General admission ticket prices at the Georgia Aquarium

General admission costs $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12 at the gate. Online prices are lower: $34.95 for adults and $29.95 for children when you buy in advance through the Georgia Aquarium website. Children under 3 enter free. Prices do not vary by day of the week, though the aquarium is typically less crowded on weekday mornings.

The ticket you buy covers access to all the main exhibits — the Beluga whales, whale sharks, tropical fish galleries, and the sea lion show included in general admission. You do not need a separate ticket for any of these areas. The price is the same whether you visit for two hours or stay all day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online tickets cost $5 less per person than gate prices, so buying before you arrive saves money on every ticket.
  • General admission includes all main exhibits and the sea lion show, with no additional charges for specific galleries.
  • Children under 3 enter free, and ages 3 to 12 pay a reduced rate.
  • Special experiences like the dolphin encounter or behind-the-scenes tours cost extra and must be reserved separately.
  • Annual memberships start at $99 and pay for themselves in about three visits if you go once a month.

Add-on experiences and what they cost

The aquarium offers paid experiences beyond general admission. The Dolphin Encounter lets you touch and feed dolphins in a shallow pool; it costs $99 per person on top of your general admission ticket and lasts about 20 minutes. The Beluga Encounter is similar but with beluga whales and runs $119 per person. Both require advance reservation and have age or height restrictions — check the website for specifics before booking.

A behind-the-scenes tour costs $49 per person and takes you into areas the general public does not see, including the animal care areas and filtration systems. These tours run about 90 minutes and fill up weeks in advance during summer and school holidays. The aquarium also offers private group tours for $25 per person (minimum 10 people), which include a guide and can be scheduled on your preferred date.

Annual membership versus paying per visit

An annual membership starts at $99 for one adult and includes unlimited visits, free parking, and discounts on food and gift shop purchases. A membership for two adults costs $149. If you visit three times in a year, the membership pays for itself compared to buying individual tickets online. Families that go more than twice a year almost always save money with a membership.

Members also get discounts on the paid experiences — the Dolphin Encounter drops to $79 for members, and the behind-the-scenes tour becomes $39. Memberships renew automatically, so you will need to cancel before the renewal date if you do not want to continue.

How to buy tickets and save money

The cheapest way to enter is to buy online through the Georgia Aquarium website at least one day before your visit. You print the ticket at home or show it on your phone at the gate — no difference in price between the two. Buying at the gate costs $5 more per ticket, so even if you decide to go the day of, you can usually buy online from your phone in the parking lot and save money.

Some third-party ticket sellers like Groupon or Viator occasionally offer discounts, but these are not reliable and sometimes require you to buy in bulk or on specific dates. The official website is the safest option and usually has the best price. The aquarium does not offer discounts for seniors or military, though some local organizations may have partnership deals — ask at your workplace or community center.

Parking and other costs to budget for

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium is $15 per vehicle if you pay at the gate. Annual members park free. Street parking is not available in the when ready area, so most visitors use the lot. If you are a member, the free parking saves you $15 per visit and adds up quickly.

Food inside the aquarium is expensive — a sandwich runs $15 to $18, and a drink costs $5 to $7. Many visitors bring their own snacks and water bottle to save money. The aquarium allows you to bring outside food, though you cannot bring glass containers or alcohol. A lunch for a family of four from outside sources costs roughly one-third of what you would spend at the concession stands.

Special events and seasonal pricing

The Georgia Aquarium occasionally runs special events like Dive Night (evening hours with live music and food) or holiday-themed nights, which charge an additional fee on top of admission. These events are announced on the website and typically cost $15 to $25 extra per person. Regular admission prices do not change for holidays or peak season — you pay the same in July as you do in January.

School groups and large parties get discounted rates if you book in advance. A group of 15 or more people can negotiate a per-person rate lower than the standard online price. Contact the group sales department through the website to request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy a ticket online?

Tickets purchased online are generally non-refundable, but you can use them on a different date by contacting the aquarium directly. If you bought a ticket and cannot go, call the main number to see if they will transfer it to another day. Memberships can be cancelled within a certain window for a refund, but the terms depend on when you bought it.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?

You can show up and buy at the gate, but you will pay $5 more per ticket. Buying online the day before or even a few hours before you arrive saves money and guarantees entry. During peak times like summer weekends, the aquarium can reach capacity and stop selling tickets, so advance purchase is safer.

Are there discounts for large groups?

Yes. Groups of 15 or more people can contact the group sales department for a reduced per-person rate. You must book in advance, usually at least two weeks ahead. The discount is typically 10 to 15 percent off the standard online price.

What is included in general admission?

General admission covers all the main galleries — whale sharks, beluga whales, tropical fish, sea otters, and the sea lion show. It does not include the Dolphin Encounter, Beluga Encounter, or behind-the-scenes tours, which are separate paid experiences.

Is parking included with my ticket?

No. Parking costs $15 per vehicle at the gate unless you have an annual membership, which includes free parking. Street parking is not available nearby, so most visitors use the lot.