reef ecosystems, while the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest showcases species from colder ocean regions. The Beluga whales live in a separate exhibit with multiple pools totaling several hundred thousand gallons.

The River Scout gallery displays freshwater species from rivers and streams around the world. The Seahorse Symphony and other smaller exhibits round out the facility. Together, all these spaces create distinct environments that mimic the natural habitats of the animals on display.

How the Aquarium Compares to Other Major Facilities

The Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons ranks it third globally by water volume. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan holds approximately 7.5 million gallons in its main tank alone, with a total facility volume exceeding 11 million. The Dubai Aquarium holds roughly 2.64 million gallons but occupies a much smaller footprint in a shopping mall.

By building footprint, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest in the world. Many other major aquariums, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, are smaller by volume but are renowned for their design and specific focus on local marine ecosystems. Size alone does not determine the quality of an aquarium experience—visitor layout, animal welfare, and educational programming also matter significantly.

What to Expect When You Visit

The sheer size of the Georgia Aquarium means you will encounter long hallways, multiple levels, and numerous viewing areas. Most visitors spend three to five hours exploring the main galleries. The building is designed so you can move at your own pace, and there are benches throughout if you need to rest.

Peak visiting times, typically afternoons and weekends, can make the facility feel crowded despite its size. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays allows you to move through exhibits with fewer people around you. The aquarium is fully climate-controlled, so weather outside does not affect your visit.

The Infrastructure Behind the Scenes

Maintaining 11 million gallons of water requires extensive mechanical systems that visitors do not see. The aquarium uses multiple filtration systems, temperature controls, and water quality monitoring equipment to keep the tanks clean and safe for the animals. The facility employs a large team of aquarists and engineers who work around the clock to maintain these systems.

The aquarium also has backup power systems and redundant equipment in case of equipment failure. Water is treated and recycled throughout the facility rather than being drained and refilled constantly. The building's design includes separate areas for food preparation, animal care, and maintenance that are not open to the public.

Planning Your Visit Based on Size

Because the Georgia Aquarium is so large, you should plan your visit strategically. If you have limited time, focus on the Ocean Voyager and one or two other galleries rather than trying to see everything. The facility provides maps at the entrance that show all exhibits and their locations.

Comfortable shoes are essential—you will walk several miles during a typical visit. The aquarium has a café and gift shop, but bringing snacks and water can save money and time. If you are visiting with young children, plan for frequent breaks and shorter overall visit times, as the scale of the building can be tiring for small legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most people spend three to five hours seeing the main exhibits. If you want to view every tank and read all the information plaques, you could easily spend six to eight hours. The time depends on your pace and how much detail you want to explore.

Is the Georgia Aquarium bigger than the Monterey Bay Aquarium?

Yes, the Georgia Aquarium holds significantly more water—11 million gallons compared to Monterey Bay's roughly 750,000 gallons. However, Monterey Bay is renowned for its design and focus on local California marine life, while Georgia Aquarium emphasizes sheer scale and variety of species.

Can you see the entire aquarium in one day?

Yes, you can see all the major galleries in one day if you move efficiently and do not spend extended time at each exhibit. Most visitors see the highlights in four to six hours. If you want a more leisurely experience with detailed observation, you might prefer to focus on specific galleries.

How does the Georgia Aquarium use so much water?

The 11 million gallons are distributed across multiple tanks of varying sizes throughout the facility. The Ocean Voyager alone uses 6.3 million gallons, while the remaining galleries, smaller exhibits, and behind-the-scenes systems account for the rest. Each tank is sized to provide appropriate space for its inhabitants.

Is the building as big as it feels when you walk through it?

Yes—550,000 square feet is genuinely enormous. The building is designed with high ceilings and open spaces that make it feel even larger than it is. The layout encourages you to walk through multiple galleries, which adds to the sense of scale.