The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the title of largest aquarium in the world

The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest aquarium by water volume on Earth. It opened to the public in 2005 and holds 11.5 million gallons of water across its exhibits. The facility spans 645,000 square feet and houses over 100,000 animals representing more than 700 species.

The aquarium's main draw is its Whale Shark exhibit, which contains two whale sharks—the largest fish species in the world. These animals live in the Ocean Voyager gallery, a tank so large it holds 6.3 million gallons by itself. The building sits in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's largest aquarium by total water volume at 11.5 million gallons.
  • The facility opened in 2005 and houses over 100,000 animals from more than 700 different species across 645,000 square feet of space.
  • The Ocean Voyager gallery, which contains the aquarium's two whale sharks, is a single tank holding 6.3 million gallons of water.
  • The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and operates year-round with varying hours depending on the season.

What makes the Georgia Aquarium the largest

Size in aquariums is measured by water volume, not by the number of tanks or the physical footprint of the building. The Georgia Aquarium's 11.5 million gallons of water far exceeds other major aquariums worldwide. For comparison, the second-largest aquarium, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan, holds 7.5 million gallons.

The sheer volume of water allows the Georgia Aquarium to house large animals that require substantial space. The whale sharks, which can grow up to 40 feet long, need room to swim naturally. The facility also maintains separate galleries for beluga whales, manta rays, sea otters, and thousands of fish species, each with water conditions tailored to their needs.

The Ocean Voyager gallery and whale shark exhibit

The Ocean Voyager is the signature exhibit and the reason the Georgia Aquarium holds the world record. This single tank contains 6.3 million gallons—more water than many entire aquariums. The tank is 209 feet long, 78 feet wide, and 33 feet deep, with acrylic panels up to 2 feet thick to withstand the pressure.

Two whale sharks live in this exhibit alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of other fish. Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish, so they pose no threat to other tank inhabitants. The exhibit mimics the open ocean environment these animals would experience in the wild, with currents and lighting designed to support natural behavior.

Other major exhibits and galleries

Beyond the whale sharks, the Georgia Aquarium contains several other large-scale exhibits. The Beluga Whale exhibit houses multiple beluga whales in a 5.2-million-gallon habitat. The Cold Water Quest gallery features sea otters, sea lions, and penguins in environments designed to replicate Arctic and Antarctic conditions.

The Tropical Diver gallery showcases coral reefs and tropical fish species. The River Scout exhibit focuses on freshwater ecosystems and animals like river otters and alligators. The Aquarium also maintains exhibits for jellyfish, seahorses, and smaller fish species that appeal to visitors interested in marine biodiversity beyond the largest animals.

How the Georgia Aquarium compares to other large aquariums

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan ranks second globally with 7.5 million gallons. Its Kuroshio Sea tank is famous for its massive acrylic panel and hosts whale sharks and manta rays. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, while smaller in total volume, is renowned for its kelp forest exhibit and conservation work.

The Shanghai Disneyland Aquarium in China and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, also rank among the world's largest. However, none match the Georgia Aquarium's total water volume. The ranking can shift if new facilities open or if existing aquariums undergo major expansions, but the Georgia Aquarium has held the top position since 2005.

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round in downtown Atlanta. Hours vary by season, typically running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and extending later on weekends and holidays. The facility is located at 225 Baker Street NW, within walking distance of other Atlanta attractions and public transportation.

The aquarium offers general admission tickets as well as special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. Parking is available on-site and in nearby lots. The building is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. Visitors should check the official website for current hours, ticket prices, and any special exhibits or events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does the Georgia Aquarium hold?

The Georgia Aquarium holds 11.5 million gallons of water total. The Ocean Voyager exhibit alone contains 6.3 million gallons, making it one of the largest single tanks in the world.

Can you see whale sharks at any other aquariums?

Yes. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan also houses whale sharks in its Kuroshio Sea tank. A few other facilities worldwide have housed whale sharks at different times, but the Georgia Aquarium and Okinawa Churaumi are the primary locations where visitors can reliably see them.

Is the Georgia Aquarium the largest by number of animals?

No. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest by water volume, not by animal count. Some aquariums with smaller total volumes may house more individual animals, particularly smaller species like fish and invertebrates.

What is the second-largest aquarium in the world?

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan is the second-largest by water volume, holding 7.5 million gallons. It is famous for its massive main tank and its whale shark and manta ray exhibits.

How deep is the Ocean Voyager tank?

The Ocean Voyager tank is 33 feet deep. Combined with its length of 209 feet and width of 78 feet, the depth allows whale sharks and other large animals to move naturally through the water.