The Georgia Aquarium holds more than 10,000 animals across multiple galleries

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and thousands of fish species. The animals live in themed galleries organized by ocean region and habitat type. Each section recreates the conditions of a specific environment — cold Arctic waters, tropical coral reefs, open ocean — so the animals' behavior and needs match what you would see in the wild.

The aquarium spans 10 million gallons of water. The largest animals occupy the biggest tanks, while smaller species live in exhibits designed for their specific depth, temperature, and social structure. Most galleries let you watch the animals at multiple levels — from above the water and below it through acrylic panels.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks are the largest fish in the facility and live in the Ocean Voyager gallery, which holds 6.3 million gallons of water.
  • Beluga whales, sea lions, and dolphins occupy separate galleries with trained animal care staff who conduct daily feeding and behavioral sessions you can watch.
  • The Cold Water Quest gallery holds penguins, sea otters, and jellyfish adapted to Arctic and sub-Arctic temperatures.
  • Tropical Diver and other reef galleries display thousands of smaller fish, sea turtles, and invertebrates in coral and rocky habitats.
  • The aquarium rotates some animals between exhibits and occasionally brings in temporary displays, so the full roster changes throughout the year.

Ocean Voyager: Whale sharks and open-ocean animals

The Ocean Voyager gallery is the largest exhibit in the aquarium and holds the facility's most recognizable residents: whale sharks. These are the world's largest fish species. The Georgia Aquarium has housed whale sharks since it opened in 2005, and they remain the centerpiece of the facility. The tank also holds manta rays, which are large, flat fish that glide through the water, and several species of smaller fish that school together.

The Ocean Voyager tank is 203 feet long, 84 feet wide, and 40 feet deep. The water temperature stays around 76 degrees Fahrenheit to match the tropical and subtropical waters where whale sharks naturally live. You can view the tank from multiple angles, including an underwater acrylic tunnel that lets you stand beneath the animals as they swim overhead.

Beluga whales and marine mammals

The Georgia Aquarium keeps beluga whales in a dedicated gallery called the Beluga Encounter. Belugas are small whales with white skin and rounded heads. They are highly social animals and communicate with each other through clicks, whistles, and knocks. The aquarium's beluga population includes multiple individuals, and staff members conduct regular feeding and training sessions that you can watch from the viewing area.

The facility also houses sea lions in a separate marine mammal gallery. Sea lions are pinnipeds — marine mammals with flippers — and they perform natural behaviors like diving, surfacing, and interacting with enrichment objects. The sea lion exhibit includes both above-water and underwater viewing areas so you can see how they move in both environments.

Dolphins and interactive programs

The Georgia Aquarium's dolphin gallery holds multiple dolphins in a large saltwater tank. Dolphins are highly intelligent cetaceans that live in social groups. The aquarium's dolphins participate in daily feeding demonstrations where staff explain their diet, social structure, and communication methods. These sessions happen on a regular schedule posted at the facility entrance.

Unlike some aquariums, the Georgia Aquarium does not offer interactive touch pools or swim-with-dolphin programs. All viewing happens from designated areas outside the tank. The facility focuses on observation and education rather than direct contact between visitors and animals.

Cold Water Quest: Penguins, sea otters, and Arctic species

The Cold Water Quest gallery recreates the conditions of polar and sub-Arctic oceans. The temperature in this section is significantly colder than other galleries. The exhibit holds multiple species of penguins, including rockhopper penguins and gentoo penguins. These birds dive and swim underwater with remarkable speed and agility, and you can watch them from both above and below the water line.

The Cold Water Quest gallery also houses sea otters, which are small marine mammals that float on their backs and use rocks to crack open shellfish. The gallery includes jellyfish species adapted to cold water, sea anemones, and other invertebrates. The lighting and tank design emphasize the dim, cold conditions of deep polar waters.

Tropical Diver and coral reef galleries

The Tropical Diver gallery and related reef exhibits showcase thousands of fish species in coral and rocky habitats. These galleries recreate the conditions of warm, shallow tropical oceans. You will see colorful fish like groupers, snappers, and parrotfish, along with sea turtles, rays, and invertebrates like sea stars and sea urchins. The tanks use live coral and rock structures to create natural hiding places and feeding areas.

The reef galleries are organized by region — some display animals from the Caribbean, others from the Indo-Pacific. Each section maintains specific water temperature, salinity, and lighting to match the natural habitat. The variety of colors and movement in these tanks makes them popular with visitors of all ages.

Other galleries and rotating exhibits

The Georgia Aquarium includes additional galleries beyond the major ones listed above. The Tropical Diver gallery connects to smaller exhibits featuring seahorses, pipefish, and other specialized species. The facility also maintains galleries focused on specific themes — some highlight bioluminescent animals, others feature species from particular ocean depths or regions.

The aquarium occasionally rotates animals between exhibits or brings in temporary displays. These changes happen for breeding programs, research, or to give animals variety in their environment. The facility's website and information desk can tell you which animals are currently on display and whether any temporary exhibits are running during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch or feed any of the animals?

No. The Georgia Aquarium does not allow direct contact with animals. All viewing happens from designated areas outside the tanks. Staff members conduct feeding demonstrations where you can watch, but visitors cannot participate in feeding or touching.

Are there animals I can only see at certain times?

Yes. Some animals are more active at specific times of day, and staff-led feeding sessions happen on a set schedule. The aquarium posts feeding times and demonstration schedules at the entrance and on its website so you can plan which sessions to watch.

What is the best time to see the whale sharks?

Whale sharks are visible throughout the day, but they tend to be more active during feeding times. The aquarium's website lists when whale shark feedings occur. Early morning and weekday visits are generally less crowded, which gives you more time at the tank.

Do the animals ever leave the aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium's permanent residents stay in the facility year-round. Some animals participate in breeding programs with other aquariums, which may involve temporary transfers. The facility does not send animals on tour or to other locations for extended periods.

How many different species are at the Georgia Aquarium?

The aquarium houses over 500 species. The exact number changes as animals are born, transferred between facilities, or rotated through exhibits. The facility's information desk or website can provide a current species list.