Unspecified/General

When the Georgia Aquarium opened in downtown Atlanta in November 2005, it ranked as the largest aquarium in the world, a distinction made possible by a landmark donation from Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus and his wife as a gift to the city and region. Sitting alongside other major attractions near Centennial Olympic Park, it remains one of the most ambitious facilities of its kind anywhere. Its signature habitat is the enormous Ocean Voyager exhibit, holding several million gallons of water and home to whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, along with manta rays and schools of other species. Visitors pass through a long acrylic tunnel and stand before a vast viewing window, watching these giants glide overhead in one of the few places outside Asia where whale sharks can be seen. The aquarium is organised into galleries representing different aquatic environments, from cold oceans to tropical reefs and rivers. Beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea otters, African penguins, sea lions and a dazzling array of fish, jellyfish and invertebrates fill its tanks, and presentations featuring dolphins and sea lions add a theatrical dimension to the visit. Beyond display, the institution emphasises conservation, research and education, supporting animal rescue and rehabilitation, breeding programmes and field studies, and offering behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters and even the chance for certified divers and snorkellers to enter the great whale-shark tank under supervision. Hugely popular and often busy, the aquarium rewards an early arrival or a timed ticket, and its central location makes it easy to combine with neighbouring sights. For families and animal lovers, it offers an immersive, sometimes awe-inducing encounter with marine life, and stands as one of Atlanta's defining modern attractions. A café, gift shop and easy access to nearby parking and public transport make a visit straightforward, and combination tickets with neighbouring attractions are widely available. Whether viewed as a family day out, a date or an educational outing, the aquarium consistently ranks among the most visited cultural destinations in the southeastern United States.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA, United States

Telephone: 404-581-4000

Website: georgiaaquarium.org

Opening Date: 23/11/2005