by Linda Finnegan

Created on: October 06, 2010

Opening in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium covering 9.5 acres.  Adjacent to the Centennial Olympic stadium, it is easily located in downtown Atlanta. The physical plant itself is impressive.  The building is more than a million square feet and is the home to tens of thousands of animals.  Five hundred species are represented in 60 habitats. The tanks hold 8 million gallons of water with 12,000 square feet of viewing windows made of 328 tons of acrylic. The aquarium has a large and very diverse array of programs and tours available.

Ocean Voyager

The Ocean Voyager Exhibit is the largest exhibit and aquarium habitat in the world. The tank holds four whale sharks which are the largest fish species in the world and the only three manta rays in the United States. The Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium outside of Asia that features whale sharks. Thousands of other fish join these large occupants in the exhibit. Visitors can feel like a scuba diver as they walk through the acrylic tunnel to view the inhabitants overhead.

Cold Water Quest

The second largest exhibit in the aquarium is Cold Water Quest which is the home of three beluga whales, harbor seals, southern sea otters and African penguins. The penguin exhibit features about 25 nesting areas scattered around “craggy rock ledges.”

River Scout Exhibit

This exhibit features waterfalls, log jams and other physical attributes of a North American river habitat. It houses a diverse group of river animals including albino alligators and piranhas.

Georgia Explorer

The Georgia Explorer contains touch pools with horseshoe crabs, sea stars, sting rays and shrimp that visitors can touch and examine closely. The large habitats in the area hold turtles.

Visiting Exhibits

Planet Shark is a popular exhibit that has been held over several times. It features 14 species of sharks and fossils dating back 350 million years. Children enjoy examining the real shark jaws on display.

Other features

The Georgia Aquarium has a 4-D theater, a children’s learning loop, several restaurants and two gift shops. Additionally, it has a host of special tours and events including “Behind the Scenes Tours,” sleepovers, parties, book signings and children’s programs. Wine tasting parties are even held in the ballroom. The Aquarium staff and administration are also involved in research and conservation activities. It also boasts a world-class veterinary service.

Hours

The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year. The weekly schedule is Sunday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays, 9 AM to 6 PM.

Contact Information

The Georgia Aquarium

225 Baker Street

Atlanta, GA 30313

404-581-4000

www.georgiaaquarium.org

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