Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Holds the Record
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume and floor space. It opened in 2005 and holds 11 million gallons of water across 10 million square feet of exhibit space. The facility houses over 100,000 animals representing more than 700 species, from whale sharks and beluga whales to sea lions and thousands of fish.
The aquarium's main draw is its massive Ocean Voyager exhibit, which alone contains 6.3 million gallons of water and is home to two whale sharks — the largest fish species in the world. This single tank is larger than most other aquariums in the country. The building itself spans 645,000 square feet and sits in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta contains 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest by volume in the United States.
- The Ocean Voyager exhibit holds 6.3 million gallons and features two whale sharks, the world's largest fish species.
- The facility houses over 100,000 animals from more than 700 different species across 10 million square feet of space.
- Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 and is located in downtown Atlanta near other major attractions.
- Visiting requires paid admission, with ticket prices varying by age and whether you purchase online or at the gate.
What You'll See Inside Georgia Aquarium
The aquarium is organized into several major exhibit areas, each with different themes and animal collections. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the centerpiece and the reason most visitors come — it's where you'll see the whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of tuna swimming in that massive 6.3-million-gallon tank. The viewing area wraps around the tank so you can watch the animals from multiple angles.
Beyond Ocean Voyager, the facility includes exhibits for beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, sea otters, jellyfish, and tropical fish. The Tropical Diver section focuses on coral reef ecosystems, while the Cold Water Quest area showcases animals from polar and arctic regions. Each exhibit has educational signage explaining the animals' behavior, diet, and conservation status.
How to Get There and Plan Your Visit
Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. If you're driving, there is paid parking available on-site and in nearby lots. If you're using public transportation, the MARTA rail system stops within walking distance — the Peachtree Center station is the closest stop on the Red and Gold lines.
The 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., but winter hours may be shorter. Admission is required for all visitors, and prices differ for adults, children, and seniors. Online tickets are usually cheaper than tickets purchased at the gate, and the website often has discounted packages bundled with other Atlanta attractions.
Admission Costs and Ticket Options
General admission prices vary depending on when you visit and whether you buy online or in person. Adult tickets are more expensive than child tickets, and children under a certain age (usually two or three) may enter free. The aquarium also offers annual membership passes, which pay for themselves after two or three visits if you plan to return.
Many tickets include access to all exhibits, but some special experiences — like behind-the-scenes tours or interactive animal encounters — cost extra. The website lists current prices and any seasonal promotions. If you're visiting Atlanta with other attractions in mind, check whether combination packages with the World of Coca-Cola or other downtown venues offer savings.
How Georgia Aquarium Compares to Other Large Aquariums
While Georgia Aquarium is the largest by total water volume, other major aquariums in the United States are also worth knowing about. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller in total volume but is renowned for its kelp forest exhibit and marine conservation work. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is older and sits on Lake Michigan, offering a different experience despite holding less water overall.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, are also major facilities that draw millions of visitors annually. Each has different specialties — some focus on local marine ecosystems, others on tropical species or deep-sea creatures. Georgia Aquarium's size and the presence of whale sharks make it unique, but the "best" aquarium depends on what animals and exhibits interest you most.
What Makes the Whale Shark Exhibit Special
The whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit are the main reason Georgia Aquarium attracts over 10 million visitors since it opened. Whale sharks are the largest fish species on Earth — they can grow to 40 feet long or more — yet they eat only plankton and small fish. Watching them glide through the massive tank is the centerpiece experience of the aquarium.
The two whale sharks currently at Georgia Aquarium were brought from the wild and have lived in the facility for nearly two decades. Their presence sparked debate in the conservation community about whether large marine animals should be kept in captivity, but the aquarium argues that the educational value and the research conducted on the animals justify their presence. The exhibit also includes manta rays, which are equally impressive to watch.
Planning Around Crowds and Best Times to Visit
Georgia Aquarium is one of the most visited aquariums in the world, so crowds can be heavy, especially during school holidays, summer vacation, and weekends. If you prefer a less crowded experience, weekday visits during the school year tend to be quieter. Early morning hours right after opening are also typically less busy than mid-day.
Rainy days and weekdays in fall and winter see fewer visitors than sunny summer weekends. If you're flexible with your schedule, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday in September or October will give you a much more comfortable experience than a Saturday in July. The aquarium's website sometimes posts real-time crowd information, which can help you time your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the whale sharks from every angle in the Ocean Voyager exhibit?
The viewing area wraps around the tank, so you can see the whale sharks from multiple sides and depths. However, the animals don't stay in one spot — they swim throughout the massive tank, so you may need to move around to get the best view at any given moment. The exhibit is designed so that most visitors get good sightings during their visit.
How long does it take to see everything at Georgia Aquarium?
Most visitors spend three to five hours at the aquarium, depending on how much time they spend at each exhibit and whether they watch any of the scheduled animal presentations or educational talks. If you move quickly and focus only on the major exhibits like Ocean Voyager, you could finish in two hours. A more leisurely visit with all the smaller exhibits and educational programs can take six hours or more.
Is Georgia Aquarium worth the admission price?
That depends on your interests and budget. The facility is massive, the whale shark exhibit is genuinely unique in the United States, and there's enough to see to justify a full day. If you're visiting Atlanta anyway and enjoy marine life, most visitors find it worth the cost. Annual memberships make sense if you live in the area and plan multiple visits.
Can you bring your own food into Georgia Aquarium?
Outside food policies vary, so check the aquarium's website before your visit. Many aquariums allow you to bring snacks but have restrictions on full meals. The facility has on-site dining options, though prices are typically higher than outside restaurants. Bringing water bottles and snacks can save money during a long visit.
Are there interactive experiences where you can touch animals?
Georgia Aquarium offers some interactive experiences beyond general admission, such as touch pools and animal encounters, but these typically cost extra and may require advance booking. The main exhibits allow you to view animals up close but not touch them. Check the website for current interactive programs and pricing.