Sitting like a dry-docked ship in the center of Atlanta, Georgia, is the United States’ largest aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium shelters countless marine species in eight different galleries.

Yet this aquarium does much more than allow you to peek under the waves without getting wet. The facility is deeply committed to ocean conservation and education.

For one of the best things to do in Atlanta, grab your Georgia Aquarium tickets and glimpse the underwater world.

Here's your guide to the Georgia Aquarium, one of the top theme parks in Atlanta.

What is the price of tickets to the Georgia Aquarium?

Georgia Aquarium tickets range in price depending on if you buy your tickets on the same day or in advance.

Same-day purchase tickets: US$52.99
Advance purchase tickets: US$44.99

There are supplementary experiences you can add on to your visit for an extra cost from US$5 per person to US$80 per person. These range from preferred seating at demonstrations to tours and interactions with animals.

Who can get discounts on their Georgia Aquarium tickets?

Visitors with a valid military ID are eligible for a discount. Discounts for groups like scouts, corporate outings and large families are available by request only for same-day visits.

If you book your tickets several days in advance, you can save around 10% off ticket prices. Annual memberships can equate to discounted tickets. The membership fee is recouped after two visits.

Is it possible to visit the aquarium for free?

Children ages 2 and under can visit for free and without a ticket. On Mondays in November and December, people currently or formerly serving in the military can enter for free with a valid military ID.

Should you book Georgia Aquarium tickets in advance?

The Georgia Aquarium is extremely popular, and it’s wise to pre-purchase tickets in order to skip long lines. You can save around 10% ticket prices by booking your visit a few days ahead of time.

If you choose an add-on experience like preferred seating to the Dolphin Celebration or an Animal Encounter, you must reserve and pre-pay for a time slot.

What will you see at the Georgia Aquarium?

Featured species

The Georgia Aquarium cares for hundreds of animals from all points of the globe, from freshwater to saltwater biomes. Get to know the aquarium’s featured species in some of the world’s largest man-made marine habitats.

There’s a spotlight set on African penguins, California sea lions, beluga whales, tiger sharks, bottlenose dolphins and whale sharks.

The aquarium has created spaces for more than just sea dwellers. You’ll encounter puffins and murres in the cold water gallery. Gape at roseate spoonbills and scarlet ibises at the Dolphin Coast. Peek at Baja lizards and wood frogs at the Aquanaut Adventure, and observe otters in the River Gallery.

Dolphin and sea lion presentations

Playful and lovable dolphins and sea lions top many people’s list of beloved animals. Witness the graceful power of bottlenose dolphins and their canny interactions with trainers. Fall in love with the puppy faces of the sea lions at Pier 225. Learn the tricks for training these intelligent mammals, and sit in the “splash zone” for a free cool-off on a hot Atlanta day!

Included with your ticket are sea lion and dolphin performances that take place at several times throughout the day. Both shows require making seat reservations. You can reserve seats for free online or purchase preferred seating for a small fee per person. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes before each show to find seating for both the sea lion and dolphin shows.

Galleries

With floor-to-ceiling viewing windows, you’ll feel as though you can reach out and touch the fish as they flit in front of you. The Georgia Aquarium’s eight galleries provide a snapshot of a vast array of water habitats, from the tropics to polar seas.

See how scientists access and study the most extreme ocean ecosystems at the Aquanaut Adventure. Check out some of the world’s toughest animals in Cold Water Quest. Visit Dolphin Coast which will treat you to much more than our favorite cetaceans.

Perhaps the most misunderstood sea creature, gain insight and sympathy for the giant fish at Sharks! Predators of the Deep. Experience recreations of the Great Barrier Reef at Tropic Diver and the California coast at Pier 225.

While most are saltwater galleries, the Southern Company River Gallery is the exception. Spy snapping turtles, alligators, Asian small-clawed otters and plenty of fish.

Ocean Voyager is one of the largest single aquatic galleries in the world. This dazzling habitat houses the massive whale shark that can reach lengths of up to 10 meters! As well as this gentle beast, you’ll see rays, sea turtles, and scores of fish species. Pause in the perspex tunnel to feel the thrill of fish and sharks swimming overhead.

Animal experiences

For an extra cost, you can engage with a wide range of creatures in an Animal Experience. Spend some time with sharks and rays, belugas, penguins or other choices. You can also book an opportunity to swim or dive with the animals of the Ocean Voyager Exhibit.

How do you get to the aquarium?

If you’re driving from the Capitol Building, you can reach the Georgia Aquarium via Decatur St./Marietta St. in about 7 minutes, a drive of a little over 2 kilometers.

There are several public transportation routes to reach the aquarium in between 20 and 25 minutes. The quickest route is bus 26 from Peachtree St and Martin L King Jr Dr. Get off at the Marietta St and Park Ave West stop and walk 500 meters to the aquarium.

When is the Georgia Aquarium open?

The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year, but hours are subject to change depending on the day of the week and the season. It is typically open between the hours of 9 AM to 9 PM. Make sure you double check the opening times ahead of your visit.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the Georgia Aquarium is wheelchair-friendly. The Georgia Aquarium is committed to providing the best experience for all visitors. There are supports in place if you have visual or hearing needs, as well. The aquarium has also created a program to prepare visitors on the Autism spectrum for their experience before they arrive.

When is the best time to visit the Georgia Aquarium?

The best time to visit the Georgia Aquarium is on the weekdays during the off-peak seasons, when you are more likely to have a less-busy and quieter experience. Try visiting as soon as the aquarium opens to skip the largest amount of crowds.

Top tips before you go

Download the Georgia Aquarium app for an interactive map, information on exhibits, and updates on shows and events.
Expect to do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and clothing are essential for a pleasant experience.
Remember to respect the animals by not tapping on the glass and following all guidelines set by the aquarium.
If you want to check out other theme parks while you're in Atlanta, try Zoo Atlanta and Fun Spot America.

Georgia Aquarium: Tickets