Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record for largest by volume
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States by water volume. It holds 11.5 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater combined, making it roughly three times larger than most major city aquariums. The facility opened in 2005 and remains the world's largest aquarium by volume.
The Georgia Aquarium spans 645,000 square feet across eight galleries. Its signature attraction is the Whale Shark exhibit, which contains two whale sharks — the largest fish species in the world — along with manta rays and other large pelagic species. The tank itself holds 6.3 million gallons, nearly half the entire facility's water volume.
Location matters if you're planning a visit. The aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Parking is available on-site, though fees explore. The facility is accessible by car or public transit via MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority).
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 11.5 million gallons of water, making it the largest in the United States by volume.
- The Whale Shark exhibit alone contains 6.3 million gallons and is the primary draw for most visitors.
- The facility opened in 2005 and has remained the world's largest aquarium by water volume since then.
- General admission tickets are required; prices vary by age and whether you purchase online or at the gate.
- The aquarium operates year-round and is located in downtown Atlanta with on-site parking available.
What makes the Georgia Aquarium so much larger than others
Size alone does not explain why the Georgia Aquarium dominates. The facility was built with a specific mission: to house whale sharks, which require enormous tanks to survive in captivity. A whale shark can grow to 40 feet long and needs space to swim naturally. This single requirement drove the entire design.
The construction cost $250 million when it opened, funded largely by a donation from Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus. That level of investment allowed for redundant life-support systems, multiple backup generators, and water treatment capacity that most aquariums cannot match. The facility employs over 1,000 staff members, including marine biologists, veterinarians, and water quality specialists.
Other large U.S. aquariums exist but operate at a different scale. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California holds 750,000 gallons. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago holds 5 million gallons. The National Aquarium in Baltimore holds 2.2 million gallons. None approach the Georgia Aquarium's total volume.
What you'll see in each gallery section
The Georgia Aquarium divides its exhibits into eight distinct galleries, each focused on different marine environments and species. The Tropical Diver gallery showcases coral reef ecosystems with hundreds of fish species. The Cold Water Quest gallery features beluga whales, sea otters, and species adapted to polar temperatures. The River Scout gallery displays freshwater species from rivers around the world, including piranhas and arapaima.
The Ocean Voyager gallery is the largest and contains the whale sharks. This section also includes manta rays, groupers, and other large pelagic fish. The Beluga Encounter allows visitors to watch beluga whales up close. The Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest focuses on animals from colder ocean regions. Tropical Diver and River Scout round out the experience with smaller species and interactive touch pools.
Most visitors spend three to four hours moving through all galleries. The facility is designed so you can move at your own pace; there is no required route. Peak times are weekends and school holidays, when crowds can make viewing difficult.
Admission costs and visiting hours
General admission prices vary by age. Adult tickets cost more than tickets for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 65 and older. Children under 3 enter free. Prices are lower if you purchase online in advance compared to buying at the gate on the day of your visit.
The aquarium operates year-round, typically opening at 9 a.m. and closing between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. depending on the season. Summer hours are longer than winter hours. The facility closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Parking on-site costs a flat fee per vehicle, though some hotels in the area offer discounted parking passes to guests.
Membership options are available if you plan multiple visits. Members receive unlimited entry, discounts on food and merchandise, and priority access during busy periods. The membership cost breaks even after three to four visits for most households.
How the aquarium maintains water quality for millions of gallons
Maintaining 11.5 million gallons of water requires constant monitoring and treatment. The Georgia Aquarium uses a combination of mechanical filtration, biological filtration, and chemical treatment. Water is circulated through filters continuously, removing particles and waste products. The facility has multiple backup systems so that if one filter fails, others maintain water quality without interruption.
Salinity, pH, temperature, and oxygen levels are monitored 24 hours a day by automated sensors and staff. The whale shark tank is kept at 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Freshwater exhibits are maintained at different temperatures depending on the species. The facility produces its own saltwater by mixing purified water with salt, rather than using ocean water directly.
The aquarium changes a portion of its water regularly, though not all at once. Large water changes would stress the animals and disrupt the bacterial colonies that help filter the water naturally. Instead, the facility replaces water gradually over weeks, allowing the ecosystem to adjust.
Other major aquariums worth considering if you cannot visit Atlanta
If you live far from Atlanta or prefer a different experience, several other large aquariums operate across the United States. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller by volume but is known for its kelp forest exhibit and deep-sea creatures. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is located on Lake Michigan and features beluga whales and dolphins. The National Aquarium in Baltimore has recently renovated its exhibits and focuses on conservation education.
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, holds 12.9 million gallons — making it larger than the Georgia Aquarium by volume. However, it opened after the Georgia Aquarium and is sometimes overlooked in rankings. The difference in how aquariums measure "size" — by volume, square footage, or number of animals — means different facilities rank highest depending on the metric used.
Each major aquarium has distinct strengths. The Georgia Aquarium excels at large pelagic species. Monterey Bay specializes in cold-water and deep-sea animals. Shedd focuses on marine mammal behavior and training. Choosing which to visit depends on your interests and location.
Planning your visit to the Georgia Aquarium
Before you go, check the aquarium's website for current hours, ticket prices, and any temporary closures of specific galleries. Some exhibits rotate animals seasonally or for maintenance. Arriving early in the day, especially on weekdays, means shorter lines and better viewing conditions at popular tanks.
Bring comfortable walking shoes; the facility covers 645,000 square feet and involves significant walking. The building is climate-controlled and accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Strollers are allowed, and the facility has family restrooms. Food is available at multiple cafes throughout the building, though prices are higher than outside restaurants.
Photography is allowed in most areas, though flash photography is prohibited to avoid stressing the animals. Some exhibits have designated photo spots with better lighting. If you plan to spend the full day, a membership often makes financial sense compared to paying for parking and admission multiple times per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?
Most visitors spend three to four hours moving through all eight galleries at a comfortable pace. If you stop to watch the whale sharks or other large animals for extended periods, plan for five to six hours. You can also visit for shorter periods and focus on specific galleries.
Can you touch the animals or participate in interactive experiences?
Some galleries have touch pools where you can handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and other invertebrates under staff supervision. The Beluga Encounter allows close viewing but not touching. Special paid experiences like the Beluga Encounter Photo Session or the Dive with Whale Sharks program are available for additional fees.
Is the Georgia Aquarium worth the cost of admission?
That depends on your interests and budget. The facility is large and offers experiences you cannot find elsewhere, particularly the whale sharks. If you live within a few hours' drive, a single visit or membership can be worthwhile. If you live far away, factor in travel costs when deciding.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Weekdays outside of school holidays have smaller crowds than weekends and summer vacation periods. Winter months (January through March) are typically less busy than summer. If you prefer fewer people, visit on a weekday morning in February or March.
Are there discounts available for large groups or families?
Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more. Schools and organizations can arrange discounted group visits. Check the aquarium's website for current group pricing and booking procedures, as rates and availability change seasonally.