Discover the wonders of marine life at the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Dive into an immersive experience like no other.
Let me take you on a tour of the incredible Georgia aquarium and all its mind-blowing exhibits.
From the chilly polar regions to the vibrant tropical waters, this place has it all. We’ll encounter majestic beluga whales, playful sea otters, and even get up close with enormous whale sharks.
But that’s not all – there’s an exhilarating 4D show that will transport you into the depths of the ocean. So, buckle up and let’s dive in!
Location and directions
The Georgia Aquarium is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, making it easily accessible to visitors from near and far. Here’s how you can find your way to this extraordinary aquatic wonderland:
Address
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, you can simply input the aquarium’s address into your GPS or navigation app to get directions.
The aquarium is situated near major highways and main roads, making it easily reachable from various parts of Atlanta and beyond.
Parking facilities are available nearby, so you can safely park your vehicle while you explore the wonders inside.
By Public Transportation
Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), provides convenient access to the aquarium.
You can hop on a MARTA train or bus and reach the Peachtree Center Station, which is within walking distance of the aquarium.
Just follow the signs and directions to guide you to your destination.
By Ride-Sharing Services
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular and widely available in Atlanta.
Simply open the app, enter the Georgia Aquarium as your destination, and a driver will pick you up and drop you off at the aquarium’s entrance.
Additional Tips
- It’s always a good idea to check the aquarium’s website or contact their visitor services beforehand for any updates on parking, road closures, or public transportation schedules.
- Arriving early in the day or during weekdays can help you avoid potential traffic and crowds, ensuring a smoother visit.
- If you’re combining your trip to the aquarium with other attractions in downtown Atlanta, plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your time and explore the vibrant city.
So, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Atlanta, finding the Georgia Aquarium is a breeze. Just head downtown, follow the signs, and get ready to embark on an incredible journey through the underwater realm.
Book your tickets online
I suggest you purchase online and get discounted tickets. You can save money and time by buying online, printing your tickets at home and bypassing the ticketing lines.
Georgia Aquarium Galleries
Georgia aquarium has got these five cool galleries where they show off their amazing animals. You’ve got the Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, River Scout, and Dolphin Tales. Each gallery represents a different environment, so you get to see a variety of aquatic life.
RIVER SCOUT
Now, the first one, called Southern Company River Scout, is all about the local surroundings. They’ve got this awesome overhead river thing where you can check out North American fish from a whole new perspective – from the bottom up! It’s not just the regular fish either; they’ve got piranhas, electric fish, and other super unique freshwater creatures. Pretty wild, right?
DOLPHIN TALES
Right next to River Scout is the AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery. This one is the newest addition to the aquarium, opened up back in April 2011. It’s got this wicked indoor dolphin stadium where you can catch all the action. They’ve got thirteen bottlenose dolphins chilling there, although the number can change now and then. It’s definitely a must-see when you’re at the aquarium.
The show lasts about 30 minutes and includes an informative/educational videos about the dolphins 30 minutes before the show.
No photography was allowed during the show to avoid distracting the dolphins so the picture above was all I had for this section of the aquarium.
COLD WATER QUEST
The third section, called Georgia Pacific Cold Water Quest, is where you’ll find all those cool creatures from the polar and temperate regions in the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere. This place is like a haven for mammals, ’cause it’s got a bunch of them! You’ll spot beluga whales, sea otters, Japanese spider crabs, weedy sea dragons, and African penguins. It’s a pretty happening spot, trust me.
OCEAN VOYAGER
Now, get ready for the grandest exhibit of them all: Ocean Voyager, brought to you by Home Depot. This place is massive, with a whopping 6.3 million US gallons of water! They’ve packed in thousands of fish in there, and it’s all about showcasing the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Oh, and they’ve got some star attractions too – the incredible whale sharks! And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a mind-blowing 100 ft underwater tunnel and one of the world’s largest viewing windows. It’s like stepping into a whole new world.
TROPICAL DIVER
Moving on to the fifth exhibit of the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere, it’s called Tropical Diver, presented by Southwest Airlines. Here, you’ll find an awesome collection of Indo-Pacific tropical fish. The highlight of this exhibit is a massive 164,000-US-gallon reef filled with all sorts of fish species. And guess what?
They even grow their own live coral right there! It’s a vibrant and colorful underwater paradise. You’ll spot sea horses, garden eels, jellyfish, clownfish, shrimp, lobsters, turkeyfish, and plenty of other tropical fish. It’s a feast for the eyes, no doubt.
DEEPO’S UNDERSEA 4D WONDERSHOW
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the super cool 4D show! I was the only one in our crew who caught it, but man, it was a blast!
I’m a total sucker for 4D shows, and this one at the World of Coca Cola was no exception. It’s like being transported into the underwater world and experiencing it from the perspective of our marine buddies. A
nd let me tell you, the 4D theater in the largest aquarium in western hemisphere itself is mind-blowing. The seats are interactive, and they’ve got all these special effects that are built right into the theater. It’s one of the most advanced setups you’ll find anywhere!
FAQ on exploring the largest aquarium in Western Hemisphere
I recommend purchasing your tickets online for discounted prices. It’s convenient and saves you time by allowing you to print your tickets at home and skip the ticketing lines.
The aquarium features five exciting galleries: Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, River Scout, and Dolphin Tales. Each gallery showcases a unique environment and offers a diverse range of marine life to explore.
River Scout focuses on the local surroundings and provides a fascinating perspective of North American fish from the bottom up. You’ll be amazed by the diverse collection, including piranhas, electric fish, and other extraordinary freshwater creatures.
The AT&T Dolphin Tales gallery is the newest addition to the aquarium. It houses a fantastic indoor dolphin stadium where you can witness thrilling dolphin performances. Keep in mind that the number of bottlenose dolphins may vary, but it’s definitely a must-see during your visit.
Cold Water Quest is a haven for mammals from polar and temperate regions. Get ready to encounter majestic beluga whales, playful sea otters, Japanese spider crabs, weedy sea dragons, and adorable African penguins. It’s a happening spot you don’t want to miss.
Ocean Voyager, brought to you by Home Depot, is the grandest exhibit. With an astonishing 6.3 million US gallons of water, it hosts thousands of fish and highlights the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Don’t forget to marvel at the incredible whale sharks, explore the 100 ft underwater tunnel, and gaze through one of the world’s largest viewing windows.
Tropical Diver, presented by Southwest Airlines, offers a vibrant collection of Indo-Pacific tropical fish. The highlight is a massive 164,000-US-gallon reef teeming with various fish species. Be amazed as you spot sea horses, garden eels, jellyfish, clownfish, shrimp, lobsters, turkeyfish, and many more tropical delights.
The 4D show is an absolute blast! Located at the World of Coca Cola, it takes you on an immersive journey into the underwater world from the perspective of our marine friends. The theater itself is mind-blowing, featuring interactive seats and unique special effects that truly enhance the experience. It’s one of the most advanced setups you’ll find anywhere.
Explore the largest aquarium in Western Hemisphere
So, there you have it, my friend. The aquarium is packed with all these incredible exhibits, thrilling marine life, and even a mind-blowing 4D show. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!