Located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the Georgia Aquarium offers visitors an up-close and personal experience with aquatic animals. The aquarium is a member of Atlanta CityPASS, allowing visitors to save up to 43 percent off regular ticket prices. The aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and events. The aquarium’s mission is to educate and entertain visitors, while providing an up-close and personal view of the aquatic world.
The Georgia Aquarium’s seven permanent galleries feature more than a thousand animals. Visitors can explore the “Cold Water Quest,” which features Beluga whales. Other aquatic animals are displayed in the “Southern Company River Scout,” “Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone,” and the “Truist Pier 225.”
One of the most popular attractions is the “Dolphin Encounter,” which offers visitors the opportunity to meet dolphins in person. Visitors receive a training session on how to handle dolphins, a souvenir photo, and a chance to pet a dolphin. The dolphins are only available to visitors ages seven and up. They must be accompanied by a participating adult.
The aquarium also offers the “Virtual Reality Simulator: Dive in Prehistoric Seas,” which allows visitors to experience life in prehistoric seas. The simulator is $11 per ticket. It requires a valid, independent open water certification. This attraction is open only for children under 18. It is recommended that you arrive thirty minutes prior to the aquarium’s closing time.
Other attractions include the “Ocean Voyager,” a gallery featuring sharks and more than fifty aquatic animals. This exhibit is one of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world. The Ocean Voyager gallery also features a giant acrylic viewing window and a 100-foot underwater tunnel. The Ocean Voyager aquarium is also home to Manta Rays, schools of predatory trevally jacks, and Whale Sharks.
The aquarium also offers the “Beluga Interaction,” which allows visitors to learn about Beluga Whales. This experience requires guests to wear a wet suit and stand waist-deep in the whale habitat. Participants can also take home a photo and a souvenir towel.
There are also “Imagination Nights,” which are scheduled for certain days and nights. These nights are less crowded than the rest of the aquarium’s days and nights. Visitors can save $8 per ticket on these nights. The Georgia Aquarium also offers a discount for military personnel. Those with a valid military ID can receive a 10% discount on the full price of their tickets.
If you are planning a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, you should know that its hours are very limited. Depending on your touring style, you may be able to spend six or seven hours at the aquarium. Its attendance is best during quieter times. The aquarium is also located close to many other attractions in Atlanta.
Georgia Aquarium is a great attraction for people who want to see some of the largest and most beautiful animals in the world. It is also a great choice for adults who don’t have children.