Standard ticket prices at the Georgia Aquarium

A general admission ticket to the Georgia Aquarium costs $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 enter free. These are the walk-up prices you pay at the ticket window or online the day of your visit.

The aquarium also sells annual memberships starting at $149 for a single adult, which covers unlimited visits for a year plus guest discounts and other perks. If you visit more than four times in a year, membership usually costs less than buying individual tickets each time.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission is $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 are free.
  • Buying tickets online before your visit can save you $5 per ticket compared to paying at the gate.
  • Annual memberships start at $149 and pay for themselves in four visits if you go regularly.
  • Group rates and discounts through schools, military, or AAA can lower the per-person cost by $5 to $10.
  • Special events like sleepovers and behind-the-scenes tours cost extra and range from $150 to $300 per person.

Online discounts and advance purchase savings

Buying your ticket on the Georgia Aquarium website before you arrive saves $5 per adult ticket and $4 per child ticket. You print the ticket at home or show it on your phone at the entrance. This discount applies every day, not just on slow periods.

The aquarium occasionally runs promotions through its email list or social media — usually discounts of $3 to $7 off a ticket during slower months like September or January. Signing up for their newsletter on the website is free and alerts you when these sales happen.

Group rates and membership discounts

Groups of 15 or more people receive a discounted rate of around $32 per adult and $27 per child. You need to book in advance through the aquarium's group sales line. Schools, camps, and tour operators use this route regularly.

Military members, AAA cardholders, and Georgia residents with a state ID can each receive a $5 to $10 discount. Bring your valid ID to the ticket window. Some employers also negotiate group rates with the aquarium — check your company's benefits or HR portal to see if yours is one of them.

Special experiences and add-on costs

Beyond general admission, the aquarium offers paid experiences. A dolphin encounter costs around $200 to $250 per person and includes a 30-minute interaction with trainers and dolphins. A beluga encounter runs $150 to $200. These require separate booking and are not included in general admission.

Aquarium sleepovers, where you sleep in the facility overnight, cost $150 to $300 per person depending on the package. Behind-the-scenes tours run $50 to $100 on top of your admission ticket. Private group events and catering add further costs depending on what you book.

What's included in your ticket

Your general admission ticket covers access to all the main galleries: the Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Beluga Whale Habitat, and Cold Water Quest. You can spend as much time as you want in each area. The ticket does not include food, parking, or merchandise.

Parking at the aquarium costs $15 for a standard car if you pay at the gate, or $12 if you buy online in advance. Some nearby lots charge $10 to $12 and are a short walk away. If you have a membership, parking is often included or discounted.

Membership and season pass comparison

An annual individual membership at $149 covers unlimited visits and typically includes free parking. A family membership for up to four people costs around $299 per year. Both memberships give you a 10% discount on food and merchandise, plus invitations to member-only events.

If you visit four times in a year, the membership pays for itself. A family that visits eight times saves roughly $150 compared to buying individual tickets. Memberships renew automatically, so you need to cancel before renewal if you do not want to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy a ticket and can't go?

Refunds depend on when you bought the ticket and the aquarium's current policy. Tickets purchased online typically cannot be refunded but can be transferred to another date. Call the aquarium directly at the number on your confirmation email to discuss your specific situation.

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

You can buy tickets at the gate the day you visit, but online purchase saves $5 per ticket and guarantees entry. On busy days like weekends and school holidays, the aquarium can reach capacity and stop selling walk-up tickets, so advance purchase is safer during peak times.

Are there discounts for seniors or students?

The aquarium does not advertise a standard senior discount, but some promotions include seniors. Check the website or call ahead to ask about current offers. Student discounts are sometimes available through specific schools or group bookings rather than individual student IDs.

What if I have a disability — do I get in free or discounted?

The aquarium offers free admission for one caregiver with a guest who has a disability, though the guest still pays full price. Bring documentation of the disability. Call ahead to confirm current policy and to arrange any accommodations you may need during your visit.

Is parking included in the ticket price?

Parking is not included in general admission and costs $15 at the aquarium's lot or $12 if purchased online in advance. Annual members typically get free or discounted parking depending on membership level. Street parking and nearby lots offer cheaper alternatives if you do not mind walking.