The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Holds the Record

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume. It holds 11 million gallons of water across its exhibits and opened to the public in 2005. The facility spans 550,000 square feet and is located in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

The aquarium's size allows it to house thousands of animals from hundreds of species, including whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and sea lions. The scale of the operation means the facility requires constant maintenance of water systems, temperature control, and filtration to keep the animals healthy. Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the different galleries and exhibits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta contains 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest in the United States.
  • The facility opened in 2005 and houses whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and thousands of other marine and freshwater animals.
  • The aquarium spans 550,000 square feet across multiple galleries and exhibit areas throughout the building.
  • Visiting typically takes three to four hours, though you can spend more time if you watch animal feedings or presentations.
  • The facility is located in downtown Atlanta and is open year-round with varying hours by season.

What Makes the Georgia Aquarium So Large

The sheer volume of water required to house large marine animals like whale sharks and beluga whales is the main reason the Georgia Aquarium needed to be built at such a massive scale. A single whale shark tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water alone. The building also contains separate galleries for tropical fish, cold-water species, river animals, and sea mammals, each requiring its own water systems and climate controls.

The construction and ongoing operation of an aquarium this size is expensive and complex. The facility employs hundreds of staff members including marine biologists, veterinarians, aquarists, and engineers who maintain the water quality, feed the animals, and monitor their health. The Georgia Aquarium also conducts research on animal behavior and conservation, which is part of why it requires such sophisticated infrastructure.

The Main Exhibits and What You'll See

The Georgia Aquarium is organized into several major galleries. The Beluga Whale and Seas gallery features beluga whales, sea otters, and other cold-water animals. The Tropical Diver gallery contains colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and rays in a recreation of a coral reef environment. The River Scout gallery focuses on freshwater animals from rivers around the world, including piranhas and arapaima.

The Ocean Voyager gallery is the largest single exhibit and contains the whale sharks, manta rays, and other large pelagic fish. This gallery is designed to mimic the open ocean and gives visitors a sense of the scale of these animals. The Beluga and Seas gallery also includes a touch pool where visitors can interact with certain species under staff supervision. The aquarium regularly rotates smaller exhibits and adds temporary displays throughout the year.

Visiting Hours, Admission, and Planning Your Trip

The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary by season. During peak summer months, it typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. In winter months, hours are often 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices vary depending on whether you purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate, and discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups. The facility also offers membership options for frequent visitors.

The aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though prices vary. Public transportation via MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is also an option, with the Peachtree Center station nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are permitted throughout the building. Restaurants and a gift shop are located inside the aquarium.

How the Georgia Aquarium Compares to Other Large Aquariums

While the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States, other major aquariums exist across the country. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller by water volume but is renowned for its sea otter exhibits and kelp forest display. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is also a major facility, though it holds less water than Georgia. The National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, are other significant facilities that draw large numbers of visitors.

The distinction of "largest" depends on how you measure. The Georgia Aquarium leads in total water volume, but some aquariums may have more exhibits, more species, or larger individual tanks. The Georgia Aquarium's whale shark tank remains one of the most impressive single exhibits in any aquarium in the world, which is a major draw for visitors.

Conservation and Research at the Georgia Aquarium

Beyond being a tourist attraction, the Georgia Aquarium is involved in marine conservation and research. The facility participates in breeding programs for endangered species and works with other institutions to study animal behavior and health. The aquarium also supports field conservation efforts in oceans and rivers around the world through grants and partnerships with research organizations.

The animals in the aquarium are cared for according to professional standards set by organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Staff members monitor the health of every animal, adjust diets based on nutritional needs, and provide enrichment activities to keep the animals mentally and physically active. This level of care is part of what makes operating such a large facility so resource-intensive.

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 through exhibits, you can see the main galleries in two to three hours. If you watch animal feedings, presentations, or spend time at touch pools, you may stay five to six hours. The facility is large enough that you can return on another day and see different things.

Can you bring food into the Georgia Aquarium?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the aquarium, but the facility has restaurants and cafes inside where you can purchase meals and snacks. There are also vending machines throughout the building. Prices for food are typical of what you would find at other tourist attractions.

Are there special programs or behind-the-scenes tours available?

The Georgia Aquarium offers several special experiences beyond general admission, including animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and sleepover programs. These programs cost extra and must be reserved in advance. Check the aquarium's website for current offerings and availability.

Is the Georgia Aquarium good for young children?

Yes, the aquarium is designed to be family-friendly. There are touch pools, interactive exhibits, and presentations that appeal to children. The facility has family restrooms and nursing areas. Strollers are permitted, which is helpful for families with very young children, though some areas can be crowded during peak hours.

What is the best time of year to visit the Georgia Aquarium?

Weekdays outside of school holidays and summer vacation tend to be less crowded than weekends and peak tourist season. If you prefer smaller crowds, visit in fall or early spring on a weekday. Summer and holiday periods are busier but offer the most hours of operation.