The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the most whale sharks in the United States
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is home to four whale sharks — more than any other aquarium in the country. The largest of them, a male named Trixon, arrived in 2006 and has lived there for nearly two decades. The aquarium's Beluga Whale & Whale Shark Exploration gallery is built specifically to house these animals, with a tank holding 6.3 million gallons of saltwater.
Whale sharks are the world's largest fish, and seeing one in person is a rare experience for most people. The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks swim alongside manta rays and other large fish in the same tank, which gives visitors a sense of scale that photographs cannot capture. The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and is open year-round, though hours vary by season.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta houses four whale sharks, the largest collection in the United States.
- The Beluga Whale & Whale Shark Exploration gallery is the main exhibit where you can see whale sharks swimming.
- Whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium live alongside manta rays in a 6.3-million-gallon tank.
- Other aquariums outside the United States, including facilities in Mexico and the Middle East, also house whale sharks.
- Visiting hours and admission prices vary by season, so check the aquarium's website before you go.
Other aquariums in North America with whale sharks
Beyond the Georgia Aquarium, whale shark sightings in North America are limited. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California has held whale sharks in the past, but as of recent years does not maintain them permanently. Most other major aquariums in the United States and Canada do not have the tank capacity or specialized care systems that whale sharks require.
If you are traveling in Mexico, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, and some facilities in the Caribbean have housed whale sharks temporarily for research or educational purposes. However, permanent whale shark exhibits remain rare outside of specialized facilities.
International aquariums with whale shark exhibits
If you are willing to travel internationally, several aquariums outside North America maintain whale shark populations. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan is one of the world's largest and most well-known whale shark facilities, with multiple whale sharks in its main tank. The Dubai Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates also houses whale sharks and is one of the largest tanks in the world by volume.
Mexico's Xcaret Park near Cancun has housed whale sharks in the past, though availability changes. The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco and some facilities in Southeast Asia also maintain whale sharks, though these exhibits are not permanent fixtures at all locations.
What to expect when visiting a whale shark exhibit
Whale sharks are gentle filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish, so they pose no threat to humans or other tank inhabitants. When you visit an aquarium with whale sharks, you will see them moving slowly through the water, often near the surface. Their distinctive white spots and stripes make them straightforward to identify, even from a distance.
Most whale shark exhibits include viewing areas both above and below the waterline. The Georgia Aquarium, for example, has an underwater acrylic tunnel where you can watch the whale sharks swim directly overhead. The experience is designed to show you the animal's size and behavior in a way that photographs and videos cannot replicate.
Why whale sharks are rare in captivity
Whale sharks are difficult to keep in aquariums because they grow to enormous sizes — some reach over 40 feet long — and require massive tanks with specific water conditions. They also need constant movement to breathe properly, which means they cannot rest in small spaces. The cost of building and maintaining a suitable habitat is extremely high, which is why only a handful of aquariums worldwide have them.
Most whale sharks in captivity were either born in the facility or arrived as juveniles. Capturing wild whale sharks for aquariums is now restricted or banned in many countries due to conservation concerns. The animals that do live in aquariums serve an educational purpose and help researchers understand whale shark behavior and health.
Planning your visit to see whale sharks
If you want to see whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring the facility. The whale shark tank is one of several major exhibits, and many visitors spend time viewing other animals as well. Admission prices vary depending on whether you purchase a general ticket or an upgrade that includes behind-the-scenes experiences.
The Georgia Aquarium is busiest during school holidays and weekends, so visiting on a weekday during the school year will mean shorter lines. Parking is available on-site and nearby, though fees explore. The aquarium is accessible by public transportation in Atlanta, and the downtown location makes it straightforward to combine with other attractions in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I touch or swim with the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?
No. The whale sharks are in a large public viewing tank, and visitors cannot enter the water or touch the animals. The aquarium does offer special programs and behind-the-scenes tours for an additional cost, but these do not include direct contact with the whale sharks.
How long do whale sharks live in aquariums?
Whale sharks in captivity typically live 20 to 30 years, though some have lived longer. The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks have been there for many years and are monitored regularly by veterinarians and marine biologists to may support their health and well-being.
Are there whale sharks in any other US aquariums besides Georgia?
The Georgia Aquarium is currently the only facility in the United States with a permanent whale shark exhibit. Some aquariums have housed whale sharks temporarily for research or special exhibitions, but none maintain them as a regular part of their collection.
What is the best time of year to visit the Georgia Aquarium?
The aquarium is open year-round, but it is less crowded during weekdays in fall and winter. Summer and holiday periods are busier. Check the aquarium's website for seasonal hours and any special events before you visit.