The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record for the world's largest aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's largest aquarium by water volume. It holds 11.5 million gallons of water across its exhibits and is home to thousands of animals, including whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, and sea lions. The facility opened to the public in 2005 and remains the largest by a significant margin — no other aquarium in the world comes close to its total capacity.
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. The aquarium is privately owned and operated, not run by a government agency, and charges admission for entry. It draws more than 3 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited attractions in Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's largest aquarium with 11.5 million gallons of water.
- The facility opened in 2005 and houses whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, sea lions, and thousands of other marine animals.
- The building covers 645,000 square feet in downtown Atlanta and is privately owned and operated.
- Admission is charged, and the aquarium attracts over 3 million visitors each year.
What makes the Georgia Aquarium so large
The Georgia Aquarium's size comes from its design to house some of the ocean's largest animals. The facility contains multiple massive tanks, with the largest single tank holding 6.3 million gallons of water. This tank is home to the aquarium's whale sharks — the largest fish species in the world — along with manta rays and other large marine life.
The scale of the operation required significant engineering. The aquarium uses a complex system of pumps, filters, and water treatment to maintain the health of its animals. The facility also employs a large staff of marine biologists, veterinarians, and animal care specialists who work daily to maintain the exhibits and monitor animal welfare.
Other large aquariums around the world
While the Georgia Aquarium is the largest, several other major aquariums exist globally. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan is the second-largest, with 7.5 million gallons of water. It is known for its large tank housing whale sharks and manta rays, similar to the Georgia Aquarium's main exhibit. The Okinawa facility opened in 2002 and draws millions of visitors annually.
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium in China and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California are also among the world's largest by volume and visitor numbers. Each of these facilities focuses on different marine ecosystems and animal species, offering distinct experiences. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, for example, emphasizes local Pacific Ocean species and conservation education.
What animals live in the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium houses over 100,000 animals representing more than 500 species. The most famous residents are the whale sharks — the aquarium has housed multiple whale sharks over its history, though the number changes as animals are born, age, or are transferred to other facilities. The facility also maintains a large population of beluga whales, which live in a dedicated cold-water exhibit.
Other major animal groups include sea lions, sea otters, jellyfish, seahorses, and countless species of fish and crustaceans. The aquarium is organized into different themed sections, each representing a different marine habitat — tropical reefs, cold-water environments, river systems, and open ocean zones. This organization helps visitors understand how different animals live in their natural environments.
How the Georgia Aquarium compares by the numbers
| Aquarium | Location | Water Volume (millions of gallons) | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 11.5 | 2005 |
| Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | Okinawa, Japan | 7.5 | 2002 |
| Shanghai Ocean Aquarium | Shanghai, China | 5.5 | 2002 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Monterey, California, USA | 0.75 | 1984 |
The Georgia Aquarium's 11.5 million gallons is substantially larger than its nearest competitor. The gap between the Georgia Aquarium and the second-largest facility is greater than the total volume of many other major aquariums worldwide. This size advantage allows the Georgia Aquarium to house larger animals and maintain more complex exhibits than most other facilities.
Visiting the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round and located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. General admission tickets are sold at the gate and online, with prices varying by age and whether you purchase in advance. The facility also offers special experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and educational programs for school groups.
The aquarium is accessible by car, public transit, and walking from nearby hotels and attractions. Parking is available on-site and at nearby lots. The facility is designed to accommodate visitors of all mobility levels, with elevators, accessible restrooms, and seating areas throughout the building. Most visitors spend two to four hours exploring the exhibits, though the time varies depending on your pace and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does the Georgia Aquarium actually hold?
The Georgia Aquarium holds 11.5 million gallons of water across all its exhibits. The single largest tank contains 6.3 million gallons and houses the whale sharks and manta rays. This volume is roughly equivalent to 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Can you see whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?
Yes, whale sharks are one of the main attractions. The aquarium's largest tank is specifically designed to house these animals, which are the world's largest fish species. However, the number of whale sharks in the facility changes over time as animals age or are transferred.
Is the Georgia Aquarium the largest in the United States?
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States and the world by water volume. No other aquarium in the country comes close to its 11.5 million gallons of capacity.
How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?
Most visitors spend two to four hours exploring the exhibits. The time depends on how much detail you want to see and whether you stop to watch animal feedings or presentations. The facility is large enough that you could spend a full day there if you wanted to see everything slowly.
What is the second-largest aquarium in the world?
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan is the second-largest, with 7.5 million gallons of water. It also houses whale sharks and is known for its large main tank and focus on Pacific Ocean species.