The whale shark is in the Tropical Diver gallery on the main level of Georgia Aquarium

The whale shark lives in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which is part of the Tropical Diver gallery. This is the largest tank in the building and holds the aquarium's four whale sharks along with manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of smaller fish. The exhibit occupies the main level of the aquarium, and you can reach it by walking straight ahead after you enter through the main doors.

The Ocean Voyager tank holds 6.3 million gallons of water — the second-largest aquarium tank in the world by volume. The whale sharks are the centerpiece of this exhibit. They swim continuously through the tank, and you can watch them from multiple viewing angles, including an underwater acrylic panel where you stand at eye level with the fish as they pass.

Key Takeaways

  • The whale sharks are in the Ocean Voyager exhibit on the main level, inside the Tropical Diver gallery.
  • The tank holds four whale sharks, and they swim throughout the day during regular aquarium hours.
  • You can view them from above the tank and from an underwater acrylic window where the fish swim past you at close range.
  • The exhibit also contains manta rays, sea turtles, and reef fish, so you will see other large animals in the same space.

How to navigate to the Ocean Voyager exhibit

When you enter Georgia Aquarium through the main entrance, the Ocean Voyager exhibit is directly ahead. You do not need to go up or down stairs to reach it — it is on the same level as the lobby. Follow the signs marked "Tropical Diver" or ask a staff member at the information desk, and they will point you in the right direction.

The exhibit is large and difficult to miss. The viewing area wraps around the tank, so you can walk the full perimeter and see the whale sharks from different positions. Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes watching the sharks swim, though you can stay as long as you like.

What you will see in the Ocean Voyager tank

The four whale sharks in the tank are the main attraction, but the exhibit is home to many other animals. You will see spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, jacks, and smaller reef fish. The whale sharks are filter feeders, so they swim with their mouths open to catch plankton and small fish. This behavior is visible from the viewing areas and is one of the most distinctive things about watching them.

The tank is designed to mimic the open ocean, so the water is deep blue and the lighting is dim. This makes the large animals easier to see as they move through the space. The underwater acrylic panel is the closest viewing point — you stand in a tunnel while the fish swim around you, and the whale sharks often pass within a few feet of the glass.

Best times to visit the whale shark exhibit

The whale sharks are in the tank during all regular aquarium hours. There is no special feeding time or performance schedule for them — they swim and feed throughout the day. However, the exhibit tends to be less crowded in the early morning, right when the aquarium opens, and in the late afternoon after school groups have left.

Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends. If you want the best chance to see the whale sharks without crowds, visit on a weekday morning. The sharks are most active during feeding times, which staff members do not announce publicly, so you may see more movement if you watch for extended periods.

Photography and viewing tips

You are allowed to take photographs and video in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. The underwater acrylic panel is the best spot for close-up photos because the whale sharks swim directly past the glass. The lighting in the tank is dim, so use a camera or phone with good low-light performance, or increase the ISO setting on your device.

The viewing area can be crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends and school holidays. If you want a clear view without waiting, arrive early in the day or visit on a weekday. The tank is large enough that you can always find a spot to see the sharks, even when other visitors are present.

Other large animals near the whale shark exhibit

The Tropical Diver gallery contains other exhibits close to the Ocean Voyager tank. The Beluga whale exhibit is nearby, and the Cold Water Quest gallery is also on the main level. You can move between these areas without leaving the main floor, so you can see multiple large animals in one visit.

The aquarium's layout is designed so that the Ocean Voyager exhibit is a central hub. Most visitors spend time here first, then explore the surrounding galleries. Maps are available at the entrance and at information desks throughout the building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch the whale sharks?

No. The whale sharks are in a large tank, and there are no touch pools or interactive experiences with them. You can view them from the acrylic panel and from the surrounding viewing areas, but you cannot enter the water or make physical contact with the animals.

How big are the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium?

The whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager tank range from 20 to 35 feet long. They are among the largest fish in the world, and their size is one of the reasons the Ocean Voyager tank is so massive. You will see their full body length as they swim through the exhibit.

Do the whale sharks eat during visiting hours?

The whale sharks feed throughout the day, but the aquarium does not announce specific feeding times. They are filter feeders, so they eat small fish and plankton continuously as they swim. You may notice them with their mouths open during your visit, which is their normal feeding behavior.

Is there a separate cost to see the whale sharks?

No. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is included with your general admission ticket to Georgia Aquarium. You do not pay extra to view the whale sharks or any other exhibit in the Tropical Diver gallery.