Swimming with whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium costs $299 per person for the main encounter program
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers a hands-on experience called Swim with Whale Sharks, where you enter the water alongside the aquarium's whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. The base price is $299 per person. This price covers your time in the water with the sharks, a wetsuit, snorkel gear, and instruction from an aquarium guide. You do not need to be a certified diver — the experience is designed for swimmers of varying abilities.
The program runs year-round, though availability depends on the aquarium's schedule and the sharks' behavior on any given day. Sessions typically last about 30 minutes in the water, though you should plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for a safety briefing and gear fitting. The aquarium may cancel or reschedule your session if the sharks are stressed or if water conditions are unsafe.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Swim with Whale Sharks program costs $299 per person and includes wetsuit, snorkel gear, and a guide.
- You must be at least 10 years old and able to swim to participate in the encounter.
- Sessions last about 30 minutes in the water, with an additional 30 to 45 minutes for briefing and gear setup.
- The aquarium may cancel sessions if the sharks are stressed or water conditions are unsafe, with no penalty to you.
- You can book through the Georgia Aquarium website or by calling their ticketing line directly.
Age and swimming requirements you need to meet
Participants must be at least 10 years old to enter the water with the whale sharks. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present during the entire experience, though the adult does not have to be in the water. The aquarium requires all swimmers to be comfortable in water and able to swim — you will be in the deep end of the exhibit, and the guide cannot hold you up or provide flotation devices beyond the snorkel gear.
If you have physical limitations, medical conditions, or mobility concerns, contact the aquarium before booking. They can tell you whether your situation allows you to participate safely. Pregnancy is typically a reason the aquarium will not allow participation, as is recent surgery or certain heart conditions. The aquarium takes these restrictions seriously because the experience involves being in a large tank with animals that weigh several tons.
What's included and what you bring yourself
The $299 price includes a fitted wetsuit, snorkel mask, snorkel tube, and fins. The aquarium provides all of this gear in your size. A trained guide enters the water with your group — usually four to six people per session — and stays with you the entire time. The guide points out the sharks' behavior, answers questions, and watches for safety.
You should bring a towel, a change of clothes, and a waterproof bag for your personal items. The aquarium has changing rooms and lockers. You may bring a camera or waterproof phone case if you want photos, though the guide will also take pictures during your session that you can purchase afterward. Do not bring jewelry, watches, or anything else that could fall off or irritate the sharks.
How to book your session and what to expect on the day
You can book through the Georgia Aquarium's official website under the "Encounters" section, or call their ticketing line. You will need to choose a date and time from available slots. Availability varies by season — summer and holiday weeks fill up faster. The aquarium recommends booking at least two weeks in advance, though last-minute slots sometimes open.
On the day of your encounter, arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled time. You will check in, sign a liability waiver, and watch a brief safety video. A staff member will fit you with your wetsuit and snorkel gear. Then your guide will take your group to the edge of the Ocean Voyager tank, review hand signals and basic rules, and enter the water with you. After your 30 minutes in the water, you will exit, rinse off, and change back into your clothes. The entire visit from arrival to departure usually takes about two hours.
Additional costs beyond the base price
The $299 covers only the encounter itself. If you want professional photos taken during your session, the aquarium offers a photo package for an additional cost — typically $50 to $100 depending on the package. You can also purchase a digital video of your encounter. These are optional; you do not have to buy them.
General admission to the Georgia Aquarium is separate from the encounter price. If you do not already have an admission ticket, you will need to purchase one to enter the building. Admission costs vary by age and whether you buy online or at the gate. Parking at the aquarium also has a fee, though some nearby lots are cheaper. Food and drinks at the aquarium are available but expensive — you may want to eat before or after your encounter.
What makes whale shark swimming different from other aquarium encounters
The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks are the largest fish in the tank and the main draw of the Ocean Voyager exhibit. Unlike dolphin encounters at other facilities, you are not training the sharks to perform or touch them on command. Instead, you are swimming in their space while they move naturally. The sharks are generally calm and used to human presence, but they are wild animals and their behavior is not may provide.
This means your experience depends partly on where the sharks happen to swim during your 30-minute window. You might swim alongside one for several minutes, or the sharks might stay on the far side of the tank. The guide cannot control the sharks' movement. This unpredictability is part of what makes the encounter feel authentic — you are observing the animals in a large, naturalistic environment rather than a small pool designed for close interaction.
Cancellation and rescheduling policies
If you need to cancel or reschedule, the aquarium's policy depends on how far in advance you contact them. Cancellations made more than 14 days before your session usually receive a full refund or credit toward a future date. Cancellations within 14 days may forfeit part or all of your payment, depending on the aquarium's current policy — check the terms when you book.
The aquarium may also cancel your session without penalty to you if the sharks are stressed, if water quality is unsafe, or if weather or mechanical issues affect the tank. In those cases, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule at no extra cost. The aquarium will contact you as soon as possible if a cancellation is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to scuba dive?
No. The Swim with Whale Sharks program uses snorkel gear only, not scuba equipment. You breathe through a tube at the surface while floating face-down in the water. The guide will teach you how to use the snorkel before you enter the tank. If you have never snorkeled before, let the staff know during check-in and they will give you extra time to practice.
Can I bring my own wetsuit or snorkel gear?
The aquarium provides all gear and prefers you use theirs for safety and hygiene reasons. Bring your own only if you have a specific medical need — for example, if you have a latex allergy and need a latex-free suit. Contact the aquarium ahead of time if this applies to you.
What if I am afraid of sharks?
Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat only plankton and small fish — they do not eat large animals and have never harmed a human. Many people who are nervous about sharks find the encounter reassuring because they see how gentle and slow-moving the animals are. If you are still uncomfortable, you can watch the encounter from the viewing area instead of entering the water, though this is not a refundable option.
Can I bring my phone or camera into the water?
You can bring a waterproof phone case or underwater camera, but the aquarium also takes professional photos during your session. Many people find it easier to enjoy the moment without managing a camera, then purchase the professional photos afterward. Check the aquarium's current photo package prices when you book.
Is the water cold?
The Ocean Voyager tank is kept at around 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is warm enough that most people are comfortable in a wetsuit. The wetsuit provided is a thin 3mm suit designed for tropical water, not a thick cold-water suit. If you run cold easily, mention this during gear fitting and the staff can help you adjust your suit for comfort.