* This feature on the largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium, is part of segmented guide to Atlanta, GA. Don’t forget to check out the first installment in this series, 5 Things to Expect at the Coca Cola Museum in Atalanta, GA, and the second, Visit Mystic Falls — Touring the Real Town Behind The Vampire Diaries [Covington, GA] for more fun things to do in Atlanta!*
When I travel, I’m not ashamed to be a tourist. I don’t feel the need to “travel like a local”…I’m not one!
Sure, I love to find off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. That doesn’t mean however that I’m afraid to try the cliche things that every tourist wants to do while they’re in town. After all, a lot of these activities are hyped up for a reason.
That’s certainly the case with the largest aquarium in the world. It’s an incredible experience if you’re in the Atlanta area, and the photos simply do not do it justice.
I didn’t actually know a lot about the Georgia Aquarium when I visited, but there are a few things I think everyone should know before going in order to really appreciate the $250+ million dollar exhibit and also to get the absolute most out of the trip. Here’s the scoop:
The Largest Aquarium in the World: 7 Things You Need to Know
1. The Largest Aquarium in the World is Located in Atlanta, GA
So apparently I’m the only one who didn’t know that the Atlanta Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world? I could tell it was something special when we got inside, but I certainly had no idea that I was walking around the largest aquarium in the world. At 6.3 million gallons, the Georgia Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 sea creatures. There truly is so much to see here, it’s amazing.
2. It’s the Only Institution Outside of Asia Home to Whale Sharks
The Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium in the western hemisphere to display whale sharks. These gentle giants are considered an endangered species by the IUCN, and the aquarium has partnered with Georgia State University to collect research and to observe the individual sharks’ behavior since 2008. They’ve also collaborated with the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University to study the DNA of whale sharks and create the first ever complete genome map of the whale shark.
Bottom line: if you want to see whale sharks in action, your best bet is to visit the Atlanta Aquarium.
3. You Can Swim With the Sharks Here
Yes, you read that right. Of course at the largest aquarium in the world you can swim with the sharks! The whale sharks, that is. There are actually two options for getting up close and personal with the whale sharks at the Atlanta Aquarium — diving or swimming.
The Georgia Aquarium is the only institution in the world where diving with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, is guaranteed. Open water certified divers ages 12 and up are eligible to participate in the SCUBA program, which is $279.95 for members, and $333.95 for nonmembers.
Swimming with the sharks is a little less expensive, at $189.95 for members, and $233.95 for nonmembers.
4. You Can Also Feed the Dolphins
Not feeling up to swimming with the sharks? You can still meet some amazing animals at the Atlanta Aquarium. There are multiple “animal encounters” to choose from, but I think the coolest one is the Dolphin encounter. During this program, guests get to go backstage at the dolphin theater to meet, touch, and feet one of the Georgia Aquarium’s live dolphins!
Other animal encounters available for purchase include penguin, sea otter, beluga, and seal interactions.
5. There’s Plenty of Food Options
Obviously the largest aquarium in the world has a food court (#priorities). While the reviews weren’t too strong on TripAdvisor, there’s also lots of restaurants located nearby. You’re in downtown Atlanta, so it’s not too tricky to find something. We ended up eating at the Johnny Rockets across the street, which was perfect for us.
6. It’s Also a Wedding and Event Venue
Bet you didn’t know that you can even get married at the Georgia Aquarium! There’s a large ballroom for hosting events, and it’s no surprise that the photos from weddings here turn out absolutely stunning. There’s also options for proposals and after-hours photography, if you don’t want to commit to having your entire wedding here.
7. Admission is Included in the Atlanta City Pass
This is the item on this list that I am the most bummed I didn’t know about ahead of time. For those of you who don’t know, the Atlanta City Pass is a special ticket you can purchase for $76 that grants you admission to five attractions in Atlanta. These five attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, CNN Studio Tours, and options for Zoo Atlanta or the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame.
Our tickets that we bought at the door cost around $40 per person for admission. We would have been way better off buying the City Passes and getting to do some extra things around town! If you aren’t interested in the Atlanta City Pass though, make sure you still check the Atlanta Aquarium website. You can often get up to 20% off by purchasing tickets ahead of time online.
Have you ever been to the largest aquarium in the world? What else should we do the next time we’re in Atlanta? Let me know in the comments!
