Georgia Aquarium — Attraction in Atlanta

A Truly Unique Atlanta Experience – The Georgia Aquarium

If you're looking for a truly unique Atlanta experience that offers a mix of education, entertainment, and awe-inspiring beauty, the Georgia Aquarium should be at the very top of your list. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this world-renowned attraction is more than just an aquarium—it's an immersive journey into the wonders of the aquatic world. Whether you’re a local looking for a refreshing afternoon activity or a tourist exploring the best of what the city has to offer, the Georgia Aquarium delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure for guests of all ages.

The first thing that strikes you as you approach the building is its impressive, modern exterior. But it’s what’s inside that truly takes your breath away. Home to thousands of marine animals representing hundreds of species, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest in the world—and every inch of it feels thoughtfully curated to showcase the stunning diversity of life under the sea.

One of the standout features of the aquarium is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which houses a massive tank you can walk through via a 100-foot-long tunnel. It’s like being inside the ocean itself. Watching giant whale sharks—the largest fish in the world—glide effortlessly above you is an unforgettable moment. You’ll also see manta rays, sea turtles, and schools of shimmering fish swimming in a breathtaking ballet of color and motion. It’s peaceful, it’s surreal, and it’s something you won’t find anywhere else in the Southeast.

Other highlights include the Cold Water Quest, where you can watch playful sea otters and get up close with beluga whales. There’s also the Tropical Diver exhibit, which showcases vibrant reef ecosystems full of colorful fish, living coral, and even jellyfish. Each section of the aquarium has its own personality and focus, offering something new and exciting around every corner.

What makes the Georgia Aquarium especially unique is not just the size or variety of its exhibits, but its commitment to marine research, conservation, and education. It’s more than just entertainment—it’s a place where science comes alive. There are plenty of interactive displays and touch tanks for kids, making it an ideal family destination. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do.

Daily shows—like the dolphin presentation—add another level of excitement to the visit. The dolphins perform a choreographed routine that combines impressive athleticism with heartwarming moments that highlight the deep bond between the animals and their trainers. Be sure to check the schedule in advance so you don’t miss any of these experiences.

The Georgia Aquarium is also conveniently located near other major Atlanta attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. So it’s easy to build a full day or weekend itinerary around your visit.

In summary, the Georgia Aquarium is a can’t-miss destination. It’s more than just a tourist spot—it’s a uniquely Atlanta experience that blends wonder, beauty, and purpose. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for the fifth, there’s always something new to discover beneath...

It’s hard for me to believe anyone would rate this under 5 stars. I wish I could rate it higher! ALL of the staff were more than friendly and accommodating. The actual aquarium itself is set up so well. Worth it to splurge for the excursions! We did the otter encounter, 1 long “Behind the Seas” tour, and swam with the whale shark. First I had questions about my bill when we got there because I bought my tickets in advance for my boyfriend as a holiday present. I bought parking because I thought we were going to drive but we ended up flying instead and they refunded me for parking. Everything was thoroughly explained as to where to go when with our tight schedule. So we first went to check in upstairs and sign waivers for the excursions. We were greeted by friendly staff and swiftly taken care of. We walked around for a bit before our otter encounter. Everything was clean, well kept, all the animals seemed very happy! The staff for the otter encounter was passionate and shared a lot of fun facts about the otters. We got to feed them and touch their super soft fur. After that we walked around a bit more and finally did the behind the seas tour. Our guide was very sweet and knowledgeable. Very cool to see how everything was set up including the pumps, labs and where they bring the animals into the facility. Again, everything very clean and well kept plus onsite DRs 24/7 to maintain healthy and happy animals. We walked around a bit more after that and saw the dolphins do a show. Toward the end of day we swam with the whale shark. Really such an amazing experience and if I’m being honest I’m not a strong swimmer. You have a life vest on and guides that tell you what to expect every step of the way. The wet suit, goggles and breathing tube fit perfect. I didn’t have to adjust them at all once I was in the water. Once in the water you swim in a figure 8 around the massive tank and the animals are NOT shy they come right up to you and all though you can’t touch them they def touch you! lol this process started at 4:30pm and the aquarium closed at 6 that day. We did not get our photos or go to the gift shop because we thought we would be done sooner. The next day we went back and they printed entry tickets for us at no charge to come back in get our photos from the day and shop at the gift shop. Also the cafeteria food is really good! Lots of great options that aren’t just fried kid food. I was highly impressed by the place and would...

We visited the Georgia Aquarium on a weekday after 4 p.m. It wasn’t overly crowded, which was a relief. Seeing the animals was absolutely amazing. There’s no denying how incredible it is to get up close to creatures like whale sharks and sea otters. Five out of five stars to the animals and the people who care for them. You can tell they’re well taken care of.

But the overall experience? Overstimulating doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The main hall is incredibly loud. Between the booming music, the loudspeaker announcements, and the constant echo, it was a lot to handle. At times it felt almost intentional, like it was designed to overwhelm. I honestly started wondering if the animals are affected by that level of noise and vibration. We went to explore a cove and couldn’t even hear what the presenter was saying because of the sound pouring in from the main hall. Even the touch pool areas were hard to enjoy because of the volume.

We decided to grab dinner at the café upstairs. For two burgers, a veggie burger, two chicken finger meals, and drinks, we paid $130. The food was actually tasty, which I wasn’t expecting, but the price felt excessive for what it was. It felt like we were being taken advantage of because we had kids and limited options.

Then came the gift shop. You exit through a huge souvenir store full of overpriced toys and stuffed animals. After hours of overstimulation, now the kids are overstimulated too, and you’re funneled into a space designed to get you to spend even more money. It was a racket.

The animals themselves were the absolute highlight. They were beautiful, fascinating, and truly inspiring. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to see them up close. But everything around them felt chaotic. The noise, the constant pressure to spend money, and the overwhelming environment turned what could have been a magical visit into something that bordered on vulgar. It wasn’t just overstimulating. It was aggressive. What should have been a peaceful and respectful space felt more like a loud attraction trying to push souvenirs. The aquarium has so much potential to be a calm and unforgettable experience. I truly hope they rethink the volume and overall atmosphere, not just for the guests but for the animals too. They deserve better.

Five stars for the animals. Zero for the main hall experience. I left feeling like I...