The Georgia Aquarium holds the record for the largest aquarium in the US

The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume. It opened to the public in 2005 and holds approximately 11 million gallons of water across its exhibits. The facility spans 550,000 square feet and is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species, from whale sharks and beluga whales to sea lions and manta rays.

The aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It is accessible by car, public transit, and on foot from the surrounding neighborhoods. The building itself is designed to resemble a ship, which fits its waterfront location and maritime focus.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 11 million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in the United States.
  • The facility opened in 2005 and houses whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, sea lions, and hundreds of other species.
  • The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta near other major attractions and is reachable by multiple forms of transportation.
  • The building covers 550,000 square feet and is designed to resemble a ship.

What makes the Georgia Aquarium so large

The size of the Georgia Aquarium comes from its design to house large ocean animals that require substantial space and water volume. The facility includes multiple galleries, each dedicated to different marine environments and species. The largest single tank is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which contains 6.3 million gallons of water and is home to the aquarium's whale sharks and manta rays.

The aquarium was built with state-of-the-art filtration and life support systems to maintain water quality for such a large volume. These systems run continuously and are monitored by trained staff. The facility also includes areas for animal care, research, and breeding programs that support conservation efforts for endangered marine species.

Other large aquariums in the United States

While the Georgia Aquarium is the largest by water volume, other major aquariums across the country also draw large numbers of visitors and house significant collections. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is one of the most well-known and focuses heavily on Pacific Ocean ecosystems. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is another major facility located on Lake Michigan and is one of the oldest large aquariums in the country.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, and the North Carolina Aquarium system also rank among the largest and most visited facilities. Each of these aquariums has its own focus—some emphasize regional marine life, while others showcase tropical or deep-sea species. The Georgia Aquarium's distinction is specifically its total water volume rather than visitor numbers or the breadth of its collection.

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary by season. General admission tickets are available for purchase at the entrance or online in advance. The facility offers different ticket levels, including options that provide access to special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or interactive animal encounters.

The aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, and the facility is also served by MARTA, Atlanta's public transit system. The surrounding area includes restaurants, shops, and other attractions, making it part of a larger downtown destination. Visitors should plan for at least three to four hours to see the main exhibits, though a full day is possible if you include special programs or dining.

The animals and exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is known for its whale sharks, which are the largest fish species in the world. The aquarium has housed multiple whale sharks over the years, and they remain one of the primary draws for visitors. The facility also maintains a population of beluga whales in the Beluga Encounter exhibit, where visitors can observe these white whales and learn about their behavior and conservation status.

Other major exhibits include the Tropical Diver gallery, which showcases colorful reef fish and coral ecosystems, and the Cold Water Quest exhibit, which features animals adapted to polar and temperate ocean environments. The aquarium also has a sea lion gallery and areas dedicated to jellyfish, seahorses, and other specialized marine life. Many exhibits include educational signage and staff members who answer questions throughout the day.

Conservation and research at the Georgia Aquarium

Beyond its role as a public attraction, the Georgia Aquarium operates research and conservation programs focused on marine animal welfare and species preservation. The facility participates in breeding programs for endangered species and works with other institutions to share knowledge about animal care and marine ecosystem health. Staff members conduct research on animal behavior, nutrition, and reproduction to improve care standards.

The aquarium also supports field conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations working to protect marine habitats and reduce threats to wild populations. Educational programs offered to school groups and the general public aim to build awareness about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. These programs are part of the aquarium's broader mission beyond displaying animals to visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does the Georgia Aquarium hold?

The Georgia Aquarium holds approximately 11 million gallons of water across all its exhibits. The single largest tank, the Ocean Voyager exhibit, contains 6.3 million gallons and is home to the whale sharks and manta rays.

Can you see whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the few facilities in the United States where you can see whale sharks. They are housed in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which is the largest tank in the facility.

How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?

Most visitors spend three to four hours viewing the main exhibits. If you include special programs, interactive experiences, or dining, a full day is possible. The time depends on how much detail you want to spend at each exhibit.

Is the Georgia Aquarium accessible by public transportation?

Yes. The aquarium is served by MARTA, Atlanta's public transit system. It is located in downtown Atlanta and is also accessible by car, with parking available in nearby lots and garages.

What is the difference between the Georgia Aquarium and other large aquariums?

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest by total water volume at 11 million gallons. Other major aquariums like Monterey Bay and Shedd focus on different regional ecosystems or have different specialties, but none hold as much total water.