by Sam Smart

Created on: July 26, 2011

There's something to smile about while visiting Downtown Atlanta.  Opening in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium is known to be the largest aquarium in the world, and an annual eleven million visitors visit it to see a variety of ocean and sea animals and wildlife.  It's a perfect getaway for family fun or exciting field trips.

Here are some must-see sites at this aquarium:

*Dolphin Tales Show

If you love dolphins, this show is for you.  This event is a tribute to the connection between humans and dolphins, actors, and special effects.  Visitors will enjoy watching the dolphins interact with the humans, as this is to build friendship with marine animals.  This show is narrated by StarSpinner, a curious adventurer who voyages across oceans.  Separate tickets are required to see this show.

*Cold Water Quest

Come visit the animals that live in earth's coldest oceans at Cold Water Quest.  Here, you can see the Australian weedy sea dragon, beluga whales, a giant Pacific octopus, and a Japanese spider crabs.  This is a good opportunity to learn that cold water oceans can help people manage major fisheries throughout the world.

*River Scout

At River Scout, you can discover animals that live in various rivers, including those in the state of Georgia.  Be prepared to see cute clawed otters, Albino alligators, and piranhas that make up the rivers of Africa, South America, and Asia.  

*Georgia Explorer

There's plenty of sea life at the Georgia Explorer.  Horseshoe crabs, sea stars, rays and shrimp all abound here, and visitors have the opportunity to pet the animals at touch pools.  The loggerhead sea turtle and the fish of Gray's reef all live at the Georgia Explorer as well.  The Georgia Explorer even has a playground for children, which includes the Whale Slide. 

*Ocean Voyager

This is an amazing destination no visitor should overlook.  Make yourself feel like a scuba diver by walking through its clear acrylic tunnels that hold 6.3 million gallons of water.  Thousands of fish swim around you, and white sharks and manta rays.

*Tropical Diver

Enjoy one of the largest living reef exhibits of any aquarium in the world at Tropical Diver.  Beautiful reefs galore here, with thousands of reef fish swimming about. 

*Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow

Watch Deepo and his pals as they bring an inspiring message about sea life.  With digital projection, a high-definition 3D film, and special effects, Georgia Aquarium's very own 4D theater lets you enjoy this animated adventure, on a marine animal's point of view.  Separate tickets are required for this show.

Café Aquaria

Take some time to fuel your hunger at this food court, which is adjacent to the Sand Dollar Gift Shop.  Foods including hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, french fries, and desserts are served here.  The Café Aquaria is near the center of the aquarium, where millions of visitors bustle between the exhibits. 

The Georgia Aquarium is a spectacular place to visit for people of all ages.  To learn what more this amazing aquarium has to offer, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.  You can pay for tickets and parking at the website, or if you wish, you can do so in person after you arrive.

Contact Information

225 Baker Street NW 

Atlanta, GA 30313

(404) 581-4000

Source: The Georgia Aquarium Map

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