Georgia Aquarium holds the title, but size depends on how you measure it

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume. It holds 11.5 million gallons of water across its exhibits. The facility opened in 2005 and remains the biggest by this standard.

However, "largest" can mean different things. If you measure by physical building size or square footage of exhibit space, other aquariums rank differently. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago are comparable in visitor experience and exhibit variety, though they hold less total water. The distinction matters if you are deciding which aquarium to visit — a larger water volume does not always mean more animals, better exhibits, or a longer visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium holds 11.5 million gallons of water, making it the largest by volume in the United States.
  • Size by water volume is different from size by building square footage or number of exhibits, so other aquariums may feel larger depending on layout.
  • The Georgia Aquarium houses whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays among its major attractions.
  • Ticket prices, travel distance, and specific animals you want to see matter more than total water volume when choosing which aquarium to visit.

What makes the Georgia Aquarium so large

The Georgia Aquarium's size comes from a small number of massive exhibits rather than many medium-sized tanks. The largest single tank, the Ocean Voyager exhibit, contains 6.3 million gallons of water by itself. This tank is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of smaller fish. One whale shark alone requires enormous space, which accounts for much of the facility's total volume.

The facility also has dedicated exhibits for beluga whales, sea lions, and dolphins, each requiring substantial water volume. These large marine mammals need deep tanks and room to move, which pushes the total water count higher than facilities with more numerous but smaller exhibits. The Georgia Aquarium was built specifically to house these large animals, so the design prioritizes volume over the number of separate tanks.

How the Georgia Aquarium compares to other major U.S. aquariums

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California holds approximately 750,000 gallons of water — significantly less than Georgia's 11.5 million. Despite this, many visitors consider Monterey Bay equal or superior in experience because it focuses on regional marine life and has highly detailed, naturalistic exhibits. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago holds around 5 million gallons and is known for its dolphin and whale shows.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore holds approximately 2.2 million gallons. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, holds 12.9 million gallons, making it comparable to Georgia in total volume. However, the Aquarium of the Pacific is less well-known nationally, partly because it opened later and receives less media attention.

Visitor experience varies widely regardless of total water volume. An aquarium with 2 million gallons of well-designed exhibits may hold your attention longer than one with 11 million gallons of repetitive tanks. The Georgia Aquarium's size is a fact, but it is not the only measure of quality or enjoyment.

What animals you will see at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is known for housing whale sharks, the world's largest fish species. The facility has held multiple whale sharks since opening, making it one of the few places in the United States where you can see these animals. The Ocean Voyager exhibit also contains manta rays, which are among the largest rays in the world.

The aquarium has beluga whales in a dedicated cold-water exhibit. Belugas require specific temperature and depth conditions, which the facility provides. The facility also houses sea lions, dolphins, and thousands of species of smaller fish, from seahorses to jellyfish. The variety of animals is part of what draws visitors, though the whale sharks and belugas are the main attractions that justify the size of the facility.

Ticket prices and visiting information

General admission to the Georgia Aquarium varies by season and day of the week. Prices typically range from $30 to $45 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Online advance purchase usually costs less than buying tickets at the door. The facility is located in downtown Atlanta and is accessible by car, public transit, or ride-share services.

A full visit typically takes three to four hours. The facility is open year-round, though hours vary seasonally. Parking is available on-site or in nearby lots, though parking fees explore. The aquarium can be crowded during school holidays and weekends, so visiting on a weekday or during off-season months may provide a better experience with shorter lines.

Other large aquariums worth considering

If you are interested in aquariums but cannot visit Georgia, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is comparable in size and holds similar large marine animals. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, while smaller in total volume, is widely regarded as having the highest quality exhibits and is located in a scenic coastal setting. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is the most accessible for visitors in the Midwest and has a strong reputation for animal care and education programs.

Each aquarium has different strengths. The Georgia Aquarium's main advantage is the whale sharks and the sheer scale of the Ocean Voyager exhibit. Other aquariums may offer better regional marine life exhibits, more interactive experiences, or easier access depending on where you live. Choosing between them depends on which animals interest you most and how far you are willing to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most visitors spend three to four hours at the Georgia Aquarium. If you move quickly and skip the shows, you can finish in two to three hours. If you watch the dolphin or sea lion shows and spend time at each exhibit, you may stay five to six hours. The facility is large enough that you can return multiple times and still discover details you missed.

Can you see whale sharks anywhere else in the United States?

The Georgia Aquarium is the only facility in the United States with whale sharks on permanent display. A few other aquariums have held whale sharks temporarily, but none currently house them. If seeing whale sharks is your main goal, the Georgia Aquarium is your only option in the U.S.

Is the Georgia Aquarium worth the ticket price?

That depends on your interests and budget. The whale sharks and beluga whales are genuinely rare to see outside of the ocean. If those animals interest you, the ticket price is reasonable for a full day of activity. If you are primarily interested in fish and smaller marine life, other aquariums may offer better value for the cost.

What is the best time of year to visit?

September through November and January through February are typically less crowded than summer and school holidays. Prices may also be lower during these periods. If you prefer to avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday during these months is your best option.

Is there a difference between the Georgia Aquarium and other large aquariums besides size?

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium specializes in large marine animals and has more whale and dolphin exhibits than most other facilities. Other aquariums focus on regional species or interactive touch pools. The Georgia Aquarium's design prioritizes seeing massive animals in large tanks rather than variety of species or hands-on experiences.